NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 NCERT Solutions - Nelson Mandela
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NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
Introduction: About This Chapter
Welcome to EduFetch's detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 – Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. This chapter is an excerpt from the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president, where he shares his journey, struggles, and the sacrifices made for his country's freedom.
Chapter Summary
In this autobiographical extract, Nelson Mandela describes the historic day of his inauguration as South Africa's first black president after years of oppressive apartheid rule. He talks about the importance of freedom and equality, and pays tribute to countless unnamed heroes who fought for justice.
Mandela reflects on how courage, forgiveness, and collective effort transformed South Africa into a democratic nation. He highlights that no one is born hating another person and that love comes more naturally to the human heart.
Word Meanings
- Apartheid: Official policy of racial separation in South Africa
- Inauguration: A formal ceremony to mark the beginning of something important
- Obligation: Duty or responsibility
- Emancipation: The act of setting someone free from restrictions
- Ideal: A principle or standard of perfection
NCERT Textbook Questions and Answers
Oral Comprehension Check (Page 18)
Q1: Where did the ceremonies take place? Can you name any public buildings in India that are made of stone?
Ans: The ceremonies took place in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria, South Africa. In India, notable stone public buildings include the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi and the Gateway of India in Mumbai.
Q2: Can you say how 10 May is an ‘autumn day’ in South Africa?
Ans: In South Africa, May falls in the autumn season as it lies in the Southern Hemisphere, where seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.
Oral Comprehension Check (Page 21)
Q1: At the beginning of his speech, Mandela mentions ‘an extraordinary human disaster.’ What does he mean by this? What is the ‘glorious…human achievement’ he speaks of at the end?
Ans: The ‘extraordinary human disaster’ refers to the inhumane system of apartheid. The ‘glorious human achievement’ refers to the establishment of a democratic, non-racial government in South Africa, ensuring equality and freedom for all citizens.
Q2: What does Mandela thank the international leaders for?
Ans: Mandela thanks the international leaders for attending the inauguration and showing solidarity, which reflects global support for South Africa’s democratic transition.
Oral Comprehension Check (Page 24)
Q1: What ideals does Nelson Mandela set out for the future of South Africa?
Ans: Nelson Mandela envisions a future founded on freedom, equality, justice, and human dignity, where no one will experience discrimination based on race or color.
Thinking about the Text (Page 24-25)
Q1: What did the military generals do? How did their attitude change, and why?
Ans: The military generals saluted Nelson Mandela and pledged their loyalty to the new democratic government. Earlier, they defended apartheid, but witnessing the country’s transformation made them accept and support the new leadership.
Q2: Why were two national anthems sung?
Ans: Two national anthems were sung — one by the whites and one by the blacks — as a symbol of unity and respect for both communities during the country's transition to democracy.
Moral of the Story
The chapter teaches us about the power of courage, forgiveness, and equality. It highlights that freedom is a fundamental human right and reminds us to value and protect it, while acknowledging those who fought for justice.
FAQs on Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
- Who was Nelson Mandela? – South Africa’s first black president and a freedom fighter against apartheid.
- What is apartheid? – A policy of racial segregation practiced in South Africa until 1994.
- Why is 10 May important in South African history? – It marks the day when Nelson Mandela was sworn in as the first black president of South Africa, ending apartheid rule.
