Important Question Chapter 2 English Class 10 CBSE Board

Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

Short Questions Answer

Question 1: Where did the inauguration ceremonies take place?
Answer: They took place in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria.

Question 2: When did Nelson Mandela take the oath as President?
Answer: He took the oath on 10 May 1994.

Question 3: Who accompanied Mandela on the day of the inauguration?
Answer: His daughter Zenani accompanied him.

Question 4: What did Mandela pledge during his oath?
Answer: He pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote himself to the well-being of the country and its people.

Question 5: What did Mandela call the day of his inauguration?
Answer: He called it a common victory for justice, peace, and human dignity.

Question 6: What did South Africans finally achieve according to Mandela?
Answer: They had achieved their political emancipation.

Question 7: What did the jets display in the sky during the ceremony?
Answer: They flew in a chevron formation and left smoke in the colours of the new South African flag.

Question 8: How does Mandela define courage?
Answer: He says courage is the triumph over fear, not the absence of it.

Question 9: What does Mandela say people can be taught if they can learn to hate?
Answer: He says they can be taught to love.

Question 10: What did Mandela see even in his prison guards?
Answer: He saw a glimmer of humanity in them.

Long Questions Answer

Question 1: What was the significance of the inauguration ceremony at the Union Buildings?
Answer: The Union Buildings had been a symbol of apartheid and white supremacy, but the inauguration turned it into a symbol of a free and democratic South Africa. Leaders from many countries attended, showing global respect and recognition. The gathering of people of all colours marked the birth of equality and unity in the nation.

Question 2: What emotions did Mandela experience during the ceremony?
Answer: Mandela felt proud, honoured, and deeply moved. He reflected on the long struggle and sacrifices of countless people who fought against apartheid. He also felt hopeful and responsible for leading the country into a just and peaceful future.

Question 3: How did Mandela describe the sacrifices of freedom fighters?
Answer: He said that many great patriots had made tremendous sacrifices and were not alive to see the victory. He believed he was only part of the struggle and not the only one who brought change. He honoured those who suffered, fought, and died for freedom.

Question 4: What were Mandela’s views on courage and fear?
Answer: Mandela explained that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to overcome it. Freedom fighters were afraid but still fought bravely. He believed that true courage comes from facing fear and acting despite it.

Question 5: What did Mandela say about the nature of love and hate?
Answer: Mandela stated that no one is born hating others because of race, skin colour, or background. He believed hatred is learned, and if people can learn to hate, they can also be taught to love, as love comes more naturally to the human heart.

Question 6: How does Mandela describe the end of apartheid?
Answer: He said the people of South Africa had finally achieved political emancipation and broken the chains of oppression. He considered it the birth of a new nation based on equality, peace, and human dignity.

Question 7: What does Mandela say about his two obligations in life?
Answer: Mandela explains that every person has two main obligations: one to their family and one to their community, nation, and country. Under apartheid, fulfilling both was nearly impossible for black South Africans as they were denied freedom.

Question 8: What was the role of the armed forces during the ceremony?
Answer: The military, previously used to enforce apartheid, now saluted the first black President. Jets created smoke in the colours of the new flag. Helicopters formed the South African flag. It symbolised acceptance of democracy and unity.

Question 9: What did Mandela say about the responsibilities of the new government?
Answer: Mandela said the new government must free people from poverty, suffering, and discrimination. He stressed that political freedom alone was not enough without equality and dignity for all.

Question 10: What vision did Mandela have for South Africa’s future?
Answer: He imagined a nation where all people live freely without fear, discrimination, or oppression. He dreamed of harmony, justice, and equal opportunity. He wanted every child to grow with dignity, regardless of race.