Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 2 CBSE Notes (2025-26)

This chapter, "Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom", highlights the momentous occasion when South Africa welcomed its first black President, Nelson Mandela, after years of racial segregation known as apartheid. The text underscores the struggle and sacrifices made to create a democratic, non-racial government and the spirit of freedom, courage, and unity that marked this historic turning point.

• Apartheid was a system in South Africa which separated people based on their race, causing decades of injustice and suffering for non-white citizens. 
• Mandela, along with the African National Congress (ANC), led a movement to oppose this unjust system. 
• After spending almost thirty years in prison, Mandela was released, and in 1994, he became President following the country's first democratic elections. 
• This change was celebrated as a new beginning for South Africa, where all races came together for the first time as equals.

On May 10, 1994, world leaders and dignitaries gathered in the Union Buildings’ sandstone amphitheatre, a place previously recognised as the seat of white supremacy. 

The ceremony symbolized a “rainbow gathering” of people across all colours and nations, representing the unity and diversity of the newborn South African democracy. 

Mandela, accompanied by his daughter, took his oath, pledging devotion to the country and its people. His speech expressed gratitude to the global guests, recognized past struggles, and set out ideals of justice, peace, and equal rights for the nation.

Some important expressions used in the chapter are: “a rainbow gathering of different colors and nations” (meaning unity in diversity), “the seat of white supremacy” (former center of racial superiority), “resilience that defies imagination” (unimaginable strength to endure). Understanding words such as 'emancipation' (freedom from restrictions), 'deprivation' (lack of basic needs), 'discrimination' (unjust treatment), and 'resilience' (the ability to recover) is essential to interpreting Mandela’s message.

The ceremony included military displays and the playing of two national anthems. Jets released smoke trails in the colors of the new South African flag, and both the old and new national anthems were sung — ‘Nkosi Sikelel-iAfrika’ and ‘Die Stem’. This act emphasized the acceptance and respect of both communities, black and white, hoping to create a future of mutual respect and shared national pride.

Mandela described how the white rulers formed a harsh system of racial domination in the early twentieth century, which was finally replaced by a government that acknowledged the rights of all people at the century's end. He recognized the sacrifices made by the many who struggled before him and paid respect to their courage. Mandela noted that true wealth of South Africa lay not in its minerals but in its people, whose resilience and spirit make them the real treasure of the nation.

Mandela learned, through years of struggle, that courage means not the absence of fear, but triumph over it. He believed anyone could be taught to love, as love comes more naturally to the human heart than hate. Even in dark times in prison, Mandela saw glimpses of goodness in others, which gave him hope to continue his fight for justice.

Mandela stated every person has two main duties: one to their family and one to their country or community. In the context of apartheid South Africa, it was impossible for a black person to fulfill both obligations because the system punished and isolated those who stood up for their rights. Mandela’s efforts to serve his people meant personal sacrifices, including being separated from his family.

As a child, Mandela felt free to run, swim, and play, but realized this freedom was only an illusion when he grew up. With maturity, he yearned not just for personal freedom but for the collective freedom of his people. He joined the African National Congress, understanding that no one can enjoy true freedom if others are still oppressed.

Mandela believed that freedom is indivisible; if any person is chained, everyone’s freedom is limited. He emphasized that the oppressor, too, is not free, as they become a “prisoner of hatred”. Thus, both the oppressed and the oppressor need liberation to regain their humanity and dignity.

Some important words from the chapter include: 'besieged', 'amphitheatre', 'emancipation', 'curtailed', 'inevitably', and 'illusion'. Understanding these helps students interpret the events and emotions described. The book also explores noun-verb pairs (rebellion-rebel), usage of definite articles with names, and idiomatic expressions to help students grow their vocabulary.

• "Courage was not the absence of fear but the triumph over it."
• "The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear."
• "If people can learn to hate, they can be taught to love."
• "I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free."

Throughout the chapter, comprehension exercises help students reflect on the setting, people’s sacrifices, the transformation of the nation, and Mandela’s personal journey. Activities include identifying public buildings of sandstone, discussing systems of government, reflecting on courage and love, and analyzing the usage of key idiomatic expressions. There are also exercises in vocabulary, grammar, and language usage.

• Apartheid caused suffering for black South Africans for many decades.
• Mandela became South Africa’s first black President in 1994, marking the end of racial oppression.
• Unity, forgiveness, and dignity are key themes in Mandela’s address and life.
• Freedom is a collective right; both the oppressed and the oppressor are denied humanity by injustice.
• Courage means overcoming fear, not being without fear.

This chapter provides a powerful lesson in the struggles for equality, the value of both personal and national freedom, and the importance of hope, sacrifice, and reconciliation. Students can use these notes to revise important events, definitions, quotes, and concepts to better understand Nelson Mandela’s contributions and the transformation of South Africa into a fair and democratic nation.

CBSE Class 10 English Chapter 2 Notes – Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Key Points for Quick Revision

Reviewing these Class 10 English Chapter 2 notes on Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom helps students cover all important points quickly and accurately before exams. The summary covers the main events, key vocabulary, and central ideas without missing crucial NCERT facts. Using these revision notes, learners understand the struggle against apartheid and Mandela’s vision for equality in a simple, clear manner.

Prepared following the latest CBSE syllabus, these notes give easy explanations of Mandela’s journey and the end of racial oppression in South Africa. Learners can remember top exam questions, key definitions, and important lines for quick revision.