Book – FIRST FLIGHT

Prose _ Chapter–2_ NELSON MANDELA-LONG WALK TO FREDOM

Classwork
Brief Summary
This chapter is an extract from the book “Long Walk to Freedom”, which is the autobiography of former South
African President, Nelson Mandela. It includes a brief description of the inauguration ceremony on 10 May
1994 when Mandela took oath as the first elected President of South Africa. It was a great achievement not only
for the country but also for the whole humanity as an inhumane practice came to an end. This lesson gives us an
overview of the struggles of Mandela and other countless people of his country who fought for making the
society without any discrimination on the basis of their colour, caste, race, age and gender.
Important Concepts
 In the beginning of twentieth century, after the two Anglo-Boer wars were fought in South Africa, the
white-skinned communities of the country came together and established a system of racial domination
against the dark-skinned communities of their own land. Thus, the inhumane practice of apartheid came
into being and a struggle against this system also started.
 After almost three centuries of white rule, democratic elections were held in South Africa in 1994 and
Mr. Mandela became the first black President of a new nation. Thus, the harsh system of discrimination
and domination that had started in the first decade of twentieth century came to an end in the last decade
of the twentieth century.
 Because of its policy of apartheid, many countries had broken off diplomatic relations with South
Africa. The investiture ceremony of Nelson Mandela was attended by many dignitaries from more than
140 countries around the world. This exhibited their support for this newly elected government. After
all, this was a victory not only for the people of South Africa but also for the whole humanity.
 Mandela hoped that his motherland should never again experience any discrimination. He wanted to
concentrate on emancipating his country people from poverty, deprivation and suffering.
 The police and military force of any country are the symbol of loyalty. They remain faithful towards
their motherland in every situation without having any personal grudge.
 Mandela pays a tribute to all the martyrs of his country who sacrificed their lives in the struggle against
apartheid. He felt sorry that they could not live long enough to witness the positive outcome of their
struggle.
 The patriots or citizens are the real treasure of a country. Mandela wants South Africa to be known for
her great sons, not for the gem stones she has under her soil.
 According to Mandela, great characters are built from the heights of oppression they go through. The
more hardship a person sees in life, the stronger and nobler he becomes.
 It is very correctly told by Mandela that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over fear.
Fear is a natural emotion, we cannot avoid it but we can win over it and be courageous.
 Mandela says that no one is born with the feeling of hatred. People acquire this emotion in this world.
He suggests that our future generations should be taught to love their fellow beings irrespective of their
race, religion or colour. It is easy to love than to hate, as love comes more naturally to a human heart
than hatred.
 Mandela believes in humanity. He says that the good qualities in human beings might be suppressed
sometimes due to the circumstances but they can never be completely removed.
 Every human being has twin obligations, one towards his family and the other towards his motherland.
In a normal situation, both the obligations can be fulfilled but in adverse situations one might have to
give priority to the duty towards his motherland. Hence, our decisions and actions should be based on
the interests of our country and its people.
 Freedom is not to be able to do whatever we want to do. Freedom means leading a dignified life. One
person’s freedom should not curtail another’s freedom. There is nothing as personal freedom. We can
enjoy freedom only when our fellow beings are able to enjoy it equally.
 Mandela had realised the pain of his country people and joined African National Congress to fight for
their rights. He was a common man but this struggle brought a big change in his personality. He became
bold and the level of his endurance and determination reached its heights.
 Mandela believed that a person can never be free if he tries to take away another person’s freedom. If
the oppressed is behind the iron bars of a prison, the oppressor is behind the bars of hatred and narrow-
mindedness. Mandela wanted to liberate both the oppressor and the oppressed so that there will be
equality and justice in the society and his country can progress. Actually, he wanted both the white-
skinned and black-skinned people of his country to live in love and cooperation.

LIFE SKILLS
 Self-Awareness
 Decision Making
 Problem Solving
 Interpersonal Relationship

VALUES
 Love
 Equality
 Dignity
 Fellow Feeling
 Confidence
 Courage

MESSAGES
 We all are obliged to our family as well as the motherland.
 We should be we-centred instead of being me-centred.
 Once we set our goal, we ought to go out of our comfort zone to achieve it.
 The person who exploits others and the person who allows himself to be exploited are equally at fault.

A Brief Character Sketch Of Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was a symbol of resistance against apartheid and a global icon of peace and reconciliation.
His unwavering commitment to equality and justice led him to spend 27 years in prison for fighting against
racial segregation in South Africa.
Upon his release, he became the country's first black president and spearheaded efforts to unite a deeply divided
nation.
Mandela's legacy is defined by his forgiveness, his ability to see the bigger picture, and his tireless dedication to
building a more just and equitable world.
He is remembered for his courage, his leadership, and his profound impact on human rights.