✊ Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – Summary (Class 10 English)
👤 Author Introduction – Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela (1918–2013) was one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century. He was a revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who fought against the inhuman system of apartheid (racial segregation) in South Africa. For his struggle, he spent 27 years in prison but never gave up his dream of freedom. In 1994, he became the first Black President of South Africa. His autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom” records his sacrifices, challenges, and vision of equality, justice, and harmony. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
Image: Nelson Mandela – First Black President of South Africa
📖 Summary in English
The chapter opens with the historic day of 10 May 1994, when Nelson Mandela took the oath as the first Black President of South Africa at the Union Buildings, Pretoria. This day marked the end of apartheid and the birth of a new democratic nation. Leaders from more than 140 countries were present, showing global support for equality and justice.
Mandela’s speech was filled with gratitude and hope. He called apartheid an “extraordinary human disaster” which had robbed both the oppressor and the oppressed of their humanity. He promised to free the nation from poverty, suffering, and discrimination. The military salute and the flying jets by both Black and White pilots symbolised unity. Two national anthems — one for the Whites and the other for the Blacks — were sung together, reflecting reconciliation.
Mandela paid tribute to the countless freedom fighters — Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, and many more — who sacrificed their lives. He admitted that bravery was not the absence of fear but the ability to conquer it. According to him, no one is born hating another person; people must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.
He also believed that the true meaning of freedom was not only to free oneself but also to respect and enhance the freedom of others. Apartheid had chained both Blacks and Whites. With democracy, South Africa entered a new era where every citizen would enjoy equality, dignity, and justice. Mandela’s long struggle was not for himself but for the entire humanity.
Image: Union Buildings, Pretoria – Venue of Mandela’s Inauguration
📖 सारांश (हिंदी में)
यह अध्याय 10 मई 1994 के ऐतिहासिक अवसर का वर्णन करता है, जब नेल्सन मंडेला दक्षिण अफ्रीका के पहले अश्वेत राष्ट्रपति बने। यह दिन रंगभेद की समाप्ति और लोकतंत्र की स्थापना का प्रतीक था। प्रिटोरिया के Union Buildings में आयोजित शपथ ग्रहण समारोह में 140 से अधिक देशों के नेता उपस्थित थे।
मंडेला ने अपने भाषण में रंगभेद को “एक असाधारण मानवीय आपदा” कहा और गरीबी, अन्याय और भेदभाव को समाप्त करने का संकल्प लिया। सेना की हवाई प्रस्तुति और अश्वेत व श्वेत दोनों द्वारा गाए गए दो राष्ट्रीय गीत एकता और मेल-मिलाप के प्रतीक बने।
मंडेला ने स्वतंत्रता सेनानियों जैसे ओलिवर टैम्बो, वॉल्टर सिसुलु, और अन्य नायकों के बलिदान को याद किया। उन्होंने कहा कि साहस का अर्थ भय का अभाव नहीं, बल्कि उस पर विजय पाना है। उनका मानना था कि कोई भी व्यक्ति जन्म से घृणा नहीं करता; यदि लोग घृणा करना सीख सकते हैं तो वे प्रेम करना भी सीख सकते हैं।
मंडेला के अनुसार सच्ची स्वतंत्रता केवल स्वयं को मुक्त करना नहीं है, बल्कि दूसरों की स्वतंत्रता का सम्मान और रक्षा करना भी है। रंगभेद ने अश्वेतों और श्वेतों दोनों की मानवता को कैद किया था। लोकतंत्र ने दक्षिण अफ्रीका को एक नए युग में प्रवेश कराया, जहाँ सबको समानता, सम्मान और न्याय मिलेगा। मंडेला का यह लंबा संघर्ष पूरी मानवता के लिए था।
📝 Key Points to Remember
- 10 May 1994 – Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first Black President.
- Inauguration held at Union Buildings, Pretoria with leaders from 140+ nations.
- Mandela pledged to remove poverty, discrimination, and inequality.
- Military display and two national anthems symbolised unity.
- Tribute paid to freedom fighters like Tambo, Sisulu, and others.
- Courage = not absence of fear, but victory over it.
- Mandela: “No one is born hating; people can learn to love.”
- True freedom means equality, dignity, and humanity for all.