Introduction: Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom - Class 10 PDF Download

About the Author- Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela  – a Short Biography

Nelson Mandela was a great hero who gave freedom to the blacks in South Africa. He was born on 18 July 1918 in the village of Mvezo in Umtata, then a part of South Africa’s Cape province. He fought against the ‘apartheid’ regime of South Africa which believed in racialism. He spent more than thirty years in South Africa’s prisons. He became the first Black President of South Africa when his parts came to power in democratic elections in 1994. This passage forms a part of the autobiography of Nelson Mandela titled Long Walk to Freedom. It is a saga of the glorious struggle that the Blacks of South Africa waged against the apartheid regime to gain freedom. 

Theme of the Story 

The lesson pays tribute to those black heroes and patriots who waged a relentless struggle against the apartheid or the racist regime of South Africa. Here we find a description of the inauguration ceremony held in the Union Buildings attended by politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries. Nelson Mandela gives a message of peace and unity of mankind. He foresees a new regime which will be based on the equality of men and women. He hopes that in the new regime there will be no exploitation of man by man. There will be no room for racialism and segregation in the new order.

Word-Meaning

Dawned—(here) presented itself, began, Pleasantly—in a pleasant way, Besieged—(here) surrounded closely by, Dignitaries—persons of high ranks, high officials their respect—express their honour/respect, Inauguration—(here) opening ceremony,