NCERT Class 10 English Words and Expressions 2: Chapter 2 — Nelson Mandela: Long
This chapter, "Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom," from NCERT Class 10 English, Words and Expressions 2, delves into the concept of freedom and its associated responsibilities. It begins by referencing Nelson Mandela's struggle in South Africa and his emphasis on freedom coming with duties. The text then presents a speech by Sardar Patel, a key figure in India's freedom struggle. Patel addresses the youth, urging them to build character and maintain discipline. He reflects on India's hard-won freedom, cautioning that attaining freedom is not the end but the beginning of a new responsibility. Patel highlights the sacrifices made for freedom and the need for the current generation to consolidate and nurture this freedom, comparing it to a young child that requires care and strength. He contrasts the noble principles of India's struggle—sacrifice, truth, and non-violence—with the destructive violence and self-centeredness prevalent globally after World War II, emphasizing the challenge for newly independent India to overcome these negative influences and lay a strong foundation for its future.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Words and Expressions 2 |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Nelson Mandela: Long |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 592 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the relationship between freedom and responsibility.
- Analyze the significance of character building and discipline for youth.
- Appreciate the sacrifices made during India's freedom struggle.
- Recognize the challenges faced by newly independent nations.
- Reflect on the contrast between peaceful struggle and global violence.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| endeavour | an attempt to achieve a goal |
| conferring | granting (a title, degree, benefit, or right) |
| worthiness | the quality of being good enough or suitable |
| injunctions | an authoritative order or command |
| incidental | occurring as a minor accompaniment or consequence |
| sustained | continuing for a long period of time |
| deterioration | the process of becoming progressively worse |
| self-centered | concerned primarily with one's own needs or desires |
| non-violence | the use of peaceful means, not force, to achieve goals |
| brute force | physical strength used aggressively |
| churning | stirring or agitating vigorously |
| consolidated | made stronger or more solid |
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Practice questions
- According to Sardar Patel, what is the difference between gifts achieved by one's own endeavour and those conferred without testing worthiness? Answer: Gifts achieved by one's own endeavour are good and deserved, while those conferred without testing worthiness place a heavy debt on the recipient.
- What does Sardar Patel mean when he says, 'After the last World War, there is an all-round deterioration in human standards'? Answer: He means that people have become selfish, ignoring wider interests, and that global moral and ethical standards have declined.
- What were the essential features of India's freedom struggle, according to Sardar Patel? Answer: The essential features were sacrifice, truth, and non-violence.
- How does Sardar Patel describe the state of newly attained freedom for India? Answer: He describes it as a one-year-old child that needs to be nursed, nourished, instructed, and strengthened to lay its foundations well and truly.
- What is the main message Sardar Patel conveys to the youth in his speech? Answer: He urges them to build character, be disciplined, and understand that freedom requires continuous effort and responsibility to be consolidated and nurtured.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom'?
The chapter explores the meaning of freedom, the responsibilities that come with it, and the importance of character and discipline in nation-building, referencing both Nelson Mandela's struggle and Sardar Patel's speech.
Who delivered the speech included in this chapter?
The speech was delivered by Sardar Patel, a prominent figure in India's freedom struggle.
What did Sardar Patel say about freedom after India attained it?
He stated that attaining freedom was not the end but the beginning of a responsibility to consolidate and nurture it, comparing it to caring for a young child.
What contrast does Sardar Patel draw between India's struggle and the post-World War II world?
He contrasts India's principles of sacrifice, truth, and non-violence with the global prevalence of violence, brute force, and self-centeredness.
What is the significance of the 'Let's Begin' section?
It prompts students to recall their knowledge of Nelson Mandela and discuss the interconnectedness of freedom and responsibilities.
What advice does Sardar Patel give to the youth?
He advises them to build character, be disciplined, and understand their role in deserving and consolidating the freedom achieved through great sacrifice.
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NCERT Class 10 English — Words and Expressions 2 — Chapter 2 — Nelson Mandela: Long. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.