CBSE Class 10 English Chapter 2: Nelson Mandela - Long Walk to Freedom NCERT Solutions

Freedom and responsibilities are intrinsically linked and cannot be separated; one is incomplete without the other. True freedom is the ability to make personal choices and decisions without external approval or interference, allowing individuals to act in harmony with their environment without undue restrictions. However, this liberty is not without its price. To achieve and maintain freedom, individuals must be prepared to accept the responsibilities that come with their actions and choices.

The journey towards freedom often involves overcoming hardships and disappointments. This can only be accomplished if one is willing to take responsible actions and accept the outcomes, whether positive or negative. By taking responsibility, individuals can continuously improve themselves and work towards success. It involves actively fighting for what one believes in or against what one opposes. Only through this responsible engagement can one truly experience a life of peace, contentment, and genuine freedom, free from feelings of imprisonment or subjugation.

This section introduces a speech by Sardar Patel, a key leader in India's freedom movement. The speech, delivered at a convocation, addresses the youth and emphasizes the importance of character building and discipline in the context of India's newly achieved independence. Patel expresses gratitude for an honor bestowed upon him, acknowledging the debt he feels and the obligation to prove worthy of it. He then prompts the audience to reflect on whether they have done enough to deserve the freedom they have attained after a long and arduous struggle.

Patel cautions against the misconception that freedom, once won, requires no further effort. He highlights that freedom was achieved through immense sacrifice, and it is now the responsibility of the current generation to truly experience and consolidate this freedom. He observes a global decline in human standards and an increase in self-centeredness post-World War II. While the struggle for India's freedom was marked by sacrifice, truth, and non-violence, the world's weapons were violence and brute force, leading to widespread 'poison' or negativity. Patel stresses that newly independent nations like India face the challenge of digesting this global 'poison'. He concludes that attaining freedom is not the end; the foundations of this freedom must be strengthened, and the 'child' of freedom needs nurturing, instruction, and strengthening. He urges the youth to avoid useless controversies and focus on constructive efforts, as there is no time for idle debates when the nation's future is at stake.