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Nelson Mandela A Long Walk to Freedom Explanation

Nelson Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom Line-by-Line Explanation in English and Hindi In this blog post, we’ll break down the second chapter of Nelson Mandela’s A Long Walk to Freedom, which is part of the CBSE Class 10 English syllabus.

Through a simple line-by-line explanation in both English and Hindi, students will gain a deeper understanding of Mandela’s struggle for freedom and justice. This guide will help clarify the key ideas and themes while improving language comprehension for better learning.

BEFORE YOU READ

• ‘Apartheid’ is a political system that separates people according to their race. Can you say which of the three countries named below had such a political system until very recently?
(i) United States of America (ii) South Africa (iii) Australia
• Have you heard of Nelson Mandela? Mandela, and his African National Congress, spent a lifetime fighting against apartheid. Mandela had to spend thirty years in prison. Finally, democratic elections were held in South Africa in 1994, and Mandela became the first black President of a new nation.

In this extract from his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela speaks about a historic occasion, ‘the inauguration’. Can you guess what the occasion might be? Check your guess with this news item (from the BBC) of 10 May 1994.

🔹 ENGLISH EXPLANATION:

Apartheid was a political system where people were treated differently based on their race. It especially discriminated against black people.
Among the three countries—USA, South Africa, and Australia—the country that followed apartheid until recently was South Africa.
Nelson Mandela was a famous leader who fought against this unfair system through the African National Congress (ANC).
Because of his fight for justice and equality, Mandela was put in prison for 30 years.
In 1994, South Africa finally held free and fair elections, and Nelson Mandela became the first Black President of the country.
The passage that follows is from Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, in which he describes a historic moment called the inauguration — the day he was sworn in as President.
The book asks you to guess what the occasion is, and then confirms it with a BBC news report from 10 May 1994, which marks the inauguration ceremony.

🔹 हिन्दी में व्याख्या:

Apartheid (अपार्थेड) एक राजनीतिक प्रणाली थी जिसमें लोगों को उनकी जाति या रंग के आधार पर अलग किया जाता था। इसमें विशेष रूप से काले लोगों के साथ भेदभाव होता था।
दिए गए तीन देशों — अमेरिका, दक्षिण अफ्रीका और ऑस्ट्रेलिया — में से दक्षिण अफ्रीका वह देश था जहाँ यह प्रणाली हाल तक लागू थी।
नेल्सन मंडेला एक प्रसिद्ध नेता थे जिन्होंने African National Congress (ANC) के साथ मिलकर इस अन्यायपूर्ण व्यवस्था के खिलाफ जीवनभर संघर्ष किया।
इस संघर्ष के चलते उन्हें 30 साल तक जेल में रहना पड़ा।
1994 में, दक्षिण अफ्रीका में लोकतांत्रिक चुनाव हुए, और मंडेला पहले अश्वेत राष्ट्रपति बने।
जो अंश आप पढ़ने जा रहे हैं वह मंडेला की आत्मकथा Long Walk to Freedom से लिया गया है, जिसमें वे एक ऐतिहासिक अवसर, inauguration (शपथ ग्रहण समारोह) के बारे में बताते हैं।
आपको अनुमान लगाने को कहा गया है कि वह अवसर कौन-सा है, और फिर यह BBC की 10 मई 1994 की खबर से पुष्टि की जाती है कि वह दिन था जब मंडेला ने राष्ट्रपति पद की शपथ ली।

Mandela Becomes South Africa’s First Black President

Nelson Mandela has become South Africa’s first Black President after more than three centuries of White rule. Mr Mandela’s African National Congress (ANC) party won 252 of the 400 seats in the first democratic elections of South Africa’s history.

The inauguration ceremony took place in the Union Buildings amphitheatre in Pretoria today, attended by politicians and dignitaries from more than 140 countries
around the world. “Never, never again will this beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another, ” said Nelson Mandela in his address.

… Jubilant scenes on the streets of Pretoria followed the ceremony with blacks, whites and coloureds celebrating together… More than 100,000 South African men, women and children of all races sang and danced with joy..

🔹 ENGLISH EXPLANATION:

Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first Black President after over 300 years of White rule.
His party, the African National Congress (ANC), won 252 out of 400 seats in the country’s first democratic elections.
The inauguration ceremony (swearing-in) was held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, attended by leaders and guests from over 140 countries.
In his speech, Mandela said:
“Never, never again will this beautiful land experience the oppression of one by another.”
This means he promised that no group would ever again dominate or oppress another.
After the ceremony, there were joyful celebrations in Pretoria. People of all races — black, white, and coloured — celebrated together.
Over 1,00,000 South Africans — men, women, and children of all races — sang and danced with happiness.

🔹 हिन्दी में व्याख्या:

नेल्सन मंडेला दक्षिण अफ्रीका के पहले अश्वेत राष्ट्रपति बने, जो कि 300 वर्षों से अधिक गोरे शासन के बाद हुआ।
उनकी पार्टी African National Congress (ANC) ने देश के पहले लोकतांत्रिक चुनावों में 400 में से 252 सीटें जीतीं।
शपथ ग्रहण समारोह राजधानी प्रिटोरिया के यूनियन बिल्डिंग्स में हुआ, जिसमें 140 से अधिक देशों के नेता और गणमान्य व्यक्ति शामिल हुए।
अपने भाषण में मंडेला ने कहा:
“अब कभी नहीं, कभी नहीं, इस सुंदर धरती पर एक व्यक्ति द्वारा दूसरे पर अत्याचार नहीं होगा।”
इसका अर्थ है कि अब किसी जाति या वर्ग को दूसरे पर अत्याचार करने की अनुमति नहीं दी जाएगी।
समारोह के बाद प्रिटोरिया की सड़कों पर उल्लासपूर्ण दृश्य देखे गए, जहाँ काले, गोरे और रंगभेद पीड़ित लोग मिलकर जश्न मना रहे थे।
1,00,000 से अधिक दक्षिण अफ्रीकी पुरुष, महिलाएं और बच्चे, चाहे किसी भी जाति के हों, खुशी से गा और नाच रहे थे।

TENTH May dawned bright and clear. For the past few days I had been pleasantly besieged by dignitaries and world leaders who were coming to pay their respects before the inauguration. The inauguration would be the largest gathering ever of international leaders on South African soil.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

On the morning of 10th May, the sky was clear and bright, symbolizing hope and a new beginning for South Africa. Nelson Mandela, who was about to be sworn in as the country’s first Black President, described how the days leading up to the event were filled with visits from world leaders and important dignitaries. They had come to show their respect and support for the newly democratic South Africa. The inauguration ceremony was a historic event — the largest gathering of international leaders ever seen on South African soil. It was not just a political event, but a global moment of recognition for the country’s long struggle against apartheid and its step toward freedom and equality.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

10 मई की सुबह साफ और उजली थी, जो दक्षिण अफ्रीका के लिए नई आशा और शुरुआत का प्रतीक थी। नेल्सन मंडेला, जो देश के पहले अश्वेत राष्ट्रपति बनने जा रहे थे, बताते हैं कि बीते कुछ दिनों में दुनिया भर से महत्वपूर्ण नेता और गणमान्य व्यक्ति उनसे मिलने आए थे। वे सम्मान और समर्थन जताने आए थे, जो नए लोकतांत्रिक दक्षिण अफ्रीका की एक नई पहचान थी। यह शपथ ग्रहण समारोह एक ऐतिहासिक अवसर था — यह दक्षिण अफ्रीका की धरती पर अब तक का सबसे बड़ा अंतरराष्ट्रीय नेताओं का जमावड़ा था। यह केवल एक राजनीतिक घटना नहीं थी, बल्कि दक्षिण अफ्रीका के लंबे संघर्ष और स्वतंत्रता की जीत का प्रतीक भी था।

The ceremonies took place in the lovely sandstone amphitheatre formed by the Union Buildings in Pretoria. For decades this had been the seat of white supremacy, and now it was the site of a rainbow gathering of different colours and nations for the installation of South Africa’s first democratic, non-racial government.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

The inauguration ceremonies were held in a beautiful sandstone amphitheatre located at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. This place had long been a symbol of white rule and dominance in South Africa. For many decades, it represented white supremacy, where only the white minority held power. But on this historic day, it became a place of hope and unity, hosting a rainbow gathering — a symbolic term used for the coming together of people of all races, colours, and nationalities. It was the moment when South Africa officially welcomed its first democratic and non-racial government, marking the end of apartheid.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

शपथ ग्रहण समारोह प्रिटोरिया में स्थित यूनियन बिल्डिंग्स के पास बने सुंदर बलुआ पत्थर के रंगमंच (एम्फीथिएटर) में आयोजित हुआ। यह स्थान वर्षों तक श्वेत वर्चस्व (white supremacy) का प्रतीक रहा था, जहाँ केवल गोरों को सत्ता प्राप्त थी। लेकिन इस ऐतिहासिक दिन, यही स्थान एक इंद्रधनुषी सभा का केंद्र बन गया — यानी विभिन्न रंगों, नस्लों और देशों के लोगों का एकजुट मंचन। यह क्षण दक्षिण अफ्रीका के लिए एक नए युग की शुरुआत था, जब देश ने अपने पहले लोकतांत्रिक और रंगभेद-रहित सरकार का स्वागत किया।

On that lovely autumn day I was accompanied by my daughter Zenani. On the podium, Mr de Klerk was first sworn in as second deputy president. Then Thabo Mbeki was sworn in as first deputy president. When it was my turn, I pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote myself to the wellbeing of the Republic and its people. To the assembled guests and the watching world, I said:

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

On that beautiful autumn day, Nelson Mandela was accompanied by his daughter Zenani at the inauguration ceremony. The event followed a formal sequence: first, Mr. F.W. de Klerk was sworn in as the second deputy president, followed by Thabo Mbeki, who took oath as the first deputy president. Finally, it was Mandela’s turn. As he stood on the podium, he made a formal pledge — to obey and protect the Constitution and to serve the people and the Republic of South Africa with full dedication. In his speech, he addressed not just the dignitaries present, but also the entire world watching this historic moment, as he began his journey as the country’s first black president.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

उस सुंदर शरद ऋतु के दिन, नेल्सन मंडेला अपने बेटी ज़ेनानी के साथ शपथ ग्रहण समारोह में पहुंचे। कार्यक्रम एक औपचारिक क्रम से चला: सबसे पहले श्री एफ. डब्ल्यू. डी. क्लार्क ने दूसरे उपराष्ट्रपति के रूप में शपथ ली, फिर थाबो मबेकी ने पहले उपराष्ट्रपति के रूप में शपथ ली। अंत में मंडेला की बारी आई। मंच पर खड़े होकर उन्होंने यह प्रतिज्ञा ली कि वह संविधान का पालन और रक्षा करेंगे और दक्षिण अफ्रीका और उसके नागरिकों की भलाई के लिए खुद को समर्पित करेंगे। उन्होंने अपने भाषण में न केवल वहां मौजूद गणमान्य व्यक्तियों को, बल्कि इस ऐतिहासिक क्षण को देख रही पूरी दुनिया को संबोधित किया, क्योंकि वह देश के पहले अश्वेत राष्ट्रपति के रूप में अपनी नई यात्रा शुरू कर रहे थे।

Today, all of us do, by our presence here… confer glory and hope to new-born liberty. Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

In this part of his speech, Nelson Mandela acknowledges the presence of everyone at the ceremony — both the South African people and international guests. He says that their presence brings honour, dignity, and hope to the newly gained freedom of South Africa. He refers to the past as an extraordinary human disaster, meaning the long period of apartheid and racial oppression, which caused immense suffering. From this painful past, Mandela believes that a new society must emerge — one that will be just, equal, and free from racism, and which the entire world will admire and respect.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

इस भाषण में नेल्सन मंडेला कहते हैं कि इस समारोह में हम सभी की उपस्थिति, दक्षिण अफ्रीका की नवजात स्वतंत्रता को गौरव और आशा प्रदान करती है। वह अतीत को एक असाधारण मानवीय त्रासदी (extraordinary human disaster) के रूप में वर्णित करते हैं — जिसमें वे लंबे समय तक चले रंगभेद और अन्यायपूर्ण शासन की ओर इशारा करते हैं। मंडेला का मानना है कि इस कठिन अनुभव से एक ऐसा नया समाज जन्म लेना चाहिए, जो न्यायपूर्ण, समान और रंगभेद से मुक्त हो, और जिस पर पूरी मानवता को गर्व हो।

We, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to be host to the nations of the world on our own soil. We thank all of our distinguished international guests for having come to take possession with the people of our country of what is, after all, a common victory for justice, for peace, for human dignity.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

In this part of his speech, Nelson Mandela reflects on the incredible change that has taken place. He recalls how not long ago, he and many others who fought against apartheid were treated as outlaws — criminals in the eyes of the government. But now, those same people have been given the honour of hosting leaders and guests from around the world on their own land. He expresses gratitude to the international guests who joined in the celebration. Mandela sees this moment not just as South Africa’s achievement, but as a shared victory — a triumph of justice, peace, and human dignity for all of humanity.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

इस भाषण में नेल्सन मंडेला उन बदलावों को याद करते हैं जो हाल ही में आए हैं। वह कहते हैं कि कुछ समय पहले तक वे और उनके साथी, जो रंगभेद के खिलाफ लड़ रहे थे, अपराधी (outlaws) माने जाते थे। लेकिन आज वही लोग विश्व के नेताओं और अतिथियों की मेज़बानी अपने ही देश में कर रहे हैं — यह एक दुर्लभ सम्मान है। वह उन सभी अंतरराष्ट्रीय मेहमानों का आभार व्यक्त करते हैं जो इस ऐतिहासिक अवसर पर शामिल हुए। मंडेला इस पल को केवल दक्षिण अफ्रीका की नहीं, बल्कि पूरी मानवता की जीत मानते हैं — न्याय, शांति और मानव गरिमा की विजय।

We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering,
gender and other discrimination.
Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another.
The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.
Let freedom reign. God bless Africa!

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

Nelson Mandela proudly declares that South Africa has finally achieved political freedom after years of struggle. But he emphasizes that the fight is not over. The new government now commits to liberating every citizen from the ongoing chains of poverty, suffering, inequality, and discrimination—whether based on gender, race, or anything else. Mandela powerfully promises that oppression will never again happen in South Africa, and that the freedom gained will be lasting and glorious. He ends his speech with a hopeful and patriotic message: “Let freedom reign. God bless Africa!”—calling for the celebration of liberty and unity across the continent.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

नेल्सन मंडेला गर्व से कहते हैं कि दक्षिण अफ्रीका ने अंततः राजनीतिक स्वतंत्रता प्राप्त कर ली है। लेकिन वे यह भी स्पष्ट करते हैं कि संघर्ष अभी समाप्त नहीं हुआ है। अब नई सरकार का संकल्प है कि वह अपने सभी नागरिकों को गरीबी, अभाव, पीड़ा, लिंग भेदभाव और अन्य किसी भी प्रकार के भेदभाव से मुक्त करेगी। मंडेला का सशक्त वादा है कि अब कभी भी इस सुंदर धरती पर एक व्यक्ति द्वारा दूसरे व्यक्ति पर अत्याचार नहीं होगा। वह कहते हैं कि यह जो मानवीय उपलब्धि हासिल हुई है, उस पर सूरज कभी अस्त नहीं होगा। अंत में वे देशभक्ति और आशा से भरे शब्दों में कहते हैं — “स्वतंत्रता का राज हो। ईश्वर अफ्रीका को आशीर्वाद दे!”

A few moments later we all lifted our eyes in awe as a spectacular array of South African jets, helicopters and troop carriers roared in perfect formation over the Union Buildings. It was not only a display of pinpoint precision and military force, but a demonstration of the military’s loyalty to democracy, to a new government that had been freely and fairly elected. Only moments before, the highest generals of the South African defence force and police, their chests bedecked with ribbons and medals from days gone by, saluted me and pledged their loyalty. I was not unmindful of the fact that not so many years before they would not have saluted but arrested me. Finally a chevron of Impala jets left a smoke trail of the black, red, green, blue and gold of the new South African flag.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

After the inauguration ceremony, as Nelson Mandela and the audience watched, a spectacular military display unfolded in the sky. South African jets, helicopters, and troop carriers flew in perfect formation, creating an impressive show of precision and military power. However, it was not just a display of strength, but a symbol of the military’s support for democracy and for the newly elected government. Just moments before, the highest-ranking generals of the South African defence force and police had saluted Mandela, a gesture of respect and loyalty. Mandela reflects on how not many years ago, these very generals would have been the ones to arrest him rather than salute him. The display ended with Impala jets leaving behind a trail of smoke in the colours of the new South African flag: black, red, green, blue, and gold, symbolizing the unity and new identity of the nation.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

शपथ ग्रहण समारोह के बाद, नेल्सन मंडेला और उपस्थित लोग उस अद्भुत दृश्य को देख रहे थे जब दक्षिण अफ्रीकी जेट, हेलीकॉप्टर और सैनिक वाहन सटीक गठन में आकाश में उड़ते हुए एक शानदार प्रदर्शन दिखाते हैं। यह केवल सैन्य शक्ति और सटीकता का प्रदर्शन नहीं था, बल्कि यह एक साक्षात प्रमाण था कि सेना लोकतंत्र के प्रति वफादार है, और एक नए सरकार के प्रति, जिसे स्वतंत्र और निष्पक्ष चुनावों के माध्यम से चुना गया था। थोड़ी देर पहले ही, दक्षिण अफ्रीकी रक्षा बल और पुलिस के उच्चतम जनरलों ने मंडेला को सलामी दी थी और अपनी वफादारी व्यक्त की थी। मंडेला यह महसूस करते हैं कि कुछ साल पहले वही जनरल उन्हें सलाम नहीं करते, बल्कि उन्हें गिरफ्तार कर लेते। इस प्रदर्शन का समापन इम्पाला जेट्स द्वारा नए दक्षिण अफ्रीकी ध्वज के काले, लाल, हरे, नीले और सोने रंगों के साथ धुएं की एक पट्टी छोड़ने के साथ हुआ, जो राष्ट्र की एकता और नए पहचान का प्रतीक था।

The day was symbolised for me by the playing of our two national anthems, and the vision of whites singing ‘Nkosi Sikelel –iAfrika’ and blacks singing ‘Die Stem’, the old anthem of the Republic. Although that day neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem they once despised, they would soon know the words by heart.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

For Nelson Mandela, the day of the inauguration was special because of the moment when both national anthems of South Africa were played. He saw white South Africans singing “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” (the anthem that had represented the black community) and black South Africans singing “Die Stem” (the old anthem that represented the white community). Both groups had once hated the anthem of the other group. On that day, neither group knew the lyrics of the anthem they once disliked, but Mandela believed that soon everyone would learn to sing both anthems by heart, showing unity and togetherness.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

नेल्सन मंडेला के लिए शपथ ग्रहण का दिन विशेष था क्योंकि उस दिन दोनों दक्षिण अफ्रीका के राष्ट्रीय गान बजे। उन्होंने देखा कि सफेद लोग “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika” (जो गान काले समुदाय का था) गा रहे थे और काले लोग “Die Stem” (जो गान सफेद समुदाय का था) गा रहे थे। पहले दोनों समूह एक-दूसरे के गान को नापसंद करते थे। उस दिन, न तो सफेद लोग और न ही काले लोग उस गान के बोल जानते थे जो वे पहले नफरत करते थे, लेकिन मंडेला को विश्वास था कि जल्द ही दोनों गान वे दिल से गाना सीख जाएंगे, जो देश की एकता और मिलजुलकर रहने का प्रतीक होगा।

On the day of the inauguration, I was overwhelmed with a sense of history. In the first decade of the twentieth century, a few years after the bitter Anglo-Boer war and before my own birth, the white-skinned peoples of South Africa patched up their differences and erected a system of racial domination against the dark-skinned peoples of their own land. The structure they created formed the basis of one of the harshest, most inhumane, societies the world has ever known. Now, in the last decade of the twentieth century, and my own eighth decade as a man, that system had been overturned forever and replaced by one that recognised the rights and freedoms of all peoples, regardless of the colour of their skin.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

On the day of his inauguration, Nelson Mandela felt a deep sense of history. He thought about how, in the early 1900s, a few years after the Anglo-Boer war and before he was born, the white people of South Africa had set aside their differences and created a system to control and oppress the black people of their own country. This system was one of the most cruel and unfair in the world. But now, by the 1990s, in the final decade of the twentieth century, and when Mandela was in his eighth decade of life, that system of racial oppression had been overthrown. It was replaced by a system that recognized and respected the rights and freedoms of all people, no matter what their skin color was.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

शपथ ग्रहण के दिन, नेल्सन मंडेला को गहरी इतिहास की समझ हुई। उन्होंने सोचा कि कैसे, बीसवीं सदी के पहले दशक में, एंग्लो-बोअर युद्ध के कुछ साल बाद और उनके जन्म से पहले, दक्षिण अफ्रीका के सफेद लोगों ने अपने अंतर मतभेदों को समाप्त कर दिया और एक ऐसा व्यवस्था बनाई, जो काले लोगों पर अत्याचार करने के लिए थी। यह व्यवस्था दुनिया के सबसे कठोर और अमानवीय समाजों में से एक थी। लेकिन अब, बीसवीं सदी के आखिरी दशक में, और जब मंडेला अपने आठवें दशक में थे, उस जातिवादी व्यवस्था को उखाड़ फेंका गया और उसे एक ऐसी व्यवस्था से बदल दिया गया, जो सभी लोगों के अधिकारों और स्वतंत्रताओं को मान्यता देती है, चाहे उनके रंग-रूप कुछ भी हों।

That day had come about through the unimaginable sacrifices of thousands of my people, people whose suffering and courage can never be counted or repaid. I felt that day, as I have on so many other days, that I was simply the sum of all those African patriots who had gone before me. That long and noble line ended and now began again with me. I was pained that I was not able to thank them and that they were not able to see what their sacrifices had wrought.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

Nelson Mandela reflects on the struggles and sacrifices made by thousands of people before him. These were the people who had suffered and shown great courage, and their sacrifices could never be fully measured or repaid. Mandela felt that, on the day of his inauguration, he was just the result of the efforts of all those African patriots who had come before him. Their long, brave journey had led up to this moment, and now, it was continuing through him. He felt sorrowful that he couldn’t personally thank them, and that they couldn’t see the fruits of their sacrifices — the freedom and change that had come about.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

नेल्सन मंडेला उस दिन के बारे में सोचते हैं जब उन्होंने महसूस किया कि यह दिन हजारों लोगों की बलिदानों के कारण संभव हुआ था। ये लोग जिन्होंने बहुत सहानुभूति और साहस दिखाया, और उनके बलिदानों का आंकलन या कर्ज चुकाना कभी संभव नहीं हो सकता। मंडेला को इस दिन यह महसूस हुआ, जैसा कि उन्होंने कई अन्य दिनों में भी महसूस किया, कि वह केवल उन अफ्रीकी देशभक्तों का सम्पूर्ण परिणाम हैं, जो उनके पहले संघर्ष कर चुके थे। उनका यह लंबा और महान संघर्ष खत्म हुआ और अब वह नए सिरे से शुरू हो रहा था। मंडेला को दुख हुआ कि वह उन लोगों का धन्यवाद नहीं कर सके और वे यह नहीं देख पाए कि उनके बलिदानों ने क्या परिणाम दिए — वह स्वतंत्रता और परिवर्तन जो अब आ चुका था।

Nelson Mandela A Long Walk to Freedom Explanation

The policy of apartheid created a deep and lasting wound in my country and my people. All of us will spend many years, if not generations, recovering from that profound hurt. But the decades of oppression and brutality had another, unintended, effect, and that was that it produced the Oliver Tambos, the Walter Sisulus, the Chief Luthulis, the Yusuf Dadoos, the Bram Fischers, the Robert Sobukwes of our time* — men of such extraordinary courage, wisdom and generosity that their like may never be known again. Perhaps it requires such depths of oppression to create such heights of character. My country is rich in the minerals and gems that lie beneath its soil, but I have always known that its greatest wealth is its people, finer and truer than the purest diamonds.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

The apartheid system caused great and lasting harm to South Africa and its people. The country would take many years, or even generations, to recover from the damage caused. However, the long period of oppression and violence also led to something unexpected: it created incredible leaders like Oliver Tambo, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo, Bram Fischer, and Robert Sobukwe. These men were known for their extraordinary courage, wisdom, and generosity, qualities that are rare and may never be seen again. Mandela suggests that such great character may only come from enduring deep suffering. He believed that while South Africa is rich in natural resources, its greatest wealth is its people, who are stronger and more valuable than the purest diamonds.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

अपार्थेड की नीति ने दक्षिण अफ्रीका और उसके लोगों को गहरी और स्थायी क्षति पहुंचाई। इस हानि से उबरने में हमें कई साल, अगर न पीढ़ियाँ, लग सकती हैं। लेकिन अत्याचार और क्रूरता के दशकों का एक अप्रत्याशित परिणाम था, और वह था कि इसने ओलिवर ताम्बो, वाल्टर सिसुलू, चीफ लुथुली, यूसुफ दादू, ब्रैम फिशर, और रॉबर्ट सोबुखवे जैसे असाधारण नेता पैदा किए। ये लोग साहस, बुद्धिमत्ता, और उदारता के लिए प्रसिद्ध थे, और ऐसे गुण शायद फिर कभी न देखे जाएं। मंडेला का कहना है कि इस प्रकार का महान चरित्र शायद इतनी गहरी पीड़ा से ही उत्पन्न हो सकता है। वह मानते थे कि जबकि दक्षिण अफ्रीका के पास प्राकृतिक संसाधनों की कोई कमी नहीं है, लेकिन उसका सबसे बड़ा धन उसके लोग हैं, जो सबसे अच्छे और सच्चे हैं, उनसे भी ज्यादा कीमती जो सबसे पवित्र हीरे होते हैं।

It is from these comrades in the struggle that I learned the meaning of courage. Time and again, I have seen men and women risk and give their lives for an idea. I have seen men stand up to attacks and torture without breaking, showing a strength and resilience that defies the imagination. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

From my fellow fighters in the struggle, I learned what true courage means. Many times, I have seen men and women risk their lives for a cause they believed in. I have witnessed people face attacks and torture without giving up, showing incredible strength and resilience. I understood that courage is not about being fearless, but about overcoming fear. The real brave person is not someone who never feels afraid, but someone who faces and defeats their fear.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

संघर्ष में मेरे साथियों से ही मैंने साहस का असली अर्थ सीखा। बार-बार, मैंने पुरुषों और महिलाओं को एक विचार के लिए अपनी जिंदगी जोखिम में डालते और उसे गंवाते देखा। मैंने देखा कि लोग हमलों और तस्वीर के बिना टूटे नहीं, और अद्भुत शक्ति और लचीलापन दिखाते हैं। मैंने समझा कि साहस डर का अभाव नहीं है, बल्कि उस पर विजय प्राप्त करना है। असली बहादुर वह नहीं है जो डर महसूस नहीं करता, बल्कि वह है जो उस डर का सामना करता है और उसे जीतता है।

No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards, perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going. Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

No one is born hating others because of their skin color, background, or religion. Hatred is something that people learn over time, but if they can learn to hate, they can also be taught to love. Love is more natural to humans than hate. Even during the darkest times in prison, when my fellow prisoners and I were pushed to the edge, I sometimes saw a small act of humanity from a guard, even if just for a moment. That small sign was enough to give me hope and keep me strong. The goodness in humans is like a flame: it can be hidden but never fully destroyed.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

कोई भी व्यक्ति दूसरों से उनके चेहरे के रंग, पृष्ठभूमि, या धर्म के आधार पर नफरत करने के लिए नहीं जन्म लेता है। नफरत एक ऐसी चीज़ है जिसे लोग समय के साथ सीखते हैं, लेकिन अगर वे नफरत करना सीख सकते हैं, तो उन्हें प्यार भी सिखाया जा सकता है। प्यार इंसान के दिल में नफरत से कहीं अधिक स्वाभाविक रूप से आता है। जेल में भी, जब मेरे साथी और मैं अपनी सीमाओं तक पहुँच चुके थे, मैं एक सिपाही में कुछ मानवता की झलक देखता था, भले ही वह एक सेकंड के लिए ही क्यों न हो, लेकिन यह मुझे आशा देता था और मुझे आगे बढ़ने के लिए प्रेरित करता था। इंसान की अच्छाई एक आग की तरह होती है: उसे छिपाया जा सकता है, लेकिन उसे पूरी तरह से नष्ट नहीं किया जा सकता।

In life, every man has twin obligations — obligations to his family, to his parents, to his wife and children; and he has an obligation to his people, his community, his country. In a civil and humane society, each man is able to fulfil those obligations according to his own inclinations and abilities. But in a country like South Africa, it was almost impossible for a man of my birth and colour to fulfil both of those obligations. In South Africa, a man of colour who attempted to live as a human being was punished and isolated. In South Africa, a man who tried to fulfil his duty to his people was inevitably ripped from his family and his home and was forced to live a life apart, a twilight existence of secrecy and rebellion. I did not in the beginning choose to place my people above my family, but in attempting to serve my people, I found that I was prevented from fulfilling my obligations as a son, a brother, a father and a husband.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

In life, every person has two main responsibilities: one to their family (parents, spouse, children), and another to their community or country. In a civilized society, people can fulfill both responsibilities based on their abilities and desires. However, in a country like South Africa, it was very difficult for someone like me—because of my race and birth—to fulfill both responsibilities. In South Africa, a person of color who tried to live a dignified life was punished and isolated. A person who tried to serve his community was separated from his family and forced to live a life of secrecy and rebellion. At first, I did not choose to prioritize my people over my family, but in trying to serve my community, I found that I was unable to meet my responsibilities as a son, brother, father, and husband.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

ज़िन्दगी में, हर इंसान के पास दो मुख्य जिम्मेदारियाँ होती हैं: एक तो अपने परिवार (माता-पिता, पत्नी, बच्चे) के प्रति, और दूसरी अपने समाज या देश के प्रति। एक सभ्य समाज में, लोग अपनी क्षमताओं और इच्छाओं के अनुसार दोनों जिम्मेदारियाँ पूरी कर सकते हैं। लेकिन दक्षिण अफ्रीका जैसे देश में, मेरे जैसे व्यक्ति के लिए — मेरे जन्म और रंग के कारण — दोनों जिम्मेदारियों को पूरा करना लगभग असंभव था। दक्षिण अफ्रीका में, एक रंगीन व्यक्ति जो इंसानियत के साथ जीने की कोशिश करता था, उसे सजा दी जाती और अलग कर दिया जाता था। एक व्यक्ति जो अपने समाज की सेवा करने की कोशिश करता था, उसे अपने परिवार और घर से अलग कर दिया जाता था और एक गुप्त और बगावती जीवन जीने पर मजबूर किया जाता था। शुरुआत में मैंने यह नहीं चुना था कि मैं अपने समाज को अपने परिवार से ऊपर रखूँ, लेकिन जब मैंने अपने समाज की सेवा करने की कोशिश की, तो मुझे यह महसूस हुआ कि मैं एक बेटा, भाई, पिता और पति के रूप में अपनी जिम्मेदारियाँ नहीं निभा पा रहा था।

Nelson Mandela A Long Walk to Freedom Explanation

I was not born with a hunger to be free. I was born free — free in every way that I could know. Free to run in the fields near my mother’s hut, free to swim in the clear stream that ran through my village, free to roast mealies under the stars and ride the broad backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as I obeyed my father and abided by the customs of my tribe, I was not troubled by the laws of man or God.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

I was not born with a desire to be free, because I was already free in every way I understood. I was free to enjoy my childhood—playing in the fields near my mother’s hut, swimming in the clean river near my village, roasting corn under the stars, and riding on the backs of slow-moving bulls. As long as I followed my father’s instructions and respected the customs of my tribe, I didn’t feel the need to worry about any laws or rules from society or religion.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

मैं स्वतंत्र होने की चाहत के साथ पैदा नहीं हुआ था। मैं पहले से ही स्वतंत्र था, जिस तरीके से मैं जान सकता था। मैं अपनी माँ के घर के पास के खेतों में दौड़ने के लिए स्वतंत्र था, अपनी गाँव के पास के साफ़ नाले में तैरने के लिए स्वतंत्र था, आकाश के नीचे मक्के भूनने के लिए और धीरे-धीरे चलने वाले बैलों की पीठ पर सवारी करने के लिए स्वतंत्र था। जब तक मैं अपने पिता की बात मानता और अपनी क़बीले की परंपराओं का पालन करता, मुझे इंसान या भगवान के कानूनों के बारे में चिंता नहीं होती थी।

It was only when I began to learn that my boyhood freedom was an illusion, when I discovered as a young man that my freedom had already been taken from me, that I began to hunger for it. At first, as a student, I wanted freedom only for myself, the transitory freedoms of being able to stay out at night, read what I pleased and go where I chose. Later, as a young man in Johannesburg, I yearned for the basic and honourable freedoms of achieving my potential, of earning my keep, of marrying and having a family — the freedom not to be obstructed in a lawful life.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

At first, I didn’t realize that my childhood freedom was not real. But as I grew older and became aware that my freedom had already been taken away, I started wanting it more. As a student, I only wanted freedom for myself, like staying out late, reading whatever I wanted, and going wherever I liked. Later, as a young man living in Johannesburg, I longed for basic and important freedoms like being able to reach my full potential, earning a living, getting married, and having a family — the freedom to live a lawful and unobstructed life.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

शुरुआत में, मुझे यह समझ में नहीं आया कि मेरी बचपन की स्वतंत्रता एक भ्रम थी। लेकिन जब मैं बड़ा हुआ और यह पाया कि मेरी स्वतंत्रता पहले ही मुझसे छीन ली गई थी, तो मैंने उसे पाने की तीव्र इच्छा की। पहले, एक छात्र के रूप में, मुझे केवल अपनी खुद की स्वतंत्रता चाहिए थी, जैसे रात को देर तक बाहर रहना, जो चाहूँ वह पढ़ना, और जहाँ चाहूँ वहाँ जाना। बाद में, जोहान्सबर्ग में एक युवा के रूप में, मैं बुनियादी और सम्मानजनक स्वतंत्रताओं के लिए तरसने लगा, जैसे अपनी क्षमता को पूरा करने की स्वतंत्रता, अपना जीविकोपार्जन करने की स्वतंत्रता, शादी करने और परिवार बनाने की स्वतंत्रता — एक वैध और बिना रुकावट के जीवन जीने की स्वतंत्रता।

Nelson Mandela A Long Walk to Freedom Explanation

But then I slowly saw that not only was I not free, but my brothers and sisters were not free. I saw that it was not just my freedom that was curtailed, but the freedom of everyone who looked like I did. That is when I joined the African National Congress, and that is when the hunger for my own freedom became the greater hunger for the freedom of my people. It was this desire for the freedom of my people to live their lives with dignity and self-respect that animated my life, that transformed a frightened young man into a bold one, that drove a law-abiding attorney to become a criminal, that turned a family-loving husband into a man without a home, that forced a life-loving man to live like a monk. I am no more virtuous or self-sacrificing than the next man, but I found that I could not even enjoy the poor and limited freedoms I was allowed when I knew my people were not free. Freedom is indivisible; the chains on anyone of my people were the chains on all of them, the chains on all of my people were the chains on me.

🔹 ENGLISH PARAGRAPH EXPLANATION:

Over time, I realized that not only was I not free, but my people, my brothers and sisters, were not free either. I understood that it wasn’t just my freedom that was restricted, but the freedom of everyone who looked like me. That’s when I joined the African National Congress (ANC), and my desire for personal freedom became a stronger desire for the freedom of my people. This wish for my people to live with dignity and respect shaped my life and changed me. It made a young, scared man brave, turned a law-abiding lawyer into a criminal, made a family man live away from his loved ones, and forced someone who loved life to live like a monk. I am not more virtuous than others, but I realized that I couldn’t enjoy even the small freedoms I had when I knew my people were still not free. Freedom is connected to everyone’s freedom; if one person is chained, it affects all of us.

🔹 हिन्दी अनुच्छेद में व्याख्या:

धीरे-धीरे, मैंने यह समझा कि न केवल मैं स्वतंत्र नहीं था, बल्कि मेरे लोग, मेरे भाई-बहन भी स्वतंत्र नहीं थे। मुझे यह एहसास हुआ कि सिर्फ मेरी स्वतंत्रता नहीं बल्कि हर उस व्यक्ति की स्वतंत्रता सीमित थी, जो मुझसे जैसा दिखता था। यही वह समय था जब मैंने अफ्रीकी राष्ट्रीय कांग्रेस (ANC) से जुड़ने का निर्णय लिया, और मेरा व्यक्तिगत स्वतंत्रता का सपना अब मेरे लोगों की स्वतंत्रता के लिए और भी मजबूत हो गया। यह इच्छा कि मेरे लोग सम्मान और गरिमा के साथ अपना जीवन जी सकें, ने मेरे जीवन को दिशा दी और मुझे बदल दिया। इसने एक डरपोक युवा को बहादुर बना दिया, एक कानून का पालन करने वाले वकील को अपराधी बना दिया, एक पारिवारिक व्यक्ति को अपने परिवार से दूर रहने पर मजबूर कर दिया, और एक जीवन प्रेमी को सन्यासी की तरह जीने पर मजबूर कर दिया। मैं किसी से ज्यादा आदर्श या आत्म-त्यागी नहीं हूं, लेकिन मैंने पाया कि जब तक मेरे लोग स्वतंत्र नहीं थे, तब तक मैं अपनी छोटी सी स्वतंत्रता का भी आनंद नहीं ले सकता था। स्वतंत्रता एकजुट है; अगर मेरे किसी एक व्यक्ति की जंजीरें हैं, तो सभी पर असर पड़ता है।

I knew that the oppressor must be liberated just as surely as the oppressed. A man who takes away another man’s freedom is a prisoner of hatred; he is locked behind the bars of prejudice and narrowmindedness. I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else’s freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me. The oppressed and the oppressor alike are robbed of their humanity.

English Paragraph Explanation:

I realized that the oppressor must also be freed, just as much as the oppressed. A person who takes away another’s freedom is actually a prisoner of hatred; they are trapped by prejudice and closed-mindedness. I am not truly free if I am denying someone else’s freedom, just as I am not free when my own freedom is taken away. Both the oppressor and the oppressed lose their humanity in the process.

Hindi Paragraph Explanation:

मैंने यह महसूस किया कि जितना ज़रूरी है उत्पीड़ित का मुक्ति पाना, उतना ही ज़रूरी है उत्पीड़क का भी मुक्ति पाना। जो व्यक्ति दूसरे से उसकी स्वतंत्रता छीनता है, वह घृणा का क़ैदी होता है; वह पूर्वाग्रह और संकुचित मानसिकता के सलाखों के पीछे बंद होता है। मैं तब तक सच में स्वतंत्र नहीं हूं, जब तक मैं किसी और की स्वतंत्रता नहीं छीन रहा हूँ, ठीक वैसे जैसे मैं स्वतंत्र नहीं हूं जब मेरी स्वतंत्रता मुझसे छीन ली जाती है। उत्पीड़ित और उत्पीड़क दोनों ही अपनी मानवता से वंचित हो जाते हैं।