Here we have presented English Class 10 Words and Expression 2 chapter 2 Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Solutions. Have a look at the question answer to boost your knowledge.
Let’s Begin
1. You have read the story about Nelson Mandela in your textbook, First Flight, and the struggle of the people of South Africa. Mandela draws our attention to the meaning and importance of freedom and leading a life with freedom.
He states that peers, how freedom and responsibilities Discuss with your peers, how freedom and responsibilities go hand in hand.
Answers:
Nelson Mandela’s journey, as portrayed in “Long Walk to Freedom,” beautifully illustrates the deep connection between freedom and responsibility. His experiences and reflections highlight that true freedom is not just about personal liberties, but also about taking responsibility for oneself and society.
Freedom and Responsibility: A Discussion
1. Freedom Comes with Responsibility:
Mandela emphasizes that freedom is not just a personal privilege but a collective right that must be safeguarded for all. When individuals gain freedom, they also inherit the responsibility to respect the rights and freedoms of others. This means acting responsibly to ensure that one’s own freedom doesn’t infringe on the freedom of others.
2. Personal Freedom vs. Collective Responsibility:
In his autobiography, Mandela describes how, as a young man, he initially sought freedom for himself—to pursue education, career, and personal goals. However, as he grew older, he realized that true freedom cannot be fully experienced in isolation. His personal freedom was intertwined with the freedom of all South Africans. This realization led him to take on the greater responsibility of fighting for the freedom of the oppressed majority.
3. Responsibility to Fight Injustice:
Mandela’s life teaches us that when people are denied freedom due to injustice or oppression, it becomes their responsibility to challenge these injustices. He himself took on the mantle of leadership to end apartheid, a system that denied freedom to millions based on race. He believed that with freedom comes the moral obligation to use that freedom for the betterment of society.
4. Freedom as a Process, Not a Destination:
Mandela’s journey was long and filled with hardships. He understood that freedom is not achieved overnight and that once obtained, it must be protected through responsible actions. The freedom gained by South Africa after the fall of apartheid brought with it the responsibility to build a fair and just nation. This involves fostering equality, tolerance, and unity.
Conclusion:
In summary, freedom and responsibility are inseparable. While freedom grants individuals the right to live their lives with dignity and choice, it also places upon them the responsibility to ensure that others can enjoy the same rights. Nelson Mandela’s life reminds us that true freedom is achieved when we take responsibility for ourselves, our actions, and the world around us.
READING COMPRESENSION
Text I
Given below is a speech by Sardar Patel, one of the prominent figures of India’s freedom struggle. This is one of the convocation speeches delivered by him. Read the speech and answer the question that follow.
Sardar Patel’s Call to Youth to build Character and be Disciplined
I must thank you for the affectionate and warm welcome which you have extended to me and for the love and regard which you have shown me by conferring this honour to me. Gifts are of many kinds those achieved by one’s own endeavour are good and deserved, but no gift should be conferred on one whose worthiness has not been tested. By selecting me without assuring yourself of my fitness for the gift, you have laid me under a heavy debt and, by your injunctions that I should continue to prove worthy of it throughout my life, you have imposed on me a very difficult obligation. At present, I cannot say anything because I am bound by your love and affection; and, therefore, with your blessing and God’s grace, I pray that I may prove worthy of it. Should I fail, the blame for my failure will be shared by you as well.
On this occasion, I wish to place before you a few thoughts which occur to my mind as incidental to our hard-won freedom. We have now won our freedom. But just as I am doubtful, if I deserved the honour that you have done me, you have also to think whether you have done everything to deserve freedom that you have attained after such a bitter and sustained struggle.
There are people who think that having won freedom, there is nothing more to do about it. Freedom has come to us through sacrifices. Those who made sacrifices tasted the fruit of their efforts and self-denials, but it is for those who are now enjoying freedom to taste its fruit. After
the last World War, there is an all-round deterioration in human standards. People have become self-centered. They have forgotten or ignored the wider interests of the country. The essential and noteworthy features of our struggle were: sacrifice, truth, and non-violence. The weapons of the World War were: violence, brute force, political and military moves, and counter moves. As a result of
the churning of the ocean, the world has emitted poison. That poison is spreading all over and there is none to swallow it. The countries which
were free have managed to digest it somewhat, but we, who have just attained our freedom, it is hard to do the same. Therefore, those who think that having attained freedom they have attained everything have really attained nothing! The freedom that we have won is yet to be consolidated. The foundations of freedom have to be well and truly laid! This one-year old child has to be nursed and nourished, instructed and strengthened. It is for us to do it and we must do it.
In India today, there is no time for useless controversies and unnecessary debates and disputes. One can indulge in these pastimes when one has time and leisure. At present, we have to occupy ourselves with the all absorbing task of making the foundation of our freedom strong and unassailable. We have to reflect on our place in this broken and destructed world and what our duty and obligations are! If we fail to make the best use of our freedom to make it worthwhile and turn it to our advantage and advancements, future generations will heap curses on us. They will say that a spiritualist, a great soul gave us this precious
boon, but we did not know how to retain it and lost it.
I should like to urge upon those who train citizens of tomorrow and to those citizens of tomorrow that we have yet to stand on our feet. We must concentrate on one thing alone, viz., how to make our country strong and united. We can make it strong when hearts are pure and when we fully appreciate our duty. Now that foreign rulers have gone, are we in a position to sustain the whole burden that has devolved on us? When we took over from them, the administrative fabric was in tatters. We have to mend and place it. This, in itself, is a heavy responsibility. It is for our universities to train young men to shoulder these responsibilities.
The great university of life is full of experiences, but to make full use of those experiences, all of us students, teachers and professors—have to be cautious and on guard. The most essential requisite is character. If your character is lacking and you leave the precincts of the alma mater without your character fully developed, you will be wasting an opportunity of a lifetime. You have to realise that India has to attain its rightful place in the comity of nations. The leadership of Asia would be hers if she conducts herself well and if her citizens make their fitting
contribution to nation’s resurgence. Whatever trials and troubles we might have passed through, there is no denying the fact that we have a precious inheritance and the teachings we have received from the departed leaders are great assets for us. India abounds in the resources of nature and manpower. They are awaiting full use. That task must devolve on young men and women. We ourselves were trained in the school of experience. We fought for freedom and we have attained that prize for you. It is now up to you to prove yourself worthy of the same. This you can do only if you work with single-minded devotion to the cause of the country. It is only then that you can deserve this freedom and be proud of it.
The real danger of India lies in our disunity. That poison of communalism was spread in the past. You should draw a curtain over it. Only then could we equip ourselves for the freedom that has come to us. There are still people in the country whose loyalty to India has not settled down. They should and will leave India. This is the occasion for mutual help and mutual cooperation. We must know what our duty is as true citizens. Your teacher has to impart that duty. Unless we learn to shoulder our responsibility in the true spirit of discipline and citizenship we cannot go ahead. We must strengthen our shoulders and our legs so that we can stand erect and bear the burden that has devolved on us. Then alone would we secure the real objective of freedom.
(Source: The Collected Works of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Volume XIII [1 January 1948–31 December 1948],
Editor: P.N. Chopra, Konark Publishers Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi)
Complete the sentences given below by choosing the most appropriate word or phrase.
Q. 1. The occasion of the speech of Sardar Patel here is _____________________________.
(a) an address to a public gathering
(b) a convocation address at a university
(c) a speech in Indian Parliament
(d) a speech delivered to civil servants
Q. 2. Patel feels that future generations will help curses on us if ____________________________________.
(a) we fail to protect our freedom
(b) we fail to protect the corrupt people in public life
(c) we wage war against other nations
(d) we understand the need for peace
Q. 3. The first and foremost thing Patel stressed to be done is ________________________________________.
(a) to make the country strong and united
(b) to give employment to everyone
(c) to fight a war against those who oppressed us
(d) to make every citizen feel happy
Q. 4. One major characteristic of university education, as Sardar Patel believes, is ______________________________________.
(a)character
(b) duty
(c) knowledge
(d) power
Q. 5. What did Patel not mean when he said, “You have to realise that India has to attain its rightful place in the comity of nations”? Tick the right answer.
(a) Friendly and cordial relationship with other nations
(b) Group of nations which wage war against other
(c) Community of people
(d) Nations from a continent
Q. 6. ‘India abounds in the resources of nature and manpower’s means ____________________________________________ .
(a) India has a vibrant economy
(b) India’s natural resources and population are a great resources
(c) India’s lack of manpower
(d) Indians are great resources for development
Q. 7. What is the greatest danger for India as Patel believes in his speech?
(a) India has a vibrant economy.
(b) India’s natural resources and population are a great resource.
(c) India’s lack of manpower.
(d) Indians are great resources for development.
Q. 8. Complete the following statement based on your understanding of Patel’s speech.
The first and foremost duty of the young nation is
Answers:
Q. 1. The occasion of the speech of Sardar Patel here is _____________________________.
(b) a convocation address at a university
Q. 2. Patel feels that future generations will heap curses on us if ____________________________________.
(a) we fail to protect our freedom
Q. 3. The first and foremost thing Patel stressed to be done is ________________________________________.
(a) to make the country strong and united
Q. 4. One major characteristic of university education, as Sardar Patel believes, is ______________________________________.
(a) character
Q. 5. What did Patel not mean when he said, “You have to realise that India has to attain its rightful place in the comity of nations”? Tick the right answer.
(b) Group of nations which wage war against others
Q. 6. ‘India abounds in the resources of nature and manpower’s means ____________________________________________.
(b) India’s natural resources and population are a great resource
Q. 7. What is the greatest danger for India as Patel believes in his speech?
(d) Indians are great resources for development.
Q. 8. Complete the following statement based on your understanding of Patel’s speech.
The first and foremost duty of the young nation is to build a strong, united country, ensuring the protection and consolidation of the freedom won through sacrifices and striving for the development of both character and discipline in its citizens.
Vocabulary
1. Use the following words and phrase in your own sentences.
(a) Precincts _______________________________________
________________________________________________
(b) Comity of nations ________________________________
______________________________________________
(c) Unassailable ___________________________________
______________________________________________.
(d) Mutual cooperation _______________________________
______________________________________________.
2. Sardar Patel called upon young students to understand the meaning of freedom and ways to sustain it. Here are two key words which he stressed upon-‘Freedom’ and ‘Responsibility’. Working in pairs, find words and phrases which convey the feeling of these words and write below.
| Freedom | Responsibility |
You may have written above at least to eight words for each key word. Using the words write at least five sentences describing “Freedom and “Responsibility’. One has been done for you.
Example: Freedom is not free.
Answers:
- Use the following words and phrase in your own sentences:
(a) Precincts:
The students gathered within the precincts of the college for their annual cultural festival.
(b) Comity of nations:
India aims to maintain peaceful relations within the comity of nations, promoting mutual respect and cooperation.
(c) Unassailable:
The evidence provided by the defense was so strong that it left an unassailable argument in the courtroom.
(d) Mutual cooperation:
The success of any project depends on the mutual cooperation of all team members, ensuring smooth progress.
- Freedom
- Independence
- Liberty
- Autonomy
- Choice
- Rights
- Expression
- Opportunity
- Self-determination
Responsibility
- Accountability
- Obligation
- Duty
- Commitment
- Reliability
- Care
- Leadership
- Ownership
Sentences:
- Freedom allows individuals to express their opinions without fear of oppression.
- With freedom comes the responsibility to respect the rights of others.
- True freedom is the ability to make choices while bearing the consequences of those decisions.
- Responsibility is about owning up to one’s actions and fulfilling duties with care.
- A society thrives when citizens balance their freedom with a strong sense of responsibility towards the community.
Grammar
Use of Articles
1. You have come across the use of articles ‘a’, ‘an’ and ‘the’ in the lesson. The tasks in textbook give you the idea that the use of ‘the’ with proper noun carries a special meaning. Read the following paragraph from the speech you have read above. The articles are missing in the paragraph. With the help of your partner, fill in the blanks.
________ weapons of _____ world was were: violence, brute force, political and military moves, and counter moves.
As ______ result of ________ churning of the ocean, _______ world has emitted poison. That poison is spreading all over and there is none to swallow it. __________ countries which were free have managed to digest it somewhat, but we, who have just attained our freedom, it is hard to do ___________ same. Therefore, those who think that having attained freedom they have attained everything, have really attained nothing! _______ freedom that we have won is yet to be consolidated.
2. Which article most frequently occurs in the passage? Why is it so? Can you replace it with some other article? Why/Why not? Discuss with your peers and make notes.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Fill in the blanks with suitable articles.
(a) _______ boy and _____ girl were shopping in a market. ______ boy was from Kerala and _______ girl was from Nagaland.
(b) Can you turn off ____ light?
(c) He has taken ____ taxi to _____ station?
(d) Is there ______ police station nearby?
(e) M sister works in ______ bank.
(f) He has been looking for _____ job the last seven years.
(g) Would you like to eat ______ apple?
(h) He goes to the theatre once _____ month.
(i) This morning I bought ____ newspaper and ___ magazine. _____ newspaper is on my table and I forgot where I have placed ______ magazine.
(j) We would like to have dinner at _____ good restaurant.
Answers:
- Fill in the blanks with suitable articles:
The weapons of the world were: violence, brute force, political and military moves, and counter moves.
As a result of the churning of the ocean, the world has emitted poison. That poison is spreading all over and there is none to swallow it. The countries which were free have managed to digest it somewhat, but we, who have just attained our freedom, find it hard to do the same. Therefore, those who think that having attained freedom they have attained everything, have really attained nothing! The freedom that we have won is yet to be consolidated.
- The article that most frequently occurs in the passage is ‘the’.
- It is used to refer to something specific or known to the listener or reader, like “the world” or “the freedom.”
- You cannot replace “the” with another article in this passage because it is referring to specific concepts that the reader is expected to be familiar with. Replacing it with ‘a’ or ‘an’ would change the meaning by making these nouns non-specific, which would not fit the context.
- Fill in the blanks with suitable articles:
(a) A boy and a girl were shopping in a market. The boy was from Kerala and the girl was from Nagaland.
(b) Can you turn off the light?
(c) He has taken a taxi to the station.
(d) Is there a police station nearby?
(e) My sister works in a bank.
(f) He has been looking for a job for the last seven years.
(g) Would you like to eat an apple?
(h) He goes to the theatre once a month.
(i) This morning I bought a newspaper and a magazine. The newspaper is on my table and I forgot where I have placed the magazine.
(j) We would like to have dinner at a good restaurant.
Editing
1. The following passage has an error in each line. Fid the error and write the correct word or words against the line.
I don’t mean that some peoples are born clear headed ______
and is therefore natural writers, whereas others ________
are naturally fuzzy and will never wrote well. ___
Thinking clearly was a conscious act that writers _______
must forced on themselves, as if they were working ______
on any other project that requires logic: makes ______
shopping list or doing an algebra problems. _______
Good writing do not come naturally, ________
though most people seems to think it does. ______
Professional writer are constantly beaded by ________
people who say they’d like to “trying a little _______
writing sometime” – meaned when they retire from their profession. __
Answers:
Here is the corrected passage with the errors and corrections:
- I don’t mean that some peoples are born clear-headed.
Error: peoples
Correction: people - and is therefore natural writers, whereas others
Error: is
Correction: are - are naturally fuzzy and will never wrote well.
Error: wrote
Correction: write - Thinking clearly was a conscious act that writers
Error: was
Correction: is - must forced on themselves, as if they were working
Error: forced
Correction: force - on any other project that requires logic: makes
Error: makes
Correction: making - shopping list or doing an algebra problems.
Error: shopping list, problems
Correction: a shopping list, problem - Good writing do not come naturally,
Error: do
Correction: does - though most people seems to think it does.
Error: seems
Correction: seem - Professional writer are constantly beaded by
Error: writer, beaded
Correction: writers, badgered - people who say they’d like to “trying a little
Error: trying
Correction: try - writing sometime” – meaned when they retire from their profession.
Error: meaned
Correction: meaning
Listening
1. Your teacher or any one student will read out the text given below to the whole class. Listen carefully. Working in groups of four, note down in short the important points as you listen. Discuss in your group. Recreate and write the text you have listened to. You need not write the exact text, but the meaning should be nearest to the actual text read out to you. Your teacher will read out the text again for all the groups so that you can check whether you have understood the text well.
Text for listening
A few minutes ago, walking back from lunch, I started to cross the street when I heard the sound of a coin dropping. It wasn’t much but, as I turned my eyes caught the heads of serve other people truing too. A woman had dropped what appeared to be a one rupee coin. The tinking sound of a coin dropping on the pavement garbs attention. Whatever be the value of the coin no one can ignore the sound of it. It got me thinking about sounds again.
Answers:
Here is a recreated version of the text:
A short while ago, as I was walking back from lunch and about to cross the street, I heard the faint sound of a coin falling. It wasn’t particularly loud, but it made me look, and I noticed several others turning their heads as well. A woman had dropped what seemed to be a one-rupee coin. The distinct sound of a coin hitting the pavement catches attention, regardless of its value. No one can ignore it. This made me reflect once more on the impact of sounds.
This version retains the meaning and key points of the original text about the significance of sound and how it draws attention.
Speaking
1. You have read the speeches of Nelson Mandela and Sardar Patel. You know their beliefs and born nation. Discuss with your partner and put down your ideas in what freedom means to you. Prepare an outline.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
2. Prepare a speech for the morning assembly reflecting on the following question.
(a) How do you feel today about the country’s freedom?
(b) Are we free and independent?
(c) Are we serious about our responsibilities as citizen?
Answers:
1. Outline: What Freedom Means to Me
- Introduction:
- Definition of freedom in a personal sense.
- Importance of freedom in an individual’s life and society.
- Body:
- Freedom of Thought and Expression: The ability to voice opinions without fear.
- Personal Choices: Having the right to make decisions about one’s own life.
- Social Freedom: Equality regardless of caste, creed, gender, or background.
- Political Freedom: The right to participate in governance and shape the future of the nation.
- Economic Freedom: Access to resources and opportunities for a decent standard of living.
- Responsibility with Freedom: How freedom comes with accountability and the need for responsible behavior.
- Conclusion:
- How freedom is essential for growth, but maintaining it requires effort and responsibility from all citizens.
2. Speech for Morning Assembly
Good Morning, Respected Principal, Teachers, and my dear friends,
Today, I stand before you to reflect on a few important questions about our country’s freedom.
How do I feel about our country’s freedom today?
It fills me with pride to know that we live in an independent nation where our ancestors fought courageously for the rights we enjoy today. We can express ourselves, choose our careers, and live freely, thanks to the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters.
But are we truly free and independent?
While we have achieved political freedom, the journey to complete independence still continues. True freedom goes beyond the absence of foreign rule. It means being free from inequality, poverty, discrimination, and corruption. In these areas, we still have much work to do. We should strive for a society where everyone is treated equally and has the same opportunities to succeed.
Are we serious about our responsibilities as citizens?
Freedom comes with great responsibility. We often speak of rights, but we must also consider our duties towards the nation. As citizens, we must work towards bettering our communities, follow the rules, and contribute to the development of the country. Respecting each other’s rights, keeping our surroundings clean, and being informed voters are just a few ways in which we can fulfill our responsibilities.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we must remember that freedom is not just a privilege; it is a collective responsibility. Let us cherish it and work together to ensure that our country remains a place where every individual can truly experience freedom.
Writing
1. Make pairs. One of you takes the role of Nelson Mandela and the other becomes the interviewer.
(a) The interviewer prepares a questionnaire on Nelson Mandela—Mandela as a person and his contributions to the removal of Apartheid.
(b) The interviewee responds to them. The interviewer’s task is to note down the answers also.
(c) The interviewer, through the questions, tries to get an overview of Mandela’s life.
2. Make groups of four and find out the background information on Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King. All three of them fought against all odds and used non-violence to achieve their aim. Choose any two of the above stated and do a comparative study of their principles and lives.
Answers:
1. Interview: Nelson Mandela and the Interviewer
Interviewer:
Good morning, Mr. Mandela. It is an honor to speak with you today. Let’s begin by discussing your personal experiences. What motivated you to start your journey of resistance against Apartheid?
Mandela (Interviewee):
Thank you. My journey began from witnessing the deep inequality and injustice my people were subjected to. The Apartheid regime was built on racial discrimination, and growing up under that oppressive system fueled my desire to fight for equality. I realized that it was my duty, and the duty of all South Africans, to resist the racial segregation that kept us apart.
Interviewer:
You spent 27 years in prison for your beliefs. How did you maintain hope during such a difficult period?
Mandela (Interviewee):
It was difficult, but I never lost sight of the greater purpose. Prison taught me patience and discipline, and it was during this time that I reaffirmed my commitment to the cause. I found strength in the knowledge that my struggle was shared by millions of others, and that together we could achieve freedom.
Interviewer:
Your leadership was instrumental in ending Apartheid. What do you believe was the key to this success?
Mandela (Interviewee):
The key was unity. We knew that violence could not be the answer, so we opted for non-violent resistance, inspired by leaders like Gandhi. It was through dialogue, negotiation, and unwavering resolve that we managed to dismantle Apartheid. Building trust among people of all races was crucial in creating a new, democratic South Africa.
Interviewer:
What role did forgiveness play in your approach to leadership after the end of Apartheid?
Mandela (Interviewee):
Forgiveness was fundamental. After decades of oppression, our country could have easily been consumed by hatred and revenge. But I knew that in order for us to move forward, we had to forgive, not forget. Forgiveness was necessary for healing and reconciliation. It is what allowed us to build a united nation instead of one torn apart by its past.
Interviewer:
Lastly, what message do you want to give to future generations fighting for justice?
Mandela (Interviewee):
My message is to never give up on justice, equality, and freedom. The road to achieving it may be long and difficult, but perseverance is key. Also, remember that change can come from non-violent means. Stay true to your principles, unite people, and never lose hope in a better future.
2. Comparative Study: Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi
Nelson Mandela:
- Principles: Mandela was driven by the principles of justice, equality, and non-violence. He fought against racial segregation in South Africa, known as Apartheid, and believed that all people, regardless of their race, deserved equal rights and opportunities.
- Key Life Events: He joined the African National Congress (ANC) and became involved in anti-Apartheid movements. He spent 27 years in prison for his activism and emerged as a symbol of the fight for justice. After his release, he led negotiations to dismantle Apartheid and became the first black president of South Africa in 1994.
- Approach: Mandela’s fight for freedom was inspired by non-violent resistance, although at times the movement did use armed resistance as a last resort. His leadership after Apartheid was marked by forgiveness and reconciliation, which helped to heal the wounds of a divided nation.
- Non-Violence: Although the ANC initially advocated non-violent resistance, Mandela recognized the need for a mix of strategies. However, in the end, he chose negotiation and non-violence to resolve conflicts and establish democracy in South Africa.
Mahatma Gandhi:
- Principles: Gandhi was a strong advocate of non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satyagraha). He believed that peaceful civil disobedience was the most powerful tool in the fight against injustice. His principles influenced many global leaders, including Mandela.
- Key Life Events: Gandhi led the Indian independence movement against British rule, organizing mass civil disobedience campaigns such as the Salt March in 1930. His leadership was pivotal in India’s eventual independence in 1947. He was also involved in social reforms, including the fight against untouchability.
- Approach: Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence was absolute. He believed that even in the face of violence and oppression, the use of violence would never bring true freedom. His approach was grounded in moral conviction, faith in humanity, and the belief that love and compassion could change society.
- Non-Violence: Gandhi’s adherence to non-violence was unshakeable. He was firm in his belief that violence only begets more violence, and that true freedom could only be achieved through peaceful means. His methods included hunger strikes, boycotts, and civil disobedience.
Comparative Overview:
- Leadership through Non-Violence: Both Mandela and Gandhi believed in non-violent resistance as a powerful force for change. Gandhi never wavered in his commitment to non-violence, while Mandela adopted a combination of non-violent and armed resistance but ultimately embraced reconciliation and peaceful negotiation.
- Focus on Unity and Reconciliation: Gandhi worked to unite people across religions and castes in India, while Mandela focused on bridging the racial divide in South Africa. Both saw unity as essential for building a just and equal society.
- Global Influence: Both leaders have inspired movements for justice and freedom across the world. Mandela was directly influenced by Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, and their shared belief in human dignity and justice continues to resonate globally.
In conclusion, while Gandhi and Mandela came from different contexts, their approaches and philosophies shared significant commonalities. Both leaders remind us that non-violence, unity, and compassion are the cornerstones of true freedom.
Project
1. You have learnt about the freedom struggle pf many nations after the Second World war and ow many leaders spearheaded freedom movements in their countries. Based on the learning from different nations. The following are prompts that can help you.
(a) Their thoughts
(b) Their uniqueness
(c) Honestly and integrity
(d) Confidence and leadership qualities
(e) Inspirational speeches
(Hints: You may develop their profiles in chronological order. You may visit the library. Consult social science teachers in your school and elders in your neighbourhood.)
Answers:
Project: Freedom Struggles After the Second World War
In this project, we will explore the freedom struggles of several nations after the Second World War, focusing on the leaders who spearheaded these movements. The leaders chosen for this study exhibited remarkable qualities of leadership, integrity, and courage, and their thoughts and actions have inspired many people worldwide. Below are some prompts that can help you structure your profiles of these leaders in a chronological order.
(a) Their Thoughts
- Each leader had a vision for their country’s freedom and future. Whether it was Nelson Mandela’s dream of a racially equal South Africa or Ho Chi Minh’s fight for Vietnamese independence, their thoughts were always centered around justice, equality, and the freedom of their people.
- Example: Nelson Mandela believed in the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation after years of racial oppression. He wanted to build a nation where all races could live peacefully together.
- Example: Kwame Nkrumah envisioned a united and independent Africa, free from the colonial rule of European powers.
(b) Their Uniqueness
- Each leader had unique approaches to achieving independence. Some, like Gandhi, were known for their commitment to non-violence, while others like Fidel Castro led armed revolutions.
- Example: Mahatma Gandhi pioneered the concept of Satyagraha, which emphasized non-violent civil disobedience.
- Example: Sukarno of Indonesia uniquely blended nationalism with socialism, aiming to establish a nation that could thrive without foreign intervention.
(c) Honesty and Integrity
- Integrity and honesty were defining characteristics of these freedom fighters. They gained trust and support from the masses because of their commitment to truth and justice.
- Example: Gandhi was known for his transparent leadership and his adherence to truth, which earned him the title of Mahatma (Great Soul).
- Example: Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya maintained a strong moral stance during the fight against British colonial rule, advocating for the rights of his people.
(d) Confidence and Leadership Qualities
- Confidence and an ability to lead were essential for mobilizing people during these difficult times. The leaders demonstrated exceptional leadership by inspiring the masses and maintaining morale during their respective freedom struggles.
- Example: Ho Chi Minh led Vietnam with great confidence during the resistance against French colonialism and later against the United States during the Vietnam War.
- Example: Nelson Mandela displayed extraordinary leadership during his imprisonment and after his release, leading the negotiations to end Apartheid in South Africa.
(e) Inspirational Speeches
- Many of these leaders gave powerful and inspiring speeches that resonated with their people and beyond. Their words motivated millions to join their causes and to believe in the possibility of freedom.
- Example: Nelson Mandela’s speech upon his release from prison: “I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”
- Example: Gandhi’s speech during the Quit India Movement of 1942: “Do or die. We shall either free India or die in the attempt; we shall not live to see the perpetuation of our slavery.”
Developing Profiles in Chronological Order
- India (1947) – Mahatma Gandhi
- Thoughts: Freedom through non-violence, truth, and self-reliance.
- Uniqueness: Non-violent resistance through Satyagraha.
- Honesty: He lived a life of simplicity and truth.
- Leadership: Mobilized millions with peaceful protest methods.
- Inspirational Speeches: Quit India movement.
- Indonesia (1945) – Sukarno
- Thoughts: Independence from Dutch colonialism, socialism, and unity.
- Uniqueness: Emphasis on national unity and socialism.
- Honesty: Advocated for social welfare and equality.
- Leadership: Successfully led Indonesia to independence.
- Inspirational Speeches: Proclaimed Indonesian independence in 1945.
- Vietnam (1945) – Ho Chi Minh
- Thoughts: Independence from French rule and later, American intervention.
- Uniqueness: Blended nationalism with Marxist-Leninist ideology.
- Honesty: Worked tirelessly for the cause of his people.
- Leadership: Led Vietnam through two major wars, uniting the country.
- Inspirational Speeches: Declaration of Independence from France in 1945.
- Ghana (1957) – Kwame Nkrumah
- Thoughts: Pan-Africanism, economic self-reliance.
- Uniqueness: First African nation to gain independence.
- Honesty: Advocated for the well-being of African nations.
- Leadership: First President of Ghana and a key figure in African independence movements.
- Inspirational Speeches: Encouraged African unity.
- South Africa (1994) – Nelson Mandela
- Thoughts: End of racial discrimination, equality, and justice for all.
- Uniqueness: Reconciliation post-Apartheid.
- Honesty: Spent 27 years in prison for his beliefs.
- Leadership: Guided South Africa to its first democratic election.
- Inspirational Speeches: Address upon his release from prison.
Consultation and Resources
- Visit the school library for books on these leaders and their nations’ struggles for independence.
- Consult your social science teachers to gain deeper insights into the historical events of the time.
- Engage with elders in your neighborhood who may have lived through these historical moments or have knowledge of them.
This project will provide a comprehensive overview of the various freedom struggles post-World War II and the qualities of the leaders who spearheaded them, highlighting their thoughts, leadership, and lasting impact on their nations and the world.
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