1. Read the passage and answer the questions following it
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters)– Nelson Mandela guided South Africa from the shackles of apartheid to a multi-racial democracy, as an icon of peace and reconciliation who came to embody the struggle for justice around the world. Imprisoned for nearly three decades for his fight aganist white minority rule, Mandela never lost his resolve to fight for his people’s emancipation. He was determined to bring down apartheid while avoiding a civil war. His prestige and charisma helped him win the support of the world.
“I hate race discrimination most intensely and in all its manifestations. I have fought it all during my life. I will fight it now, and will do so until the end of 1 my days, “Mandela said in his acceptance speech on becoming South Africa’s first black president in 1994, … “The time for the healing of the wounds has come. The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come.”
“We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation.”
In 1993, Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, an honour he shared with F. W. De Klerk, the white African leader who had freed him from prison three years earlier and negotiated the end of apartheid. Mandela went on to play a prominent role on the world stage as an advocate of human dignity in the face of challenges ranging from political repression to AIDS. He formally left pubilc life in June 2004 before his 86th birthday, telling his adoring countrymen. “Don’t call me. I’ll call you.” But he remained one of the world’s most revered public figures, combining celebrity sparkle
with an unwavering message of freedom, respect and human rights.
“He is at the epicenter of our time, ours in South Africa, and yours, wherever you are.” Nadine Gordimer, the South African writer and Nobel Laureate for Literature, once remarked.
The years Mandela spent behind bars made him the world’s most clebrated political prisoner and leader of mythic stature for millions of black South Africans and other oppressed people far beyond his country’s borders.
Charged with capital offences in the 1963 Rivonia Trial, his statement from the dock was his political testimony.
“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.”
“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities,” he told the court.
“It is an ideal I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
Bangla Translation: জোহানেসবার্গ (রয়টার্স) – নেলসন ম্যান্ডেলা দক্ষিণ আফ্রিকাকে বর্ণবাদের শৃঙ্খল থেকে বহু–জাতীয় গণতন্ত্রের দিকে নিয়ে গিয়েছিলেন। তিনি শান্তি এবং মিলনের প্রতীক হিসাবে বিশ্বজুড়ে ন্যায়বিচারের সংগ্রামের প্রতিমূর্তি হয়ে উঠেছিলেন। শ্বেতাঙ্গ সংখ্যালঘু শাসনের বিরুদ্ধে লড়াইয়ের জন্য প্রায় তিন দশক কারাবন্দি থাকার পরও, ম্যান্ডেলা তার জনগণের মুক্তির জন্য সংগ্রাম চালিয়ে যাওয়ার দৃঢ় সংকল্প হারাননি। তিনি বর্ণবাদ ধ্বংস করতে দৃঢ়প্রতিজ্ঞ ছিলেন, তবে একটি গৃহযুদ্ধ এড়াতে চেয়েছিলেন। তার মর্যাদা এবং ব্যক্তিত্ব তাকে বিশ্বের সমর্থন জিততে সহায়তা করেছিল।
“আমি জাতিগত বৈষম্যকে সবচেয়ে গভীরভাবে ঘৃণা করি এবং এর সমস্ত রূপে। আমি আমার জীবনের শুরু থেকেই এর বিরুদ্ধে লড়াই করেছি। আমি এখন লড়ব, এবং আমার জীবনের শেষ দিন পর্যন্ত লড়াই করব,” ১৯৯৪ সালে দক্ষিণ আফ্রিকার প্রথম কৃষ্ণাঙ্গ রাষ্ট্রপতি হিসেবে শপথ নেওয়ার সময় ম্যান্ডেলা তার গ্রহণযোগ্যতার ভাষণে বলেছিলেন।
“ক্ষত নিরাময়ের সময় এসেছে। আমাদের বিভক্ত করা গভীর খাদগুলোকে সংযুক্ত করার মুহূর্ত এসেছে।“
“অবশেষে, আমরা আমাদের রাজনৈতিক মুক্তি অর্জন করেছি।“
১৯৯৩ সালে ম্যান্ডেলা নোবেল শান্তি পুরস্কার লাভ করেন। এটি তিনি শ্বেতাঙ্গ দক্ষিণ আফ্রিকান নেতা এফ. ডব্লিউ. ডি ক্লার্কের সঙ্গে ভাগ করেছিলেন, যিনি তাকে তিন বছর আগে কারাগার থেকে মুক্ত করেছিলেন এবং বর্ণবাদের অবসান নিয়ে আলোচনা করেছিলেন। ম্যান্ডেলা বিশ্বমঞ্চে মানব মর্যাদার পক্ষে একজন প্রবক্তা হিসেবে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ ভূমিকা পালন করেছিলেন। তিনি রাজনৈতিক নিপীড়ন থেকে এইডস পর্যন্ত বিভিন্ন চ্যালেঞ্জ মোকাবিলা করেছিলেন। ২০০৪ সালের জুনে তার ৮৬তম জন্মদিনের আগে তিনি আনুষ্ঠানিকভাবে জনজীবন থেকে অবসর নেন। তিনি তার ভক্ত দেশবাসীকে বলেছিলেন, “আমাকে কল করো না। আমি তোমাকে কল করব।” তবুও তিনি বিশ্বের সবচেয়ে শ্রদ্ধেয় জনসাধারণের ব্যক্তিত্বদের মধ্যে একজন ছিলেন। তিনি তারকা খ্যাতিকে দৃঢ় বার্তা—স্বাধীনতা, সম্মান এবং মানবাধিকারের সঙ্গে মিশিয়েছিলেন।
“তিনি আমাদের সময়ের কেন্দ্রবিন্দুতে রয়েছেন, আমাদের দক্ষিণ আফ্রিকার এবং আপনারা যেখানেই থাকুন না কেন,” একবার দক্ষিণ আফ্রিকার লেখক এবং সাহিত্যে নোবেল বিজয়ী নাদিন গর্ডিমার মন্তব্য করেছিলেন।
কারাবন্দি অবস্থায় কাটানো বছরগুলো ম্যান্ডেলাকে বিশ্বের সবচেয়ে বিখ্যাত রাজনৈতিক বন্দি এবং লক্ষ লক্ষ কৃষ্ণাঙ্গ দক্ষিণ আফ্রিকান ও অন্যান্য দেশের নিপীড়িত জনগণের কাছে কিংবদন্তি মর্যাদায় অধিষ্ঠিত করেছিল।
১৯৬৩ সালে রিভোনিয়া মামলায় মৃত্যুদণ্ডের অভিযোগে অভিযুক্ত হয়ে, তিনি আদালতে দাঁড়িয়ে তার রাজনৈতিক বক্তব্য দিয়েছিলেন।
“আমার জীবনের সময়কালে আমি আফ্রিকান জনগণের এই সংগ্রামের প্রতি নিজেকে উৎসর্গ করেছি। আমি শ্বেতাঙ্গ আধিপত্যের বিরুদ্ধে লড়াই করেছি, এবং আমি কৃষ্ণাঙ্গ আধিপত্যের বিরুদ্ধেও লড়াই করেছি।“
“আমি এমন একটি গণতান্ত্রিক ও মুক্ত সমাজের আদর্শকে লালন করেছি, যেখানে সব মানুষ ঐক্য ও সমতার মধ্যে বাস করবে।“
“এটি এমন একটি আদর্শ যা আমি বেঁচে থাকার এবং অর্জনের জন্য আশাবাদী। কিন্তু প্রয়োজন হলে এটি এমন একটি আদর্শ যার জন্য আমি মরতেও প্রস্তুত।“
Multiple-Choice Questions
- What does the phrase ‘icon of peace and reconciliation’ in the first paragraph refer to?
i. A symbol of conflict
ii. A figure of unity and harmony
iii. A leader of revolution
iv. A sign of resistance - What is the best synonym for ‘resolve’ in the second sentence of the first paragraph?
i. Indecision
ii. Determination
iii. Hesitation
iv. Flexibility - Why was Nelson Mandela imprisoned, as mentioned in the passage?
i. For political corruption
ii. For fighting against racial discrimination
iii. For opposing democracy
iv. For inciting violence - What was Mandela’s aim in avoiding a civil war?
i. To save resources
ii. To ensure peace and stability
iii. To gain international support
iv. To unite all political parties - In which year did Mandela become the first black president of South Africa?
i. 1990
ii. 1993
iii. 1994
iv. 1995 - What does Mandela mean by “The time for the healing of the wounds has come”?
i. Time for celebrating victory
ii. Time to seek revenge
iii. Time to end conflicts and foster unity
iv. Time to forget the past - What was the significance of the Nobel Peace Prize Mandela received in 1993?
i. It marked the end of his political career
ii. It highlighted his achievements in sports
iii. It acknowledged his role in ending apartheid
iv. It recognized his business ventures - What was Mandela’s stance on race discrimination as expressed in his speech?
i. He accepted it as a historical fact
ii. He hated it in all its forms
iii. He ignored it for political gain
iv. He considered it necessary for governance - What did Mandela’s acceptance speech highlight?
i. His personal success
ii. The need for political dominance
iii. The importance of bridging divisions
iv. The urgency for military action - How did Nadine Gordimer describe Mandela?
i. As a controversial leader
ii. As a central figure of his time
iii. As a political prisoner
iv. As a writer of freedom - Which trial brought Mandela into global focus?
i. Rivonia Trial
ii. Pretoria Trial
iii. Johannesburg Trial
iv. Durban Trial - What was Mandela’s primary ideal according to his statement in the trial?
i. A society dominated by the black majority
ii. A society dominated by the white minority
iii. A democratic and free society with equal opportunities
iv. A society ruled by military governance - Why did Mandela refer to his ideal as something he was “prepared to die” for?
i. To gain sympathy
ii. To emphasize its importance
iii. To provoke his enemies
iv. To show his indifference to life - When did Mandela formally leave public life?
i. 1994
ii. 2000
iii. 2004
iv. 2006 - What message did Mandela convey when he said, “Don’t call me. I’ll call you”?
i. His preference for solitude
ii. His humor in retirement
iii. His disinterest in public affairs
iv. His readiness to serve when needed - What did Mandela symbolize for oppressed people worldwide?
i. A figure of fear
ii. A figure of hope and resistance
iii. A figure of wealth and power
iv. A figure of artistic brilliance - What do Mandela’s years in prison signify?
i. His failure to achieve his goals
ii. His global rise as a symbol of justice
iii. His inability to escape oppression
iv. His isolation from political events - What does the phrase “mythic stature” in the second-to-last paragraph suggest about Mandela?
i. He was an ordinary person
ii. He was seen as a larger-than-life figure
iii. He was unknown to the world
iv. He had no significant achievements - What does the term “capital offences” in the context of the Rivonia Trial imply?
i. Economic crimes
ii. Serious crimes punishable by death
iii. Crimes against property
iv. Crimes of political corruption - What did Mandela mean by “all persons live together in harmony”?
i. A society free of laws
ii. A society with racial segregation
iii. A society based on unity and equality
iv. A society without cultural differences - How did Mandela’s prestige help him?
i. To build a personal fortune
ii. To win global support for his cause
iii. To lead a rebellion against his opponents
iv. To establish his own empire - What was Mandela’s primary message as a global figure?
i. Freedom and equality for all
ii. Revenge for past injustices
iii. Power to the African people
iv. Supremacy of one race over others - What was Mandela’s view on domination in his courtroom statement?
i. He supported black domination
ii. He supported white domination
iii. He opposed both black and white domination
iv. He remained neutral - Why was Mandela awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?
i. For his work in education
ii. For his role in the end of apartheid
iii. For his contributions to literature
iv. For his efforts in economic reforms - What does the term “political emancipation” refer to in the passage?
i. Liberation from political oppression
ii. Economic independence
iii. Cultural enrichment
iv. Establishing military dominance - How did Mandela approach his political struggle?
i. With violence and rebellion
ii. By seeking global alliances
iii. With peace and reconciliation
iv. By isolating himself from others - What does Mandela’s statement “an ideal for which I am prepared to die” signify?
i. His indifference to his life
ii. His firm commitment to his beliefs
iii. His resignation to fate
iv. His disregard for safety - What does “healing of the wounds” symbolize in Mandela’s speech?
i. Forgetting the past completely
ii. Addressing past injustices and fostering unity
iii. Starting a new war for justice
iv. Strengthening racial divisions - What role did F. W. De Klerk play in Mandela’s journey?
i. Opposing him in every way
ii. Freeing him from prison and ending apartheid
iii. Supporting apartheid policies
iv. Refusing to negotiate with Mandela - What was Mandela’s global message as a public figure?
i. Freedom, respect, and human rights
ii. Wealth and power for African nations
iii. Isolation from international politics
iv. Domination of one race over others
Short-Answer Questions
- What does the phrase “political emancipation” mean according to the text?
- How did Mandela demonstrate his resolve to fight against racial discrimination?
- Why was Mandela considered a symbol of peace and reconciliation?
- How did the Rivonia Trial shape Mandela’s image globally?
- What did Mandela mean by “an ideal for which I am prepared to die”?
- How did Mandela contribute to ending apartheid in South Africa?
- Why did Mandela receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993?
- What role did F. W. De Klerk play in Mandela’s life?
- How did Mandela help South Africa transition to a multi-racial democracy?
- In what ways did Mandela’s imprisonment elevate his stature among oppressed people?
- How did Mandela’s speech after becoming president emphasize healing and unity?
- What was Mandela’s approach to bridging divisions in South African society?
- What do you understand by the term “shackles of apartheid”?
- How did Mandela balance the need for freedom with avoiding civil war?
- What do you think made Mandela a globally respected figure?
- How does Mandela’s courtroom statement highlight his ideals for a free society?
- What message did Mandela convey through the phrase “Don’t call me. I’ll call you”?
- How did Mandela’s years in prison impact the global fight against racial oppression?
- What role did Mandela play as an advocate for human dignity?
- How did Mandela’s acceptance speech as president inspire the people of South Africa?
- What does the term “manacles of racial discrimination” signify in the text?
- Why is Mandela referred to as an icon of justice?
- How did Mandela contribute to indigenous theatre and folk art?
- What was Mandela’s vision for a democratic and free society?
- Why did Mandela believe in fighting both white and black domination?
- What can you infer about Mandela’s personality from his acceptance speech as president?
- How did Nadine Gordimer describe Mandela’s influence on the world?
- How did Mandela’s leadership help heal the wounds of South African society?
- What similarities can you find between Mandela’s fight against apartheid and other global liberation movements?
- How do Mandela’s words inspire people to uphold human rights and freedom?
Flow Chart
The Causes of Success of Nelson Mandela
i. Firm determination
ii. Fight for people’s emancipation
iii. Dream of a democrative and free society
iv. Prestige and charisma
v. Support of the world
vi. Prominent role as an advocate of human dignity
What Mandela did in his whole life/ The struggle of Mandela for multiracial democracy and his achievement
i. Charged with capital offences
ii. Dedicated himself to struggle
iii. Committed to the fulfillment of the demand of the African people
iv. Fought against domination
v. Fought against apartheid
vi. Cherished the ideal of democracy
The Activities and Achievement of Nelson Mandela
i. Guided South Africa from the shackles of apartheid to a multi-racial democracy
ii. Embodied the struggle for justice around the world
iii. Fought against white minority
iv. Determined to bring down apartheid
v. Become the first black president of South Africa
vi. Awarded the Noble prize
The Purposes of Nelson Mandela
i. To establish multi-racial democracy
ii. To establish justice around the world
iii. To establish human dignity
iv. To establish a democratic and free society
v. To live together with harmony
vi. To enjoy equal opportunities
The Legacy of Nelson Mandela
i. Symbol of peace and reconciliation
ii. Advocated freedom and human rights globally
iii. Inspired oppressed people worldwide
iv. Played a vital role in ending racial discrimination
v. Promoted healing and unity in South Africa
vi. Remained a revered global figure even after retirement
The Leadership Qualities of Nelson Mandela
i. Visionary leader with a clear goal
ii. Courage to face challenges and imprisonment
iii. Ability to unite people of different races
iv. Resilience in the face of adversity
v. Humility despite global fame
vi. Strong moral and ethical principles
The Ideals of Nelson Mandela
i. Opposition to white and black domination
ii. Commitment to equality and justice
iii. Dedication to the welfare of African people
iv. Advocacy for harmony among diverse communities
v. Belief in peaceful resolution of conflicts
vi. Vision for a united and democratic society
Nelson Mandela’s Contributions to Global Change
i. Raised global awareness about apartheid
ii. Set an example of forgiveness and reconciliation
iii. Championed the cause of the oppressed worldwide
iv. Worked towards eradicating political repression
v. Promoted human dignity and equal opportunities
vi. Left a lasting impact as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate