Here’ a list of ‘must-read’ books to understand Gandhi’s life and struggles.
A lawyer by profession but a Mahatma by deeds, Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, led a simple but meaningful life imparting great life lessons. So, as we continue to celebrate his magnificent life, here are a few must-read books about him.
Gandhi Before India by Ramachandra Guha
Starting from his birth in 1869, this book is great to understand the existence of Gandhi much before he came into the limelight. Narrating tales of his childhood, years in London, and his time practising law in South Africa. Through archival research in four continents, private papers of Gandhi's contemporaries, and newspapers of the time, the book brings forth the forming of his philosophy.
My Dear Bapu: Letters from C. Rajagopalachari to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Devadas Gandhi and Gopalkrishna Gandhi
Written by Chakravarti Rajagopalachari or Rajaji, as Gandhi fondly called him, this book is a compilation of letters exchanged between them from 1920 to 1945. These dialogues exchanged between the two give a peek into the lives of two great leaders. These 80 letters represent the period from the run-up to Independence to its early years.
The Good Boatman by Rajmohan Gandhi
Written by his grandson, the book explores the phenomena Gandhi itself. Traversing varied aspects of Gandhi’s life, his bid to keep India united, fight against the caste and untouchability, experiment with chastity, and his views on God, the book in an attempt to show Bapu’s struggles and achievements.
My Days with Gandhi by Nirmal Kumar Bose
The author was Gandhi’s secretary and companion. This book deals with the last phase of Gandhi’s life as the author has written it by drawing from his close relationship with Gandhi. The book chronicles the Mahatma’s struggle and how he dealt with the crises at both, personal and political level.
The Story of my Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi
Lastly, written by the Mahatma himself, it's his own account giving an intimate glimpse of his thoughts on love, sexuality and politics. Unlike other books, it is a take on Gandhi’s own perspective of his life, ideologies, mistakes and the lessons he learned. This detailed account consisting of 105 self-penned essays covers all aspects of his life.
Walking down the non-violent and peaceful road, Gandhi’s fight for freedom from the British is and will forever be remembered for it gave us a beautiful nation to live.
