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An Autobiography or the Story of My Experiments with Truth At the very outset, Gandhiji makes it clear that his purpose is not to attempt a real autobiography. “I only want to tell the story of my numerous experiments with truth, and as my life consists of nothing but those experiments, it is true that the story will take the shape of an autobiography.” The narrative is succinct and the chapters brief, making the reading simple. The last few pages throw up easy explanation of concepts like Satyagraha, Ahimsa and Swaraj, besides trying to engage young minds into a discussion on various facets of Gandhiji’s life. All major highpoints of his life, including pursuit of an English education, uncertain career, entry into politics and family life are touched upon briefly, but without diluting the core. Gandhiji writes that his advice should not be taken as authoritative but regarded as “illustrations, in the light of which everyone may carry on his own experiments according to his own inclinations and capacity.” He goes on to add that he shall neither conceal nor understate any ugly things that must be told. And his honesty is stark. He doesn’t care if he comes across as a coward—at one place he writes, “We scarcely had the nerve and the muscle even to receive sword-cuts”—a man with poor self-esteem who wishes to discipline his wife even if that means using force; and a man who ate meat at surreptitious feasts and smoked cigarettes on the sly. Such incidents abound in the book but only serve to reinforce how important truth was for him. His strength lay in his acknowledgement of his weaknesses and his triumph over them. It is a worthy book that is a lesson in truth, more than anything else. The book’s introduction is by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam who is of the view that the Indian Government must take the initiative to see that the Phoenix Settlement in South Africa is developed and “remains a space where Gandhiji’s ideas about education, employment and culture are kept alive” —a befitting tribute to the legend called Gandhi.
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Gandhiji’s autobiography is inspiring but its volume could unnerve young readers. For this reason, Puffin has come out with an abridged version to acquaint young readers with the life and philosophy of one of the greatest thinkers of our times. This volume introduces children to Gandhi in a manner that is not arduous.