Mahatmaspeak
PAROMITA PAIN
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An abridged version that will help you understand the Mahatma better.
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You might have read extracts from Gandhi's An Autobiography or The Story Of My Experiments With Truth in school. The slow pedantic un-dramatic style may have been boring but the recent edition of the book by Puffin Classics is an important one. It may help us understand the person behind the venerated picture. It has some great lessons for the shy. Gandhiji says there is great virtue in being shy — it teaches an economy of words and naturally restrains thoughts. The style doesn't encourage a questioning of Gandhiji's life nor will it kindle an interest to know more. Another little known but probably of greater importance is the story of how he was forced off a coach and beaten by a white man. And this happens almost right after the incident on the train. The budding leader also used to do almost all his work himself including washing his clothes and cutting his hair. Money was always in short supply and Gandhiji had to be innovative to stretch out whatever little funds he had. First published in 1927, this abridged edition for young readers retains the most important incidents and is fast paced.
An Autobiography or The Story Of My Experiments With Truth, Puffin Classics, M.K. Gandhi, Rs 150
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