17: COCONADA AND M. MOHAMAD ALI

At the 1923 Congress session, Maulana Mohamad Ali’s speech criticized British-fueled communalism. He convinced Nehru to become Congress Secretary, and despite ideological differences, they worked well together. Nehru admired Ali’s intellect but disagreed with his religious rhetoric in politics. Ali later parted ways with Congress, which Nehru regretted. The chapter also covers the founding of the Hindustani Seva Dal and Nehru’s evolving activism, symbolized by his defiance at the Kumbh Mela.

18: MY FATHER AND GANDHIJI

In 1924, ideological tensions grew between Gandhi and Swarajists like Motilal Nehru. While Swarajists pushed for legislative opposition, Gandhi focused on grassroots reform. A dramatic Congress clash in Ahmedabad over Gandhi’s spinning-based membership proposal led to a walkout by Motilal. Despite frustrations, Nehru admired Gandhi’s moral authority, contrasting it with his father’s leadership style, highlighting the movement’s internal struggles and Gandhi’s enduring mass appeal.

 Chapter 15: DOUBT AND CONFLICT

Nehru grapples with political and personal uncertainty, questioning aspects of Gandhi’s program while remaining loyal. Disillusioned with both Swarajists and No-changers, he observes factionalism weakening Congress. Financially dependent on his father after quitting law, he chooses unpaid public service, struggling with constraints but staying committed to the cause.

Chapter 16: AN INTERLUDE AT NABHA

Arrested while observing the Sikh Akali protest in 1923, Nehru endures prison hardships, unfair trials, and fabricated charges. Though sentenced to two years, he is unexpectedly released and expelled. His ordeal exposes the oppressive rule in princely states and leaves him physically weakened by typhoid.

13: LUCKNOW DISTRICT GAOL
Nehru recounts his 1921 imprisonment, highlighting poor jail conditions and the resilience of political prisoners. Despite restrictions, inmates fostered solidarity through debates, teaching, and spinning. He admires the courage of young revolutionaries like Azad, emphasizing prison as both a site of suffering and a crucible for future leaders.

14: OUT AGAIN
Released in 1923, Nehru finds Congress weakened by factionalism. He critiques its lack of strategy, contrasting Gandhi’s boycott stance with alternatives from leaders like C.R. Das. Taking on municipal duties, he resists British co-optation, remaining committed to meaningful reform in India’s freedom struggle.

Audiobook | Chapters 11 & 12 | Jawaharlal Nehru's "Autobiography" | Narrated by Giribala Joshi

11. NINETEEN TWENTY-ONE AND FIRST IMPRISONMENT

In 1921, Gandhi united politics, religion, and agrarian unrest under non-violence, though "Swaraj" remained vaguely defined. Nehru immersed himself in the movement, thrilling in mass mobilization. His first imprisonment reflected growing resistance, but Gandhi’s suspension of the movement after Chauri Chaura led to disappointment and his own arrest.

12. NON-VIOLENCE AND THE DOCTRINE OF THE SWORD

Gandhi halted Non-Cooperation after Chauri Chaura, fearing violence would derail the struggle. While Congress saw non-violence as strategy, for Gandhi, it was principle. Nehru critiques his instinctive decisions but acknowledges their wisdom. Despite setbacks and imprisonment, Nehru remained committed to India’s independence.

 

CHAPTER 9: WANDERINGS AMONG THE KISANS 00:10

CHAPTER 10: NON-CO-OPERATION 19:06

Summaries of the chapters:

9. WANDERINGS AMONG THE KISANS
During the Non-Cooperation Movement, Nehru witnessed the hardships of rural peasants in Partabgarh and Rae Bareli. Engaging with kisans, he overcame his fear of public speaking and fostered unity against oppressive landlords. Despite brutal repression, the agrarian movement deepened his awareness of India’s socio-economic struggles.

10. NON-CO-OPERATION
In the early 1920s, agrarian unrest in Oudh coincided with the rising Non-Cooperation Movement. At the 1920 Calcutta Congress, Gandhi’s vision won over leaders like Motilal Nehru, mobilizing the masses. While critical of the Liberals’ collaboration with the British, Nehru admired Gandhi’s unifying leadership. Despite concerns over religion in politics, he recognized the movement’s role in reshaping national consciousness.