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.