Chapter 19: COMMUNALISM RAMPANT

Nehru reflects on rising Hindu-Muslim tensions in the 1920s, worsened by religious disputes and British manipulation. He criticizes communal leaders for undermining national unity and laments the Congress’s struggle to stay above sectarian politics. Advocating a revolutionary political and social overhaul, he condemns communalism as a major obstacle to true independence.

Chapter 20: MUNICIPAL WORK
As chairman of the Allahabad Municipality, Nehru faced bureaucratic hurdles and government obstruction, which stifled reform. Frustrated by inefficiency, financial dependence, and political patronage, he resigned after two years, disillusioned by the limits of local governance under colonial rule.

 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.