"In a gentle way, you can shake the world." These powerful words from Mahatma Gandhi remind us that transformation doesn’t come through force but through courage, conviction, and peaceful action. Gandhi Jayanti, celebrated each year, is more than just a commemoration—it’s an opportunity to reconnect with the timeless values of truth, non-violence, and simplicity that Gandhi embodied. His teachings remain a source of inspiration in today’s fast-paced world.
This year, in honour of Gandhi Jayanti, we’ve curated a collection of insightful audiobooks and films that highlight Gandhi’s profound wisdom and his impact on humanity. Dive into these inspiring stories to explore the life and legacy of the Mahatma.
Films to watch and celebrate Gandhi's life
Gandhi
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
This acclaimed biopic traces Gandhi’s journey from his early days of activism to becoming a global symbol of non-violent resistance. The film portrays key moments of his life, starting from the incident on a South African train that sparked his lifelong fight for justice. A must-watch for anyone interested in how one man’s personal struggles became the foundation of a movement for freedom and equality.
The Making of the Mahatma
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Directed by Shyam Benegal, this film captures the formative years of Gandhi’s life in South Africa. It explores his struggles and the experiences that led him to develop his philosophy of non-violence. A compelling portrayal of how Gandhi’s early activism set the stage for his later work in India, the film is an insightful look into the making of a global leader.
Gandhi, My Father
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Offering a more personal perspective, this film delves into Gandhi’s complex relationship with his eldest son, Harilal. It reveals the emotional tensions between a father striving to uphold his ideals and a son longing for his own identity. The movie shows a rarely-seen side of Gandhi, presenting a deeply human portrayal of a leader whose personal sacrifices often came at a high cost.
Audiobooks to Reflect on Gandhi's Journey
Gandhi’s Story
Platform: Audible
This audiobook provides a deep exploration of Gandhi's transformation from a timid lawyer to the Mahatma. Written by Easwaran, who personally interacted with Gandhi, it delves into the spiritual journey that shaped him. Easwaran captures the essence of Gandhi’s principles—selflessness, courage, and compassion—offering a timeless message of service in a world that still grapples with injustice.
Mahatma Gandhi: The Father of the Nation
Platform: Audible
Authored by Subhadra Sen Gupta, this audiobook brings to life Gandhi’s extraordinary path from Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to the revered Mahatma. The narrative goes beyond the leader’s public persona, offering insights into his personal struggles and how his unwavering belief in the power of truth and non-violence shaped global history.
Hind Swaraj
Platform: Audible
Written by Gandhi in 1909, this audiobook presents a dialogue between two characters—The Editor and The Reader—that challenges mainstream ideas of freedom and independence. Gandhi argues that true self-rule goes beyond ousting colonial rulers; it involves rejecting Western ideologies and embracing Indian values like self-reliance and passive resistance. This thought-provoking piece is a blueprint for understanding Gandhi’s vision of an independent India.