Autobiographies that capture the Essence of India
and life in the country
1. The Story of my Experiments with Truth -M.K.Gandhi
The autobiography of Mohandas K. Gandhi, covering his life from early childhood through to 1921. It was written in weekly installments and published in his journal Navjivan from 1925 to 1929. Gandhi’s life is the depiction of what India stands for as a nation, with non-violence being one of its core values.
“Remember that all through history, there have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they seem invincible. But in the end, they always fall. Always.”― Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi: An autobiography
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2. Annihilation of Caste -Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
It is an undelivered speech written in 1936 by DR B. R. Ambedkar who fought against the country’s practice of untouchability. India had a long battle with the issue of untouchability. At the forefront of this battle stood Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. This book is an insight into the life and experiences of an ‘untouchable’ and ‘low caste’ Indian. It is a must-read as India still faces a massive caste discrimination problem.
“The outcaste is a bye-product of the caste system. There will be outcastes as long as there are castes. Nothing can emancipate the outcaste except the destruction of the caste system.”― B R Ambedkar, Annihilation of Caste
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3. An Autobiography -Jawaharlal Nehru
An Autobiography, also known as Toward Freedom, is written by Jawaharlal Nehru while he was in prison between June 1934 and February 1935, and before he became the first Prime Minister of India. Nehru was one of the freedom fighters that lead the Indian freedom struggle.
“Long years ago… we made a tryst with destiny, and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge, not wholly or in full measure, but very substantially. At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.” -Jawaharlal Nehru, Tryst with Destiny
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4. Autobiography of a Yogi -Parmahasana Yogananda
It introduces the reader to the life of Paramahansa Yogananda and his encounters with spiritual figures. The book begins with his childhood family life, to finding his guru, to becoming a monk, and establishing his teachings of Kriya Yoga meditation. Yoga is the most deeply rooted medieval practice in the history of India.
“Attachment is blinding; it lends an imaginary halo of attractiveness to the object of desire.”― Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi
5.Wings of Fire -A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Kalam describes his early life, the efforts and hardships he endured to rise from poverty, and eventually become the leader of Indian space research, nuclear and missile programs. This book gives hope to countless young Indians living in small towns and villages and encourages them to pursue their dreams.
“Let not thy winged days be spent in vain. When once gone no gold can buy them back again.”― A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Wings of Fire
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6.Accidental Prime Minister -Sanjaya Baru
The memoir of Sanjaya Baru, who was the media advisor of the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2008. Sanjaya discusses the top tier politics of India in a witty manner and makes shocking revelations on the way.
“No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come.”― Sanjaya Baru, The Accidental Prime Minister
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7.It Happened in India -Kishore Biyani
The story of how Kishore Biyani built massive businesses like Pantaloons, Central, and Big Bazaar by understanding the simple needs of an Indian consumer and transformed the retail sector of India.
“I believe that we all come to this world to kill time. Therefore, we pick up some activity that we like doing and call it our profession. I call this the time pass theory.”― Kishore Biyani, It Happened In India
8. Playing it My Way -Sachin Tendulkar
The book summarises Tendulkar’s early days, his 24 years of international career, and aspects of his life that have not been shared publicly. India and cricket are almost synonymous when we talk about the world of sports. Sachin describes humorous experiences from his childhood, his hard work behind his success, and also makes some shocking revelations about the world of cricket.
“If Destiny throws a stone at you, don’t let it become a millstone. Convert it into a milestone.”― Sachin Tendulkar, Playing it My Way
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