Gandhi, My Father

The story begins with a clear divide between Mahatma Gandhi's ambitions for his son Harilal and Harilal's personal dreams. While Harilal aims to study abroad and become a barrister, Gandhi hopes for him to join the struggle for justice in South Africa.

In 1906, Harilal lives in Rajkot and aspires to marry his love, Gulab. When he announces his intention to marry, Gandhi disapproves and rejects him as his son, deepening the rift between them.

Seeking reconciliation with his father, Harilal travels to South Africa, leaving Gulab behind. Gandhi hopes that Gulab's influence may steer Harilal back towards the values he holds dear.

Upon arriving in South Africa, Harilal initially supports his father's fight against apartheid. He stands by Gandhi during his arrest, showcasing a brief moment of unity in their relationship.

As Harilal expresses a desire for formal education, Gandhi dismisses his aspirations, insisting that he remain focused on the anti-apartheid struggle. This decision intensifies the conflict between father and son.

In a critical decision, Gandhi sends Gulab and Harilal's daughter back to India, further infuriating Harilal. He feels alienated and misunderstood, leading him to reconsider his path away from his father's vision.

When a scholarship opportunity arises, Harilal is overlooked in favor of another candidate, further deepening his feelings of betrayal. This rejection marks a significant emotional turning point for Harilal.

Disillusioned, Harilal abandons his father's ideals and returns to India to reunite with Gulab and their children. However, he struggles to find success in his own right, facing repeated failures in his educational pursuits.

In India, Harilal attempts to gain his diploma but fails repeatedly, leading him into financial trouble and despair. His struggles compound when he cannot get assistance from his father during a critical time.

In an attempt to salvage his situation, Harilal takes a job in a Calcutta factory, trading against his father's principles. As desperation grows, he resorts to dishonest means to fund his business, leading to legal troubles.

As Harilal's reputation declines, his family suffers greatly. Gulab leaves him with the children, and tragedy strikes when one of their sons dies, exacerbating Harilal's feelings of loss and regret.

In a moment of utter despair following his family's departure, Harilal's health deteriorates. Even as he contemplates reconnecting with his father, he faces the harsh reality of a life overshadowed by his past mistakes.

Despite initial resistance, Harilal finally considers the possibility of reconnecting with Gandhi. He starts a new job, but his past continues to haunt him, complicating any potential mending of their relationship.

As Gandhi becomes embroiled in the Quit India Movement, Harilal grapples with his own legacy and the shadows of his father's fame. Their lives continue to diverge amidst the broader socio-political turmoil of the time.

In January 1948, Gandhi meets a violent end, marking a pivotal moment in history. Harilal, attending the funeral incognito, ultimately dies unnoticed in June 1948, reflecting the personal conflicts that echoed the historical struggles of their era.