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Gandhi’s Hind Swaraj, also called Indian Home Rule, was written more than a hundred years ago and captures his ideas about the problems of humanity, and his solutions to them, which are relevant even today. Summary Of The Book Written in 1909 while he was travelling from London to South Africa, Gandhi’s Hind Swaraj provides an understanding not only of the Mahatma’s ideals and philosophy on politics, but also the man and his thoughts. Gandhi’s ideals of non-violence and passive resistance, which have marked the length of the Indian freedom struggle, first appear in this very book. Attempting to reach out to an Indian audience ranging from the conservative to the radical, Gandhi pens down his thoughts so eloquently that understanding such political abstractions is an easy task. Hind Swaraj explains Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj or Self-Rule for the first time. He puts down his thoughts on self-governance in a simple and brief manner, in the form of dialogue taking place between two characters that he calls ‘the reader’ and ‘the editor’. The Reader is the common man, while the Editor takes the form of the author himself. Gandhi’s unbounded faith in his philosophy can be clearly seen in the book. Published at a critical time in Indian history, the book provided a steady outlook to the freedom fighters, motivating and inspiring them in thousands. About the Author Born in 1862 in Gujarat, Mohandas K. Gandhi, commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi, is often credited as being the man who single-handedly led India in the freedom struggle to great success. His ideals of non-violence and civil rights also inspired numerous nations across the world. Apart from Hind Swaraj, Gandhi’s other notable literary works include his autobiography The Story of My Experiments with Truth and Satyagraha in South Africa. He wrote extensively on various topics, ranging from diet and health to politics and economics. Gandhi was a prolific writer and the range of topics he covered distinguished him from many other writers. He edited newspapers such as Young India and Harijan too. Armed with a degree in law, Gandhi made a modest living as a barrister until he rose to become a pre-eminent political leader. Gandhi’s political relevance however cannot overshadow his significant contribution to social causes. His work with the untouchables, his perseverance to provide education for all, and his contribution to women’s empowerment, along with various other social issues, led to significant progress and development in Indian society.