Scorching Love: Letters from Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to his son, Devadas

This book publishes Gandhi's letters to his youngest son, Devadas, from 1914 to 1948, covering three decades of his growth from a fighter for Indian rights in South Africa to Father of the Nation in India. The letters show Gandhi's love for his son and his aspirations for both of them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 518 pages
Publication date: 23 August 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This remarkable book presents, for the first time, a collection of letters written by Mahatma Gandhi to his youngest son, Devadas, spanning from 1914 to 1948. During this period, both father and son were residing in South Africa, where Gandhi actively fought for the rights of Indians. However, his journey took him to Delhi, the capital of free India, shortly before his assassination on 30 January 1948.

Gandhi's letters were penned during various times of the day, often late into the night, utilizing both hands as he traveled aboard trains, steamers, and other modes of transportation. These letters, spanning three decades, chronicle the writer's transformation from a fighter for Indian rights in South Africa to being revered as the Father of the Nation by millions in India.

While Gandhi's letters exude immense love and compassion, they also contain moments of scorching criticism and introspection. We witness Devadas, the recipient of these letters, evolve from a compliant childhood and youth to an independent adult, engaging in questioning and challenging his father's beliefs and ideals.

The letters serve as a testament to Gandhi's aspirations for his son and his nation. They reveal his deep affection, as well as his unwavering commitment to social justice and nonviolent resistance. Through his words, Gandhi encourages his son to embrace independence, while also imparting valuable lessons on morality, ethics, and the pursuit of truth.

This collection of letters provides a unique insight into the personal and political life of Mahatma Gandhi, shedding light on his relationships, his struggles, and his enduring legacy. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of India's history and the transformative power of nonviolence.

Weight: 766g
Dimension: 223 x 145 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192858382