Harilal Mohandas Gandhi ( हरीलाल गांधी),(1888-18 June 1948) was the first son of Mahatma Gandhi. The troubled relationship between Harilal and his father is the subject of a current biography on him, a play, and a film.
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Background
Early life
Harilal had always wanted to go on to higher studies, including becoming a barrister as his father had been. His father was firmly opposed to this, and disallowed him from pursuing it. His father believed that receiving this Western styled education was not helpful in the struggle against British rule over India. [1] Eventually Harilal rebelled against his father's decision. Harilal converted to Islam, adopting the name "Abdullah Gandhi", but later again converted back to Hinduism. This decision did not bother his father, who believed that all religions were as one, but his mother felt that he should not be publically displaying this back-and-forth behaviour. [2] Harilal assisted his father to overthrow the British control of India, practicing non-violent resistance.
Final years
He spent the later part of his life as an alcoholic and depressed . He died from liver disease on June 18, 1948 in a municipal hospital in Mumbai, known at the time as Bombay.
Film and play
Gandhi, My Father, released on August 3, 2007 and directed by Feroz Abbas Khan (not to be confused with actor Feroz Khan [3]) and produced by Anil Kapoor depicts the stormy relationship between him and his illustrious father. Harilal Gandhi is portrayed by Akshaye Khanna. Khan's play, Mahatma vs. Gandhi,[4] while different from this film, had a similar theme. [5]
Further reading
- [6] by Chandulal Bhagubhai Dalal.
- Mahatma Vs Gandhi. By Dinkar Joshi
External links
- Chatterji, Shoma A. In the name of the father. Deccan Herald, 22 July 2007.
- Speech by Mahamata Gandhi on Harilal
- Gandhi Family Tree
