Fractured Freedom: A Prison Memoir

Kobad Ghandy

Physical

In Circulation

Born in the cradle of upper-middle-class privilege in a Bombay Parsi household and educated at one of India’s finest schools, Kobad Ghandy’s life and career could have scaled heights in the bustling world of corporate finance. Only it did not. Instead, he chose to declass himself and to become a radical activist working for the oppressed of the country. Shocked by the racism he witnessed in the UK as a student and learning of the horrors of colonial rule in India, he determined to serve those struck the harshest by the cruel inequalities of his country.

Fractured Freedom takes you through the journey of an honest man and his partner, Anuradha’s, to a difficult destiny. Here is a story of a people who dedicated their lives listening to their hearts pouring with empathy and service for the marginalized, and who believed that true revolution required direct action for a more human and just society. Part memoir, part prison diary, Ghandy bares it all looking back at their lives, love, loss and politics, so intrinsically tied together.

Having languished in Indian prisons for over a decade, he tells of his long incarceration, of his fellow prisoners, and of the Kafkaesque experiences with the Indian legal system sending shivers down one’s spine. This is the candid and unfiltered account of how an unjust system breaks the brave and bold hearted. A story of a life in extremes – the height of privilege and the depth of despair, a story of our times, of a path many would shy away from.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Political Activism: Ghandy's memoir sheds light on his involvement in political activism, particularly his association with revolutionary movements and Marxist ideology in India.

  2. Arrest and Detention: The book documents Ghandy's arrest and detention by Indian authorities on charges of being a member of a banned organization and participating in Maoist activities.

  3. Prison Life: Ghandy provides insights into the harsh realities of prison life in India, including overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and the challenges of maintaining one's physical and mental health behind bars.

  4. Legal Battles: The memoir discusses Ghandy's legal battles and the judicial process he faced during his incarceration, highlighting the flaws and injustices within the Indian legal system.

  5. Political Repression: "Fractured Freedom" explores the broader context of political repression and human rights abuses in India, particularly against dissenting voices and marginalized communities.

  6. Solidarity and Resilience: Ghandy reflects on the solidarity and resilience of political prisoners, as well as the support networks and advocacy efforts that sustain them during their time in detention.

  7. Philosophical Reflections: The book delves into Ghandy's philosophical reflections on resistance, liberation, and the struggle for social justice, drawing on Marxist theory and his own experiences.

  8. Impact on Family: Ghandy discusses the impact of his imprisonment on his family members, including their struggles to cope with his absence and the emotional toll of separation.

  9. Hope for Change: Despite the challenges he faced, Ghandy remains hopeful for social and political change in India, advocating for greater democracy, equality, and human rights.

  10. Call to Action: "Fractured Freedom" serves as a call to action for readers to stand in solidarity with political prisoners and to work towards a more just and equitable society, free from oppression and injustice.

Language English
ISBN-10 8194969166
ISBN-13 9788194969167
No of pages 294
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Roli Books
Published Date 18 Jun 2021

About Author

Author : Kobad Ghandy

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