As Mahatma Gandhi’s landmark autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth, enters its centennial year, sales data from its original publisher, Navajivan, reveals that readers from South India are leading the country in embracing the memoir’s timeless lessons. Translations in South Indian languages now make up nearly one-third of Navajivan’s total sales, underscoring the regional enthusiasm for the Mahatma’s life story.

The world will commemorate Gandhi’s 156th birth anniversary this Thursday, coinciding with the centenary year of the autobiography, which continues to hold its place as a global bestseller. The account of Gandhi’s life was first serialized in his periodical, Navajivan, starting November 1925, with the first book edition published in 1927 and the second in 1929.

Navajivan Press Keeps Gandhi’s Classic Alive with Thousands of Copies Sold Every Year

Despite nearly a century having passed since its initial publication, Navajivan Press continues to print Gandhi’s autobiography, which is purchased by thousands each year. “After the lapse of the copyright in 2009, 60 years after the death of the author, many publishers began printing the autobiography,” TOI quoted Kapil Rawal, a trustee of the Navajivan Trust. “Through his words, Mahatma keeps inspiring generations.”

South Indian Translations Dominate Sales: Malayalam, Tamil Lead the Pack

Navajivan has sold over 61 lakh copies of the autobiography across 17 Indian languages and English. Among these, the Malayalam edition alone has sold 9.1 lakh copies, followed by Tamil at 7.8 lakh, Kannada at 2.3 lakh, and Telugu at 1.7 lakh.

“The Malayalam edition holds the record as the only Indian language translation of the book to spur an annual print order of more than 1 lakh twice, in 1999-2000 and 2000-01,” said Rawal, highlighting the enduring popularity of the language-specific edition.

Gandhi’s Words Continue to Inspire Generations Across India

The centenary of The Story of My Experiments with Truth is a testament to the Mahatma’s lasting influence on readers across generations. Even as digital media and modern lifestyles evolve, Gandhi’s insights into truth, non-violence, and simplicity continue to resonate, particularly among readers in the South who have embraced regional translations in large numbers.

Centennial Year Celebrations Reinforce the Global Appeal of Gandhi’s Memoir

As the book enters its 100th year, the centenary is expected to renew interest in Gandhi’s life and philosophy worldwide. The serialized beginnings in Navajivan and the subsequent widespread translations have ensured that his autobiography is not just a historical document but a living guide, inspiring ethical, moral, and personal growth among readers today.