Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a prominent moderate leader of the Indian National Congress, dedicated his life to the service of the nation. Here are key facts about his background, political participation, and contributions:
Background:
- Gokhale was born to Krishna Rao Gokhale and Valubai in Kotluk District Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
- Despite financial difficulties, he received a Western education, which influenced his thinking and led him to appreciate the works of John Stuart Mill and Edmund Burke.
- He attended school in Kolhapur before graduating with a master’s degree from Elphinstone College in Bombay in 1884.
- Gokhale worked as a schoolteacher in Pune and later became the principal of Fergusson College in Pune in 1902, where he taught political economy and history.
Political Participation:
- Gokhale joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1889, inspired by his mentor, social reformer M G Ranade.
- He advocated for expanded political rights for Indians and was considered a centrist within the INC.
- Gokhale preferred non-violent and non-confrontational methods to achieve government rights and privileges, which led to disagreements with the more radical elements within the INC, particularly Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
- He held positions such as Honorary Secretary of the Sarvajanik Sabha of Pune and Joint Secretary of the INC alongside Tilak.
Contributions:
- In 1905, Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society, which aimed to promote education among Indians and instill civic and patriotic responsibility.
- He organized mobile libraries and schools through the Society’s efforts and taught industrial workers at night.
- Gokhale was known for his economic expertise, as demonstrated by his speech on the budget in the Central Legislative Council.
- His influence was significant in shaping the Morley-Minto reforms.
- In 1908, Gokhale established the Ranade Institute of Economics and advocated against untouchability, the caste system, and for women’s independence and education.
- At Mahatma Gandhi’s request, Gokhale traveled to South Africa in 1912 and mentored Gandhi, who returned to India inspired by Gokhale’s teachings.
- Gokhale founded the newspapers ‘Mahratta’ and ‘Jnanaprakash.’
Conclusion:
- Gopal Krishna Gokhale campaigned for Indian self-rule and social reforms through the Servants of India Society, the Indian National Congress, and various legislative bodies. He believed in using constitutional means and working with the British government to achieve Indian independence. Gokhale’s untimely death on February 19, 1915, left a void in the lives of those who greatly admired him.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and what role did he play in Indian history?
Answer: Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866–1915) was a prominent political leader and social reformer during the Indian independence movement. He played a crucial role in shaping the early phase of the movement, advocating for constitutional reforms and social upliftment. Gokhale was a key leader in the Indian National Congress and served as its president in 1905. He was a strong advocate of the “Moderate” approach, emphasizing constitutional methods to achieve self-governance for India within the British Empire.
2. What were Gokhale’s contributions to social reform in India?
Answer: Gopal Krishna Gokhale was deeply committed to social reform and believed that political progress should be accompanied by social progress. He actively worked towards eradicating social issues such as untouchability, caste discrimination, and promoting education. Gokhale was associated with organizations like the Servants of India Society, which aimed at fostering national spirit and social service. He worked tirelessly to improve the condition of the lower castes and advocated for their representation in public services.
3. How did Gokhale influence Mahatma Gandhi’s political philosophy?
Answer: Gopal Krishna Gokhale had a profound influence on Mahatma Gandhi’s political ideology. Gandhi, during his formative years in South Africa, considered Gokhale as his political mentor. Gokhale’s emphasis on non-violence, constitutional methods, and constructive work left a lasting impact on Gandhi. Gokhale’s stress on moral values and service to the nation resonated with Gandhi’s own philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force) and nonviolent resistance. Gandhi later acknowledged Gokhale’s role in shaping his political and ethical beliefs, and Gokhale’s teachings became foundational to the Gandhian approach to Indian independence.
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