Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a towering figure in Indian political history. He was born in 1866 in Maharashtra. He received his early education in Ratnagiri and then pursued higher education at the Elphinstone college in Bombay. He joined the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1889 and presided over its 21st session in 1905 in Benaras. He advocated for a moderate approach to achieve independence. He also inspired Gandhi ji to join Indian politics. In 1907, Gokhale founded the Servants of India society to train and mobilize individuals for public service and nation-building. The society engaged in a wide range of social service activities, including promoting education, healthcare, sanitation, and rural development. In 1911, he started the English weekly - The Hitavada. He passed away at an early age of 49 in 1915. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians to strive for excellence, social justice, and ethical governance.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born on May 9, 1866, in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. He received his early education at the Rajaram High School in Ratnagiri. He comes from a very humble background. From an early age he demonstrated academic excellence. Gokhale's thirst for knowledge led him to pursue higher education at the Elphinstone College in Bombay (now Mumbai), where he studied arts and excelled in subjects like English and mathematics. He also earned a scholarship based on his academic excellence. During his studies in Elphinstone college, he got exposed to the burgeoning freedom struggle. After completing his education, he worked as a teacher at a school in Pune briefly. He also worked in Fergussen college as a professor of political economics and History and later became the Principal of the college in 1902. But soon his career took a turn and he got involved in public service and activism.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866–1915) was a prominent Indian nationalist leader, social reformer, and statesman during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He played a crucial role in shaping the early phase of Indian National Congress. He was known for his moderation, integrity, and commitment to nonviolent methods. He was an inspiration of many leaders during the freedom struggle including Gandhi ji.

• Mahadev Ranade was the political guru of Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
• He guided Gokhale in his political career and social reform activities.
• His focus on social issues like child marriage, widow remarriage, and the upliftment of women and lower castes, deeply influenced Gokhale's work for society.

1. Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Gandhi ji
   • Gokhale played a crucial role in shaping Gandhi's political philosophy and guiding his early years in the Indian nationalist movement.
   • He first met Gandhi in South Africa and recognised his potential as a leader.
   • In 1909, Gokhale arranged for Gandhi to travel to England to study law and gain exposure to Western political thought. During this time, Gandhi ji was deeply influenced by the teachings of Gokhale. He considered Gokhale as his mentor.
   • However, Gandhi ji was not in support of Gokhale’s belief in western institutions as a means to do reforms in India.


2. Role in Indian National Congress (INC)
   • Gokhale became a member of INC in 1889 and was a prominent leader among the moderate faction of the Indian National congress.
   • He presided over the 21st session of INC held in Benaras in 1905. His presidency represented the continuation of the moderate leadership within the Indian National Congress. During his presidency, he advocated for constitutional methods of political agitation and emphasized the importance of constructive work and education in the nationalist movement.


3. Support to the Swadeshi movement
   • Gokhale supported the Swadeshi movement that emerged in the early 20th century. He advocated for peaceful methods to avoid violence while achieving the objectives of the movement.


4. Role in colonial legislatures
   • In 1899, Gokhale was elected as a member to the Bombay Legislative council.
   • In 1902, Gokhale was elected to the Imperial Legislative Assembly, the highest legislative body in British India. He represented the Bombay Presidency as its member.
   • He advocated for reforms such as Indian representation in legislative councils, expansion of civil liberties, and economic development.
   • He used his membership in the Legislative assembly to criticise the British policies like Partition of Bengal.
   • He also played a crucial role in bringing Morley-Minto reforms in 1909.

• Advocacy for education
  • Gokhale emphasised on the importance of education as a tool to uplift and empower the society during his INC presidency in 1905.
  • He advocated for the promotion of Vernacular languages as mediums of instruction.
  • He also played a significant role in the establishment of Fergusson College in Pune, Maharashtra in 1885.


• Advocacy for workers’ rights
  • As a member of the Imperial Legislative Council, Gokhale raised issues related to labor rights and welfare.
  • He advocated for the reforms to protect the interests of workers, including measures to regulate working hours, ensure fair wages etc.


• Servants of India society
  • In 1907, Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society to train and mobilize individuals for public service and nation-building.
  • The Servants of India Society admitted members from diverse backgrounds, including professionals, educators, social workers, and activists.
  • It engaged in a wide range of social service activities, including promoting education, healthcare, sanitation, and rural development.

• Gopal Krishna Gokhale started the English weekly newspaper - The Hitavada in 1911.
• Gandhi wrote a book ‘Dharmatama Gokhale’ dedicated to Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
• Gokhale: The Indian Moderates and the British Raj is the biography of Gokhale written by B.R. Nanda.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale passed away on February 19, 1915, at the relatively young age of 49. His untimely death was a great loss for Indian National movement.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a towering figure in India’s political history. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent leader in India's struggle for independence remains an inspiring testament to the power of education, perseverance, and a commitment to noble ideals. He was a mentor to Gandhi ji and many other leaders. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians to strive for excellence, social justice, and ethical governance.