Gopal Krishna Gokhale: A Leader of Reforms and Independence Movement

1. Pioneer of Indian Independence Movement

• Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and a prominent figure in the Indian Independence Movement.

2. Scholar and Educator

• After completing his arts degree at Elphinstone College, Bombay, in 1884, Gokhale began his career as a professor, focusing on history and political economy at Fergusson College, Poona.

3. Association with the National Congress Movement

• Actively involved in the National Congress movement, he served as the joint secretary and, in 1905, as president during the Benares session.

4. Emphasis on Liberty and Democracy

• His exposure to higher education made Gokhale appreciate the significance of liberty, democracy, and parliamentary governance.

5. Influence of Mahadev Govind Ranade

• Gokhale regarded Mahadev Govind Ranade, a scholar and social reformer, as his "Guru."
• With Ranade's guidance, Gokhale established the "Servants of India Society" in 1905, focusing on training Indians to serve their nation.

6. Collaborative Efforts with Ranade

• Gokhale worked alongside Ranade on a quarterly journal called "Sarvajanik," addressing contemporary public issues candidly and fearlessly.

7. Leadership in the Indian National Congress

• Gokhale became a prominent face of the Indian National Congress during the 1895 Poona session when he served as the secretary of the "Reception Committee."

8. Advocating for Indian Concerns in the British Parliament

• Gokhale was a member of the Bombay Legislative Council, where he vocally opposed the British government's actions.

9. Mission to England for Constitutional Demands

• In 1905, Gokhale was sent to England on a special mission by the Indian National Congress to advocate India's constitutional demands to British leaders.

10. Role in Minto-Morley Reforms

• Gokhale played an essential role in the formation of the Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909, though these reforms did not establish a full-fledged democratic system in India.

11. Mentor to Gandhi and Jinnah

• Gokhale's influence extended to Mahatma Gandhi, whom he mentored and guided, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale left a lasting legacy in the quest for Indian independence and the promotion of democratic principles.