Short Biography
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born on 09-05-1866 in Kotluk Village in Ratnagiri in the state of Maharashtra, India. He was an Indian Politician, Philosopher, Revolutionary, Activist & Economist, Writer, Economist & Founder of the Servants of India Society.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale Complete Bio & Career
Gokhale did his initial studies at Rajaram High School in Kothapur and for higher studies relocated to Bombay. Gokhale created history becoming one of the initial Indians to obtain graduation degree. After completion of his graduation in arts in 1884 at the famous Elphinstone College of Bombay, Gokhale relocated to Pune and became a teacher at a school. He subsequently served as a professor at the Fergusson College in Pune. He taught political economy and history over there. He then became the principal of the college from a professor and served there till 1902.
He joined the INC after seeking advice from his mentor Ranade, Gopal Krishna Gokhale. He was highly active with the Indian National Congress and worked for them day in and day out. Looking at his dedication, he was made the joint secretary and later the president of the party at the Benares session of the Congress. The higher education made Gokhale understand the importance of democracy, parliamentary system of the government and liberty.
When Gokhale associated with the Indian National Congress, there were many pioneer leaders who were at the peak such as Lala Lajpat Rai, Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. But because of the importance that he was getting, there arise an internal rift within the party. His principles and ideas were getting ignored. Gokhale was arguably one of the most progressive socialists of the party while Bal Gangadhar Tilak was believed in traditional values when it came to cultural customs.
He made sure that every Indian should receive a proper education so that he can know about their duties and rights that they possess. To fulfill his dream, he launched the Servants of India Society. Through the society’s activities, Gokhale did his best to train common people with the feeling of nationalism and educate them about the political scenario of the time.
All his life, he addressed issues like economic, political and social reforms. He tried his best to balance them with the rich cultural heritage of the country. He was one leader who didn’t hate the British rule but perhaps was deeply admired the values of the British thinkers and with eagerness to make people realise, he worked with the British government on various social issues.