Essays

"Gopal Krishan Gokhale, noted freedom fighter, was one of the first to emphasize the need for mass education. "He devoted a lot of his spare time for the causes of the common man: famine, plague ^p relief measures y local self-government, land reform, and communal harmony. 

Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born on May 9, 1866 at Katulk in Ratnagiri Maharashtra, on May 9,1866, Gopal Krishna Gokhale was raised in the home of maternal grandfather. This village was not too far from Tamhanmala, the native lab of his father, Krishna Rao, a fanner by occupation who was forced to work as due to the poor soil of the region. His mother, Vauban, also known as Satyabhan was a simple woman who instilled in her children the values of religion, devotion to one's family and caring for one's fellow men. The economic condition of the fame was so bad that on his father's death, he could continue his studies only because elder brother sacrificed his own education.

Gokhale learned the value of self-sacrifice to avoid asking for more material support. At times he went without meals and studied under the light of street lain to save for his elder brother as much money as possible. A hardworking student he moved on to college and graduated from Elphinstone College, Bombay in 1884attht age of 18 earning a scholarship of Rs. 20 per month in his final year. His education influenced Gokhale's life in many ways. Primarily his understanding of the English language allowed him to express himself without hesitation and with utmost clarity. Also, his appreciation and knowledge of history instilled in him a respect for liberty, democracy and the parliamentary system.

 After graduation he moved on to teaching and took a position as an As Master in the New English School in Pune. Among many achievements which testify to his talent and passion for teaching, perhaps the greatest of them was a compilation, a book of arithmetic in collaboration with a colleague, N. J. Bapat which was widely used and translated text-book across the country. Gokhale moved on to become a founding member of Fergusson College in Pune in 1885 with colleague using he highly honored Deccan Education Society. He pledged twenty years of his life to this college, as a teacher and board member. So apt was he at teaching subjects of any variety that he was known as the "Professor to Order”. 

In 1886 when he was just 20, he delivered a public address concerning "India under the British Rule" and was applauded for his expression and command over English language thus he took entry in public life, a change in his outlook began, Gokhalesoon moved on to managing public affairs. While contributing articles to Ac English weekly Mahratta, he thought using education as a means to awaken patriotism among the people of India. Just as this idea was enveloping Gokhale was promoted as Secretary to the Deccan Education Society. Once in the limelight, there was no looking back. After being given charge of the Bombay Provincial Conference in 1893, he was elected to the Senate of the Bombay University. In time, Gokhale came to devote all his spare time to the causes of the common man; famine, plague relief measures, local self-government, land reform and communal harmony. As a member of the Pune Municipality, twice elected its President, Gokhale continued to strive to solve the problems of the poor and those who came to him with grievances concerning water supply, drainage, etc. were pleased with the practical manner in which he dealt with the problem. Gokhale also published a daily newspaper entitled Jnanaprakash which allowed him to voice his reformist views on politics and society.

In 1905 he founded the Servants of India Society, which trained people to be selfless social workers so they could work for the common good of the people. So strong was the desire to make a difference that these kindred spirits vowed a simple life of dedication to these causes. Among many things the organization did, there were the commendable services of helping victims of floods and famines and taking the time to educate women in society, so that they too may stand with a voice. 

Gokhale was greatly influenced by Ranade, Dadabhai Naoroi and Pherozeshah Mehta.  But Ranade, whom he regarded as his master in political and public life influenced him the most. Ranade trained him for 15 years in all spheres of public life and taught him sincerity, devotion to public service, and tolerance. These qualities, which Ranade helped instill in Gokhale are those qualities which helped make Gokhale [the man he is known today. Immediately after his graduation Gokhale Joined the Deccan Education Society, Poona, as a Life time Member.

In 1908 he founded the Ranade Institute of Economics. Gokhale visited England and voiced his concerns relating to the unfair treatment to the Indian people by the British government. In a span of 49 days, he spoke in front of 47 different audiences, captivating everyone of them. Before long, he was touted as the most effective pleader for India's cause. While Gokhale pleaded for gradual reform to ultimately attain Swaraj or self-government in India, some of his contemporaries comprising a radical element, wished to use force as a means of persuasion. Gokhale maintained his moderate political views and worked out some reforms for the betterment of India. He was instrumental in the formation of the Minto-Morley Reforms of 1909, which eventually became law. Unfortunately, the Reforms Act became law in 1909 but it was disappointing to see that the people were not given a proper democratic system despite Gokhale's efforts.

 He was a great reformer, he deprecated the caste-system and untouchability, pleaded for the emancipation of women and championed the cause of female education. In Gokhale's opinion the introduction of western education in India, with its liberalizing influence, was a great blessing to the people. He was a firm believer in the theory that mass education was a prerequisite to national political consciousness. He advocated that primary education should be free in all schools throughout India at once.

As for Gokhate's ideas on nationalism and the conduct of the nationalist movement, he sought greater autonomy for Indians who would cooperate which Government in reforms and obtain through constitutional means and by perusal up and advance over the reforms granted until, finally, India became a salt Dominion within the British Commonwealth of Nations. While apercu Benefit it soy' British rule in general, he never failed to criticize unjust police. Handed actions of the Government.

 In his opinion, the economic results of British rule in India were absolute disastrous resulting in frightful poverty. According to him, the greatest hour in India was industrial knowhow. In agriculture, he pleaded that oil should be changed and new techniques be adopted as much as possible. There wi crying need to introduce agricultural science and improved agricultural impels a Regarding the textile industry, Gokhale acknowledged that the handloom was (good work and had a bright some future before it, yet the main work would hail be done by machinery. He made extensive use of the public platform for communicate (his ideas on social, economic and political reforms. Some of his memorable speeds were made in the Imperial Legislative Council, specially on the Annual Budges 1902 to 1908.

The years of hard work and devotion of Gopal Krishna Gokhale did much India, but sadly enough it had put a bad impact on the health of this great leaded Excessive exertion and the resulting exhaustion only aggravated his diabetes cardiac asthma. The end came peacefully, however, on February 19, 1915. Portia' his finger toward heaven and then folding his hands respectfully, Gopal Gokhale made his final statement to an audience, a fond farewell, 

Vocabulary

1. Emphasis—overemphasize, overstress. 2. plague—beset, harass. 3. measures- appraises, cadences, assesses, 4. sacrifice—forfeit, ritual killing. 5. democracy-commonwealth, republic. 6. honored—abided by favored. 7. various- assortmcnt,diverseness.8. applauded—acclaimed, spitted, clapped. 9. patriotism- nationalism, love of country and willingness to sacrifice for. 10. harmony—concordance, musical harmony. 11. grievances—grudges, scores. 12. reformist- crusader, progressive. 13. commendable-—admirably, praiseworthily. 14. devotion-feelings of ardent love, devotedness, veneration. 15. captivating—backhanding, charming. 16. persuasion—opinion, sentiment. 17. pleaded—alleged, justified, rationalized. 18. emancipation—freeing. Liberation from any onerous controlling In 19. championed—defended, protect or fight for as a champion. 20. liberal—bighearted, broad. 21. prerequisite—requirement, something that is required in advance. 22. consciousness—awareness, knowingness. 23. criticize—criticize, pick apart. 24. exertion—effort, sweat, travail.