Born on 9 May, 1866, in Maharashtra, Gopal Krishna Gokhale was an Indian liberal political leader and a social reformer during the Indian Independence Movement.

Being one of the first generations of Indians to receive a university education, Gokhale graduated from Elphinstone College in 1884. In addition to learning English, he was exposed to Western political thought and became a great admirer of theorists such as John Stuart Mill and Edmund Burke. He had a great influence of the social works of Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade on his life. He was named as the Protege Son’ i.e. Manas Putra of Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade.

Apart from beinga senior leader of the Indian National Congress, he was the founder of the Servants of India Society. Through the Society as well as the Congress and other legislative bodies he served in, Gokhale campaigned for Indian self-rule and for social reforms.

Gokhale was famously a mentor to Mahatma Gandhi in the latter’s formative years. As a young barrister, Gandhi returned from his struggles against the Empire in South Africa and received personal guidance from Gokhale, including a knowledge and understanding of India and the issues confronting common Indians.

Gokhale’s deposition before the Welby Commission on the financial condition of India won him accolades. His speeches on the budget in the Central Legislative Council were unique, with thorough statistical analysis. He played a leading role in bringing about Morley-Minto Reforms in India. He was a scholar and a statesman, arguably the greatest Indian liberal.

Gokhale died on 19 February, 1915, leaving a void in life of those who greatly admired him.