Bipartisan admiration flowed across social media as February 19 marked the death anniversary of Gopal Krishna Gokhale, celebrated for tempering India’s freedom quest with constitutional savvy and bold social interventions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah posted appreciatively: Gokhale ignited youth passion for independence, battled caste prejudices through reforms, and embodied unflinching national advocacy. ‘Naman on this punyatithi.’
Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari termed him ‘the trailblazer of legalistic freedom warfare, adept statesman, social vanguard, and reform titan,’ bowing humbly.
UP’s Yogi Adityanath saluted Gokhale’s ‘invaluable ideological steer to independence and social overhaul—a bedrock of national edifice,’ with principles eternally inspiring democracy.
Assam’s Himanta Biswa Sarma credited Gokhale with fortifying the nation via constitutional tweaks, educational proliferation, and justice pursuits, grounding public realm in integrity, acuity, and accountability. ‘Honoring his visionary patriotism.’
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge evoked Gokhale as a premier independence colossus and Gandhi’s political beacon, whose colonial defiance propels ongoing quests for righteousness, autonomy, and progress.
Delving deeper, Gokhale (1866-1915) epitomized enlightened moderation in Congress politics, founding key institutions like the Ranade Institute. His global advocacy, including budget critiques in British Parliament, amplified Indian voices. Domestically, relentless campaigns curbed famines, advanced primary education, and tempered extremism with pragmatism.
Mentoring Gandhi during his South African phase, Gokhale’s demise prompted the Mahatma’s return to India. In an age of divisive rhetoric, these cross-party nods affirm Gokhale’s role as a unifying reformer.
The commemorations not only celebrate history but urge emulation of his clarity and compassion, vital for India’s forward march.