Question

Who is regarded as the political guru of Mahatma Gandhi? Give reasons for him being considered as the Mahatma’s guru.

Answer 1

Hint: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is known as the ‘Father of the Nation’ of India. He successfully led India towards independence through his non violence.. The title ‘Mahatma’ was first applied to him in 1914, South Africa.

Complete answer: Gopal Krishna Gokhale was regarded as the political guru of Mahatma Gandhi. He guided Gandhi after he came back from South Africa. Gopal Krishna Gokhale had immense knowledge in the field of Indian politics.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born in 1866 in Kotluk, in a Brahmin family of Maharashtra. He was an eminent social reformer in India and belonged to the moderate faction of the Indian National Congress. He was the political adviser of Mahatma Gandhi. In 1905, in the Benares session he was elected the President of the Indian National Congress. In 1905 the Servants of India Society was founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale in order to promote human and social development in order to overthrow the British. The society undertook some campaigns to promote health, sanitation, abolition of untouchability , alcoholism, poverty, against the oppression of women and domestic abuse. Gokhale believed that education could instill a sense of patriotic duty among the Indians.

Note: After returning to India from South Africa he joined Gopal Krishna Gokhale’s group before becoming a part of the Indian independence movement. Gandhi regarded Gokhale as his political mentor and dedicated him a book named “Dharmatma” Gokhale. According to historians, Gokhale maintained good natured relations with his opponents. He spoke out for the release of Lala Lajpat rai who was imprisoned by the British.