Gopal Krishna Gokhale 1866-1915
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Birth Centenary |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | May 9, 1966 |
| Denomination | INR 0.15 |
| Quantity | 2,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ x 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Brown purple | Light yellow |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 411 Stamp Number IN 434 Yvert et Tellier IN 206 Stanley Gibbons IN 532 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Famous people | Headgear | Men | Politicians | Reformers | Social Critics |
Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a towering figure in the annals of modern India, played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the nation during the tumultuous period around the turn of the 20th century. Influenced by the great patriot Ranade, Gokhale emerged as a beacon of freedom and enlightenment. Born on May 9, 1866, in Kotluk, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, he devoted his life to the cause of education and national upliftment.
Rejecting a life of comfort, Gokhale embarked on a mission in the field of education, serving as the Secretary of the Deccan Educational Society and contributing significantly to Fergusson College, Pune. However, his true calling lay in the broader arena of national service and freedom struggle. At the age of 29, he assumed the role of Secretary of the Indian National Congress, where he engaged with luminaries like Ranade, Dadabhai Naoroji, and later, Mahatma Gandhi.
Gokhale was a proponent of constitutionalism and moderation in politics, advocating for incremental progress through reform. His tenure as a member of the Bombay Legislative Council and the Imperial Legislative Council saw him emerge as a trusted spokesman of Indian opinion, earning respect even from the foreign Government.
In 1905, at the age of 39, Gokhale was elected President of the Indian National Congress. The same year, he founded the Servants of India Society, dedicated to training national missionaries for the service of the country. His faith in the destiny of India was unwavering, and he believed in the power of love for one’s country as the driving force for change.
Gokhale’s acceptance of Gandhi’s method of passive resistance as a legitimate means of protest, albeit as a last resort, showcased his pragmatic approach to activism. His efforts in South Africa, at Gandhi’s behest, contributed significantly to the Indian settlers’ struggle for rights.
Gokhale’s passing in February 1915 marked the loss of a political realist and a constructive force in public life. His harmonious blend of thought, word, and action, along with his suave demeanor and unwavering commitment to truth and humanity, left an indelible mark on Indian society.
On the centenary of his birth, May 9, 1966, the Posts & Telegraphs Department is honored to issue a special postage stamp commemorating the life and legacy of this great son of India, Gopal Krishna Gokhale.