"Gokhale - My political guru", by M.K.Gandhi (Mahatma Gandhi). This is a small book of 60 pages and was published in 1955.
We all know that Mahatma Gandhi considered Gopalkrishna Gokhale as his guru, he even refered to him as Mahatma Gokhale. Gandhiji had written a number of articles about his time with Gokhale, Gokhale's legacy, his place in Gandhiji's life and delivered speeches on Gokhale, mostly in Gujarati. This book is compilation of these writings and speeches extracted from Gandhiji's literature.
The book portrays Gokhale as a scholar, compassionate towards plight of Indians, one of the best English speakers (even better than native English speakers), a thinker, reformer and a person with crystal clear thoughts. Gandhiji sights Gokhle's delicate health as an impediment in his work. Probably this was the reason for Gokhle not resorting to frugal living, penance and fasting. He donated all his allowances and lived on allowance of 40 to 75 rupees per month.
Gandhiji narrates Gokhle's trip to South Africa to review situation of Indian laborers in detail. He was the first Indian leader to visit South Africa. He also affectionately talks about Gokhale and how he helped him personally and guided him in his work.
Gokhale was proponent of compulsory and free primary education to every child. In his times it was unusual foresight. His idea of doing the right thing with public opinion on his side, if possible; if not, doing right thing anyway, is exemplary. His idea of creating young political Sanyasis to take up politics as duty towards society is ideal but seems impractical in today's world.
This book, however, is curiously silent about Gokhale's rivalry and differences with Lokmanya Tilak and resultant breakup of congress.
The main difference between guru and disciple is that Gandhiji tried to change the establishment by non cooperation whereas Gokhle tried to change the establishment by being part of it.
Read this book if you want to know about one great man from another great man.
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