The destiny of modern India was shaped, in a large measure, by the many lovers of freedom who lived and laboured for the country about the turn of the last century. It was in this era of political and intellectual ferment that young Gokhale came under the influence of another great patriot, Ranade. The story of the friendship between them has been described as a beautiful romance in modern Indian history. In the short span of 49 years Gokhale established himself as a great leader and freedom fighter. Indeed, it would be no exaggeration to say that he became Gandhiji's preceptor and, historically, his precursor.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale was born at Kotluk, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra State, on May 9, 1866, nine years after the spark of Indian nationalism was kindled by the Great Uprising of 1857. On graduation, he turned his back on a life of comfort to start his mission in the field of education. He became the Secretary of the Deccan Educational Society and the leading luminary of Fergussion College, Poona. But Gokhale, the patriot, was meant for wider arena. At 29, Gokhale became the Secretary of the Indian National Congress. He used to warm up noble of intensely to noble souls like Ranade and Dadabhai Naoroji and in later years of Gandhiji; but he had a mind of his own which glowed at once with gentleness, forbearance, determination and the spirit of Independence. Like Burke, whom he admired, he was a fountain of constitutionalism and moderation in politics. As a member of the Bombay Legislative Council, and later of the Imperial Legislative Council, he was the trusted spokesman of Indian opinion.

A consunment parliamentarian, his views were heard with respect by the foreign Government. He had faith in the British because he had, like Gandhiji, faith in human nature. He combined enthusiasm for reform with patient industry, and the 'installments of progress' which came in the form of constitutional reforms were not a little due to him. In 1905, at the age of 39, he was elected President of the Indian National Congress. The same year Gokhale founded the Servants of India Society to train and raise a band of national missionaries for the service of the country. When he said," Love of country must so fill the heart that all else shall appear as of little moment by its side", he had faith in his country's ultimately destiny. Gokhale accepted Gandhiji's method of passive resistance as legitimate, but only as a last resort.

He toured South Africa at Ganhiji's instance, and his efforts brought a measure of success to the long-drawn struggle of the Indian settlers. Gokhale passed away on February, 1915. As a political realist Gokhale believed that representative institutions should grow from below. He was a great constructive force in the public life of his time. In him there was a harmony, typical Indian, between thought, word and action. Not a dogmatist, he lived his religion. His style was fluent and limpid; his manner suave image of truth, full of humanity, one who called nothing his own.

It is, indeed, a great privilege for the Posts & Telegraphs Department to bring out a special postage stamp in honour of this great son of India on May 9, 1966, the centenary of his birth.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India