The Legacy of Mahatma Gokhale by M.K. Gandhi
(Extracts)
(Written for
the occasion of the Foundation-day of the Bombay Bhagini Samaj, in memory of
the late Gopal Krishna Gokhale, on his first death anniversary – the 19th
February 1916)
It seems that Mahatma Gokhale functioned as
if the words addressed by Krishna to Arjuna had been addressed to him by India,
the mother of us all, and had been made by him the guiding principle of his
life. For it will be readily admitted that whatever he did, whatever he
enjoyed, whatever he sacrificed, whatever he gave in charity, whatever
austerities he performed, he dedicated them all to his mother land.
What
is the moral of Gokhale’s life? What legacy has he left for us?
These
questions were answered by Gokhale himself in his last words to the members of
Servants of India Society...“Don’t waste your time in writing a biography or
setting up a statue, but pour your whole soul into the service of India. Then
only shall you be counted among her true and faithful servants.”
Gokhale
wrote articles in the quarterly of the Sarvajanik Sabha in Poona. He imparted
fresh lustre to the Fergusson College by his work there as a professor. He tendered
evidence before the Welby Commission. All India thus recognised his intrinsic
worth. He so deeply impressed Lord Curzon by his ability that Viceroy feared
Gokhale as he feared no one else. Gokhale covered himself with distinction as a
member of the Supreme Council in Calcutta. He served on the Public Service
Commission in spite of his failing health. On this and many other aspects of
his work others have written with greater qualifications than I can claim to
possess. Again, the lesson which, in my opinion, we have to learn from his life
cannot clearly be deducted from these activities.
Gokhale’s
life was that of man of religion. Every thing he did was done in the spirit of
a devotee as I can testify....It would not be improper to say that his very
doubt was inspired by religion. A man who leads a dedicated life, who is simple
in habits, who is the very image of truth, who is full of humanity, who calls
nothing his own – such a man is a man of religion, whether he himself is or is
not conscious of it. Such was Gokhale as I could see during the twenty years of
my friendship with him.
Fearlessness
was a very important element in Gokhale’s composition. Indeed this virtue is an
indispensable quality in a man of religion. There was a reign of terror in
Poona subsequent to the assassination of Mr. Rand and Lt. Ayerst. Gokhale was
in England at the time and referring to it he spoke to a Committee of
influential members of British Parliament. Some statement made in that speech
could not be substantiated later on. Therfore, when Gokhale returned to India,
he tendered an apology to the European officials whom he had charged with
misconduct and thus incurred the displeasure of some ignorant people who called
him a coward and advised him to retire from public life. He rejected this
advice with the noble words:-
“Public duties undertaken at the bidding of no man,
cannot be laid down at the desire of any one. Whether one works on a higher
plain or a lower one is a matter of small importance. One is always glad of the
appreciation by the public of what one has done............ But it is not the
highest purpose of existence, never really the highest. If it comes, to give
the words of Herbert Spencer, well; if not, well also, though not so well.”
Gokhale did his duty conscientiously and never wasted a
single selfish thought on what view the public would take of his action. I
believe, he had the capacity to cheerfully mount the gallows for the country’s
sake, if necessary. I know to mount the gallows more than once was very much
easier for him than face the practical situation. But he never so much thought
of turning his back to it.
...We cannot all acquire learning like him and the
learned men do not always serve the people. But can all cultivate virtues like
courage, truthfulness, patience, humility, a sense of justice,
straightforwardness and perseverance and dedicate them to the nation. This is
the spirit of a devotee. This is what Gokhale meant when he spoke “Public life
being spiritualised.” All who conduct themselves in such a spirit of dedication
will always see their way clear before them and claim a share in the legacy
which Gokhale has left for us all. Such devoted workers will be endowed with
all such gifts as they need as the Lord has promised, and Gokhale’s life is an
illustration of that promise having been abundantly fulfilled.
