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Question

Which prominent Indian freedom fighter, known for his moderate approach to self-rule and for founding the Servants of India Society in $1905$ to train national missionaries, also established the English daily 'The Hitavada' in $1911$ in Nagpur?

The correct answer is
Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Indian Freedom Fighter Contributions and Key Societies

The question asks to identify a significant figure in India's struggle for independence who advocated for self-rule through moderate means. This individual is also noted for founding the 'Servants of India Society' in the year $1905$ and establishing the English newspaper 'The Hitavada' in Nagpur in $1911$. Let's explore the contributions of the mentioned leaders to understand who fits this description.

Gopal Krishna Gokhale: A Moderate Leader

Gopal Krishna Gokhale is widely recognized as a prominent leader of the moderate faction within the Indian National Congress. His approach focused on constitutional methods and gradual political reform. He believed in working within the existing system to achieve self-governance for India. Key aspects of his legacy include:

  • Founding the Servants of India Society: In $1905$, Gokhale established this organization with the aim of training people to dedicate their lives to the cause of Indian freedom and service. The society focused on educating the masses, promoting cooperation, and working for the welfare of the Indian people.
  • Establishing 'The Hitavada': To voice the moderate perspective and disseminate news and opinions, Gokhale founded the English daily newspaper 'The Hitavada' in Nagpur in $1911$. The name 'Hitavada' translates to 'The People's Counsel', reflecting its purpose of guiding and informing the public.
  • Moderate Approach: Gokhale served as a political mentor to Mahatma Gandhi and Jinnah, emphasizing dialogue, negotiation, and persuasion rather than confrontation.

Analysis of Other Prominent Leaders

While the other leaders mentioned were also crucial figures in the Indian freedom movement, their specific contributions and approaches differed:

  • Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Known for his more assertive and radical approach, Tilak was a strong proponent of 'Swaraj' (self-rule) and famously declared, "Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it." He was a key figure in the extremist faction of the Congress.
  • Lala Lajpat Rai: Another significant leader, often associated with Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal (forming the 'Lal Bal Pal' trio), Lala Lajpat Rai was known for his fiery speeches and advocacy for Swaraj.
  • Surendranath Banerjee: A prominent moderate leader and one of the founding members of the Indian National Congress, Banerjee was a key figure in early Indian nationalism. While a leading moderate, the specific founding of the Servants of India Society and 'The Hitavada' are attributed to Gokhale.

Key Contributions Summary Table

The table below summarizes the key contributions related to the question for clarity:

Leader Name Approach Key Organization Founded Year of Founding Organization Newspaper Founded Year of Founding Newspaper
Gopal Krishna Gokhale Moderate Servants of India Society $1905$ The Hitavada $1911$
Bal Gangadhar Tilak Assertive/Extremist Various initiatives, e.g., Deccan Education Society (earlier), Home Rule League (later) N/A (for Servants of India Society) Kesari (Marathi), Mahratta (English) $1881$
Lala Lajpat Rai Assertive/Extremist Servants of the People Society (later) N/A (for Servants of India Society) The People, Young India N/A (for $1911$ Hitavada)
Surendranath Banerjee Moderate Indian National Association (precursor to INC) $1876$ The Bengalee $1879$

Conclusion on Founding Societies and Publications

Based on the specific details provided in the question—the founding of the Servants of India Society in $1905$ and the establishment of 'The Hitavada' in Nagpur in $1911$—Gopal Krishna Gokhale is the leader who matches these significant contributions.

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Important Questions from Other Dimensions

  1. Consider the following statements with reference to the Bhoodan Movement:

    1. Vinoba Bhave organized "The Sarvodaya Samaj' to take up the work of non-violent transformation in India

    2. Jayaprakash Narayan withdrew from active politics to join the Bhoodan Movement in 1953

    3. In the wake of the Bhoodan Movement the first donation of land was made in the village of Pochampalli in Telangana

    How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

  2. In April 2017, India celebrated 100 years of Mahatma Gandhi's

  3. The authorities of which country denied the permission to land the ship Komagata Maru, carrying Indians?

  4. Moplahs, or Muslim peasants, created a powerful anti-zamindar movement in:

  5. Where was the first All-India Kisan Sabha formed?

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