Why in the News?
Pune’s Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) has recently called for a neutral takeover of its parent body, the Servants of India Society (SIS), following allegations of financial irregularities.
About Servants of India Society:
- Founding: It was founded on June 12, 1905, in Pune by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, along with N.A. Dravid, G.K. Devadhar, and A.V. Patwardhan.
- Mission: The Society aimed to train Indians for selfless national service, promote education, and work for social and political reform through constitutional means.
- Core Values: Members took vows of simple living, secularism, and equality across caste and religion.
- Non-political Nature: Though non-political and non-sectarian, many SIS members contributed significantly to the freedom movement.
- Prominent Members: Influential members included V.S. Srinivasa Sastri, Hriday Nath Kunzru, and A.V. Thakkar.
- Major Activities: SIS established schools, ran night classes, supported healthcare, and published The Hitavada since 1911.
- Welfare Work: It actively engaged in disaster relief, women’s and child welfare, and rural development.
- Secular Legacy: It was India’s first secular social reform organisation, focusing on nation-building through service.
- Current Status: Headquartered in Pune, it continues to operate today, though with limited membership, preserving its foundational values.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866-1915):
|
| [UPSC 2009] Who among the following rejected the title of knighthood and refused to accept a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India?
Options: (a) Motilal Nehru (b) M.G. Ranade* (c) G.K. Gokhale (d) B.G. Tilak |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
