Gopal Hari Deshmukh Essay for UPSC

Gopal Hari Deshmukh was a great educationist and social reformer from Maharashtra in the 19th century. He was born in Poona (now Pune) in 1823 AD in an affluent Chitpavan Brahmin family. He strongly advocated western education and education for all especially for women in Indian society. It was his firm belief that good education can uplift society and a country as well.

He strongly denounced many social evils like child marriage, dowry system and illiteracy in his articles which he used to write in many periodicals. He also worked as the Divan of the state of Ratlam. Later he became a judge. After years long social service, he passed away in October, 1892.

Some Important Points

No:1. Gopal Hari Deshmukh was popular with the name of ‘Lokhitwadi’ as he wrote many articles against many evils of society in the weekly paper ‘Prabhakar’ under the pen name of ‘Lokhitwadi’.

No:2. His 100 articles on social reforms were later collectively called ‘Lokhitwadinchi Shatapatre’.

No:3. He was also appointed as Governor-General’s Council.

No:4. He was one of the key figures who promoted journalism in Maharashtra in the 19th century. He launched ‘Hitechchhu’ paper. It was a weekly paper in Gujarati and English languages.

No:5. He was also closely associated with ‘Gyan Prakash’, ‘Indu Prakash’ and ‘Lokhitwadi’ periodicals as a journalist.

No:6. He was a crusader of social reforms. He made relentless efforts in promoting education and eradicating many social evils to develop a good society.