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Gokhale Institute of
Public Affairs |
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Gokhale Institute of Public Affairs
founded by late Sri D.V. Gundappa, well known litterateur and politician in Bangalore
has been one of the oldest institute serving the General Public at large
by arranging study circles and lectures on various topics related to the
Indian Culture, and public life. The institute and its founder played an
active role in creating national spirit among the general public during
and after the Independence of India.
A detailed account of Institute's activities and its history, life history
of its founder can be seen in the following pages. |
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Photographic portrait of Gopal Krishna Gokhale unveiled by Mahatma Gandhi |
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The Inspiration |
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The
photographic portrait of Gopal Krishna Gokhale which now holds the central
place in the Library Hall of the Institute forms the nucleus of the Institute.
It was unveiled at a public meeting in Bangalore by Mahatma Gandhi on
Sunday 8th May 1915. The speech of Mahatma Gandhi on that day and Gokhale's
own words in the Conspectus of the Servants of India Society (founded
by Sri Gokhale himself) have been adopted by the GIPA as mottoes and
guiding principles in all its work.
When one of India's famous sons,
Sri Gopala Krishna Gokhale passed away on 19th February 1915, the entire
nation plunged into inconsolable grief and a sense of loss pervaded everywhere.
Leaders of the stature of Tilak and Gandhiji paid rich tributes to the
departed leader that resulted in a desire among many to serve the country
as had been done by Sri Gokhale.
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Friends
of D.V.G. :
Standing :
1. Dr. B.K. Narayana Rao 2.
Prof. P.O. Parthasarathy Iyengar 3. Dr.
Sampathkumaran
Sitting : 1. S.G. Shastry 2. D.V. Gundappa
3. Rt. Hona'ble V.S. Srinivasa Shastry
4. C.S. Balasundaram Iyer 5. Rao Bahadur Dr. C.B. Rama Rao |
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How
it all happened ? |
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Sir M. Vishweshwaraiah, then
Dewan of Mysore spoke in appreciation of Gokhale's personality and work
in a well attended public meeting in Bangalore on 25th February 1915 which
inspired a group of youngsters to start an association that would involve
itself in public affairs. 'The Mysore Social Service League' came into
being as a result with members Shriyuths D.V. Gundappa, K.S. Krishna
Iyer, A.R. Nageshwara Iyer, N. Narasimha Murthy, M.G. Varadachar, C.S.
Anantha Padmanabha Iyer, S. Surya Prakash, Mokshagundam Krishna Murthy,
Belur Sreenivasa Iyengar, B.V. Subba Rao and K. Bheema Rao.
The visit of Mahatma Gandhi
in May 1915 to Bangalore evoked great enthusiasm among the public and
the function attended by him was a great success. Enthused by the public
appreciation, the Legue drew up a programme of work, arranging several
public lectures. It organised two night schools and took up relief measures
during the epidemic of influenza (1918-19). During the next decade nothing
much happened owing to the passing away of some members and personal circumstances
of others. But the passion for public service remained in the hearts of
these young men, known by the name 'Gokhale group'.
In 1939, D.V. Gundappa (well
known by his initials D.V.G.) prepared a draft of the ideas for the institute
which was appreciated by Rt. Hon. V.S. Sreenivasa Shastri. But an appeal
to raise the initial fund of Rs. 5,000 had to be shelved for then and
deferred for various reasons. Another effort was made in 1941 to enlighten
the public about the New Constitution that was being introduced in Mysore.
Thus, the first meeting of Gokhale Institute of Public Affairs was called
on 22nd May, 1941 in the National High School. First day's lecture was
delivered by D.V.G., followed on subsequent days by Shriyuths M.A. Gopalaswamy
Iyengar, M.P. Somasekhara Rao and V. Sitaramaiah.
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D.V.G. @ The Bangalore Civic Workers'
Convention held at GIPA |
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The Institute begins at last |
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A renewed and final effort
- now for the fourth time - at founding the Gokhale Institute was made
in end-1944 and letters of appeal were once again addressed. As the response
was encouraging, a meeting was called on 18th February 1945 at D.V. Gundappa's
residence in Nagasandra Road (now named as D.V.G. Road). The meeting adopted
the draft rules and appointed a Council of Management. Thus the Gokhale
Institute of Public Affairs in the present form was born on 18.2.1945.
The first activity, arrangement of a lecture however took place after
an year, on 2.7.1946 after securing a building. The Study Circle was started
on 15.12.1947. Another addition to the Institute was the Library, declared open
on 15th August 1948 by Shri B.P. Wadia, Director of the Indian Institute of
World Culture, Bangalore. The library now has a rare collection of many books and
is being used by both general public and research scholars. A hostel was also
constructed by mid-1966 for students.
The institute built the present
premises around 1956 after the city corporation gifted the ground in 1949.
The portrait of Gopal Krishna Gokhale adorns the Central hall. Apart from
portraits of many great Indian leaders, Clay images of Valmiki and Vyasa
can be seen in the building.
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Sri Gopal Krishna Gokhale
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Why Gokhale's name ? |
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D.V. Gundappa, the founder
of the institute, has tried to answer the question of why in particular
the name of Gokhale was taken for the institute, out of the names of so
many patriots and leaders who have fought for the independence and contributed
towards public work.
Sri Gopala Krishna Gokhale
thought of public work as TAPASYA or spiritual self-dedication made
efficient by conscientious study......Further, to quote Gandhiji,
Gokhale spiritualized the public life of the country and political institutions
of the country. It was in this background that the Institute was named
after Gokhale. The guiding principles for the work of this Institute have
been:
1. Scrupulous story of fact
in all its aspects.
2. A fair-minded consideration
of views and ideas - not one's own but even those opposed to one's own.
3. Constructive attitude
that cares more for positive practical good than for theoretical perfection. |
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Main Activities |
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D.V.G. - the man behind the Institute's unstinted
public service for decades
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The
following have been the major activities of the G.I.P.A. :
1.
Library
2. Reading-Room
3. Lectures
4. Popular and Endowment lectures
5. Symposia and conferences
6. Committees for preparation of memoranda on legislation, fiscal matters
and
other public issues
7. Correspondence with government functionaries for redressal of public
grievances
8. Cultural and literary programmes
9. Publication of books and pamphlets
10. Presentations by all political parties prior to General Elections
and
public discussions thereon.
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More Photos |
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| Contact Information |
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Gokhale
Institue of Public Affairs
Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi,
Bangalore - 560 019
Ph. : 91-80-2661 3148 |
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