Who founded the Servants of India Society in 1905?

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Explanation

Gopala Krishna Gokhale, a prominent leader of the moderate faction of the Indian National Congress, founded the Servants of India Society.
The society was established on June 12, 1905, in Pune, Maharashtra.
Its primary aim was to train a dedicated group of individuals ('national missionaries') for selfless service to the nation.
Members took vows of poverty and service, dedicating their lives to political, social, and economic reform through constitutional and peaceful methods.

Option A: M.G. Ranade was a distinguished scholar, social reformer, and the political guru of Gopala Krishna Gokhale. However, he did not found the Servants of India Society.
Option B: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a contemporary of Gokhale but belonged to the extremist faction of the Congress. He had significant ideological differences with Gokhale's moderate approach.
Option C: Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the 'Grand Old Man of India,' was a pioneer of the Indian nationalist movement and a mentor to many leaders, including Gokhale. He was not the founder of this specific society.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Indian History: Social and Religious Reform Movements as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The Servants of India Society was the first secular organization in India that focused on social service and welfare, training individuals to work for the betterment of society irrespective of caste or creed.
It represented the moderate faction of the Indian independence movement, which emphasized reform and constitutional agitation over revolutionary methods.
The society's work in areas like education, famine relief, and upliftment of tribal communities laid the groundwork for future non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in India.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from the subject of Modern Indian History.
First, identify the key organization mentioned in the question: 'Servants of India Society'.
Next, recall the founder associated with this specific organization from your study of social reform movements and the Indian freedom struggle.
Evaluate the options provided. Gopala Krishna Gokhale is historically credited with founding the society.
Eliminate the other options by associating them with their primary contributions: M.G. Ranade (Gokhale's mentor, Prarthana Samaj), Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Deccan Education Society, extremist leader), and Dadabhai Naoroji ('Drain of Wealth' theory, East India Association).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full KPSC Staff Nurse - 2015

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.