Gokhale had worked hard on the Public Service Commission Report to get it completed as soon as possible because he had sensed that his end was approaching. In England the doctors had already told him that he had not much life left.
The stalking death did not frighten him. He did not rush into the religion to beg for a place in the heavenly paradise. He was a man of karma and wanted to die at work. Infact, his whole life itself was a prayer in the service of the countrymen.
On 13th February, 1915 Servants of India Society decided to organise a reception in honour of Gandhi for his grand achievement in South Africa in the service of Indian settlers. Gokhale was naturally to attend the meeting to bless his disciple, Gandhi.
But he could not.
Gokhale had lost consciousness. When he came back he worried to finish the incomplete tasks. The death was knocking at his door.
He spent four days working feverishly to complete the letters, essays and reports he was supposed to submit to Lord Willingdon.
On 18th February his condition deteriorated. At that time he was working on the draft constitution of India. The Constitution of Public Service Commission report had already been completed.
Gokhale’s personal doctor examined him on the morning of the 19th February. He found Gokhale’s condition in the critical stage. For consultations he called for specialist doctor V.C. Gokhale and Shikhare. Gopal Krishna Gokhale opened his eyes and requested not to crowd the room.
Perhaps he wanted to die peacefully having completed the duty of life.
He spoke to his sister and her daughters telling them not to grieve over his death. Gokhale assured them that he had taken care of their future needs and made adequate provisions.
He bid good bye to the members of the Servants of India Society. Gokhale talked in a contented mood to his cook and the valet.
His close friend H.N. Apte was sitting by his side. Gokhale smiled at him saying. “I have seen this phase of life. Let me see the other phase.”
Then, he smoothened his dress and asked to be helped on to be seated on his favourite easy chair.
The doctor and Apte helped him.
In the morning of the 19 February, 1915 at 10.25 a.m. Gopal Krishna Gokhale signed off from this world. He breathed his last as the doctor and his friend watched in grief.
He died in his chair.
His dead body was placed in the office of the Servants of India Society where his friends, followers and admirers paid him their last tributes.
On 20 February, 1915 Gopal Krishna Gokhale’s body was assigned to the flames.
Thus, ended the life of a great son of India.
