What is Gopal Krishan Gokhale's contribution as a social reformer in Indian history?

Gokhale's primary contribution as a social reformer in the
history of India was to be one of the first to actually articulate the need for social
reform.  Gokhale understood that India was in sore need of social reformation at the
turn of the century.  He was not one who simply accepted the Status Quo.  Rather, he
recognized that India needed change in the realm of education, social equity, and
ensuring that the working class in India were still privy to being heard and validated. 
These are issues that India still struggles with today.  I think that a more interesting
discussion about Gokhale's role as a social reformer lies in his willingness to work
with the West.  Gokhale presented a model of social reform and change that depended on
the West and recognized that lasting change has to come from the Western construct that
enveloped India at the time.  While respected by freedom fighters like Gandhi, this idea
ran separate from their way of thinking.  Gokhale is one of many Indians who presented a
model of cooperation with the Western framework, oftentimes believing in its power and
possibility.  This idea of how India should interact with "the West" is also something
that resonates largely within India today.  Gokhale was one of the first in a long line
of Indian thought that struggled mightily with its relationship with the
West.