Who among the following was known as 'Lokhitwadi'?

Gopal Hari Deshmukh (1823–1892) was a prominent social reformer, rationalist, and writer from Maharashtra who is widely known by the pen name 'Lokhitwadi' (meaning 'Friend of the People' or 'One who seeks the welfare of the people') [1][2]. He began writing articles on social reform at the age of 25 for the weekly 'Prabhakar', where he published a series of 108 articles known as 'Shatapatre'. Deshmukh was a staunch critic of Hindu orthodoxy and the caste system, advocating for a society based on rational principles, secular values, and humanism [1][2]. He held various judicial positions under the British Raj and played a pivotal role in founding influential periodicals such as 'Gyan Prakash', 'Indu Prakash', and 'Hitechhu' [1]. His reformist agenda included promoting women's education, supporting widow remarriage, and encouraging national self-reliance.

Sources

1. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 9: A General Survey of Socio-Cultural Reform Movements > Gopalhari Deshmukh 'Lokahitawadi' > p. 215
2. [2] Modern India ,Bipin Chandra, History class XII (NCERT 1982 ed.)[Old NCERT] > Chapter 13: Growth of New India Religious and Social Reform After 1858 > Religious Reform in Maharashtra > p. 217