The Social reformer of Maharashtra who is famous as 'Lokhitwadi', was:

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
The correct answer is Gopal Hari Deshmukh. He was a prominent Indian activist, thinker, writer, and social reformer in Maharashtra during the 19th century. He earned the epithet 'Lokhitwadi' (meaning 'one who desires people's welfare') because of the influential articles he wrote on social change and reform. These articles were published in the weekly Marathi paper, *Prabhakar*, under the pen name 'Lokhitwadi'. His writings advocated for the reorganization of Indian society based on rational principles, humanistic, and secular values. He strongly criticized Hindu orthodoxy and the caste system, urging people to embrace modern, progressive thinking. His impact on the Social Reform Movement in Maharashtra was profound, leading to him being famously known by this title.

The incorrect option is 1:
Atma Ram Pandurang was a well-known social reformer from Bombay, primarily recognized as one of the founders of the Prarthana Samaj in 1867. While he was a key figure in religious and social reform, he is not known by the title 'Lokhitwadi'.

The incorrect option is 2:
Krishna Shastri Chiplunkar was a Marathi writer and a pioneer of Marathi journalism, famous for starting the monthly journal *Vividh Dnyan Vistar*. His main contribution was in literature and intellectual awakening, but he is not associated with the specific title 'Lokhitwadi'.

The incorrect option is 3:
Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a major leader of the Indian independence movement and a prominent Nationalist from Maharashtra, known as 'Lokmanya'. Although he was a powerful journalist and reformer, the title 'Lokhitwadi' belongs distinctly to Gopal Hari Deshmukh.