Political Mentor: Regarded as the political guru of Mahatma Gandhi; he advised Gandhi to travel across India for a year to understand its people before joining active politics.

Servants of India Society: Founded this society in 1905 to train "national missionaries" for the service of India and to promote social and educational reforms.

Moderate Leader: He presided over the Banaras Session of the INC (1905) and was a leading figure of the Moderate faction, emphasizing constitutional agitation and dialogue with the British.

Legislative Role: He served in the Imperial Legislative Council, where he famously advocated for the reduction of the salt tax and more spending on primary education.