Bal Gangadhar Tilak, popularly known as Lokmanya Tilak, was the first leader of the Indian Independence Movement. Tilak was the one who understood Swaraj (self-rule), he is popular for his quote – “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!”
He was the strongest leader and British authorities called him “The father of Indian unrest” and he was popular as “Lokmanya” which means that he was accepted by the people as their leader. Mahatma Gandhi honored him as “The Maker of Modern India.”
Tilak was one of the third of Lal Bal Pal triumvirate. He formed a close alliance with Bipin Chandra Pal and Lala Lajpat Rai.
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Lokmanya Tilak was born on 23rd July 1856 and he died on 1st August 1920 as Keshav Gangadhar Tilak. He was born in the Marathi Hindu Chitpavan Brahim family in Ratnagiri. Tilak was married to Tapibai when he was sixteen and changed her name to Satyabhamabai.
Tilak earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Deccan College of Pune in 1877. And he joined the L.L.B course and obtained a degree in the year 1879 from Government Law College.
Lokmanya Tilak used his pen as a weapon against British colonial rule. He founded and edited two newspapers – “Kesari” in Marathi and “The Mahratta” in English.
Today on his death anniversary nation paid tribute to him and remembered him for his contribution towards the independence of India.
Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma remembered the pioneers of the Swadeshi movement and tweeted, “Sincere tributes to the staunch nationalist and an iconic leader of India's independence movement, 'Lokmanya' Bal Gangadhar Tilak on his Punyatithi.
Inspired by Bhagwad Gita, he was a strong proponent of Karma Yoga and one of the pioneers of the Swadeshi movement.”
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Bhusan Patil, Member of Central Board Of Film Certification Advisory Board Panel paid floral tribute to Lokmanya Tilak and wrote, “Along with INC Mumbai President Sh. Bhai Jagtap, MRCC Working President Sh. Charan Singh Sapra and other leaders paid floral tributes to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Ji and Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe at MRCC office.”
Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot wrote, “Humble tributes to one of the leading lights of Independence movement, social reformer and teacher Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Ji on his death anniversary. He was one of the first & strongest advocates of Swaraj. His ideals, courage & struggle would always remain an inspiration.”
Here are some golden words by Bal Gangadhar Tilak are:
"If God is put up with untouchability, I will not call him God."- Bal Gangadhar Tilak
"It may be providence's will that the cause I represent may prosper more by my suffering than by my remaining free."- Bal Gangadhar Tilak
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"The geologist takes up the history of the earth at the point where the archaeologist leaves it and carries it further back into remote antiquity." – Bal Gangadhar Tilak
"Religion and practical life are not different. To take sanyas (renunciation) is not to abandon life. The real spirit is to make the country, your family, and work together instead of working only for your own. The step beyond is to serve humanity and the next step is to serve God."- Bal Gangadhar Tilak