BAL GANGADHAR TILAK

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paid tributes to Lokmanya Tilak on his birth anniversary on 23 July. Bal Gangadhar Tilak [1856-1920]

About : Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a freedom fighter, social thinker, philosopher, and educator known for playing an instrumental role in India’s Independence effort.
He was born as Keshav Gangadhar Tilak on July 23, 1856 in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri.
Tilak was known as ‘Lokmanya,’ which means ‘accepted as the people’s leader.’ 
He graduated from Government Law College with an LLB in 1879. Contributions of Bal Gangadhar Tilak : Bal Gangadhar Tilak played an important role in advocating assertive nationalism and passive resistance. l He was often referred to as the "Father of Indian Unrest" by the British colonial authorities. l He supported widow remarriage, opposed child marriage, and advocated for women's education, understanding the importance of social progress alongside political freedom.
Tilak popularised the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi and Shivaji Jayanti to unite people and inculcate a sense of pride in Indian culture and history. Educational Contribution of Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
Tilak was an advocate for mass education and the promotion of Indian languages. He believed that education would help raise political awareness and promote cultural pride.
He established the Deccan Education Society in 1884 with his associate Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and others with a vision to impart nationalist principles to young people. l He played a pivotal role in the establishment of Fergusson College in Pune in 1885 through the Deccan Education Society. 

Literary Works :
He was a prolific writer, journalist, and social reformer. l Books written by Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Gita Rahasya and Arctic Home of the Vedas.
He started two newspapers, 'Kesari' in Marathi and 'The Mahratta' in English. Political Strategy: Tilak believed in a more assertive and militant approach to achieving self-rule.

He was a proponent of direct action and mass mobilization. His advocacy of mass protests and Swadeshi movements aimed to raise political consciousness and challenge British authority. In 1914, with the political landscape in India undergoing rapid changes amid the backdrop of World War I, Bal Gangadhar Tilak returned home. His release brought about an unprecedented sense of elation. Subsequently, he re-entered politics with a more seasoned approach. In 1916, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, along with Joseph Baptista, Annie Besant, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, co-founded the All India Home Rule League, marking a reunion with his fellow nationalists. By April 1916, the league boasted 1400 members, and the numbers swelled to 32,000 by 1917. 

Contribution in National Freedom Struggle:
BAL GANGADHAR TILAK played a pioneering role in arousing mass political consciousness during the freedom movement.
His famous slogan "Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!" inspired millions during India's Freedom Movement.
He propagated swadeshi movements and encouraged people to boycott foreign goods. l He spent 6 years (1908 to 1914) in Mandalay Prison for defending the actions of revolutionaries Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki.
He started the Indian Home Rule Movement in 1916 (headquarters in Belgaum), mirrored the Irish Home Rule movement and played a significant role in shaping the path toward independence in British India. This movement, led by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, primarily appealed to the educated English-speaking upper class Indians.