As we are near the birth and death anniversary of a beloved icon of our nation’s history, one simply cannot forget these lines, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!” Even Today, The Father of Indian Unrest, Bal Gangadhar Tilak contribution to the freedom struggle is much discussed. Tilak, who was also revered as Lokmanya, was a highly educated teacher. Hence, we shall also learn about Bal Gangadhar Tilak education. He was very straightforward with what he wanted to express and how he wanted to emphasize the betterment of Modern India. The best Bal Gangadhar Tilak slogan ought to be the one we mentioned earlier, however, we will look into other examples. We shall also remember Bal Gangadhar Tilak death. The death of Lokmanya Tilak marked the demise of a very impactful man in Indian history. Let’s learn more about the notable Indian historical figure.
Life Of Bal Gangadhar Tilak / Biography Of Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Bal Gangadhar Tilak was an Indian nationalist, teacher, and independence activist born on July 23rd, 1856. When he came into existence, he was named Keshav Gangadhar Tilak. He was born in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, where he spent the first ten years of his lifetime. Bal Gangadhar Tilak education proved how learned the man truly was.
After completing his education, Tilak began working as a maths instructor in a private school in Pune. Later, as a result of ideological disagreements with his new associates, he withdrew and became a journalist. As a proponent of education, he co-founded and founded several schools and education societies. Later in his life, the beloved leader of the nation left the Deccan Education Society in pursuit of political work. He vocalized his fight against the British for the attainment of freedom for the country, and the rest is history.
Lokmanya Tilak – The Father Of Indian Unrest
The Britishers often referred to Bal Gangadhar Tilak as “The Father of Indian Unrest”. Valentine Chirol, who was a known British journalist, gave this title to Tilak.
This is because the man was a revolutionary mobilizer. He knew what to say, how to say it, and whom to say it to. He made a contribution to the freedom struggle with his essays that were printed in the Kesari and Mahratta newspapers by inspiring readers to join the fight for freedom. The Father of Indian Unrest was called so because he successfully managed to invoke in people what the Britishers feared: the courage to fight back.
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Bal Gangadhar Tilak Contribution In Freedom Struggle
Lokmanya Tilak, as he was called, was the first person to recognize that the British were oppressors, who should be rid of. He was a firm believer that instead of maintaining diplomatic relationships by working along their side, people should take a radical approach and get them out of the country. Bal Gangadhar Tilak contribution to the freedom struggle and his legacy is what propelled figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru forward.
Together with Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal, he founded the radical group the Congress. He started to disseminate propaganda that called for action against the British and their expulsion from the nation. Hence, he was also known as the Father of Indian Unrest. He is also credited for founding the Deccan Education Society alongside Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and others.
He was a key figure in the development of modern India and a staunch supporter of Swaraj (Self Rule). He was regarded as the “Father of the Indian Movement” by all. He was the first radical figure to bravely proclaim the right to self-rule as a birthright. He urged people to follow the path of self-rule.
He established the framework for India’s Freedom struggle to abolish British rule because he was aware of the connections between culture, economics, and politics. In order to advance the Swadeshi movement in India, which he introduced, Lokmanya Tilak, along with Jamshedji Tata founded Bombay Swadeshi Stores. Hence, Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s contribution to the freedom struggle was undeniable and impactful.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak Slogan And Books Written By Him
The world deems “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it” as the most famous and most influential Bal Gangadhar Tilak slogan.
However, the following are some more examples of the electrifying words the man would use to move people to action:
- “The problem is not the lack of resources or capability, but the lack of will.”
- “If we trace the history of any nation backwards into the past, we come at last to a period of myths and traditions which eventually fade away into impenetrable darkness.”
- “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
Besides moving the Indians with his powerful words, the Indian Father of Unrest also wrote several books. Following are the books the man wrote:
- The Arctic Home in Vedas
- Sri Bhagavadgita Rahasya
- Vedanga Jyotisha
- The Orion
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Bal Gangadhar Tilak Death
The death of Lokmanya Tilak marked an event of grief for millions of people. How did a man of such magnificent social and political stature die? Let’s learn more about Bal Gangadhar Tilak death.
He passed away on August 1st, 1920, due to a history of his illnesses, mainly a case of malaria and pneumonia. He was only 64 years old. The legendary man was cremated in the padmasana position, which is only reserved for saints. His funeral was held at Chowpatty beach, which was crowded with millions of people in attendance. Mahatma Gandhi was one of the many people who was grief-stricken over the death of Lokmanya Tilak. He expressed his emotions and respect for the man in an article he wrote for Young India.
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Conclusion
The legendary Indian independence fighter, Lokmanya Tilak was an idealistic national leader, talented writer, and a very wise man. The man was called Lokmanya for a reason. He was indeed the beloved leader of the nation; a man everyone listened to. Through the power of written language, Tilak proved the worth of words. The Father of Indian Unrest had considerable contributions and will be remembered for ages to come.
He will serve as a source of inspiration to all the oppressed people who are yet to gain the courage to fight back. The death of Lokmanya Tilak will never mount up to anything, as the man remains forever immortal in the hearts and minds of all the people he inspired and keeps inspiring.
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