Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of the earliest architect of the edifice of nationalist movement in India, was born on this day in the year 1856. Born as Keshav Gangadhar Tilak, the British colonial authorities called him "Father of the Indian unrest." Tilak was a strong vocal advocate of Swaraj and is known for the quote "Swarajya is my birthright, and I shall have it!".He was also conferred with the honorary title of "Lokmanya".Bal
Gangadhar Tilak was a social reformer and freedom fighter. He was one of the prime architects of modern India and strongest advocates of Swaraj.He was universally recognized as the "Father of Indian Movement".
Tilak was a brilliant politician as well as a profound scholar who believed that independence is the foremost necessity for the well being of a nation. He launched Swadeshi Movement and believed that 'Swaraj is my birth right and I shall have it'. His quote inspired millions of Indians to join the freedom struggle. The people called him Lok Manya Tilak with reverence. Born in a well-cultured family on 23rd July, 1856 in Ratangari of Maharashtra, Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a multifacet personality.After completing his graduation, Tilak began teaching in a private school in Pune and went on to become a journalist.
He was very vocal in his criticism of the Western education system and set up the Deccan Education Society to educate India's youth.
Tilak founded the Marathi daily Kesari and Darpan.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak joined the Indian National Congress in 1890.
In 1897, Bal Gangadhar Tilak was charged with writing articles instigating people to rise against the government and to break the laws and disturb the peace.
He was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for one and a half year.
Tilak was released in 1898. After his release, Tilak launched Swadeshi Movement.
Through newspapers and lectures, Tilak spread the message to each and every village in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Congress was split into two camps-Moderates and Hardliners.
Hardliners led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak opposed the moderate faction led by Gopal Krishna.
Tilak was in the favour of self rule while the moderates thought that time is not yet ripe for such an eventuality.
This rift finally led to a split in the Congress. Tilak was arrested on the charges of sedition in 1906.
After the trial, Tilak was sentenced to six years of imprisonment in Burma.
Tilak spent his time in prison by reading and writing. He wrote the book 'Gita-Rahasya' while he was in prison.
Tilak was released on 8th June, 1914.
After his release, Bal Gangadhar Tilak tried to bring the two factions of Congress together. But his efforts did not bear much fruit.
In 1916, Tilak decided to build a separate organization called the 'Home Rule League'.
Its goal was swaraj.
Tilak went from village to village, and explained the aim of his league to the farmers and won their hearts.
He travelled constantly in order to organize the people. While fighting for people's cause Bal Gangadhar Tilak died on 1st August, 1920.
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