Lokmanya�Bal Gangadhar�Tilak
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak
in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
He gave a mantra: Swaraj and Swadeshi
Known as the Father of Indian Unrest (freedom movement): Tilak was one of the first leaders to advocate for Swaraj (self-rule).
His famous declaration, "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it," became a mantra for the Indian independence movement.
Swadeshi: Promoted use of made in India products, as mark of Self-pride.
After his death, many leaders including Mahatma Gandhi use ‘Swaraj’ and ‘Swadeshi’ in their fight against British rule.
Contribution to Indian Freedom Movement
from British rule:
Emphasized the importance of a cultural and religious festivals to go with the social and political movements.
Popularized the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in the Maharashtra region, and now around the world.
Started the celebration of Shiv Jayanti on the birth anniversary of the Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Tilak was imprisoned multiple times by the British, most notably from 1908 to 1914 in Mandalay (Burma).
During his imprisonment, he wrote his famous work Gita Rahasya, interpreting the Bhagavad Gita as a call to action.
Social and Cultural movements
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi shared the vision of Bhagvad Gita:
Loka-Samgrah meaning well-being of all.
They met each other a few times.
Mantra of well-being: Whatever an educated person does, others imitate. People follow the standard which this person set.
Social Responsibility: Shreshtha Acharan
Our Pranam to �Lokmanya Tilak