Nation Remembers Lokmanya Tilak on Birth Anniversary

Nation Remembers Lokmanya Tilak On His Birth Anniversary

Why in the News ?

On the birth anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the eminent freedom fighter, highlighting his contribution to the Swadeshi Movement, Swaraj, and India’s struggle for independence.

Tributes and Contributions of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak

• Home Minister Amit Shah paid homage to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, describing him as one of the foremost leaders of India’s freedom movement who inspired generations through his call for Swaraj and Swadeshi.
• Shah recalled Tilak’s famous slogan, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it,” which became a rallying cry for India’s struggle against British colonial rule.
• He also highlighted Tilak’s renowned philosophical work, Gita Rahasya, which emphasises the importance of Karma Yoga (path of action) and duty in public life, reflecting ethical preferences and values-based screening in decision-making.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Tilak’s unwavering patriotism, commitment to self-rule, and promotion of indigenous values and products, embodying purpose-driven investing in national development.
• The tributes recognised Tilak’s enduring role in awakening national consciousness, political participation, and the spirit of self-reliance among Indians, principles that resonate with ahimsa principles and non-violence principles in modern governance.

Role in India’s Freedom Movement

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak emerged as one of the principal leaders of the Extremist (Assertive Nationalist) faction within the Indian National Congress (INC), advocating direct political action against colonial rule.
• Along with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal, he formed the famous Lal-Bal-Pal trio that strengthened the Swadeshi Movement and popularised nationalist ideas across India.
• Tilak transformed Ganesh Utsav and Shivaji Jayanti into mass public festivals to mobilise people and foster national unity against British rule, demonstrating thematic investing in cultural revival.
• Through his newspapers Kesari (Marathi) and The Mahratta (English), he spread nationalist ideas, criticised colonial policies, and encouraged political awareness, advocating for animal welfare and opposing animal cruelty in various social reforms.
• His advocacy of Swadeshi, boycott of foreign goods, national education, and self-rule significantly influenced the growth of India’s organised nationalist movement.