Lokmanya Tilak
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, popularly known as Lokmanya Tilak, was born on July 23, 1856, in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India.
- Family Background: He was born into a Chitpavan Brahmin family. His father, Gangadhar Tilak, was a school teacher and a noted Sanskrit scholar.
- Education: Tilak completed his early education in Pune. He earned a degree in mathematics from Deccan College in Pune and later studied law at the University of Bombay (now Mumbai), obtaining his law degree in 1879.
Early Career and Social Reforms
- Teaching: Tilak initially worked as a mathematics teacher before venturing into journalism and politics.
- Deccan Education Society: In 1880, along with his colleagues, he co-founded the Deccan Education Society to improve the quality of education in India. They established the Fergusson College in Pune in 1885, which became a prominent institution.
Political Career and Nationalism
- Indian National Congress (INC): Tilak joined the INC and soon became a prominent leader advocating for Swaraj (self-rule). He was known for his assertive stance on self-governance and was part of the extremist faction within the Congress, which sought immediate self-rule, as opposed to the moderate approach.
- Swaraj is my birthright: Tilak popularized the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it,” which inspired many Indians to join the freedom struggle.
- Ganesh and Shivaji Festivals: To unite people and promote nationalism, Tilak organized public celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi and Shivaji Jayanti. These festivals became platforms for political awakening and mobilization against British rule.
Journalism and Literary Contributions
- Kesari and Mahratta: Tilak founded and edited two newspapers, Kesari (in Marathi) and Mahratta (in English), which were instrumental in spreading nationalist ideas and mobilizing public opinion against colonial rule.
- The Arctic Home in the Vedas: Tilak wrote several books, including “The Arctic Home in the Vedas,” in which he theorized that the Vedic texts originated in the Arctic region.
Imprisonments and Trials
- First Imprisonment: In 1897, Tilak was arrested and sentenced to 18 months in prison for sedition due to his writings in Kesari, which were seen as inciting violence against the British.
- Second Imprisonment: In 1908, he was again arrested and tried for sedition. This time, he was sentenced to six years of imprisonment and was sent to Mandalay, Burma (now Myanmar). During this period, he wrote “Gita Rahasya,” a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.
Later Years and Legacy
- Return and Home Rule Movement: After his release in 1914, Tilak rejoined the freedom struggle and launched the Home Rule Movement in 1916, along with Annie Besant. This movement aimed to achieve self-rule within the British Empire.
- Death: Lokmanya Tilak passed away on August 1, 1920, in Mumbai. His death was mourned by millions, and he is remembered as one of the foremost leaders of the Indian independence movement.
Impact and Legacy
- Father of Indian Unrest: Tilak was often called the “Father of Indian Unrest” by the British colonial authorities due to his fierce advocacy for self-rule and his role in inspiring revolutionary activities.
- Inspiration for Future Leaders: His ideas and methods influenced future leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who adopted Tilak’s call for Swaraj and mass mobilization.
- Cultural Revival: Tilak’s efforts to revive Indian festivals and cultural pride played a significant role in the nationalistic movement and helped in fostering a sense of unity and identity among Indians.
Lokmanya Tilak remains a symbol of India’s struggle for freedom and self-determination, remembered for his unwavering commitment to the cause of Swaraj and his role in awakening the nationalist consciousness of his countrymen.