Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Bal Gangadhar Tilak, also known as Lokmanya Tilak was an Indian nationalist and social reformer. He was born in Maharashtra on July 23, 1856. Tilak believed in the power of education and thus used newspapers and journals to spread his ideas to masses.His popular newspapers were Kesari and Maharatta. He also wrote popular books like Gita Rahasya and Arctic Home of the Vedas. He was one of the earliest leaders to popularise the idea of ‘Swarajya’. He not only contributed to the freedom struggle but also worked to reform the society in the field of education and eradication of social evils like Untouchability. He was considered as an extremist leader due to his more radical approach.This is why he was given the title- The Father of Indian unrest. He passed away on Aug 1, 1920 but his efforts towards freedom of India inspired many leaders later on. He is still an hope and inspiration for modern Indians and hence rightly being called as ‘Maker of Modern India’ by Mahatma Gandhi.

He born on July 23, 1856 in a Brahmin family in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. His father, Gangadhar Tilak was a school teacher. His early education was at the local Anglo-Vernacular school and later he attended Pune’s Deccan college for his higher studies. From an early age, Tilak showed exceptional intellect and a deep sense of patriotism. After completing his education, he worked as a Maths teacher in a private school. He got involved in political and social activities there. He played a key role in the foundation of the Indian National Congress (INC) and was instrumental in shaping its early nationalist agenda.He joined the Indian National Congress in 1890 and from then his life as a freedom fighter began.

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak was an important figure in the India’s freedom struggle. His modern and extremist ideologies gave new color to the freedom movement. He popularised the Indian festivals to attract the masses. He was famous for his radical ideas to achieve the freedom for India which is why he is also known as “The father of the Indian unrest”. Apart from his contribution towards the freedom struggle, he also contributed to reform the society by highlighting the importance of education for better future of Indian society.

1. Contribution in the education sector
   1. EstabIishment of schools:
      • In 1880, he co-founded the New English School with Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, Mahdev Ballal Namjoshi and Vishnushastri Chiplunkar.
      • In 1884, they setup Deccan Education society to educate youth in English and nationalist ideology.
      • In 1885, Fergussen college was established by the society in Pune.
   2. Promotion of Vernacular languages: Tilak highlighted the importance of Vernacular languages. He believed that vernacular languages would make learning more accessible and relevant to the masses, thereby empowering them intellectually and culturally.
   3. Encouragement of Nationalist Education: Tilak infused nationalist ideals into the curriculum of schools and educational institutions he was associated with.
2. Contribution in the freedom struggle
   1. Promoted new methods to spread nationalism
      • He emphasised on culture to instill a sense of pride and unity among Indians. For this, he promoted the celebration of Ganpathi and Shivaji festival on large scale.
      • He also started Lathi clubs to attract more youth.
      • He organised anti cow killing societies.
      • He was known for his radical ideology. His writings against Commissioner Rand incited Chapekar brothers to murder Rand.Then he was sentenced for 18 months in prison where he developed for the 1st time the idea of ‘Swaraj’.
      • Tilak’s idea of Swaraj was a cornerstone of his political philosophy. He believed that India must govern itself.
      • Key Principles of Swaraj includes Self-reliance, political independence, decentralised governance and empowerment of the masses.
   2. During Swadeshi movement, Tilak advocated for the use of Indian products and encouraged the revival of traditional Indian handicrafts. He was one of the important leaders to conceptualise the idea of Swadeshi. Tilak used the medium of literature to propagate his ideas. He wrote on the importance of traditional industries He believed that economic self-sufficiency is important for the Indian independence.
   3. Tilak and INC
      • Tilak joined Indian National Congress (INC) in 1890
      • But unlike the moderate leaders, he believed in mass agitation, passive resistance and non co-operation as effective tools in freedom struggle.
      • The extremists wanted to make him the President of Congress but the rivalry between moderates and extremists resulted into Sural split in 1907.
      • Tilak never became the President of INC.
      • Alongwith Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal, he was part of Lal-Bal-Pal trio of leaders with extremist ideology.
   4. Foundation of Home Rule League
      • Tilak founded Home Rule League in 1916 alongwith Annie Beasant.
      • His league was restricted to Maharashtra (excluding Bombay), Karnataka, Central Provinces and Berar.
      • The aim was to attain self rule for India.
      • Demands included Swarajya, formation of linguistic states and education in Vernacular.
      • However, the British government responded with severe repression. A case was instituted against Tilak and he was barred from entering Punjab and Delhi.
      • The Home Rule agitation was faded out by 1919.
      • In 1920, its name was changed to Swarajya Sabha.

• Newspapers : Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English)
• Books : Gita Rahsya and Arctic Home of the Vedas

He died on August 1, 1920 at the age of 64. His death marked the end of an era in India's struggle for independence, leaving behind a legacy of courage, conviction, and unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom.

Tilak’s contribution in the Indian history is multifaceted. He played a crucial role in shaping the nationalist discourse and inspiring millions of Indians to strive for independence. Despite facing persecution and imprisonment at the hands of the British authorities, Tilak remained steadfast in his commitment to the cause of India's independence. He was not just a leader but a beacon of hope and inspiration for the future generations. Mahatma Gandhi rightly called Tilak the ‘Maker of Modern India’.