Elucidating the contribution and knowledge of one of the most celebrated leaders of Modern India.
Image Source: Maharashtra state archives
Bal Gangadhar Tilak is popularly known as Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak across all the generations of India. A lawyer, journalist and a great leader, his contribution during the Indian freedom struggle is noteworthy, indeed!
Early Life
Master of Many Subjects
He was born as Keshav Gangadhar Tilak in Ratnagiri in 1856. He was an avid learner of multiple subjects. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and then went on to study Law and became a Lawyer. After becoming a lawyer, he started teaching Mathematics. During his tenure as a teacher, he realised his interest in Journalism and became an active Journalist.
He started publishing a paper, Kesari, which spoke about the anger amongst the Indian masses against the British administration.
Life events and contribution to society
Educationalist, Lawyer and Journalist
Being a teacher and an Educationalist, he started the New English School in 1880, to impart a better quality of education for Indian students. He also initiated Deccan Education Society in 1884 to help Indians achieve a higher level of proficiency in English and promote the culture of India. He believed English to be a useful medium for propagating his ideologies on Democracy.
Major Events
His Idea of Independence
His work towards creating an atmosphere and awareness about democratic ideals and Indian culture led him closer to freedom struggle for India. In 1890, he joined the Indian National Congress. He was one of the first leaders who geared momentum towards a more aggressive and extreme form of nationalist struggle for independence and Self-Government or Swarajya. His ideology also launched a different club of leaders which were called Radicals or the Extremists.
Life Lessons
Radical Approach to Independence Struggle
His ideologies and work led him to the foundation of All India Home Rule League in 1916, at Belgaum. Tilak propagated his idea of Swaraj, here. He led the Swadeshi Movement in 1905 and prompted Indians to boycott foreign produced goods. And he supported Swadeshi or domestically produced products as a way to achieve independence from colonial rule. He worked with the legendary Annie Besant as well as the Home Rule Organisation.
He tried to create awareness about independence amongst the masses by celebrating Shivaji Jayanti and Ganesh Utsav. His approach towards freedom struggle revolutionised the era of Indian independence struggle. He propagated the importance of a better education to improve the lifestyle and awareness about the importance of an Independent India. His profound understanding of the Hindu culture and initiator of the radical wing in the struggle towards Indian Independence, Mahatma Gandhi named him, “The Maker of Modern India.”
His Published Books/ Literature
Literary Revolution
Apart from aggressively leading the freedom struggle through movements and boycotts, he led the independence struggle with his literary works. His books like, “The Arctic Home in the Vedas’ ‘, enumerate interesting accounts of the learnings from Vedas and Upanishads. While in jail, he wrote, “Srimad Bhagavadgita Rahasya ”, which exemplifies his understanding in contemporary terms of the Bhagwad Gita and the way he comprehended the ideals of renunciation. Through his works, he propagated the idea of service to humanity and Swarajya.
India is rich with eminent personalities who left everlasting impressions of great leadership and patriotic spirit, in the history of India’s independence. To know more about such great souls, stay tuned to Sameedh, which gives you great insights into a multitude of topics of interest within the Indian socio-cultural context.
