Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Bal Gangadhar Tilak

23 July 1856
1 August 1920
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Bal Gangadhar Tilak was one of the most prominent freedom fighters of India who inspired thousands with the slogan – “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”. As a form of protest against the British, Tilak established schools and published rebellious newspapers. He was famous as one of the trios Bal, Pal and Lal. People loved him and accepted him as one of their leaders and so, he was called Lokmanya Tilak.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak, born as Keshav Gangadhar Tilak, was an Indian nationalist, teacher, lawyer and an independence activist. He was the first leader of the Indian Independence Movement. The British colonial authorities called him "The father of the Indian unrest."

He was a great lover of the great Indian heritage and a keen admirer of Shivaji. In order to enhance the spirit of the patriotism and cooperation among the Indian people, hence organized the Ganapati and the Shivaji festivals.

He opposed tooth and nail the partition of Bengal in 1905. He was arrested and sent to Mandalay in Burma to serve a six years term. After returning from jail, he began the Home Rule Movement. He was one of the delegates of the Home Rule League that visited England in 1918.

He will always be remembered for his words. He was one of the greatest Indian leaders who roused the masses against the foreign rule and imbued leaders who roused the masses against the foreign rule and imbued them with the spirit of patriotism, social service and sacrifice.