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Early Life and Education

Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born on 23 July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Bombay Presidency. His father, Gangadhar Tilak, was a Sanskrit scholar and a school teacher. Tilak was a brilliant student and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Deccan College in Pune. Later, he obtained a law degree from the University of Bombay. From an early age, he was influenced by Indian scriptures and the cultural richness of Hindu philosophy.

Career

Tilak began his career as a teacher and journalist. He co-founded the Deccan Education Society and the Fergusson College to promote Indian-run education. In 1881, he started the newspaper Kesari, which became a powerful voice against British rule.

He played a major role in the Indian freedom movement and advocated for Swaraj (self-rule) as a national goal. His popular slogan, "Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it", became a rallying cry for Indians. He also popularized Ganesh Utsav and Shivaji Jayanti to unite people under a nationalist cause.

He was part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio and clashed with moderate Congress leaders. His writings and speeches earned him imprisonment several times. He also wrote philosophical and historical works, including The Arctic Home in the Vedas and a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.

Personal Life

Tilak was married to Tapibai, later renamed Satyabhama, at a young age, as per the customs of the time. They had three children. Despite his political engagements, he maintained a disciplined and spiritual life and was deeply committed to the cultural revival of India.

Death and Legacy

Tilak passed away on 1 August 1920 in Bombay due to poor health. His funeral was attended by thousands, including Mahatma Gandhi, who called him "The Maker of Modern India."

Tilak’s legacy lives on in Indian politics and history. He inspired future freedom fighters and helped lay the foundation for India’s eventual independence.

Awards and Honors

• Posthumously titled Lokmanya (approved by the people)

• Various institutions, roads, and scholarships named in his honor

Bibliography

• The Arctic Home in the Vedas (1903)

• Gita Rahasya (1915)

• Numerous articles in Kesari and Maratha

 References

• Brown, D. M. (1994). Tilak and Gokhale: Revolution and Reform in the Making of Modern India.

• Wolpert, Stanley (2006). Tilak and the Nationalist Movement.

• Indian Independence Archives and Government publications

 External Links

• Wikipedia – Bal Gangadhar Tilak

• Lokmanya Tilak Biography – Cultural India