Lokmanya Tilak was one of the most influential leaders in the Indian freedom movement. Born on July 23, 1856, in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, Tilak was a prolific writer and speaker who fought tirelessly for India’s independence through his writings and speeches.
Tilak’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle are immense, and his ideas continue to inspire people even today. In this article, we’ll explore some of the lesser-known facts about Lokmanya Tilak in Marathi.
Tilak’s Early Life and Education:
Tilak was born to a Marathi Chitpavan Brahmin family in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. His father was a schoolteacher, and Tilak was educated at the Deccan College in Pune.
Tilak’s political career started in college when he participated in debates on social and political issues. He started writing articles for newspapers and started a Marathi weekly called ‘Kesari’ in 1881. He also founded the ‘Deenbandhu’ Marathi daily in 1887.
Tilak and Indian Nationalism:
Tilak was a firm believer in Indian nationalism, and his writings reflected his views on the subject. He believed that the British had no right to rule India and that Indians should take up the cause of their own freedom.
Tilak was a supporter of Swadeshi, and he encouraged the boycott of British goods. He was also a strong opponent of the British education system, which he believed was designed to produce loyal servants of the British Empire.
Tilak on Hinduism:
Tilak was a devout Hindu, and he believed that Hinduism was the basis of Indian culture. He founded the Ganesh Festival in 1893 to encourage a sense of community among Hindus. He also supported the Shuddhi movement, which aimed to convert Muslims and Christians back to Hinduism.
Tilak and the Indian National Congress:
Tilak was one of the founders of the Indian National Congress. He believed that the Congress should have a more aggressive approach to the British, and he was a strong supporter of the Swaraj (self-rule) movement.
Tilak’s radical views led to a split in the Congress, and he was eventually expelled from the party. However, he continued to work for India’s freedom, and his ideas had a profound impact on the country’s freedom struggle.
Conclusion:
Lokmanya Tilak was a visionary leader who played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle. His writings and speeches continue to inspire people even today, and his contributions to Indian nationalism and Hinduism are undeniable.
Tilak’s life and works are an essential part of India’s history, and it is crucial that we preserve his legacy for future generations.
