The Idol Of Fearless And Idol Journalist-Lokmanya Tilak
One of the leading leaders of the Indian Independence movement was the great revolutionary Bal Gangadhar
Tilak. Lokmanya Tilak did an important job of making the people aware of freedom by rebelling against the British. He fought till
his last breath for the freedom of the country. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who fought to liberate the country from British slavery,
is also known as the father of Indian discontent. Tilak was born on July 23, 1856, in Ratnagiri. He became a modern commentator on the
Bhagavad Gita. His birth name was Keshav but the name Bal became common. The Tilak family-owned Khotidari
of Chikhalgaon (Tal. Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri). Tilak's father Gangadharpant and mother Parvatibai. His traditional
Sanskrit studies took place at home. After the transfer of his father to Pune in 1866, Tilak came to Pune with his parents.
But within a few days, he lost his mother. Again Gangadharpant was transferred to Thane. However, while living in Pune, Tilak
matriculated in 1872. After matriculation, he entered Deccan College. Earlier, in 1871, he married Satyabhamabai (Maternal name was Tapibai).
Tilak's Education
Tilak's further education took place at Deccan College. From an early age, Tilak was very poor in health,
but his wife Tapibai was a little stronger by nature. His friends often mocked Tilak over this issue. This used to bother Tilak.
Aiming for a strong physique, Tilak accepted the challenge and worked hard for a whole year. His entire focus is on increasing physical
strength. His hard work paid off. His strong physique helped him to deal with many physical and mental hardships later in life. In later
life, he also focused on maintaining good health and well-being through regular exercise. In 1876, Tilak received his B.A. Done. He later
graduated with an LL.B. Degree. Tilak and Agarkar became friends while still in Deccan College.
The Start of the Two News papers
The two resolved to carry on the work of the country. Tilak started two newspapers, Kesari (Marathi) and Maratha (English). Through these
newspapers, his historic work of public education, political awareness, and resistance to government injustice started from here. However,
in 1884, Tilak-Agarkar founded the Deccan Education Society. Ferguson College was founded in 1885 by this organization. Tilak used to
teach Mathematics and Sanskrit subjects. Tilak was as proud of Hinduism as he was of the nation. Religion was the subject of his obsession.
He had studied Vedas, Upanishads, philosophy, theology, Gita. Lokmanya Tilak used to say that those who are not proud of Hindutva or
Hindu Dharma have no right to say what social reforms should be done by Hindus.
Kawoledgeable Books
Lokmanya Tilak's study was great. He had a strict role on various issues. During his lifetime,
he wrote four books-Orion, Arctic Home in the Vedas, Vedic Chronology, and Gitarahasya. All four of these texts are so scholarly
that if you want to discuss them, you have to first prove that you have more knowledge than that. Tilak was considered to have played
a major role in the state system at that time. The name 'Lal Bal-Pal' was very popular during this period due to its strong role. Lal
means Lala Lajpatrai, Bal means Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Pal means Bipinchandra Pal.
The Great Ganeshotsav and Shivjayanti Celebration
Similarly, in 1893, riots broke out between Hindus and Muslims in many parts of the country. Lokmanya
Tilak was of the view that the cause of the riots could not be eradicated without realizing that the British
government was a third party and not just Hindus and Muslims.
Lokmanya Tilak said that the partisan policy of the British government i.e. Foda and Zoda' was the cause of the riots.
It was only after this incident that the idea of making Ganeshotsav and Shiv Jayanti public as a means of public awareness came up.
In two issues of 'Kesari', Tilak explained the purpose behind celebrating this festival. Tilak was very angry with the Indians
who were blindly Imitating the British. He said, "Some of our so-called educated compatriots may be equal to Saheb drinking.in but can they have
the ambition of Saheb to get a seat in the government of India?" According to Tilak, the reason for the weakness of Indians was their
lost confidence and sense of oneness. As long as respect for religion, culture and history are not revived among the people, it is useless
to talk about political and social freedom. Tilak also studied Greek culture. From this, they realized that the Olympic Games, held every four years in
memory of the god Jupiter, had succeeded in bringing together the various Greek kingdoms in the same vein, in 1893, he revived the old-fashioned
Ganeshotsav in a new form. Tilak turned Ganeshotsav. into a ten-day social festival. This was also his intention behind celebrating Shiva Jayanti
in public One is to. provide a platform for anti-British awareness in the form of these festivals and the other is to bring the entire Hindu community
together and increase their unity.
A charge with Treason
Against the British rule, Tilak wrote a series of intense articles, "To rule is not to seek revenge,"
"Is the head of government in place?" As a result, he was charged with treason. He was sentenced to hard labor. On September 6, 1898,
Lokmanya Tilak was released from prison. Lokmanya Tilak's entire life was divine. He served the country by sacrificing body, mind, and money.
Even though his body was tired, his constant travels for public awareness, lectures, the program continued. Finally, on August 1, 1920, the
storm stopped permanently. Genuine Salutations to this great patriot who has been fighting for the country till his last breath...!!