Governor pays tributes to late Bal Gangadhar Tilak on birth anniversary

Bhopal: Governor Shri Ram Naresh Yadav paid tributes to social reformer and freedom fighter late Bal Gangadhar Tilak on his birth anniversary today. Governor Shri Yadav said that late Bal Gangadhar Tilak was the first popular leader of freedom movement. He had raised the demand for total Swaraj during British rule. His wordings “Swaraj is my birth right and I will not relent till I get it” became very popular. He is called “Lokmanya” with respect.
Governor Shri Yadav said that Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s contribution to journalism was also worthwhile. He edited 2 Marathi dailies Maratha Darpan and Kesari, which were very popular. Through newspapers, he vehemently criticised British government’s tyranny and their despise towards Indian culture. His efforts brought about public awakening against British rule. He was imprisoned for 6 years. He stressed the need to declare Hindi as India’ lingua franca. Articles on Indian culture, traditions and history published in ‘Kesari’ inculcated a sense of self-pride among people. Though Bal Gangadhar Tilak penned a number of books, but Gita-Rahasya written by him during imprisonment in Mandle jail is the best and ever-relevant, which has been translated in many languages.
Governor Shri Yadav said that Bal Gangadhar Tilak strongly opposed British education system. He established Deccan Education Society to improve level of education in India. The Governor has exhorted youths to imbibe ideals and principles of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and help realise his dream of total Swaraj.