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Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Jayanti 2025– Birth Anniversary of Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Jayanti is the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter and nationalist. Bal Gangadhar Tilak birth anniversary is annually observed on July 23. In 2025, it is the 168th birth anniversary.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak (July 23, 1856 - August 1, 1920) was born at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra. He was a scholar, mathematician and philosopher. He helped in laying the foundation for India’s independence. He founded the Indian Home Rule League in 1914.

Birth Anniversary of Bal Gangadar Tilak


The large scale public celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi Festival was started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893 in Pune. The main intention of Tilak was to galvanize support for India’s independence movement. The modern day celebrations are a continuation of Tilak’s version of Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

Various programs are organized in memory of the great soul in various parts of the country.

Life History Of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, born on July 23, 1856, in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, was a prominent Indian nationalist, teacher, and independence activist. He was one of the most influential leaders in the early stages of India's struggle for independence from British rule. Here is a detailed account of his life:

Early Life and Education

Birth and Family Background: Tilak was born in a Chitpavan Brahmin family. His father, Gangadhar Tilak, was a school teacher and a Sanskrit scholar, and his mother was Parvatibai Tilak.

Education: He completed his early education in Ratnagiri and later moved to Pune for higher studies. Tilak graduated in 1876 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Deccan College in Pune. He went on to study law, earning an LL.B. degree from the Government Law College in 1879.

Early Career and Social Reform

Teaching Career: Tilak began his career as a mathematics teacher and later co-founded the New English School in Pune in 1880 to promote education among Indians.

Journalism: He realized the power of the press and started two newspapers, 'Kesari' in Marathi and 'The Mahratta' in English, to promote nationalist ideas and social reforms. These newspapers became powerful tools in mobilizing public opinion against British rule.

Political Involvement and Nationalism

Founding of the Deccan Education Society: In 1884, along with Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and others, Tilak founded the Deccan Education Society to foster quality education and nationalistic values among Indian youth.

Indian National Congress: Tilak joined the Indian National Congress in the 1890s. He was initially a moderate but soon became a radical leader, advocating for self-rule (Swaraj) and using direct action to achieve it.

Partition of Bengal: Tilak opposed the partition of Bengal in 1905, seeing it as a British attempt to divide and rule. His slogan "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it" became the rallying cry for the freedom movement.

Imprisonment and Literary Contributions

Imprisonment: Tilak was imprisoned several times for his nationalist activities. His most notable imprisonment was in 1908, when he was sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment for sedition. He was sent to Mandalay in Burma (now Myanmar).

Gita Rahasya: During his imprisonment in Mandalay, Tilak wrote his famous commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, called 'Shreemad Bhagavad Gita Rahasya' or 'Gita Rahasya,' which articulated his philosophy of Karma Yoga and inspired many freedom fighters.

Later Life and Legacy

Home Rule Movement: After his release from prison in 1914, Tilak launched the Home Rule Movement in 1916 along with Annie Besant, demanding self-governance for India within the British Empire. The movement gained widespread support and rejuvenated the nationalistic spirit.

Death: Tilak passed away on August 1, 1920, in Mumbai. His death was a significant loss to the Indian independence movement.

Legacy: Lokmanya Tilak is remembered as the "Father of Indian Unrest" for his aggressive approach to gaining independence. His emphasis on self-reliance, national education, and Swadeshi (self-sufficiency) left a lasting impact on India's struggle for freedom.

Tilak's life and work continue to inspire generations of Indians. His commitment to education, social reform, and national sovereignty laid the groundwork for India's eventual independence in 1947. 

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