Lokamanya Tilak

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While on the one hand, the erstwhile Hindu and Muslim rulers, feudal landowners, the peasantry and the working classes were crushed by the imperialistic British administration, on the other, a large section of the intelligentsia was so awed by the transformation wrought by the railways and the posts and telegraphs that they began to consider the alien rule as a blessing.

It was at this critical juncture that Lokamanya Tilak dedicated himself to the cause of the nation with the avowed object of throwing off the British yoke.

"Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it" -this was the inspiring message Tilak gave to his countrymen. He stirred the people to fight injustice and foreign rule. He directed them towards the fourfold Programme of Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott of foreign goods and National Education. Long years of imprisonment did not dampen his enthusiasm and the fire of patriotism kindled by him began to burn more and more fiercely.

His denigrators labelled him as the leader of the lowly classes, whereas the British called him "the Father of Indian unrest". But in the end the brickbats became bouquets and he was hailed as the uncrowned king of India.

We are grateful to the management of Kesari, particularly Shri Jayantrao Tilak for the valuable help received in the preparation of this title.