161st birth anniversary of Indian freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak today
Today on 161st birth anniversary of Indian freedom fighter, teacher, social activist, lawyer and independent activist Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. A 1st day cover of his Birth Centenary issued in 1956.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak contributions towards were remembered on this day. He bravely challenged British authority.
Tilak was the first leader of the Indian Independence Movement. The British colonial authorities called him “Father of the Indian unrest.” He was honored with the title of “Lokmanya”.
Tilak was one of the first and strongest promoter of Swaraj (“self-rule”) and a strong radical in Indian consciousness. He is known for his quote in Marathi, “स्वराज्य हा माझा जन्मसिद्ध हक्क आहे आणि तो मी मिळवणारच” in India. He had a close alliance with many Indian National Congress leaders including Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, Aurobindo Ghose, V. O. Chidambaram Pillai and Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Political leaders of India pay tribute to Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Public functions are held throughout the country.