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Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak - one of the most towering personalities in Indian freedom struggle. He passed away 100 years ago today. He left an unforgettable impression on Indian freedom struggle and the government decades after that.
https://twitter.com/aparanjape/status/1289262663919218689
https://twitter.com/aparanjape/status/1289262663919218689
He was a great mathematician, great writer and brilliant visionary. His vast work including providing strong leadership and guidance to Indian independence movement, creating community resistance through culture and religion, starting educational institutions and a newspaper.
Tilak was one of the first and strongest advocates of Swaraj ("self-rule") and a strong radical in Indian consciousness. He is known for his quote in Marathi - an editorial in Kesari - a newspaper is started: "Swarajya is my birthright and I shall have it!".
His writing and insights on Vedas, Upanishadas and Bhagvad Geeta are still considered one of the most insightful pieces. Little known fact - he took a year off to focus on physical fitness to ensure that his health doesn't compromise his work. A pioneer of #GapYear :)
My personal connection - a few luminaries in a small town in Mumbai - Vile Parle - got together soon after he his passing and started a school - Parle Tilak Vidyalaya - to carry on his work. I am a proud alumni of the school - the school that shaped who I am today.
My beloved school is celebrating 100 year anniversary this year. There is a bust of Lokamanya Tilak at the entrance of our school. Generations of the school graduates have entered the school by touching the feet of Lokamanya Tilak every single day. That was the habit.
We never missed that one action. We all still get emotional when we see the statue. It's as if we all are connected through that little action - his teaching, his thoughts, vision. I just hope we all get the courage to do the right thing everytime regardless of the consequences.
