Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak, though we fondly call him ‘Lokmanya’ (meaning accepted by people), British labelled him ‘Father of Indian Unrest’. Born on July 22, 1856 in Ratnagiri and later shifted to Pune. A teacher and journalist by profession, Tilak initiated his political life as a social reformer and freedom activist. He published two newspapers – Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English). His slogan ‘Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it’ inspired millions of youths. Tilak passed away on August 1, 1920. On his 98th death anniversary, here are some quotes by him about life and nationalism.
The geologist takes up the history of the earth at the point where the archaeologist leaves it and carries it further back into remote antiquity.
Progress is implied in independence. Without self-government neither industrial progress is possible, nor will the educational scheme be useful to the nation.
If god is put up with untouchability, I will not call him god.
If we trace the history of any nation backwards into the past, we come at last to a period of myths and traditions which eventually fade away into impenetrable darkness.
Our nation is like a tree of which the original trunk is swarajya and the branches are swadeshi and boycott.
Life is all about a card game. Choosing the right cards is not in our hand. But playing well with the cards in hand, determines our success.
Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!
To be successful, you need family and friends but, to be very successful, you need enemies and competitors.
The problem is not the lack of resources or capability, but the lack of will.