Lokmanya Tilak death anniversary: 5 times PM Narendra Modi praised the strongest advocate of ‘Swaraj’

— By Sonali Pimputkar | Aug 01, 2018 01:04 am

Fondly called as ‘Lokmanya’, Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a scholar, mathematician, philosopher and ardent nationalist. He founded and served as the president of the Indian Home Rule League. He was the founder-editor of Mahratta (English) and Kesari (Marathi). His powerful words moved the people by thousands. Even today, his words have not lost their relevance. Maybe because of this, we often see Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising him. Here are 5 times when PM Narendra Modi praised the strongest advocate of ‘Swaraj’.

On good governance
In the 46th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, on July 29, 2018, Modi paid tribute to Indian freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak and his resistance of the British rule. In the radio address, PM said, “Lokmanya Tilak gave the slogan ‘Swaraj is my birthright’ and ignited self-confidence among people. Today the time is to re-emphasise that ‘Suraj [Suraja or good governance] is our birthright’.” He further added that the benefits of good governance and development should reach all people in the country. He said, “Every Indian should have access to good governance and positive results of development. It is the factoring in of this outreach that will create a new India.” During the election campaign in 2014, Modi has promised ‘good governance’ to the citizens of India.

The Prime Minister also praised freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad, who shares his birthdate – July 23, with Lokmanya Tilak. Azad was born on July 23, 1906, after 50 years of Tilak’s birth. Modi said, “After 50 years of Tilak’s birth, on the same day, that is, July 23, another son of Mother India was born who sacrificed his life so that his countrymen could breathe freely in an atmosphere of freedom. I am talking about none other than Chandra Shekhar Azad.”


On ‘Swaraj’ to ‘Suraja’
On the 71st Independence Day, at Red Fort, PM Modi while addressing citizens of India quoted Lokmanya Tilak’s iconic phrase ‘Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it’, He proposed an evolution in democracy, where people make the system and not the other way around. He said, “Lokmanya Tilak Ji had said ‘Swaraj is my birthright’. In Independent India, our Mantra should be ‘Good Governance is my birthright’. ‘Suraja’ or Good Governance should be our collective responsibility. The citizens should fulfill their duties and the Government too should discharge its responsibilities. When we move from ‘Swaraj’ to ‘Suraja’, the citizens do not lag behind. For example, when I called upon the countrymen to give up gas subsidy, the nation responded as a whole. I have spoken about cleanliness. Now people are joining hands from every part of the country to take up this cleanliness drive forward.”

On Ganeshotsav
In the radio address, Modi also urged people to celebrate Ganeshotsav in an eco-friendly way. Tilak’s efforts transformed the household worshipping of Ganesha into a grand public event. Modi urged the countrymen to care for the environment, celebrate eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav and encouraged youth to revive the spirit to serve the nation.

On patriotism
On Lokmanya Tilak’s birth anniversary, on July 23, praised Tilak for igniting the spark of patriotism among countless Indians. He tweeted, “I bow to Lokmanya Tilak on his Jayanti. He ignited the spark of patriotism among countless Indians. He successfully mobilised people from all sections of society and deepened the connection between our citizens and India’s glorious past. Lokmanya Tilak also emphasised on education.”

On instilling the much-needed self-confidence
On Tilak’s 160th birth anniversary, Modi bowed to Lokmanya Tilak for instilling a sense of pride and self-confidence in the citizens of India. He tweeted, “Lokmanya Tilak’s efforts instilled a much-needed sense of pride & self-confidence, which contributed in shaping India’s history.”