Global Hindu Heritage Foundation started close to 200 Bala Samskar Kendras in about 9 different States in Bharat and four schools in Bangladesh. This week Bala Samskar Kendras learned about Bala Gangadhar Tilak.
Tilak’s 'Freedom is my birthright' slogan was the lion's roar that awakened freedom in the very cell of India.
Tilak ran schools and newspapers. Jail iron bars were counted. He wrote great texts like Gita Rahasyam (Secret). Shivaji Jayanti and Ganesh Utsavas were organized. But the only thing he expected from all this was to awaken the Indian nation. Tilak was the great man who breathed his last, his last effort was for national consciousness and for the freedom of the country. His father was Gangadhar Ramachandra Tilak. He was a great Sanskrit scholar, a famous teacher, and Tilak was an independent thinker from his childhood. He was always independent. Tilak was used to facing injustice from his childhood. Tilak used to get excited after hearing the stories of Nana Saheb, Tantya Tope and Jhansirani. "Aha! How great are these people who gave their lives for the motherland! Like those great men, I will serve the motherland after I grow up and free the motherland from the shackles of slavery. This desire remained a pledge in his interludes.
Bala Gangadhar Tilak joined the "Deccan College". His health was poor. He has a physically weak body. How to serve the country with a weak body? So, Tilak decided to improve health and increase physical strength. He exercises daily and eats nutritious food. He excelled in all sports in college as his physical strength increased. Tilak, a double graduate, got a good job with a big salary under the British rule. But Tilak decided at an early age to sacrifice his life for the country, so he did not join the job.
The notions of independence have not yet fully blossomed among the people. The thirst for freedom must be quenched in them. Patriotism should be inculcated in their hearts. Based on Indian culture, a solid foundation must be laid for the edifice of modern life. Every Indian should be taught Indian culture and national ideals. They must be made better citizens. Tilak was of the strong opinion that educational institutions were the means to the realization of these ideals.
He established many educational institutes to develop morals and capacity among the students that there is a need to remove the superstition of the people who think everything is God's will and make people aware.
In 1905, the Lal-Bal-Pal trio toured the entire country against the partition of Bengal and enraged the country with the slogan of Vande Mataram. During that movement, the government acted very harshly to suppress the anger of the people. Tilak wrote an article in the magazine "Kesari" titled "Desdhaurbhagyam" and severely criticized the government. Tilak was accused by the government of being a "traitor" and sentenced to six years' exile on the pretext of an essay titled "Desha Daurbhagyam". Tilak was imprisoned in Mandalay Jail in Burma. It was suggested that the government would release Tilak if he agreed to certain conditions after one year in Mandalay Jail. Tilak for that. "Now I am 53 years old and if I want to live another ten years, it will be five more years after I am released from jail. I will be able to serve the people during those five years." But if I submit to those conditions, I will be considered dead now." Tilak's slogan "Freedom is our birthright" has been imprinted on the plaque of every Indian's heart. He called that agitation should be continued at any cost to achieve the aspirations of Indians.
Tilak's health had already deteriorated. His body is tired. But He continues to travel to raise awareness among people. On August 1, 1920, His light ascended. More than two lakh people participated in his final journey.
Donations are appreciated;
By Zelle: ghhfusaorg@gmail.com
PayPal: savetemples.org
By Check: You can also send a check payable to GHHF,14726 Harmony Lane, Frisco, TX 75035.
It is tax-deductible.
By Rupees: call 601-918-7111; +91 83096 43979.