Tributes Paid to Bal Gangadhar Tilak on His Death Anniversary

New Delhi, August 1: Union ministers, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, paid homage to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak on his death anniversary, recalling his significant contributions to the Indian independence movement.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his respect on social media, stating, “On the death anniversary of the great leader of the Indian freedom movement and a fervent nationalist thinker, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, I pay my humble tribute. Through his publications ‘Maratha’ and ‘Kesari,’ he ignited national consciousness and spread the ideas of independence among the masses. His timeless work ‘Gita Rahasya’ conveyed the message of Karma Yoga, duty, and national responsibility. By organizing public Ganesh festivals and Shivaji Jayanti celebrations, he infused new energy into social unity, cultural awareness, and national pride. His immortal declaration, ‘Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it,’ continues to inspire love for the nation, self-respect, and a sense of duty in every Indian’s heart.”

Home Minister Amit Shah also took to social media to remember Tilak, stating, “I bow to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak on his death anniversary. Tilak Maharaj was one of the pioneering leaders of the freedom movement, who, through his powerful ideas and unique organizational skills, provided a new direction to the Indian independence struggle. He inspired the youth to join the freedom movement with the resolve for Swaraj, and his writings became a strong voice of resistance against British rule. The life and personality of Lokmanya Tilak, who ignited the flame of nationalism through cultural awakening, will continue to inspire us all to walk the path of putting the nation first.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid his respects, stating, “On the death anniversary of the prominent leader of the Indian freedom movement, a fervent nationalist thinker, and an educator, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, I offer my humble tribute. By proclaiming ‘Swaraj,’ he provided new direction to the freedom struggle and new energy to the masses. His contributions through newspapers like ‘Kesari’ and ‘Maratha,’ public Ganesh festivals, and Shivaji Jayanti celebrations organized the Indian society and instilled self-confidence. The struggle, patriotism, and self-respect embodied in Lokmanya Tilak’s life will always be a source of inspiration for every Indian.”

Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda also paid tribute, acknowledging Tilak as a key figure in the independence movement, stating, “I bow to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak on his death anniversary. His fearless personality, nationalist journalism, and efforts for public awakening inspired millions of Indians to participate in the freedom movement. His significant role in the Swadeshi movement, promoting education, and continuous public awakening strengthened national consciousness. The saga of his courage, struggle, and dedication in the freedom movement will always inspire the citizens of the country.”

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan remarked, “On the death anniversary of the great freedom fighter and fervent nationalist thinker Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who awakened the mantra of ‘Purna Swaraj’ in the hearts of the masses and ignited the flame of revolution against British rule, I pay my humble tribute.”

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also expressed his respect, stating, “On the death anniversary of the great freedom fighter, journalist, and social reformer Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, I offer my humble tribute. He gave the fundamental mantra of ‘Swaraj se Surajy’.”

Union Minister Manohar Lal added, “I pay my humble tribute to the fervent nationalist thinker, eloquent speaker, and great freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak on his death anniversary, who united the entire nation with the immortal declaration of ‘Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.’ He dedicated every moment of his life to honor our nation, language, and culture, and his philosophy will always inspire us.”

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OP/AS