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Birth Anniversaries of Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad
Context:
On the 23rd of July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad on their birth anniversaries.
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- He praised Lokmanya Tilak for challenging British rule and advocating for complete independence, highlighting his courage, struggle, and dedication.
- Modi also honoured Chandra Shekhar Azad as a gallant son of ‘Bharat Mata,’ noting his remarkable character and sacrifice for the motherland.
- The Prime Minister described Azad as a futuristic thinker who envisioned a strong and just India, and emphasised that his story will continue to inspire the country.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak: A Summary of His Life and Contributions:
- He was born on 23 July 1856 at Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. His father, Gangadhar Ramchandra Tilak, was a Sanskrit scholar.
- Education: Studied at Pune, graduated from Deccan College with a B.A. in Mathematics, and obtained a Law Degree in 1879. Influenced by both Hindu scriptures and Western political and philosophical thinkers.
- Educational Institutions: Co-founded New English School (1880), Deccan Education Society (1884), and Fergusson College (1885) with his colleagues.
- Journalism: Launched two journals in 1881—Mahratta (English) and Kesari (Marathi) to spread political and social ideas.
- He advocated for Swaraj (Self-Rule) and aimed to arouse mass political consciousness. Famous slogan: “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!”
- Revolutionary Nationalism: Emerged as a leading figure in revolutionary nationalism alongside Bipin Chandra Pal and Lala Lajpat Rai.
- He promoted Swadeshi, boycott, national education, and Swaraj movement.
- He was arrested in 1908 for sedition, sentenced to six years in Mandalay Jail, Burma.
- Composed Gita Rahasya, a philosophical treatise on the Bhagavad Gita.
- Home Rule Movement: He Joined with Annie Besant to promote the movement. Conducted a nationwide tour and addressed British Labour Party leaders in England in 1918.
- Emphasised Hindu-Muslim unity and secularism. His approach combined intense patriotism with practical political strategies.
- He used festivals like Shivaji Jayanti and Ganesh Pooja to unify and mobilise the masses.
- He passed away on 1 August 1920 in Mumbai. Health deteriorated due to his relentless activities.
Chandra Shekhar Azad: Revolutionary Life and Legacy:
- Birth: Born on July 23, 1906, in Bhabhra, princely state of Alirajpur.
- Initial Involvement: Joined the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921 at the age of 15.
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- Arrested on December 20, 1921. During his appearance before the Parsi District Magistrate, he declared his name as “Azad” (The Free), his father’s name as “Swatantrata” (Independence), and his residence as “Jail.”
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- Dissatisfaction with Gandhi: Displeased by Gandhi’s decision to end the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922.
- Member of HRA: He met Ram Prasad Bismil through Mannath Gupta and joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA).
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- Actively involved in raising funds through targeted robberies of government buildings.
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- Notable Revolutionary Actions:
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- Kakori Train Robbery (1925): Aimed at funding revolutionary activities and challenging British rule.
- Shooting of John P. Saunders (1928): Retaliation for the murder of Lala Lajpat Rai.
- Attack on Viceroy’s Train (1929): Part of broader revolutionary efforts.
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- Reorganisation of HRA: On September 8, 1928, Azad, along with Bhagat Singh and other revolutionaries, restructured the HRA into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). This new organisation aimed to establish a socialist republic in India.
- Death: On February 27, 1931, Azad was surrounded by police at Alfred Park (now Azad Park) in Allahabad. During a fierce gunfight, he shot himself in the head with the last bullet from his weapon to avoid capture.