Page 151 - Swatantrata to Atmanirbharta : Lokmanya Tilak’s legacy

Rahasya can by envisaged by the fact that it must be read as a
reference book before any person embarks on the journey of
reading Bhagavad-Gita.
He was a Lawyer himself and at one point he was considered
as a reference point in Pune as one who gave selfless, honest,
and articulate advice regarding legal issues arising time and
again. The Law classes started by him not only imparted legal
education to young graduates but also underlined his foresight
and intention of using legal knowledge in future political
agitations with the British empire.
He spearheaded the Workers’ agitation in true sense. In
1908, workers expressed their true love towards him by calling
industrial strikes in and around Mumbai for six consecutive
days as a mark of protest for Lokmanya Tilak’s six years
imprisonment. He had good, cordial relations with various
international workers’ organisations. In 1918-19, during his
Chirole trial in England he met many workers’ representatives
elected in British parliament. He contributed two thousand
pounds by way of donation to Labour party in England.
It would be worthwhile to note that the annual gathering of
Labour party would cost around 600 pounds in those days.
This huge donation made by him was of major importance in
strengthening his relations with Labour party.
Kirtan, the art of spiritual teaching through storytelling
followed in temples was also considered by him as a medium
to transmit patriotic fervour and educate people about the
suppression carried out by the British regime on the common
man. He believed the main aim of the ‘Kirtankar’ was to
appraise the common man about the state of the nation. He
started the concept of ‘Rastriya Kirtan’. Dattopant Patwardhan
was a major contributor in this field and hence he was bestowed
the title of ‘Rastriya Kirtankar’ by none other than Lokmanya
Tilak. Dr Govind Khare who belonged to the Tilak family
was also a famous ‘Rastriya Kirtankar’ and had contributed
immensely to this field.

His inclination towards scientific study helped greatly in
rectifying the astrological imbalances arising out of the various

149 Swatantrata to Atmanirbharata