Page 152 - Swatantrata to Atmanirbharta : Lokmanya Tilak’s legacy

methods of reading Panchang. His studies in younger days
helped him during writing of the book – ‘Vedang Jyotish’ in
Mandalay prison. He firmly believed that the sequence of star
movements in the sky should be accurately reflected in Panchang
and vice versa.

Festival was another medium which he pioneered towards
mobilizing people towards the freedom struggle. The starting
of the first Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav in 1893 held at Keshavji
Naik, Kandewadi-Girgaon was a masterstroke to bring together
masses across caste, creed and race for the festivity thereby
nurturing a sense of brotherhood among people and uniting
them for freedom struggle. The other festival namely ShivJayanti
Utsav was also aimed at remembering the Great Maratha and
his valour thereby developing patriotism mainly within youths.

The other area he harnessed towards the freedom struggle was
the Entertainment industry. This industry was picking up pace
in those days and was a favorite among the masses. Lokmanya
Tilak was quick enough to pounce on this opportunity. In 1920,
under his leadership the famous film, ‘Sayrandri’ was opened
on a grand scale. The maker of the film, ‘Baburao Painter’
was bestowed with the title – ‘Film Kesari’ by none other than
Lokmanya Tilak. Apart from films, theatre and circus were also
encouraged to showcase the suppression by British empire on
Indians.
His mouthpiece, ‘Kesari’ took up the task of highlighting
much needed Social Reforms like child marriage, caste
inequality, untouchability etc.
Lokmanya Tilak’s upbringing was spiritual. He participated
in many spiritual events and finally stamped his authority in
this field by writing ‘Geeta Rahasya’ in Mandalay prison. An
interesting anecdote about him is the fact that the spiritual book
– ‘Gajanan Vijay’ which is widely ready in various households
even today has about hundred lines written about him in chapter
number 15 – no doubt something unique.

Alcohol ban was another movement initiated by Lokmanya
Tilak. Various articles written by him in ‘Kesari’ made people

Swatantrata to Atmanirbharata 150