Page 76 - Swatantrata to Atmanirbharta : Lokmanya Tilak’s legacy

Post 1857 war of Independence the self-esteem and
independent thinking of Indian people was destroyed. The
already split society based on religion, caste, region lost their
self-respect too after the British took over. Industries went out
of business due to exploitation by the British.

The Fiery Journalist
Speaking of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of the
prominent facets of his personality that comes to mind is that
of a fearless, fiery journalist. His contribution to awakening of
the common man through Mass Media has no comparison.
Going beyond the printed media and experimenting with the
then existing social channels of communication like speeches,
plays, fairs, congregations, sculptures for educating and creating
awareness about the Fight for Independence among the common
man was no easy feat. He changed the structure of expression
by using these social channels. The objective of these channels
was not merely communicating information or entertainment
but bringing about a change in people’s thinking and orienting
them towards the freedom movement and nationalism. It is
important to mention that the concept of democracy and the
value of people’s opinion was introduced to Indian Politics by
Tilak. In 1881 two newspapers ‘Kesari’ and ‘Mahratta’ were
published as a means to spread progressive social thought. The
readers thought of these two newspapers as the ones that not
only provided news but also fought against injustice.
National Education was an important aspect of his four point
agenda. He strongly believed that no nation could progress
without education. He wanted to have a homegrown education
system because he thought the British designed education
system was suitable for creating clerks who aimed at getting
salaried jobs.

Tilak led many small and large movements by publicizing
them through Kesari, like Paisa Fund, Funding of Samarth
Vidyalaya, Movement against alcohol, Revision of the
Panchanga and most important The Home Rule league.

When Tilak was imprisoned from 1908-1914, the British
introduced laws like Press Act and University Laws and

Swatantrata to Atmanirbharata 74