Foreword by DR. S. RADHAKRISHNAN Former President of India “SWARAJ IS MY BIRTHRIGHT, AND I SHALL HAVE IT!” This biography of Lokmanya Tilak was written in collaboration by Prof. A.K. Bhagwat and Prof. G.P. Pradhan in 1956, the birth-centenary year of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The book was awarded a prize in the All India Competition held under the auspices of the All India Congress Committee. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan had written the foreword to this biography.

Lokmanya Tilak (1856-1920) was the first national leader of the Indian freedom movement who transcended provinces, communities and languages to establish himself in the hearts of millions. Tilak was a fierce advocate of swarajya (self-rule) and his famous words - 'Swarajya is my birthright, and I shall have it!' are well - remembered even today. The adulation he received from his followers earned him the title of 'Lokmanya' - the admired one. This book explores the multi-faceted personality of Bal Gangadhar Tilak - social reformer, scholar and national leader - convincingly portraying a man of the people of his time.

Tilak was born in the year 1856 and died in the year 1920. He was a paramount figure in the freedom struggle. Hundred years have passed since his death. But today, Bharat needs him more than ever. This book is a dovetail of Tilak's thoughts and the concept of self-reliance. The author of this nook firmly believes that, among all possible paths, the path of self-reliance is the only one that brings about the material, moral and cultural renascence of a dormant nation and raises it to the greatest level by peaceful revolution.

Biography of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, 1856-1920, Indian freedom fighter.