The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, was conferred with the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune, Maharashtra, today. The award, instituted by the Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust in 1983, is a tribute to the legacy of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent figure in India’s freedom struggle. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister inaugurated 70 thousand houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and generously donated a cash prize to the Namami Gange Project.
A Tribute to Lokmanya Tilak:
As a mark of respect, the Prime Minister paid floral tributes at the statue of Lokmanya Tilak upon his arrival at the venue. Addressing the gathering, he acknowledged the significance of the day, which coincided with the punya tithi of Lokmanya Tilak and the birth anniversary of Anna Bhau Sathe. Shri Modi described Lokmanya Tilak as the ’tilak’ of India’s freedom struggle, highlighting his profound impact on the leaders and events of the independence movement.
Lokmanya Tilak’s Influence on India’s Freedom Struggle:
The Prime Minister praised Lokmanya Tilak’s iconic role in India’s fight for independence, which even earned him the title of ‘Father of the Indian unrest’ by the British rulers. Tilak’s powerful proclamation of ‘Swarajya is my birthright’ transformed the direction of the freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi himself acknowledged Tilak as the architect of modern India, further reflecting his immense contributions to the nation’s progress.
Lokmanya Tilak’s Legacy of Institution Building:
Shri Modi recognized Lokmanya Tilak’s exceptional institution-building capabilities, particularly his collaboration with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal. Their partnership remains a golden chapter in India’s freedom struggle. Lokmanya Tilak’s utilization of newspapers and journalism, exemplified by the enduring publication of Kesari in Maharashtra, further testifies to his strong institution-building endeavors.
Nurturing of Traditions and Ideals:
The Prime Minister emphasized Lokmanya Tilak’s role in nurturing traditions and celebrating Indian culture through events like Ganpati Mahotsava and Shiv Jayanti, which symbolized the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji. These cultural campaigns were essential in fostering a sense of unity and striving for Poorna Swaraj (complete independence) while advocating social reforms.
Lokmanya Tilak’s Faith in the Youth:
Shri Modi recalled Lokmanya Tilak’s faith in the Indian youth and his mentorship of prominent figures like Veer Savarkar and Shyamji Krishna Varma. The establishment of educational institutions like New English School, Fergusson College, and the Deccan Education Society in Pune reflected his vision of empowering individuals and nation-building.
India’s Trust Surplus and Progress:
The Prime Minister underscored the significance of trust in driving India’s development. He highlighted major changes and achievements in the past nine years, such as India becoming the 5th largest economy, the successful Made in India Corona Vaccine, and collateral-free loans under the Mudra Yojana. India’s trust surplus has transformed various government initiatives into people’s movements, leading to positive outcomes across the country.
