Today, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, received the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak National Award in Pune, Maharashtra. This award, instituted by the Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust in 1983, pays homage to the legacy of Lokmanya Tilak, a prominent freedom fighter and social reformer.
In a humble gesture, the Prime Minister donated the cash prize from the award to the Namami Gange Project.
Upon his arrival at the ceremony, the Prime Minister paid his respects to Lokmanya Tilak by offering floral tributes at his statue. The event held special significance as it coincided with Lokmanya Tilak’s punya tithi, a day dedicated to honoring his memory.
About Lokmanya Tilak National Award
The Lokmanya Tilak National Award was established in 1983 by the Tilak Smarak Mandir Trust to honor the remarkable legacy of Lokmanya Tilak. This prestigious award is given to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the progress and development of the nation. It is presented annually on the 1st of August, which marks the death anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, was honored with this award, becoming the 41st recipient of this prestigious recognition. Over the years, this esteemed award has been bestowed upon distinguished personalities such as Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Dr. Manmohan Singh, Shri N. R. Narayana Murthy, Dr. E. Sreedharan, and many other notable figures who have made exceptional contributions to the nation’s growth and progress.
About Lokmanya Tilak
Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856-1920) was an Indian activist, social reformer, and writer who was one of the pioneers of the Indian independence movement. He was born in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, and educated at Elphinstone College in Mumbai.
- He was born in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, and educated at Elphinstone College in Mumbai.
- Tilak was arrested and imprisoned on several occasions, and he was even exiled to Mandalay, Burma.
- However, Tilak remained a popular figure among the Indian people, and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the Indian independence movement.
- Tilak was a prolific writer, and he wrote on a variety of topics, including politics, religion, and social reform.
- He was also a poet, and he is best known for his patriotic songs, such as “Swarajya is my birthright and I shall have it.”
- Tilak died in Mumbai on 1st August 1920. He is buried at Shivaji Park in Mumbai, which is now a national monument.
- Tilak is remembered as a great patriot and a champion of Indian independence. He is also considered to be one of the most important figures in the Indian Renaissance.
The title “Lokmanya” means “leader of the people.” It was given to Tilak by his followers because of his dedication to the cause of independence. He was a true patriot who risked his life to fight for the freedom of his people.
Some of Tilak’s most important contributions to the Indian Independence Movement
- He was a strong advocate of Swadeshi or self-reliance, and he encouraged Indians to boycott British goods and services.
- He was a proponent of swaraj or self-rule, and he campaigned for greater autonomy for India within the British Empire.
- He was a prolific writer, and he wrote on a variety of topics, including politics, religion, and social reform.
- He started two newspapers, Kesari and Mahratta, which were used to spread the message of independence.
- He also started the Ganpati festival, which is celebrated all over India today.
- He was a poet, and he is best known for his patriotic songs, such as “Swarajya is my birthright and I shall have it.”
Tilak was a complex and contradictory figure, but he was undoubtedly one of the most important figures in the Indian independence movement. He is remembered as a great patriot and a champion of Indian freedom.
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