Proof set: 150th birth anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak proof set cover

Bal Gangadhar Tilak obverse

Reverse

Bal Gangadhar Tilak 100 rupee obverse

100 rupee reverse

5 rupee Tilak: copper nickel

Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak (29th Couplet) Described by British as "The Father of Indian Unrest " Tilak was born on 23.07.1856. His slogan, "Swaraj (Self Rule) is my birthright", inspired millions of Indians. His book "Geetarahasya"a classic treatise on Geeta in Marathi was written by him, in prison at Mandalay.Great journalist- editor, an authority on Vedas, Sanskrit Scholar, mathematician and a natural leader of India. Founded schools and published newspapers, all for his motherland. He rotted in a distant jail at Mandalay, in Burma. he wore himself out till his last breath, to awaken his countrymen.

Tilak was born in Ratnagiri on 23rd July 1856. He lived for 64 years. Every year of his life was a milestone of achievements.

How much the British feared Tilak, can be gauged from the letter the Governor of Bombay wrote in 1908 to the Secretary of State for India in England:
'He is one of the chief conspirators opposed to the British rule in India. He may even be the Chief conspirator. He has planned the Ganesha Festival, the Shivaji Festival, the Paisa Fund and the National Schools, with the sole aim of destroying British rule in India.'


When Tilak passed away, Mahatma Gandhi said: "He used his steel-like will power for the country. His life is an open book. The Lokmanya is the Architect of New India. Future generations will remember Tilak with reverence, as the man who lived and died for their sake."

Composition