PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2023
Answer
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Explanation
The iconic slogan 'Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it' was coined by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent radical nationalist leader of the Indian independence movement. He used this powerful declaration during the Home Rule League movement in 1916 to inspire the Indian masses to demand self-rule from the British.
Key Points
- > Quote: 'Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it'.
- > He was affectionately conferred the title 'Lokmanya' (Accepted by the people).
- > He published two influential newspapers: 'Kesari' (in Marathi) and 'Mahratta' (in English).
- > British author Valentine Chirol called him the 'Father of Indian Unrest'.
- > He was part of the radical 'Lal-Bal-Pal' triumvirate.
- > Netaji's famous quote: 'Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom'.
Additional Information
Freedom Fighters' Slogans
| Leader | Famous Slogan |
|---|---|
| Bal Gangadhar Tilak | Swaraj is my birthright... |
| S.C. Bose | Give me blood, I'll give you freedom |
| Mahatma Gandhi | Do or Die |
| Bhagat Singh | Inquilab Zindabad |
Memory Tips
- Tie the concept of Swaraj (Self-rule) with the radical trio Lal-Bal-Pal. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was the one who made it a mass mantra.