Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born on July 23,1856 in the coastal town of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra. He was brought up in an orthodox family.
At a very young age Tilak showed his keenness and interest in studying Sanskrit, History and Astrology. He was very good at Mathematics and secured first class
in mathematics in graduation. After completing his Law he became a lawyer.
Tilak considered education as the basic condition for freedom and growth. He launched two journals - 'Kesari' in Marathi and 'Maratha' in English, in 1881.
Through his journals Tilak informed the public about the British policies, the ideas of nationalism and the need to attain Swaraj.
Tilak promoted Shivaji festival and Ganesh Pooja to arouse cultural nationalism in the people. Many a time he was imprisoned by the British government.