Encyclopaedia of Eminent Thinkers: The Political Thought of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak

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This volume presents a critical assessment of the political philosophy of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Providing rich insight into his life and achievements, it analyses the politico-social situation and factors that shaped his ideology and perception. It also deals with his concept of Swaraj, his social philosophy, his views on nationalism, and his political legacy.

Dr. Jai Narain Sharma (b. 1951) is Professor and Chairman of the Department of Gandhian Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh. He is also Hon. Director of Gandhi Bhawan; member of Board of Studies, Nagpur University, Nagpur and Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Varanasi; member of Research Degree Committee of the Department of Political Science, H.P. University, Shimla: General Secretary of Indian Soviety of Gandhian Studies; and member on the Presidium of the Alliance for Sarvodaya. He regularly writes for leading newspapers, and has published more than hundred research papers in professional journals of repute. Dr. Sharma has many books to his credit including "Gandhi's View of Political Power", "Economics of Defence: A Study of SAARC Countries", "Economic Thought of Mahatma Gandhi", "Human Resource Management", "Alternative Economics: Economics of Mahatma Gandhi and Globalisation", "Power, Politics and Corruption: A Gandhian Solution" and "Research Methodology: The Discipline and its Dimensions".

The standard of greatness which our country has set to its leaders is high indeed, but Bal Gangadhar Tilak has surpassed it, and stands first amongst his peers. There have been not a few personages whose memory our people cherish with respect, but there is hardly any other personality than that of Tilak who has touched the deep-seated and most responsive chord of the hearts of the people. There are always to be found persons who, despaired of winning the esteem of the people seek to disparage the benefactors of the public. They call them "popularity hunters"; but it is a language of spleen, malice, despair and ingratitude. Popularity, and especially abiding popularity, is neither cheap nor a chance. It comes only after the crucial test of honest, sustained and benevolent efforts. Therein lies the secret of Tilak's hold over the people. He loved his people, trusted his people, helped his people and actually suffered for his people. There is no sacrifice which he would not have made for them, and no assistance which he would not have rendered to further their cause. By espousing the popular cause he had nothing to gain, but everything to lose. For the sake of the people, however, he risked everything-his prospects, wealth, health, liberty and life. Yet none of Tilak's acts was done without the exercise of prudence and foresight; for providence had blessed him with every manly virtue of which we all may be proud of. He had a subtle intelligence, spotless private character, splendid public spirit and above all superb courage without which no merit can stand or endure. People have long known that during the protracted, arduous struggle which Tilak waged, every danger that he braved and every hardship that he suffered was for their sake. To him it was a matter of duty which expected no reward.

**Contents and Sample Pages**