Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today paid tributes to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak on the birth anniversary.

In a social media post, Mr Shah Bal Gangadhar Tilak was one of the pioneering heroes of the freedom struggle who, while organising and inspiring the youth for the independence movement, also fought a lifelong battle for the cause of Swadeshi and native culture.

He said Lokmanya’s proclamation, ‘Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it (Swaraj Mera Janmsiddh Adhikar Hai Aur Main Ise Lekar Rahunga), stirred the conscience of the entire nation and carried the spirit of freedom to every individual.

He also noted that Bal Gangadhar Tilak‘s timeless treatise Gita Rahasya continues to inspire everyone even today to remain steadfast on the path of duty.

Meanwhile, Mr Singh in a social media post said that Lokmanya’s unwavering patriotism, unwavering resolve for Swaraj, and emphasis on Swadeshi will continue to inspire coming generations to serve the nation.