While Mahatma Gandhi fondly bestowed the title of ‘Maker of Modern India’ on Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the British labeled him as the ‘Father of Indian Unrest.’ The people of India remember him as ‘Lokmanya,’ meaning ‘widely accepted by the people as their leader.’ A teacher and journalist by profession, Tilak began his political journey as a Maratha propagandist but soon evolved into a prominent nationalist leader. He was the first Indian leader to strongly advocate for ‘Swaraj’ or ‘Self-Rule.’ His bold political opinions and revolutionary ideas awakened Indian consciousness and inspired people to realize the need for an independent India, where every religion and race would be treated equally. During his illustrious career as a social reformer and freedom fighter, his famous slogan, "Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it," galvanized millions of Indians to join the independence movement. Tilak is best remembered for his defiance of British rule and for fostering the idea of extremist nationalism.