Bal Gangadhar Tilak, an Indian social reformer and freedom activist, said “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it”. He coined the word “Swarajya”. His statement came at a time when many believed that Indians were better off being governed by someone else.
Tilak was known for his criticism of British rule and moderate nationalists who advocated social reforms along Western lines. He was imprisoned for six years for his writings. The people of Maharashtra gave him the title “Lokmanya”, which means “accepted by the people” in Marathi.
Tilak described “swarajya” as having both political and moral connotations. He said it meant home rule, self control, and inner freedom.
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