Contribution of Tilak in the Freedom Struggle

In the context of Srimad Bhagavad Gita Rahasya

Abstract

The name of Bal Gangadhar Tilak is renowned as a great karma yogi. He made a significant contribution to the Indian national movement. During the time when India was under British rule, he made numerous efforts to awaken the spirit of action among the Indian people. In this context, he composed the book "Gita Rahasya" (The Secret of the Bhagavad Gita). However, Tilak Ji was already inspired by the Gita, but he did not agree with the interpretation of renunciation emphasized in it. According to him, when a nation is trapped in the chains of slavery, it is essential to make people understand the path of action rather than the path of renunciation. Before Tilak, several commentaries were written on the Gita, but they primarily focused on the concept of liberation through renunciation. However, Tilak considered the Bhagavad Gita to be predominantly a scripture of action (karmapradhan). The Gita discusses yoga on multiple occasions, but its main significance lies in its connection with karma, presenting it as the path of karma yoga. Bal Gangadhar Tilak, based on Hindu scriptures, expounded the complete philosophy of karma yoga in his book "Gita Rahasya." He studied various commentaries on the Gita and compiled diverse viewpoints. He made an effort to eliminate any ambiguities so that readers of the Gita could understand that it is not just a path of renunciation but a path of action that teaches the performance of duties.