15 August, 1988 brings to a close the commemoration of 40 years of India's Independence. TO mark theis ocasion the Department of Posts id issuing a stamp commemorating the contribution og Bal Gangadhar TIlak, towards the cause of freedom and his famous call "Swaraj is my birthright" which inspired generations of Indians. At around the beginning of this century there was a certain disenchanment with the approach of the older and more moderate group of nationalists. The Patition of Bengal in 1905 catalysed the wave that carried our National Movement to its phase with its emphasis on Swaraj, Swadeshi and Boycott.

Tilak's thundering proclamation onSwaraj and the cries of "Vande Mataram" rekindled national pride. For the first time the common man boldly stepped out in the current of our National Movement. The youth of India rsponded enthusiastically to the call of independence from foreign rule. The charged mood of the timess was later summed up by Jawaharlal Nahru, who wrote in his Autobiography- ..." For the first time since the Revolt of 1857 India was showing fight and not submitting tamely to foreign rule- Almost without an exception we were Tilakites....". On the economic front the emphasis on Swadeshi proved to be a boon; cottage industry prospered and large-scale enterprises were also set up.

Tilak spread the message of self-confidence and self-reliance. He helped to widen the social base of our National Movement. Upon the death of this great son of India, in 1920, Mahatma Gandhi wrote ".... The roar of the lion is hushed. For us he will go down to the generations yet unborn as a member of modern India....". His bravery, his simplicity, his wonderful industry and his love of his country inspire us even today.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India