Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born on July 23, 1856. Today marks his birth anniversary, a day to remember and honor his contributions to India's independence movement and his role in shaping Indian nationalism.Chandrashekhar Azad was born on July 23, 1906. Thus, today is also the birth anniversary of Azad, a day to celebrate his bravery and commitment to the cause of Indian freedom.

**Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856–1920)**:

Tilak was a prominent Indian nationalist and freedom fighter known for his role in the Indian independence movement. He was a key figure in the early stages of the struggle against British colonial rule and advocated for self-rule ("Swaraj") and national unity. Tilak's political philosophy combined elements of Hindu revivalism with a strong commitment to Indian independence. He was also a leader of the extremist faction within the Indian National Congress, which opposed the moderate approach of leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Tilak was known for his famous slogan "Swaraj is my birthright," and his efforts in the social and educational spheres aimed at awakening national consciousness among Indians.

**Chandrashekhar Azad (1906–1931)**:

Azad was a revolutionary freedom fighter and a key figure in the struggle for India's independence. He was associated with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and was known for his radical methods and commitment to armed resistance against British rule. Azad was involved in several notable revolutionary activities, including the Kakori Train Robbery in 1925. He earned the moniker "Azad" (meaning "free") after declaring that he would remain free and never be captured by the British. Despite his young age, his leadership and bravery made him a symbol of uncompromising resistance. Azad died in a confrontation with the police in 1931, leaving behind a legacy of courage and dedication to India's freedom.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born on July 23, 1856. Today marks his birth anniversary, a day to remember and honor his contributions to India's independence movement and his role in shaping Indian nationalism.

Chandrashekhar Azad was born on July 23, 1906. Thus, today is also the birth anniversary of Azad, a day to celebrate his bravery and commitment to the cause of Indian freedom.

Both figures are remembered for their significant contributions to India's struggle for independence, and their birthdays are occasions to reflect on their legacies.

**Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856–1920)**

**Birth and Early Life:**

- **Date of Birth:** July 23, 1856

- **Place of Birth:** Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India

- **Background:** Tilak was born into a Brahmin family. His father, Gangadhar Tilak, was a schoolteacher, and his mother, Parvatibai, was deeply religious. Tilak was educated at Elphinstone College in Mumbai (then Bombay), where he developed an early interest in politics and social reform.

**Historical Significance:**

- **Nationalist Leader:** Tilak was a key figure in the Indian independence movement. He is best known for his radical approach to achieving self-rule for India, in contrast to the moderate views of other leaders like Gopal Krishna Gokhale.

- **Slogan and Advocacy:** His famous slogan "Swaraj is my birthright" encapsulated his vision for India's independence. He advocated for self-rule and promoted the idea of Indian sovereignty through both political activism and cultural revival.

- **Role in Congress:** He was a leader of the extremist faction within the Indian National Congress, emphasizing direct action and mass mobilization. He also launched the Ganapati and Shivaji festivals as means to unite Hindus and foster nationalistic feelings.

- **Literary Contributions:** Tilak was a prolific writer and scholar. His works included commentaries on Hindu scriptures, such as the Gita Rahasya, and he was influential in the promotion of the Marathi language and literature.

**Chandrashekhar Azad (1906–1931)**

**Birth and Early Life:**

- **Date of Birth:** July 23, 1906

- **Place of Birth:** Bhavra, Madhya Pradesh, India

- **Background:** Azad was born into a poor family and received a basic education. Influenced by revolutionary ideas and the freedom struggle, he became involved in nationalist activities at a young age.

**Historical Significance:**

- **Revolutionary Leader:** Azad was a prominent figure in the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). He was known for his commitment to armed resistance against British rule and played a crucial role in revolutionary activities.

- **Notable Actions:** He was involved in significant revolutionary activities, including the Kakori Train Robbery in 1925, which aimed to secure funds for the revolutionary cause. Azad's leadership and courage in these actions made him a respected figure among fellow revolutionaries.

- **Legacy:** Azad is remembered for his determination and bravery. He vowed never to be captured by the British and died in a fierce gunfight with police in 1931. His legacy symbolizes the spirit of resistance and dedication to India's freedom.

Both Tilak and Azad made enduring contributions to India's fight for independence, each through their unique methods and ideologies. Their birth anniversaries serve as a reminder of their significant roles in shaping modern India.

**Bal Gangadhar Tilak:**

1. **Gita Rahasya (The Secret of the Gita):** 

   - **Overview:** This is Tilak's most notable work. It's a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, written in response to British colonial criticisms of Hinduism. Tilak interprets the Gita through the lens of his nationalist and revolutionary ideals, arguing for the text's relevance to contemporary socio-political issues and personal duty.

2. **The Arctic Home in the Vedas:**

   - **Overview:** In this book, Tilak presents a controversial theory about the origin of the Vedic civilization. He suggests that the Vedas were composed in the Arctic region and that the Vedic Aryans migrated southward as the Arctic climate changed. This work reflects Tilak's interest in Vedic studies and his attempts to establish an ancient and glorious past for India.

3. **The History of the First War of Indian Independence 1857:**

   - **Overview:** Tilak wrote about the 1857 uprising, also known as the Sepoy Rebellion, in this historical account. His narrative focuses on the struggle against British rule, presenting it as a significant event in India's fight for independence.

**Chandrashekhar Azad:**

Chandrashekhar Azad did not leave behind a large body of written literature like Tilak, but his contributions to revolutionary literature and thought are significant in other ways:

1. **Memoirs and Accounts:**

   - **Overview:** While Azad himself did not write extensive books, various memoirs, biographies, and accounts have been written about him. These include:

     - **"Chandrashekhar Azad: The Life and Times of a Revolutionary"** by different authors.

     - **"Chandrashekhar Azad: The Legend"** by R.P. Gera.

     - These works often draw on the testimonies of his contemporaries, revolutionary associates, and historical documents to paint a picture of his life and contributions.

2. **Revolutionary Writings and Pamphlets:**

   - **Overview:** Azad's revolutionary activities were accompanied by pamphlets and underground literature that spread revolutionary ideas and called for resistance against British rule. These documents were often produced and distributed by members of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and reflect the ideologies and strategies advocated by Azad.

Although Tilak's written works are extensive and influential in the context of Indian nationalist literature, Azad's legacy is more closely tied to the revolutionary actions he undertook and the impact he had on the movement, as reflected in subsequent biographical and historical writings.