Bal Gangadhar Tilak went to London in the later half of 1918. He wanted to explain ‘Home Rule’ demand to the English public.
His other objective was to sue London Times reporter Valentine C. for writing scurrilous reports against him to vilify him when the reporter had visited India. Tilak lost case and was asked to pay expenses to the reporter.
Instead of losing face Tilak became more popular having greater mass following.
The people collected a purse of 3 lac rupees to help Tilak cover the case expenses. The Indians were now wiser to the fact that Indians shall never get any justice from any British institution.
Tilak extended his stay in Britain to 13 months during which he met leaders, scholars and common folk to apprise them of the situation in India and the importance of ‘Home Rule’ demand.
When Tilak returned to India, the situation at home was not good.
Gandhiji had postponed Non-Cooperation Movement due to a violent incident.
The people were demoralised.
British Parliament passed ‘Reforms Bill’ which was to facilitate release of all political prisoners in India arrested during various movements.
Tilak thanked the Viceroy through a telegram.
There were some differences in the Congress over this Bill. Some wanted to accept it while others were in favour of its rejection.
End
By the year 1919 Bal Gangadhar Tilak looked very old and weak. He was not keeping well.
He had a long talk with Gandhiji and handed him the baton of the leadership of the freedom struggle of India.
Tilak felt feverish two days before his 64th birthday. He stayed in bed. The fever aggravated. He told his near and dear ones that his end was near. All his friends, relatives, associates and close followers flocked to his house.
On the night of 2nd August, 1920 Tilak felt pain in his chest and at 12.40 a.m. he breathed his last.
Thus, came the end of the pioneer of freedom struggle of India who waged relentless battle against the colonial rulers for almost forty years. His dream of Independent India came true 27 years later on 15th August, 1947.
