Who among the following said that his Char Dham pilgrimage trip has been completed having seen Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak four times?

The correct answer is Badridutt Pandey.

Key Points

• Badridutt Pandey was a prominent freedom fighter, journalist, and historian from Uttarakhand.
• He was deeply influenced by nationalist leaders like Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
• He once remarked that seeing Lokmanya Tilak four times was equivalent to completing the Char Dham Yatra (a sacred Hindu pilgrimage).
• This statement reflects his deep reverence for Tilak and his belief in Tilak’s towering stature in India’s freedom movement.

Additional Information

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak
  • Tilak was one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement and part of the Lal-Bal-Pal triumvirate.
  • He was the first leader of the Indian independence movement to demand Swaraj (self-rule) as a fundamental right of Indians.
  • Tilak founded the newspapers Kesari (in Marathi) and The Mahratta (in English) to awaken and mobilize people against British rule.
  • His famous quote, "Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it," became a rallying cry for freedom fighters.
• Char Dham
  • In Hinduism, Char Dham refers to the four sacred pilgrimage sites: Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram.
  • It symbolizes spiritual fulfillment and is considered a significant journey for devotees.
  • Pant's metaphorical use of this term underscores the reverence he held for Tilak.
• Indian Freedom Movement
  • The Indian freedom movement was a series of activities and campaigns that aimed to end British rule in India.
  • It was marked by the efforts of leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, Tilak, Bose, and many others who united people for the cause of Swaraj.
  • Tilak's extremist approach contrasted with the moderates but proved pivotal in awakening national consciousness.
• Lal-Bal-Pal
  • The trio of Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal were influential leaders in the early 20th century.
  • They represented the assertive nationalist faction, advocating for direct action against British colonial rule.
  • They played a significant role in the Swadeshi Movement and the demand for Swaraj.