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Celebrating the Legacy of Veer Savarkar on His Death Anniversary: A Hero of India's Freedom Struggle

RW Media February 26, 2023

 Celebrating the Legacy of Veer Savarkar on His Death Anniversary: A Hero of India's Freedom Struggle


Introduction:

Veer Savarkar was not only a revolutionary but also a philosopher, author, and poet. His writings on Indian history, culture, and society have had a profound impact on the Indian nationalist movement and the shaping of modern India. 
His thoughts and ideas were deeply rooted in the Hindu tradition and Indian culture, and he saw India's independence as an opportunity to reclaim and celebrate its cultural heritage.

Savarkar was known for his unwavering commitment to the cause of Indian independence and his fearless attitude towards the British authorities. 
Even during his imprisonment in the infamous Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, he continued to inspire and lead the revolutionary movement. He wrote extensively on Indian history, culture, and society, and his writings were widely read and debated among Indian nationalists.

One of Savarkar's most significant contributions to the Indian nationalist movement was his concept of Hindutva. Hindutva was not just a religious or cultural identity but a political and social idea that saw India as a Hindu nation with a distinct cultural and historical identity. 

Savarkar believed that the struggle for India's independence was not just against British rule but against the cultural and spiritual domination of India by foreign powers.

Savarkar's ideas on Hindutva have been a subject of intense debate and controversy in India. While some see it as a divisive and exclusivist ideology, others see it as a unifying force that can bring together diverse communities under a common cultural identity. 

Despite the criticisms and debates, Savarkar's legacy and influence continue to be felt in modern-day India, especially in the political and social discourse.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Savarkar's life and legacy, especially among the younger generation of Indians. Several films and documentaries have been made on his life, and there has been a growing demand to honor him with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. 

While some see this as a fitting tribute to a hero of India's freedom struggle, others see it as a politically motivated move to appropriate Savarkar's legacy for partisan ends.

Early Life and Education:

Veer Savarkar, born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur, a small village in present-day Maharashtra, was a man who dedicated his life to the cause of Indian independence. He was drawn to the nationalist movement from a young age and became an active participant while still in college. His passion for the cause only grew stronger as he grew older and became one of the leading figures in the struggle for India's freedom.

Savarkar was a multifaceted personality, and his contribution to India's freedom struggle was not limited to his revolutionary activities. He was also a philosopher, author, and poet, whose writings and ideas have had a profound impact on the Indian nationalist movement and the shaping of modern India. His thoughts and ideas were deeply rooted in the Hindu tradition and Indian culture, and he saw India's independence as an opportunity to reclaim and celebrate its cultural heritage.

After completing his law degree in England, Savarkar became an advocate for India's independence and joined the Indian National Congress. However, he soon became disillusioned with the Congress's moderate approach to the struggle for independence and joined the more radical and militant wing of the nationalist movement. He became a member of the revolutionary group, Abhinav Bharat, which aimed to overthrow British rule through armed resistance.

Savarkar's revolutionary activities led to his arrest in 1910, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands. Despite being imprisoned in one of the most brutal and inhumane prisons in the world, Savarkar continued to inspire and lead the revolutionary movement. 

He wrote extensively on Indian history, culture, and society, and his writings were widely read and debated among Indian nationalists.

After his release from prison in 1924, Savarkar continued to work for India's independence and became one of the leading figures of the Hindu Mahasabha, a political party that championed the cause of Hindu nationalism. He was elected president of the Hindu Mahasabha in 1937 and remained in that position until 1943.

Savarkar's role in India's freedom struggle was not limited to his revolutionary activities and his contribution to the nationalist movement. He also played an important role in the social and cultural transformation of India. He was a strong advocate of social reforms and worked to eradicate social evils like caste discrimination and untouchability. He was also a prolific writer and poet and wrote extensively on Indian history, culture, and society.

Revolutionary Activities and Imprisonment:

During his imprisonment, Veer Savarkar was subjected to brutal torture and confinement in the infamous Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands. However, he refused to be broken by his captors and remained steadfast in his commitment to the Indian independence movement. 

In prison, he continued to write and publish works advocating for Indian independence, including his famous book "The Indian War of Independence, 1857." He also wrote poetry and plays, showcasing his artistic talents.

In addition to his literary contributions, Savarkar played a significant role in the political landscape of India. He was a staunch supporter of Hindu nationalism and advocated for the creation of a Hindu Rashtra, or Hindu nation, in India. 

He believed that India's independence and strength lay in embracing Hindu culture and traditions, while also rejecting foreign influences.

Savarkar's ideas and actions sparked controversy and drew both admiration and criticism. Some hailed him as a hero and a visionary, while others viewed him as a divisive figure and accused him of promoting communalism. Despite the differences in opinion, there is no denying the impact that Savarkar had on India's struggle for independence.

After serving 10 years in the Andaman Islands, Savarkar was released in 1924 under the condition that he renounce revolutionary activities and remain confined to Ratnagiri, a small town in Maharashtra. While he was restricted in his movements, Savarkar continued to work tirelessly for the cause of Indian independence.

In the years following his release, Savarkar played an important role in the Hindu Mahasabha, a political organization advocating for Hindu interests. He was a strong proponent of the idea of Hindutva, or Hindu nationalism, and worked to build a Hindu political consciousness in India.

Savarkar's contributions to India's struggle for independence were not limited to his time in prison or his political activities. He was also a prolific writer and intellectual, publishing numerous books and articles on a wide range of topics, including history, philosophy, and literature. His works continue to be studied and debated by scholars and students alike.

Despite his passing in 1966, Veer Savarkar's legacy continues to inspire and shape India's political and cultural landscape. His ideas and principles continue to influence the Hindu nationalist movement in India, and his life and achievements are celebrated every year on his birth and death anniversaries. As we reflect on his life and legacy, we are reminded of the power of one individual to shape the course of history and inspire generations to come.

Ideological Contributions:

Savarkar's contributions to India's freedom struggle were not limited to his revolutionary activities. He was also a prolific writer and thinker, whose ideas have had a lasting impact on Indian society and politics. Savarkar was a firm believer in Hindu nationalism and argued that India's identity was rooted in its ancient Hindu culture. He believed that India's history, traditions, and cultural heritage should be celebrated and preserved, and that the country's future lay in embracing its Hindu identity.

One of Savarkar's most significant contributions to Indian thought was his advocacy of the concept of Hindutva, or Hindu nationalism. He argued that Hindus were a distinct nation with a unique cultural identity and that India's independence was necessary to protect and promote that identity. He believed that a Hindu Rashtra, or Hindu nation, was the only way to ensure the protection and promotion of India's cultural heritage.

Savarkar was also a strong proponent of the use of Indian languages in place of English. He believed that the use of English had a negative impact on Indian society and culture and advocated for the use of Indian languages as a means of preserving and promoting Indian identity. He believed that the use of Indian languages would not only help to create a sense of national identity but would also promote economic self-sufficiency.

In line with his belief in economic self-sufficiency, Savarkar was a vocal proponent of swadeshi, or the use of domestic goods and services. He believed that the use of swadeshi products would help to build a strong and self-sufficient Indian economy, which would in turn contribute to India's independence.

Savarkar's ideas and principles were not without controversy, and he faced criticism from some quarters for promoting communalism and advocating for a Hindu-dominated society. However, his ideas continue to shape the political and cultural landscape of India, and his contributions to India's freedom struggle are widely recognized and celebrated.

In addition to his contributions to Indian thought and culture, Savarkar was also a prolific writer and intellectual. He published numerous books and articles on a wide range of topics, including history, philosophy, and literature. His works continue to be studied and debated by scholars and students alike.

Savarkar's contributions to India's freedom struggle and his ideas on Hindu nationalism, swadeshi, and the use of Indian languages have had a profound impact on Indian society and politics. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the course of India's development, and his life and achievements are celebrated every year on his birth and death anniversaries. 

Legacy and Influence:

Veer Savarkar's legacy and influence have transcended time and continue to be felt in modern-day India. He is celebrated as one of India's greatest freedom fighters, and his ideas and beliefs have had a profound impact on Indian society and politics.

One of Savarkar's most significant contributions was his advocacy for Hindu nationalism. He believed that India's identity was rooted in its ancient Hindu culture, and he saw the Hindu community as the backbone of India's struggle for independence. Savarkar's vision of India as a Hindu Rashtra, or Hindu nation, has been embraced by various political and social movements in India.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been in power since 2014, is one such political movement that has been influenced by Savarkar's ideas. The party's ideology is centered around Hindu nationalism, and its leaders often invoke Savarkar's name and ideas in their speeches and policies.

In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a statue of Savarkar in the Parliament complex, calling him a "true icon of freedom struggle." The move was criticized by opposition parties, who accused the BJP of promoting a divisive agenda. However, the BJP and its supporters view Savarkar as a hero and an inspiration.

Savarkar's advocacy for the use of Indian languages in place of English has also had a lasting impact on Indian society. He believed that the use of Indian languages was essential for promoting national unity and cultural pride. Today, many Indians take pride in their mother tongues and actively seek to promote and preserve them.

Savarkar's promotion of the idea of swadeshi, or economic self-sufficiency, has also had a lasting impact on Indian society. He believed that India's economic development should be driven by domestic industries and that the country should be self-reliant. Today, the concept of swadeshi has been revived by various movements, including the "Make in India" campaign launched by the Modi government in 2014.

Savarkar's legacy has not been without controversy, however. Some have criticized his Hindu nationalist beliefs as being divisive and exclusionary, while others have accused him of supporting the caste system. Despite these criticisms, Savarkar's contributions to India's freedom struggle and his impact on Indian society and politics cannot be denied.

Conclusion:

As we remember Veer Savarkar on his death anniversary, we pay tribute to a true hero of India's freedom struggle. His life and legacy continue to inspire and guide us in our quest for a better India. We must strive to uphold the values and principles that he stood for and work towards building a more inclusive and prosperous India.
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