Mumbai, May 28: A person who’s each and every breath said only one thing “Freedom of Mother India” from the clutches of the goons “Britishers” who ruled our nation ruthlessly, whose thoughts were flooding for Indian Freedom from a cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands (far away from mainland India), he was none other than Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Swatantryaveer Savarkar or Veer Savarkar.
Savarkar was the one who coined the term ‘Hindutva’ to create a collective "Hindu" identity as an essence of Bharat (India). His political philosophy had the elements of utilitarianism, rationalism and positivism, humanism and universalism, and realism.
Born in 1883 this day, Savarkar dedicated his whole life for the freedom of Bharat without bothering about himself. He was a cautious leader, a bard and staunch supporter of Freedom. Besides having the flame of Patriotism, Savarkar’s pen used to work as his Patriotism tool as he wrote ‘The Indian War of Independence’, on Hindutva which evoked the nation to unite.
He was also a lawyer, politician, poet, writer, and playwright. His political philosophy had the elements of utilitarianism, rationalism and positivism, humanism and universalism, and realism. Savarkar was also an atheist who disapproved of orthodox beliefs in all religions.
While in jail, Savarkar wrote the work describing Hindutva, espousing what it means to be a Hindu, and Hindu pride, in which he defined as all the people descended of Hindu culture as being part of Hindutva, including Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. In 1921, under restrictions after signing a plea for clemency, he was released on the condition that he renounces revolutionary activities. Traveling widely, Savarkar became a forceful orator and writer, advocating Hindu political and social unity.
These qualities of Veer Savarkar are still remembered in every part of the country. PM Modi in his Mann Ki Baat of May 27 remembered the thoughts of Savarkar by saying that May 1857 was not only evaluated as a minor historical incident but was also an attempt to dent our self-respect. It was Veer Savarkar who boldly expostulated by writing that whatever happened in 1857 was not a revolt but was indeed the First War of Independence.
“Savarkar along with his band of brave hearts celebrated the 50th anniversary of the First War of Independence with great fanfare at India house in London. It is also an amazing coincidence that the month which witnessed the First Struggle for Independence was the month in which Veer Savarkar Ji was born. Savarkar ji’s personality was full of special qualities; he was a worshipper of both weapons or shashtra and Knowledge or Shastras” PM Modi said.
He further added that generally, Veer Savarkar is renowned for his bravery and his struggle against the British Raj. But besides these sterling qualities, he was also a striking poet and a social reformer who always emphasized on goodwill and unity. A wonderful account about Savarkarji has been given by our dear honorable Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. Atal Ji had said - Savarkar means brilliance, Savarkar means sacrifice, Savarkar means penance, Savarkar means a substance, Savarkar means logic, Savarkar means youth, Savarkar means an arrow, and Savarkar means a Sword! Behold! What an accurate depiction of Savarkar by Atal ji! Savarkar marched along with both poetry and revolution. Besides being a sensitive poet, he was also a courageous revolutionary.