Veer Savarkar - A void which will never be filled!
Veer Savarkar was born on May 28, 1883, in the
town of Bhangur in present-day Maharashtra, India. His father, Damodar Savarkar,
was a Sanskrit scholar and his mother, Radhabai, was a religious and progressive-minded
woman. Veer Savarkar was greatly influenced by the writings of Swami
Vivekananda and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who emphasized the need for national unity
and self-reliance.
Savarkar pursued his education at Fergusson
College in Pune and later went to the United Kingdom to study law. During his
time in England, he became actively involved in the Indian nationalist movement
and was a founding member of the Free India Society and the Indian Home Rule Society.
He used his time in London to network with fellow Indian students and
intellectual building a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
One of Savarkar's most significant contributions
was the formulation and popularization of the concept of Hindutva.
"Hindutva" as defined by Veer Savarkar refers to the cultural and
national identity of Hindus and their collective historical and geographical
unity. He argued for a comprehensive understanding of Hindu identity,
emphasizing the cultural and civilizational aspects that transcended religious
boundaries. Savarkar's concept of Hindutva became a rallying point for Hindu
nationalist movements in India and played a crucial role in shaping the
political landscape of the country.
Savarkar was deeply committed to the idea of
armed struggle as a means to attain independence. He believed that political
freedom could not be achieved solely through non-violent means and actively
propagated the idea of armed revolution. Savarkar formed the Abhinav Bharat
Society in India and organized revolutionary activities against British rule.
His vision of armed struggle inspired several young revolutionaries who carried
out acts of resistance against the British regime in India.
However, Savarkar's involvement in the Indian independence
movement led to his arrest by the British authorities in 1909. He was charged
with sedition and sentenced to two life terms totaling 50 years in prison.
Savarkar spent several years in various prisons including the Cellular Jail in
Andaman and Nicobar Islands where he endured immense hardships and torture.
Despite the physical and mental trauma he experienced Savarkar's spirit
remained unbroken & he continued to inspire his fellow inmates through his
writings and resilience.
Savarkar was not only a revolutionary but also a
prolific writer and poet. Some of his notable works include "The First War
of Independence 1857," "Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?," and
"Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History." Through his writings, Veer
Savarkar sought to instill a sense of pride in Indian culture and heritage, and
he fiercely criticized the oppressive nature of British rule.
Savarkar's writings and speeches had a profound
impact on the national consciousness of India inspiring countless individuals
to actively participate in the freedom struggle. His ideas on Hindutva
nationalism & self-reliance laid the foundation for the future development
of Indian nationalist thought.
Veer Savarkar's legacy is a subject of intense
debate and controversy in present-day India. While he is revered by many as a
national hero and a champion of Hindu nationalism his critics accuse him of
promoting divisive and exclusionary politics. The concept of Hindutva
propagated by Savarkar has often been criticized for its alleged exclusion of
religious minorities and its perceived emphasis on cultural homogeneity. It is
important to note that Savarkar himself advocated for a broad interpretation of
Hindutva encompassing all those who consider India their motherland. However,
his association with right-wing organizations and his controversial views on
certain social and political issues have contributed to the polarized opinions
surrounding his legacy.
Veer Savarkar was a visionary leader,
revolutionary icon, and an indomitable spirit who dedicated his life to the
cause of India's independence. His contributions to the freedom movement his
intellectual prowess & his unwavering commitment to the ideals of
nationalism continue to inspire generations of Indians. While his legacy
remains a subject of debate there is no denying the profound impact he had on
shaping the political and cultural landscape of modern India.
As we reflect on the life of Veer Savarkar it is
important to examine his ideas and contributions critically taking into account
the historical context in which he lived. By doing so we can appreciate the
multifaceted nature of his personality and his significant role in India's struggle
for freedom. Veer Savarkar's vision for a strong and united India remains
relevant even today serving as a reminder of the indomitable spirit and
determination required to overcome the challenges on the path to progress and
nation-building.
Not to forget in the words of India's Late P.M. Shri Atal Bihari Bajpayee :
Savarkar means "Sacrifice"
Savarkar means "Tenacity"
Savarkar means "Tenor"
Savarkar means "Youthfulness"
Savarkar means "Arrow"
Savarkar means "Sword".
Long Live Savarkar !
Comments
Post a Comment