New Delhi, May 28: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar is one of the most discussed, influential, and controversial figures in Indian history. Born on May 28, 1883, in Nashik district, Savarkar made his mark as a revolutionary, thinker, writer, lawyer, politician, and nationalist ideologue.
Savarkar’s father was Damodar Pant Savarkar, and his mother was Radhabai. His life was filled with struggles from an early age. He lost his mother when he was just nine years old, and seven years later, his father also passed away. Following this, his elder brother, Ganesh Savarkar, took on the responsibility of the family.
He completed his early education at Shivaji High School in Nashik and passed his matriculation examination in 1901. Alongside his studies, he developed a keen interest in literature, beginning to write poetry at a young age. He later traveled to London for higher education.
While in London, Savarkar’s interest in political activities grew rapidly. In 1904, he founded the organization ‘Abhinav Bharat’ to inspire patriotism, national unity, and a sense of nationalism among the youth. He openly opposed the partition of Bengal in 1905 and led a movement against British rule by burning foreign goods in Pune.
Influenced by Russian revolutionaries, Savarkar celebrated the golden jubilee of the First Indian War of Independence at India House in London in 1907. During this time, he connected with several revolutionary leaders. After the assassination of British officer Curzon Wyllie by Madan Lal Dhingra in 1909, Savarkar became a target for the British government. Following his article in the ‘London Times’ about the incident, he was arrested on May 13, 1910.
After his arrest, he attempted to escape on July 8, 1910, but was recaptured. The British government sentenced him to two life imprisonments and sent him to the infamous Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, known as ‘Kala Pani.’ He endured severe hardships there from July 4, 1911, until May 21, 1921, when he was eventually released after a reconsideration of his petition.
Savarkar described the revolt of 1857 as India’s first war of independence. He conducted extensive research on the subject and authored the book ‘1857: The Indian War of Independence,’ which played a crucial role in providing an ideological foundation for the freedom movement.
Not only was Savarkar a revolutionary, but he was also a profound thinker. He expressed many inspiring ideas on untouchability, social discrimination, and national unity. He believed that the prevalent caste system and divisions weakened the nation. He emphasized duty, struggle, and love for the nation as the highest virtues in life.
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S.A.K./D.K.P.
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