Latest news with #Savarkar
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Decode Politics: Amid Fadnavis govt's Savarkar push, why a research Centre is in the spotlight
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday announced the establishment of the Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Study and Research Centre at Mumbai University's Kalina campus. While the Hindutva ideologue has been celebrated by the Maharashtra governments in the past, this is the first time that it is setting up a study and research Centre on him. The Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government has decided to sanction Rs 100 crore for this Centre project and has also declared its plan to build a Savarkar statue on Mumbai University's campus. Besides, Fadnavis asserted that the Maharashtra government would also start correspondence with the relevant authorities in the United Kingdom to get Savarkar's barrister degree restored. Savarkar had completed his law education from Gray's Inn in London. But he was denied the barrister degree as he refused to pledge his allegiance to the British crown – a mandatory requirement then to obtain it. Here is a look at various aspects of the proposed Savarkar Centre and its scope as compared to such initiatives in the past. The Centre will document, preserve and archive the biography of Savarkar and his works, exploring his writings, speeches, and other available material. It will also offer various courses including the certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes on Savarkar. Prof Ravindra Kulkarni, the Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University, told The Indian Express: 'The Centre will enable students, educators, and researchers to study ideas related to social reform, freedom, and national thought. Through this, we will strive to establish a global intellectual platform by encouraging scholarly debates and discussions on similar ideas.' Savarkar was himself a student of Mumbai University and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from here in 1906. While it was revoked by the British government in 1911 due to his participation in India's freedom struggle, it was restored posthumously in 1960. Prof Kulkarni said that in 2022, while researching on the distinguished alumnus of Mumbai University, the idea of a Centre on Savarkar began taking shape. Mumbai University has also other centres on different iconic figures. In 2020, the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Research Centre for Social Justice was announced by Mumbai University with a budgetary allocation of Rs 1 crore. In 2019, a stone-laying event was inaugurated for the Professor Bal Apte Centre for Studies in Students and Youth Movements at Green Technology Building at Mumbai University by then Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. In 2006, the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies was set up by the then Congress-NCP government. The Ambedkar International Research Centre for Social Justice remains on paper, even as a land has been identified for it at Mumbai University's Kalina campus. The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Contemporary Studies has a building which offers a few programmes. However, some Mumbai University officials said it has not been running properly. The Bal Apte Centre for Studies in Students and Youth Movements, officials said, is however running smoothly, which recently issued advertisements for the recruitment of some teaching and non-teaching staff. While studying in the UK, Savarkar joined other Indians abroad who planned to fight the British rule back home. In March 1910, 27-year-old Savarkar was arrested over these activities. While being extradited back home, he escaped from a steamer near the coast of France, and swam ashore. As that episode made headlines, Savarkar was rearrested and handed over to the British. At the age of 28, Savarkar was sentenced to two life terms and sent to Cellular Jail in the Andamans. The prison was meant to break the most hardened of prisoners, and Savarkar also faced torture and brutality. He was released from the prison in 1924 following contested 'mercy petitions' and a promise to not participate in political activities. A new chapter in Savarkar's life started with his election as the president of the Hindu Mahasabha at Ahmedabad in 1937. He continued in this position until 1943. After Mahatma Gandhi's assassination in January 1948 by Nathuram Godse, who was a member of the Hindu Mahasabha, Savarkar was also tried as an accused, but was eventually acquitted by the court. He has continued to remain a major figure for the BJP. During the BJP-led NDA government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a profile of Savarkar was published by the government in February 2003 to mark his death anniversary, and a portrait of his was installed in the Central Hall of Parliament by then President A P J Abdul Kalam on February 26, 2003. The Opposition parties such as the Congress and the Left had boycotted the function.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Musical Oration Highlights Multifaceted Persona of Savarkar
Nagpur: A special musical oration on Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was organised on the occasion of his birth anniversary on Wednesday at PMG Hall in Madhav Nagar. The musical tribute was a key part of the broader Savarkar Jayanti celebrations observed across Nagpur. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now At the special musical oration, singer-orator Amar Kulkarni eloquently presented various facets of Savarkar's life and ideology. Kulkarni captivated the audience by speaking on Savarkar as a poet, staunch patriot, keen politician, and an expert in external affairs, defence, and strategy. He further enriched the programme by reciting Savarkar's poems, elucidating the underlying motivations and contexts behind each composition. Earlier in the day, various organisations and individuals paid respects to the iconic freedom fighter. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) held a commemorative ceremony at its administrative building, where additional commissioner Ajay Charthankar garlanded Savarkar's portrait. Veteran social worker Ushatai Chati was felicitated at Hindi Mor Bhavan. Chati, along with Gayathri Vatsalya, founder-president of SVK Shikshan Sanstha, were honoured for embodying the ideals and philosophy of Veer Savarkar through their respective work in the field of education and social welfare. Pankaj Chande, former vice-chancellor of Kavikulaguru Kalidas Sanskrit University (KKSU), Ramtek, presided over the felicitation ceremony. The programme emphasised the importance of understanding Veer Savarkar's thoughts and contributions, especially for the younger generation. Political leaders, including chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, paid their respects via social media. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now BJP city president Dayashankar Tiwari also garlanded Savarkar's statue in the city. At Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), floral tributes were offered at Savarkar's statue, with university officials highlighting his revolutionary and intellectual personality. Divisional commissioner's office observed the anniversary, with commissioner Rajesh Khawle garlanding Savarkar's portrait and remembering his contributions to the freedom movement. A programme at Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV) emphasised the importance of understanding Savarkar's thoughts for the younger generation.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Educationists highlight Savarkar's persona in Sindh Mukti Sangathan programme
Nagpur: Sindh Mukti Sangathan organised a programme on the occasion of Swatantra Veer Savarkar's birth anniversary. The programme was presided over by Prof Vijay Kewalramani (national president of Sindh Mukti Sangathan) and was attended by Kailash Kewalramani (national general secretary, SMS), principal Neelam Ahuja (president, SMS, Vidarbha Province), Rashmi Wadhwani (secretary, SMS, Vidarbha Province), Jaya Tahalramani, Richa Kewalramani (vice-president, SMS, Vidarbha Province), Yash Kewalramani (youth leader of Sindhi community). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Addressing the gathering, Prof Vijay Kewalramani said that Savarkar was not only a revolutionary but also a social reformer, philosopher, visionary, poet and historian. These qualities put him on a high pedestal in the category of the greatest people. "In fact, Savarkar was the first Indian student who refused to take the oath of loyalty to the Queen of England. As a result, he was barred from practicing law," he said, adding, "Savarkar always strived for unified India." Principal Neelam Ahuja said that Savarkar wrote poems without pen and paper on the walls of the prison, he was lodged in, with pieces of stone. We salute such a true patriot." Kailash Kewalaramani, Yash Kewalaramani and Rashmi Wadhwani also spoke on the occasion. The program was hosted by Preeti Tibude while vote of thanks was proposed by Richa Kewalaramani. Pankaj Hemnani, Vidhika Wadhwani, Snehal Kubhalkar, Preeti Tibude, Kajal Radhwani, Geeta Tejwani, Nisha Gangwani and Bhavana Gajbhe were also present in the programme.
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Savarkar Portrait Installed By ABVP Leader At JNUSU Office Sparks Controversy
JNUSU joint secretary Vaibhav Meena installed VD Savarkar's garlanded portrait next to that of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India Controversy erupted after an ABVP leader, who is an office-bearer of the JNU student council, installed the portrait of RSS ideologue VD Savarkar inside his office, coinciding with the birth anniversary of the freedom fighter on May 28. Vaibhav Meena — joint secretary of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) — installed the garlanded portrait next to that of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. Claiming this was the first time this had been done, he said this was to acknowledge Savarkar's 'role in India's freedom struggle and his influence as a political thinker, writer, and revolutionary". 'On 28th May, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) celebrated the jayanti of Veer Savarkar and placed a portrait of him in the JNUSU office. This marked a significant moment, as it is the first time that Savarkar's image has been officially displayed in the office of the students' union," Meena said in a post on X. advetisement 'The act was seen as a gesture to acknowledge Savarkar's role in India's freedom struggle and his influence as a political thinker, writer, and revolutionary. Known for his early advocacy of complete independence from British rule and his contribution to nationalist thought, Savarkar remains a prominent figure in Indian history," he added. According to a report published by The Indian Express, this move has sparked a controversy over procedural norms and ideological contestations on campus. Speaking at an event to commemorate the installation of Savarkar's portrait, Meena was quoted as saying: 'Veer Savarkar was not only a courageous freedom fighter but also a visionary thinker who played a crucial role in shaping the idea of modern India… JNU should be known for its commitment to national interest and patriotism — not for anti-national activities." But, the move drew criticism from other office-bearers on the student council, who accused the ABVP leader of 'violating established democratic procedures", as per the IE report. They said a portrait cannot be installed without a resolution being passed in a council meeting, which has been a long-held convention. In a statement, JNUSU President Nitish Kumar directed all organisations and individuals to refrain from carrying out such acts without following the proper procedure. 'It has come to our notice that portraits are being installed in the JNUSU Office without prior consultation in the Council meeting. A portrait in the JNUSU Office can't be installed without a resolution being passed from the council meeting which has long been a convention," the statement read. First Published: May 30, 2025, 00:01 IST
NDTV
5 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Rahul Gandhi Claims Savarkar-Godse "Blood Relation" In Defamation Affidavit
New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has claimed that Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Savarkar was a relative of Mahatma Gandhi's killer, Nathuram Godse. Mr Gandhi has said this in an affidavit filed in a Pune court after Savarkar's grandnephew sued the Congress leader for defamation. Mr Gandhi has accused Satyaki Savarkar of deliberately concealing his maternal lineage that links him to Godse. Satyaki Savarkar said in his complaint against Mr Gandhi that he is a grandson of Savarkar's brother Narayan Savarkar. "As per information, mother of complainant Smt. Himani Ashok Savarkar was born on 31/03/1947 and died on 11/10/2015 at Pune. Late Smt. Himani Ashok Savarkar is daughter of Gopal Vinayak Godse, younger brother of Nathuram Vinayak Godse, who killed father of nation Mahatma Gandhi on 30/01/1948 and was hanged along with his accomplice Narayan Apte On 15/11/1949," Mr Gandhi has said in his affidavit. Himani Savarkar, the affidavit says, was a Hindutva activist and married to Ashok Savarkar, nephew of Vinayak Savarkar. The affidavit points out that Vinayak Savarkar was a co-accused in the Gandhi assassination case, but was acquitted. "The grandfather of complainant Gopal Godse was also convicted accused in murder of Mahatma Gandhi. These are the historical(ly) important facts and movements behind this case," the affidavit says, adding that the complainant's maternal family tree is important. "That it is the settled position and principle in law if a party does not come to the court with clean hands, they are not entitled to be heard or granted any type of relief. This principle serves to protect the integrity of the judicial process from unscrupulous litigants," Mr Gandhi has said in his affidavit. "That suppression or concealment of material fact from the court is a serious issue, considered as a fraud on the court, and can lead to dismissal of a case or denial of relief. Suppressing material facts means intentionally withholding or misrepresenting information that is relevant to a legal case," the affidavit says, adding that the "complainant has deliberately suppressed material". "Savarkar family and Godse family are in blood relation. When both families are having history, which will decide the contribution, reputation, status and image in the country of both the families," he said. Mr Gandhi has said in the affidavit that the complainant, Satyaki Savarkar, provided only the family tree for his paternal side, and not the maternal side, to mislead the court. Satyaki Savarkar, grandnephew of the Hindutva icon, has filed a complaint against Mr Gandhi for an address in London in March 2023. He has alleged that Mr Gandhi claimed that Savarkar wrote in a book that he and some of his friends once beat up a Muslim man and felt happy. The complainant has said no such incident took place and Savarkar did not write anything like this. The complaint terms Mr Gandhi's allegation fictitious, false, and malicious.
