Latest news with #SavarkarJayanti
Time of India
6 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.
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Will blacken his face, pelt stones': Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bala Darade threatens Rahul Gandhi over Savarkar remark
A fresh controversy erupted within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Bala Darade on Tuesday threatened to blacken the face of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi if he visits Nashik, to protest against his past remarks on Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar. State Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal termed the comments from a member of an ally as 'deeply unfortunate'. Speaking at a Savarkar Jayanti event in the city, Darade, the Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy city chief in Nashik, said that the Sainiks would not tolerate any insult to Savarkar and if Rahul dared to come to Nashik, they would blacken his face or pelt stones at him. 'We live in Savarkar's land (Nashik). If Rahul Gandhi dares to come to Nashik, we will blacken his face. If not that, we will pelt stones. Even if we are part of the MVA, we will not think about it and show what Sainiks are,' Darade said. The remark drew criticism from Congress leaders, with Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshwardhan Sapkal terming the comments 'deeply unfortunate,' stressing that Gandhi's views on Savarkar were grounded in 'publicly available historical records'. 'There is a difference between historical critique and incitement. Such statements would not be tolerated…grassroots Congress workers are capable of giving befitting replies to such statements,' Sapkal said. Former state minister Yashomati Thakur termed Darade's statement 'irresponsible and inflammatory,' and issued a warning. 'Let them try touching Rahul Gandhi. We will give a befitting reply,' she said. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushama Andhare, however, distanced the party from the statement and said that when any leader makes such a statement in a personal capacity, it does not make it the party's official stand. 'It may be his personal statement. This does not become the party's stand,' Andhare said. Earlier, particularly during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi had accused Savarkar of betraying the freedom movement by submitting mercy petitions to the British — remarks that have long riled both the BJP and sections of the Shiv Sena (UBT). Political observers say that with municipal elections imminent in Nashik, Pune, and Thane — cities where Savarkar retains considerable symbolic heft — the timing of the outburst could affect campaign narratives. The BJP, which has long positioned itself as the sole custodian of Savarkar's legacy, is also expected to weaponise the row to underscore what it sees as the MVA's 'opportunistic contradiction'.
Mint
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Veer Savarkar Jayanti: A look at the ‘controversial' legacy of freedom fighter and Hindutva ideologue
Veer Savarkar Jayanti: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28 May paid 'respectful' tributes to Veer Savarkar, the Hindutva ideologue and venerated figure for the Centre's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 28 May is the birth anniversary of Savarkar, who was born on this day in 1883, in Bhagur, near Nashik in present-day Maharashtra. 'Respectful tributes to Veer Savarkar ji, a true son of Mother India, on his birth anniversary. Even the harshest tortures of the foreign government could not shake his devotion towards the motherland,' Modi said in a post on X, accompanied by a video with the PM's voice over praising Savarkar. Savarkar's birthday is also celebrated as Savarkar Jayanti. Savarkar's Hindutva ideology and emphasis on national unity have inspired the BJP, which has been in power at the Centre since 2014. 'The grateful nation can never forget the saga of his indomitable courage and struggle in the freedom movement. His sacrifice and dedication for the country will continue to be a guide in the creation of a developed India,' Modi said. The glorification of the life of Savarkar has been quite controversial, especially in the current Indian political climate. While the BJP revers him, the Congress and its top leader, Rahul Gandhi, have often sparked a row by calling Savarkar a servant of the British and that he took a pension from the British. This makes him one of the most controversial political figures. BJP leaders often slam Rahul Gandhi for his comments against Savarkar. On 27 May, a day before Savarkar Jayanti, Union minister Giriraj Singh claimed that while Rahul Gandhi speaks against Savarkar, his grandmother Indira Gandhi, the former prime minister, had honoured the Hindutva ideologue and even released a postal stamp in his name, news agency PTI reported. Rahul's criticism has even reached the courts. On 25 April, the Supreme Court pulled up Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on Veer Savarkar. The Apex Court, while staying the summons issued against Rahul Gandhi by a Lucknow court over his remarks against Savarkar, orally warned the Rae Bareli Member of Parliament (MP) of 'suo motu' action against him if he made any such comments in the future. The top court warned Rahul Gandhi against making irresponsible statements about 'freedom fighters.' Gandhi was summoned by the Court as an accused in December last year over his speech at a press conference, where he allegedly said that Savarkar was a servant of the British and that he took a pension from the British. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was an Indian politician, activist, and writer. In 1922, Savarkar developed the Hindu nationalist political ideology of Hindutva and was a leading figure in the Hindu Mahasabha. When he penned his own biography under the pseudonym of Chitragupta, he gave himself the prefix "Veer" (meaning 'brave'). Savarkar's contributions to India's freedom struggle are often cited. He is said to have advocated for complete independence from British rule and organised revolutionary activities to achieve this goal. His formation of the Abhinav Bharat Society is said to have aimed at overthrowing British rule through armed resistance. In 1939, the ruling Indian National Congress resigned en masse after Britain declaring India a belligerent in World War II. The Hindu Mahasabha under Savarkar formed alliances with the Muslim League and other non-Congress parties to form government in many states. Soon, Congress under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership launched the Quit India Movement, and Savarkar is said to have boycotted the movement. In 1948, Savarkar was charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi; he was acquitted by the court for lack of evidence. It is this aspect of Savarkar's legacy, over his alleged role in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and his opposition to the Quit India movement, that has faced criticism over the years. In 2022, Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson, Tushar Gandhi, claimed that Savarkar had helped Nathuram Godse find an 'efficient gun' to assassinate the Father of the Nation. He was, however, acquitted for lack of evidence. Here are some facts about the life and times of Veer Savarkar: Savarkar advocated for Hindutva from childhood and led a march to vandalise a mosque at age 12 in retaliation for perceived injustices against Hindus by Muslims. Savarkar was sentenced to 50 years in the cellular jail of Andamans in 1911 for opposing the Morley-Minto reforms but was released in 1924 after multiple mercy petitions, according to several versions of history. While Savarkar promoted Hindutva, he did not advocate for cow worship. He, however, encouraged caring for cows and opposed the consumption of cow urine. As president of the Hindu Mahasabha, Savarakr opposed the Quit India movement in 1942 and criticised the Indian National Congress for accepting India's partition. After his release from jail, he worked to abolish untouchability in Ratnagiri. His book 'The History of the War of Indian Independence' analysed the 1857 uprising and called for India's first war for independence against the British. Savarkar criticised Mahatma Gandhi, calling him a 'hypocrite,' and was charged as a co-conspirator in his assassination in 1948, but was acquitted due to lack of evidence. The airport in Port Blair was renamed Veer Savarkar International Airport in 2002. The grateful nation can never forget the saga of his indomitable courage and struggle in the freedom movement.
NDTV
28-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Veer Savarkar Jayanti 2025: Remembering Veer Savarkar Through 10 Powerful Quotes
Veer Savarkar Jayanti 2025: May 28 marks Savarkar Jayanti, observed annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar - a polarising figure in India's freedom movement and the ideological architect of Hindutva. Why is Savarkar Jayanti Observed? Born on May 28, 1883, Savarkar is remembered for his role in India's struggle for independence, his advocacy for Hindu nationalism, and his endurance during years of imprisonment in the Cellular Jail of the Andaman Islands. The day is marked with tributes, speeches, and events, particularly in Maharashtra. Political leaders, especially from right-wing parties, often pay homage to his legacy. Who Was Veer Savarkar? Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883-1966) was a freedom fighter, writer, poet, and political thinker. While at Fergusson College in Pune, he founded the revolutionary group "Abhinav Bharat" in 1904. Later in London, he launched the "Free India Society" and penned The First War of Independence, a reinterpretation of the 1857 revolt. Arrested in 1910 for anti-British activities, he famously attempted an escape in Marseilles but was recaptured and sentenced to 50 years in the Andamans. After his release in 1937, he led the Hindu Mahasabha and worked towards social reform, including the abolition of untouchability. The Ministry of Culture notes that Savarkar later disbanded Abhinav Bharat and dedicated himself to the ideological goals of the Hindu Mahasabha until his death in 1966. 10 Notable Quotes by Veer Savarkar "The sacred soil of Bharat is my home, the blood of her brave is my inspiration, and the triumph of her will is my dream." "The world respects those who can stand up for themselves and fight their own battles." "A country that does not recognise its heroes, its martyrs, and its warriors is doomed to decay." "Independence is never given, it is always taken." "Hindu society must rise above the differences of caste and creed if it wants to see the dawn of freedom." "Cowards never make history, it is the brave who carve their names in the annals of time." "Our only duty is to keep fighting for our nation, come what may." "An educated mind is the greatest weapon in the struggle for freedom." "A nation's past is its foundation; it must be preserved and honoured." "A true leader leads by example, inspires by action, and empowers by vision."
Mint
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Veer Savarkar Jayanti: A deep dive into the ‘controversial' legacy of freedom fighter and Hindutva ideologue
Veer Savarkar Jayanti: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28 May paid 'respectful' tributes to Veer Savarkar, the Hindutva ideologue and venerated figure for the Centre's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). May 28 is the birth anniversy of Savarkar who was born on this day 1883, in Bhagur, near Nashik in present-day Maharashtra. 'Respectful tributes to Veer Savarkar ji, a true son of Mother India, on his birth anniversary. Even the harshest tortures of the foreign government could not shake his devotion towards the motherland,' Modi said in a post on X accompanied by a video with the PM's voice over praising Savarkar. Savarkar's birthday is also celebrated as Savarkar Jayanti. Savarkar's Hindutva ideology and the emphasis on national unity have been a source of inspiration for the BJP that has been in power at the Centre since 2014. 'The grateful nation can never forget the saga of his indomitable courage and struggle in the freedom movement. His sacrifice and dedication for the country will continue to be a guide in the creation of a developed India,' Modi said. The glorification of the life of Savarkar has been quite controversial, especially in the current Indian political climate. While the BJP revers him, the Congress and its top leader Rahul Gandhi has often sparked a row by calling Savarkar a servant of the British and that he took a pension from the British. This makes him one of the most controversial political figures. BJP leaders often slam Rahul Gandhi for his comments against Savarkar. On 27 May, a day before Savarkar Jayanti, Union minister Giriraj Singh claimed that while Rahul Gandhi speaks against Savarkar, his grandmother Indira Gandhi, the former prime minister, had honoured the Hindutva ideologue and even released a postal stamp in his name, news agency PTI reported. Rahul's criticism has even reached courts. On 25 April, Supreme Court pulled up Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on Veer Savarkar. The Apex Court, while staying the summons issued against Rahul Gandhi by a Lucknow court over his remarks againstSavarkar,orally warned the Rae Bareli Member of Parliament (MP) of 'suo motu' action against him if he made any such comments in the future. The top court warned Rahul Gandhi against making irresponsible statements about 'freedom fighters.' Gandhi was summoned by the Court as an accused in December last year over his speech at a press conference, where he allegedly said that Savarkar was a servant of the British and that he took a pension from the British. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was an Indian politician, activist and writer. Savarkar developed the Hindu nationalist political ideology of Hindutva in 1922 and was a leading figure in the Hindu Mahasabha. He gave prefix "Veer" (meaning 'brave') to himself, when he penned his own biography under pseudonym of Chitragupta. Savarkar's contributions to India's freedom struggle is often cited. He is said to have advocated for complete independence from British rule and organised revolutionary activities to achieve this goal. His formation of the Abhinav Bharat Society is said to have aimed at overthrowing British rule through armed resistance. In 1939, the ruling Indian National Congress resigned en masse after Britain declaring India a belligerent in World War II. The Hindu Mahasabha under Savarkar formed alliances with the Muslim League and other non-Congress parties to form government in many states. Soon Congress under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership launched the Quit India Movement and Savarkar is said to have boycotted the movement. In 1948, Savarkar was charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi; he was acquitted by the court for lack of evidence. It is this Savarkar's legacy over his alleged role in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and his opposition to the Quit India movement that has faced criticism over the years. In 2022, Mahatma Gandhi's great grandson Tushar Gandhi claimed that Savarkar had helped Nathuram Godse find an 'efficient gun' to assassinate the Father of the Nation. He was, however, acquited for lack of evidence. Here are some facts about life and times of Veer Savarkar: -Savarkar advocated for Hindutva from childhood and led a march to vandalise a mosque at age 12 in retaliation for perceived injustices against Hindus by Muslims. -Savarkar was sentenced to 50 years in the cellular jail of Andamans in 1911 for opposing the Morley-Minto reforms but was released in 1924 after multiple mercy petitions, according to several versions of history. -While Savarkar promoted Hindutva, he did not advocate for cow worship. He, however, encouraged caring for cows and opposed the consumption of cow urine. -As president of the Hindu Mahasabha, Savarakr opposed the Quit India movement in 1942 and criticised the Indian National Congress for accepting India's partition. -After his release from jail, he worked to abolish untouchability in Ratnagiri. His book 'The History of the War of Indian Independence' analysed the 1857 uprising and called for India's first war for independence against the British. -Savarkar criticized Mahatma Gandhi, calling him a 'hypocrite,' and was charged as a co-conspirator in his assassination in 1948 but was acquitted due to lack of evidence. -The airport in Port Blair was renamed Veer Savarkar International Airport in 2002. The grateful nation can never forget the saga of his indomitable courage and struggle in the freedom movement. - 'Barrister Savarkar' was the first biography of Savarkar, initially published under the pen name Chitragupta, later revealed to be Savarkar himself. -In 1964, feeling that his goal of Indian independence was achieved, he declared his wish to attain Samadhi and began a hunger strike. He died on February 26, 1966.
