Honoring Veer Savarkar: A Tribute to a Fearless Freedom Fighter
By Kishan Baraiya
Published on kishanbaraiya.com, May 28, 2025
Published on kishanbaraiya.com, May 28, 2025
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, fondly remembered as Veer Savarkar, stands as one of India’s most revered and polarizing figures in the fight for independence. A revolutionary, poet, writer, and unapologetic nationalist, Savarkar’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle and his vision for a united, strong Bharat continue to inspire generations. Recently, the hashtag #VeerSavarkar has been trending on X, with posts highlighting his legacy and significant developments, such as the Delhi Assembly’s decision to install his portrait in its gallery. This moment offers an opportunity to reflect on Savarkar’s life, his sacrifices, and his enduring impact on India’s national consciousness.
A Life Dedicated to Freedom
Born on May 28, 1883, in Nashik, Maharashtra, Veer Savarkar was a prodigious intellect and a fiery patriot from a young age. His revolutionary spirit was ignited early, as he witnessed the injustices of British colonial rule. By his teens, Savarkar had already founded the Abhinav Bharat Society, a secret organization aimed at overthrowing British rule through armed resistance. His bold actions, including organizing protests and writing fiery anti-colonial literature, marked him as a threat to the British Empire.
Savarkar’s time in London, where he pursued law, further shaped his revolutionary ideals. He became a prominent figure among Indian students, inspiring them with his calls for complete independence, or Purna Swaraj. His book, The Indian War of Independence 1857, reframed the 1857 uprising as a unified national revolt, challenging the British narrative of a mere “mutiny.” This work, banned by the British, became a rallying cry for revolutionaries.
The Ordeal of Cellular Jail
Perhaps the most defining chapter of Savarkar’s life was his imprisonment in the notorious Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Arrested in 1910 for his revolutionary activities, Savarkar was sentenced to two life terms—50 years of imprisonment—a punishment unprecedented in its severity. In the brutal conditions of Cellular Jail, he endured unimaginable hardships, including solitary confinement and backbreaking labor. Yet, even in these dire circumstances, Savarkar’s spirit remained unbroken. He composed poems, wrote on prison walls, and inspired fellow inmates to resist colonial oppression.
Recent posts on X highlight the injustice Savarkar faced even after India’s independence, with some users noting that the Nehru government detained him for 100 days under preventive detention laws, only releasing him after a habeas corpus petition. Such accounts underscore the challenges Savarkar faced, even from within his own country, for his unyielding principles.
The Visionary Behind Hindutva
Savarkar was not only a revolutionary but also a thinker who articulated the concept of Hindutva—a cultural and national identity rooted in India’s civilizational heritage. His 1923 book, Essentials of Hindutva, defined this ideology, emphasizing unity among those who consider India their motherland, regardless of their religion. While often misunderstood or misrepresented, Savarkar’s Hindutva was a call for national pride and solidarity, not division. His vision aimed to strengthen India against external threats and internal fragmentation, a message that resonates in today’s discussions about national identity.
X users have passionately defended Savarkar’s legacy, with posts like those from
@MrSinha_
emphasizing that he was a “great patriot and an unapologetic Hindu” whose contributions have been unfairly overshadowed by the glorification of figures like Gandhi and Nehru. These sentiments reflect a growing movement to reclaim Savarkar’s rightful place in India’s history.
A Social Reformer and Literary Genius
Beyond his revolutionary and ideological contributions, Savarkar was a tireless social reformer. He crusaded against caste discrimination and untouchability, advocating for a united Hindu society. His efforts to promote inter-caste dining and temple entry for all were radical for his time, challenging deep-seated social norms. As
@SuryahSG
noted in a post, Savarkar’s work as a “resolute social reformer” who fought against social evils deserves recognition alongside his role as a freedom fighter.
Savarkar’s literary contributions were equally remarkable. His poems, such as Kamala and Jayostute, stirred patriotic fervor, while his plays and essays galvanized public opinion against colonial rule. Even in Cellular Jail, he continued to write, using his intellect to sustain the spirit of resistance.
A Legacy Celebrated and Contested
The recent decision by the Delhi Assembly to install Veer Savarkar’s portrait, as highlighted in posts by
@TimesAlgebraIND
and
@NewsArenaIndia
, marks a significant moment in recognizing his contributions. This gesture reflects a growing acknowledgment of Savarkar’s role in India’s freedom struggle, often overshadowed by selective historical narratives. As
@VertigoWarrior
wrote, conferring the Bharat Ratna on Savarkar would be a fitting tribute to his sacrifices.
However, Savarkar’s legacy remains a subject of debate. Critics, often aligned with certain political ideologies, have attempted to vilify him, particularly over his alleged mercy petitions during his imprisonment. Supporters argue these were strategic moves to continue the fight from outside prison, pointing to his relentless activism post-release as evidence of his commitment. The polarized discourse around Savarkar underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of his life, free from ideological bias.
Why Savarkar Matters Today
Veer Savarkar’s life is a testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to India’s sovereignty. His story reminds us that the path to freedom was paved by countless sacrifices, often uncelebrated. In an era where national identity and unity are critical, Savarkar’s vision of a strong, culturally rooted India offers valuable lessons. His emphasis on self-reliance, social reform, and national pride resonates with contemporary aspirations for a self-assured Bharat.
The trending #VeerSavarkar hashtag on X reflects a collective desire to honor this unsung hero. As we celebrate his birth anniversary today, May 28, 2025, let us recommit to understanding his contributions in their entirety—beyond propaganda or selective narratives. Savarkar’s life challenges us to ask: How far are we willing to go for our nation’s dignity and unity?
Conclusion
Veer Savarkar was more than a freedom fighter; he was a visionary who dared to dream of a free and united India, even at great personal cost. His legacy, as seen through the lens of recent X posts and the Delhi Assembly’s tribute, is a call to rediscover the heroes who shaped modern India. As we navigate the complexities of our nation’s history, let us honor Savarkar’s sacrifices by embracing his ideals of courage, unity, and patriotism.
Kishan Baraiya is a blogger passionate about India’s history and cultural heritage. Follow more insights at kishanbaraiya.com.
Sources: Posts found on X
Sources: Posts found on X