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The most controversial nationalist, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, often called the 'Father of Hindutva' has always been a hot topic under discussion.
From being a staunch supporter of the British colonialism to being accused of involvement in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, Veer Savarkar is definitely a manifesto whose entire life revolved around allegations and controversies.
Questions on Savarkar's Beliefs
Although a key person in preserving the sanity of Hinduism, many questions have been raised over the beliefs of Savarkar.
Questions on Savarkar's Beliefs
Although a key person in preserving the sanity of Hinduism, many questions have been raised over the beliefs of Savarkar.
His ideology of a Free India was quite different from those of the mainstream nationalists. He was an active member of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha and yet condemned several practices of the religious confederacy.
One of the biggest controversies of Savarkar was his agreement with the British Government in 1921 and his gradual contradictory actions.
One of the biggest controversies of Savarkar was his agreement with the British Government in 1921 and his gradual contradictory actions.
He had promised the then rulers of the country, not to be involved in any further revolutionary activities in exchange for his freedom from the Andaman Jail. Although being termed as a 'traitor', Savarkar continued contributing to the national freedom movement.
The 'Traitor' Tag
In March 2016, questions on Savarkar's loyalty were raised which took the form of political debate.
The 'Traitor' Tag
In March 2016, questions on Savarkar's loyalty were raised which took the form of political debate.
Savarkar's betrayal of his fellow prisoners, his disagreement with the Quit India movement, his blind faith towards the ideologies of the British Government, and his unsatisfactory views towards the Indian National Congress had made him a "traitor" in the eyes of the present Congress Government.
On one hand, where the Congress opposed Veer Savarkar and were against his ideologies, the BJP Government once again came forward to support the 'proud son of Bharat Mata'.
On one hand, where the Congress opposed Veer Savarkar and were against his ideologies, the BJP Government once again came forward to support the 'proud son of Bharat Mata'.
From Amit Shah to the then finance minister of India, Arun Jaitley, everyone tweeted in support of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. In 2015, the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi remembered the icon on his birth anniversary referring to Savarkar's spirit as 'indomitable'.
Unsolved Mystery
Many say that Savarkar tried his best to restore British rule over India. When Netaji Bose was forming the Indian National Army to fight the British, Savarkar on the other hand was busy recruiting a large share of the countrymen in the British army.
Further, preaching the depth of his thoughts about Hinduism deepened communal differences and worked in favor of the imposters whose Divide and Rule theory had the same base subject. Where the loyalty of Savarkar really lied has still remained an unsolved mystery!
Another controversy in the limelight life of Savarkar revolves around the allegations stating his involvement in the assassination of the Father of the Nation.
Another controversy in the limelight life of Savarkar revolves around the allegations stating his involvement in the assassination of the Father of the Nation.
Three members of the Hindu Mahasabha - Nathuram Godse, Narayan Apte, and Digambar Badge were directly involved in planning and executing the assassination.
However, several pieces of evidence pulled up the name of Savarkar. A committee was set up for the investigation. Although Savarkar's name was continuously being taken up, he was acquitted of all charges due to a lack of proven evidence.
His diplomatic take on the 1857 War of Independence, and his statements declaring Gandhi a 'hypocrite' and his ideologies 'vague', definitely made him the most spoken freedom fighter.
His diplomatic take on the 1857 War of Independence, and his statements declaring Gandhi a 'hypocrite' and his ideologies 'vague', definitely made him the most spoken freedom fighter.
From forming the Abhinav Bharat Society with his brother during his college days to initiating organizations such as the India House and the Free India Society in the United Kingdom, to being the President of the Hindu Mahasabha, Veer Savarkar was a revolution in himself.
In 2002, the Port Blair airport in Andaman and Nicobar Islands was renamed as Veer Savarkar International Airport.
Written by - Krittika Das
Edited by - Rudransh Khurana
Written by - Krittika Das
Edited by - Rudransh Khurana
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