Top 10 Veer Savarkar Facts Only True Patriots Know

Veer Savarkar, the "Veer" (Brave) of India, was a revolutionary, politician, writer, and nationalist who dedicated his life to the cause of Indian independence. His unwavering patriotism and unwavering belief in the strength of Indian culture and unity inspired countless freedom fighters and instilled a deep sense of national pride among Indians. Here are ten remarkable facts about Veer Savarkar that only true patriots know:

Top 10 Veer Savarkar Facts Only True Patriots Know

1. Father of Hindutva

Veer Savarkar is widely regarded as the Father of Hindutva, a term he coined to encompass the cultural, historical, and philosophical unity of Indians. Savarkar believed that India's identity lay not only in political independence but also in its cultural and religious heritage.

2. "From Kalapani to Port Blair"

Savarkar was arrested in 1910 for his revolutionary activities and sentenced to transportation to the infamous Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Known as "Kalapani," the jail was a notorious place where prisoners were subjected to harsh and inhumane treatment. Savarkar spent a grueling eleven years in Kalapani, enduring unimaginable hardships.

3. "Savarkar's Mercy Petitions"

While imprisoned in Kalapani, Savarkar wrote a series of mercy petitions to the British authorities, seeking remission of his sentence. These petitions have often been misrepresented as a sign of weakness. However, historians and scholars have argued that Savarkar used these petitions as a strategic tool to expose the hypocrisy of the British Empire and to highlight the plight of Indian political prisoners.

4. The First to Demand "Complete Independence"

Savarkar was the first Indian leader to demand "complete independence" from British rule, as opposed to dominion status or self-governance. He passionately advocated for the establishment of a sovereign and independent India, free from foreign control.

5. President of the Hindu Mahasabha

After his release from Kalapani in 1924, Savarkar became the President of the Hindu Mahasabha, a Hindu nationalist organization. Under his leadership, the Mahasabha focused on strengthening Hindu identity, promoting social reforms, and advocating for the protection of Hindu interests.

6. "Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?"

Savarkar's seminal work, "Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?," provides a comprehensive definition of Hindu identity. He argued that anyone who considers India as their fatherland, regards it as a holy land, and accepts its culture as their own is a Hindu.

7. Role in the Indian National Congress

Savarkar played an active role in the Indian National Congress during its early years. However, he later parted ways with the Congress due to ideological differences, particularly regarding the issue of Hindu-Muslim relations and the means to achieve independence.

8. A Visionary Historian

Savarkar was an accomplished historian who wrote extensively on Indian history and culture. His works, such as "The Indian War of Independence of 1857," "Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History," and "Hindus Padshahi," provided valuable insights into India's past and inspired a sense of national pride among Indians.

9. The Influence on RSS

Veer Savarkar is considered a major ideological influence on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization founded in 1925. The RSS has played a significant role in shaping Indian politics and is credited with contributing to the rise of Hindu nationalism in contemporary India.

10. An Inspiration to Generations

Veer Savarkar's unwavering patriotism, his unwavering belief in Indian culture and unity, and his indomitable spirit continue to inspire generations of Indians. His legacy reminds us of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and the importance of preserving India's cultural and national identity.

As true patriots, it is our duty to honor and remember Veer Savarkar's contributions to India's freedom struggle. His ideas and ideals must guide us in our efforts to build a strong and united nation, rooted in its rich cultural heritage and imbued with a deep sense of national pride.