Veer Savarkar was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, social reformer, and intellectual who played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. His death anniversary is observed on February 26, commemorating the life and contributions of a man who shaped the nationalist movement in India.

Veer Savarkar Biography

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, was born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur, Maharashtra. At the age of 12, Savarkar led fellow students in an attack on a mosque during Hindu-Muslim riots. He began his political journey in school and later co-founded the Mitra Mela in 1903, an underground revolutionary group that evolved into the Abhinav Bharat Society in 1906, aiming to overthrow British rule and revive Hindu pride.

Savarkar went to England for law studies, where he became involved with organizations like India House and the Free India Society. He published a book, The Indian War of Independence, which was banned by the British. In 1910, he was arrested for his revolutionary activities and sentenced to life imprisonment, ultimately being sent to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands. His release came in 1924 after he wrote a series of mercy petitions to the British.

After his release, Savarkar became a key leader of the Hindu Mahasabha, advocating for Hindu nationalism and the idea of a Hindu Rashtra. He supported the Two-Nation Theory and boycotted the Quit India Movement in 1942. In 1948, he was acquitted in the assassination case of Mahatma Gandhi for lack of evidence. In 1948, he was cleared of charges in the assassination case of Mahatma Gandhi due to lack of evidence. Despite his controversial views, Savarkar remains a significant figure in India’s freedom struggle and political discourse.

Veer Savarkar’s Death Anniversary 2025

Veer Savarkar passed away on February 26, 1966, at the age of 82, at his residence, Savarkar Sadan, in Bombay (now Mumbai). His death was reported to be from natural causes, though he had chosen to end his life by fasting, beginning on February 1, 1966. Just before his passing, Savarkar wrote an article titled Atmahatya Nahi Atmaarpan (Not Suicide, but Self-Surrender), where he explained that when one’s life mission is fulfilled and they can no longer contribute to society, it is better to leave life on their own terms. He requested a simple funeral, with no rituals beyond the last rites, which were carried out by his son the following day. Despite his significant role in India’s history, his death was not officially mourned by the government at the time.

Key Events in Savarkar’s Life

• 1899 – Founding of Mitra Mela: Savarkar and his brother Ganesh Damodar Savarkar founded the Mitra Mela, a secret society aimed at promoting Indian nationalism and resisting British rule.
• 1904 – Founding Abhinav Bharat Society: During his student years, Savarkar co-founded the Abhinav Bharat Society, a revolutionary organization focused on overthrowing British rule through armed struggle.
• 1910 – Arrest and Imprisonment: In 1910, Savarkar was arrested for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate a British official. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to the notorious Andaman Cellular Jail in 1911, where he endured harsh conditions for several years.
• Literary Work: While imprisoned, Savarkar wrote The History of the First War of Indian Independence (1857), a seminal work that reinterpreted the 1857 uprising as a national revolt for independence, rather than a mere mutiny.
• 1924 – Release from Jail: After spending over a decade in the Andaman Cellular Jail, Savarkar was released in 1924 under conditions that restricted his movement. However, his spirit remained unbroken, and he continued to be a vocal critic of British rule and a proponent of Hindu nationalism.
• Shift to Radical Ideology: Following his release, Savarkar’s ideology shifted towards a more radical stance, focusing on Hindutva, which emphasized a Hindu nationalist framework as the foundation of India’s identity. This shift distanced him from many Congress leaders and earlier allies.
• 1923 – Hindutva Ideology: In his influential book Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?, Savarkar outlined his vision of Hindu nationalism. He argued that India should be a Hindu nation, and his views on cultural unity and the exclusion of Muslims and Christians as “foreign” communities became highly controversial.
• Controversial Views: Savarkar’s ideas, particularly his emphasis on Hindu unity and his critical stance towards Muslims and Christians, made him a polarizing figure in Indian politics.
• Political Involvement and Gandhi’s Assassination: Savarkar’s involvement in politics became increasingly controversial, especially in connection with the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. Though acquitted of direct involvement, he was accused of being linked to the conspirators, a charge that tainted his legacy.
• Later Years: In his later years, Savarkar continued to write and engage in public discourse, maintaining a strong stance against British rule and criticizing the Congress Party’s approach to India’s independence. His work on Indian history, especially his portrayal of the 1857 uprising, played a significant role in shaping nationalist narratives in India.

Here’s a table outlining key events in the life of Veer Savarkar:

Legacy

Despite the controversies, Savarkar’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle cannot be overlooked. He is considered one of the earliest advocates of a radical and militant approach to the independence movement, distinguishing himself from more moderate leaders of the time.

• Freedom Fighter: His early role in the struggle against British colonial rule, including his participation in revolutionary activities and his imprisonment, is still remembered as part of his legacy.

• Hindutva Ideology: His concept of Hindutva laid the groundwork for the political ideology that became central to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other right-wing political groups in India.

• Writings and Histories: Savarkar’s historical writings, particularly his take on the 1857 revolt, contributed to a narrative that redefined the struggle for independence as a national uprising rather than a mutiny.

• Political and Cultural Influence: His ideas continue to shape contemporary political debates in India, especially regarding nationalism, secularism, and religious identity.

Controversies and Criticism

Savarkar’s legacy is not without controversy. His advocacy for Hindutva has been heavily criticized by secularists and critics of the Hindu right-wing. Some of his ideas on caste, religion, and his stance on social issues like untouchability have drawn criticism. Additionally, his acquittal in the Gandhi assassination case has also led to debates about his role in Indian politics.

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