In the midst of the Indian political sphere, a figure known for his remarkable contribution towards the freedom struggle comes to the forefront. The Prime Minister recently paid tributes to this individual, Veer Savarkar, on his Punya Tithi (26th February). His life and work, intertwined with several notable organizations, deserve exploration.
Who is Veer Savarkar?
Veer Savarkar, or Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, first made his mark in the world when he was born on 28th May,1883 in Bhagur, a small locality near Nashik, Maharashtra. Over time, he involved himself in various revolutionary activities and became a prominent figure in many organizations aimed at India’s independence from British rule.
Involvement in Secret Societies and Organizations
Savarkar founded the Abhinav Bharat Society, a clandestine group established in 1904 with the assistance of his brother, Ganesh Damodar Savarkar. His quest for revolution led him to the United Kingdom, where he became a part of organizations such as India House and the Free India Society. Savarkar also held a significant role as the president of Hindu Mahasabha from 1937 to 1943.
Savarkar’s Literary Contributions
An accomplished writer, Savarkar penned ‘The History of the War of Indian Independence’, which detailed guerilla warfare strategies used during the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. He also authored ‘Hindutva: who is hindu?’. His writings played a vital role in spreading nationalist ideals among citizens.
Trial and Sentences
In 1909, authorities arrested Savarkar for plotting an armed revolt against the Morley-Minto reform (Indian Councils Act 1909). A further arrest occurred in 1910 due to his association with the revolutionary group, India House. Among the charges against him were abetment to murder and conspiracy against the King emperor under the Indian Penal Code 121-A. After a series of trials, Savarkar was sentenced to 50 years of imprisonment, also known as Kala Pani, leading to his transportation to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1911.
Savarkar’s Death
Veer Savarkar died on 26th February 1966 after fasting unto death, a decision made by his own volition.
The Abhinav Bharat Society (Young India Society)
Initially established in Nasik as Mitra Mela, this society had several branches across India and London. It involved many revolutionaries and political activists in its operations.
India House
Shyamji Krishan Verma founded India House in London in 1905. This establishment aimed at promoting nationalist views among Indian students residing there.
Free India Society
After moving to London in 1906, Veer Savarkar formed the Free India Society. This organization drew inspiration from the ideologies of Italian nationalist Giuseppe Mazzini, on whom Savarkar had written a biography.
Hindu Mahasabha
Formed in 1907, Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha is one of India’s oldest organizations. Eminent personalities like Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Lal Lajpat Rai, and Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar expanded this Organization on an all-India basis around 1915.