Monday 26 February 2024

Summary of the life, teachings, books, and sayings of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, commonly known as Veer Savarkar:

Summary of the life, teachings, books, and sayings of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, commonly known as Veer Savarkar:

Life:
- Born on May 28, 1883 in Bhagpur village near Nashik, Maharashtra.
- As a young man, he was inspired by the new wave of Indian nationalism and the revolutionary activities against British rule. 
- Studied law in London but was deeply moved by the colonial oppression of Indians. So he organized revolutionary societies like the Free India Society and India House to promote India's freedom.
- Arrested in 1910 for revolutionary activities and sentenced to 2 life terms of 25 years in the infamous Cellular Jail in Andaman Islands where he underwent immense suffering.
- Released in 1921 after clemency campaigns though with restrictions on his activities. 
- Remained a political leader advocating Hindu nationalism and reform in social practices until his death in 1966.

Teachings and Beliefs:
- Believed in bold national uprising rather than passive resistance to overthrow British Rule. 
- Advocated for Hindu unity and the rebuilding of Hindu society by getting rid of social ills.
- Championed the cause of redefining Hindu identity and recognizing its cultural significance.
- Supported abolition of the caste system but opposed religious conversion of Hindus.
- Criticized Gandhi and Congress for their cooperation with the British and appeasement of minorities at the cost of Hindu interests. 

Literary Works: 
- Wrote an influential book in Marathi called “The History of the War of Indian Independence” during his jail term. 
- His autobiography called “Letters from Andaman” was also written during his incarceration.
- Authored many essays like “Hindu-Pad-Padashahi” and “Echoes from Andaman” expressing his revolutionary and nationalist vision.

Sayings and Quotes:
- "So long as the Hindu Nation does not accomplish to the full its task of regeneration, so long the revolutionary government does not come to the land of the Hindus, this sacred and martially spirited land of the Hindus."
- "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar ke naam se pratishthit hai aur Swatantrya uska dharm hai." (Independence is enshrined in the name 'Veer' Savarkar and independence is his religion.)
- "Once our motherland Bharat becomes powerful, minorities will automatically enjoy full freedom and their rights."

So in essence, Veer Savarkar led a life devoted to the liberation of India through revolutionary means. His writings and advocacy of Hindutva made him one of the most important political thinkers and leaders emerging in the late colonial era.

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