2018-02-26 Mon

Today, India observes the 52th death anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a pro-independence activist, politician, poet, writer and playwright. He worked relentlessly towards eradicating caste system from Hindu culture, and reconverting the converted Hindus back to Hindu religion.

His political philosophy was influenced by utilitarianism, rationalism, positivism, humanism, universalism, pragmatism and realism. Savarkar was also an atheist who disapproved of orthodox Hindu beliefs like cow worship.

Savarkar founded Abhinav Bharat Society and the Free India Society and believed in attaining independence by revolutionary means. He was arrested in 1910 for his connections with the revolutionary group India House. After a failed attempt to escape while being transported from Marseilles, Savarkar was sentenced to fifty years of life imprisonment and was moved to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but released in 1921.

While in jail, Savarkar wrote the work describing Hindutva. In 1921 he was released on the condition that he ends revolutionary activities. Savarkar became a forceful orator and writer, advocating Hindu political and social unity. He opposed the Quit India struggle in 1942 as well as the Indian National Congress and its acceptance of India's partition.

A special stamp has been issued featuring this great visionary.