Top political leaders and Union ministers paid homage to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, on his 142nd birth anniversary at the Central Hall of Constitution House in New Delhi.
Union Minister JP Nadda, along with Prataprao Jadhav, Murlidhar Mohol, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, were among those who offered floral tributes to the freedom fighter, reformer, and ideological leader.
“Swatantryaveer Savarkar Ji united revolutionaries in India and abroad for the independence of India. Despite enduring severe torture in jail, he never wavered from the goal of national independence,” said Om Birla, honouring Savarkar’s legacy of courage and commitment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his respects in a heartfelt message posted on X, calling Savarkar “a true son of Mother India.” PM Modi praised his “indomitable courage and unwavering dedication to the freedom struggle”, adding that “his sacrifice will continue to inspire the creation of a developed India.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in his tribute, highlighted Savarkar’s role in combating untouchability and promoting national unity. Shah noted that Savarkar’s writings, particularly on the 1857 uprising, played a key role in shaping nationalist consciousness, despite facing intense persecution by British colonial authorities.
Born on May 28, 1883, in Nashik, Savarkar was a multifaceted leader — freedom fighter, lawyer, politician, writer, and ideologue — known for coining the term ‘Hindutva’ and his association with the Hindu Mahasabha. He was influenced by Lokmanya Tilak and became active in revolutionary circles during his law studies in the UK, notably joining India House and the Free India Society.
His controversial yet influential book, The Indian War of Independence, chronicling the 1857 revolt, was banned by the British, reflecting his radical stance against colonial rule.
As tributes poured in across the nation, leaders reaffirmed that Veer Savarkar’s life and legacy remain etched in India’s struggle for freedom, continuing to spark dialogue and debate in the country’s political and ideological spheres.