Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 28 May paid tribute to freedom fighter Veer Savarkar on his birth anniversary, honouring his legacy of courage, patriotism, and social reform. Modi shared both a post and a video on social media platform X, underscoring Savarkar's enduring relevance to India's national consciousness.

What Modi Said

In his post on X, Modi wrote: 'Remembering Veer Savarkar on his Jayanti. His courage and patriotism will always inspire people. His intellect and emphasis on social reform are also noteworthy.'

In an accompanying video, Modi elaborated: 'Today, on May 28, is the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. His sacrifice, courage, and determination continue to inspire us. Savarkar's personality was full of unique qualities. He was a worshipper of both weapons and scriptures. He was also a powerful poet and social reformer who emphasised harmony and unity.'

Modi also recalled a personal visit to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, where Savarkar served his infamous Kalapani sentence. 'I cannot forget the day when I visited the jail in Andaman where Veer Savarkar served his Kalapani sentence. His fearless and self-respecting nature did not conform to the mentality of slavery. I remember all that he did for the country,' he added.

Who Was Veer Savarkar

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, was born on 28 May 1883 in Nashik, Maharashtra. A freedom fighter, politician, lawyer, and prolific writer, he is widely credited with coining the ideological term 'Hindutva'. He was also a prominent leader of the Hindu Mahasabha.

Savarkar's political awakening began in his high school years and deepened during his time at Fergusson College in Pune, where he was greatly influenced by nationalist leader Lokmanya Tilak. While studying law in the United Kingdom, he became active with revolutionary organisations including India House and the Free India Society.

Literary and Revolutionary Legacy

Savarkar authored several works advocating complete Indian independence through revolutionary means. His seminal book, 'The Indian War of Independence' — which reframed the 1857 uprising as the First War of Independence rather than a mere 'Sepoy Mutiny' — was banned by British colonial authorities. The work remains one of the earliest and most consequential reinterpretations of that historical event.

Historical Significance

Savarkar's legacy remains a subject of vigorous debate in Indian political discourse. His admirers, including the current government, regard him as an unsung hero whose contributions were historically marginalised. Critics, notably from opposition parties, have raised questions around certain episodes of his imprisonment. This annual tribute from the Prime Minister reflects the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s consistent effort to centre Savarkar in the mainstream national narrative. Notably, 28 May also marks the birth anniversary of several other national figures, making it a symbolically significant date in the political calendar.