How Can a Grateful Nation Forget the 'True Son' of India?

New Delhi, May 28 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday honored revolutionary freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, widely known as Veer Savarkar, on his birth anniversary. He referred to Savarkar as a true son of Mother India, whose unwavering bravery and sacrifices continue to motivate the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'.

In a post on X, PM Modi expressed, "Respectful tributes to Veer Savarkar ji, a true son of Mother India, on his birth anniversary. Even the harshest tortures of the foreign government could not shake his devotion towards the motherland."

"The grateful nation can never forget the saga of his indomitable courage and struggle in the freedom movement. His sacrifice and dedication to the country will continue to guide the creation of a Viksit Bharat," he added.

Born on May 28, 1883, Savarkar embarked on his political journey early, advocating for movements such as the Swadeshi movement, the boycott of foreign goods, and nationalist education.

He urged Indians to embrace revolution for independence and is remembered as a pivotal voice in India's freedom struggle.

An accomplished lawyer, writer, and activist, Savarkar became well-known for his ideological contributions, notably his book 'Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?' He remains a significant figure in Indian political ideology, especially for his cultural nationalism.

PM Modi also shared a video tribute that reflected on Savarkar's diverse persona.

"Savarkar symbolizes brilliance, sacrifice, penance, logic, and strength," he noted.

In the video, the Prime Minister depicted Savarkar as a unique combination of intellectual depth and revolutionary courage—a poet and a warrior drawing strength from both the pen and the sword.

He reminisced about Savarkar's imprisonment in the notorious Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, where he was sentenced in 1911 for opposing the Morley-Minto reforms.

Savarkar received a 50-year sentence but was released in 1924. Post-release, he worked tirelessly to combat untouchability, particularly in Ratnagiri.

PM Modi shared a previous speech reflecting on Savarkar's experiences, stating, "Stepping into the Cellular Jail evokes profound emotions. Everything we've read about Veer Savarkar comes alive. This was the site where numerous brave revolutionaries, including Savarkar, faced unimaginable torment. The cell where he endured countless years feels like a temple of sacrifice and patriotism.”

Later, Savarkar opposed the Congress Party's acceptance of India's partition.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Savarkar on his birth anniversary.

"Veer Savarkar ji, who epitomized courage and restraint for the freedom of our motherland, made an indelible mark in fostering national consciousness across India. His writings turned the 1857 freedom struggle into a historic narrative, and he withstood the British tortures with unwavering resolve," Shah posted on X.

"On his birth anniversary, we extend heartfelt tributes to Veer Savarkar Ji from a grateful nation, who dedicated his life to freeing Indian society from untouchability and uniting it in strength," he added.

BJP National President J.P. Nadda also expressed his respects, stating, "I pay my heartfelt tributes to the devoted son of Mother India, a true patriot and a great thinker, freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar ji on his birth anniversary."

"Veer Savarkar was a staunch defender of India's independence and national revival. Despite enduring the brutalities of Kalapani, he relentlessly fought for the nation's freedom with firm determination. Even the severe tortures of British rule could not weaken his resolve to liberate our country," he remarked.

"His eternal sacrifice and his philosophy of a struggle-filled life will continue to inspire patriots for generations to come," Nadda concluded.