Death Anniversary of VD Savarkar | 27 Feb 2025

Source: PIB 

The Prime Minister paid tributes to VD Savarkar on his death anniversary on 26^th February 2025. He passed away in Mumbai on 26^th February 1966. 

• About VD Savarkar: He was a nationalist, revolutionary, and writer who played a key role in India's independence and shaped nationalist ideology. 
• Political Ideology: 
  • Hindutva: Defined Hindu nationalism, arguing for a cultural and civilizational identity of India as a Hindu Rashtra.  
  • Hindu Mahasabha Leadership (1937-1943): Advocated against partition and promoted military training for Hindus. 

• Revolutionary Activities: 
  • Founded Abhinav Bharat Society (Young India Society, 1904): A secret revolutionary group advocating armed resistance against British rule. 
  • Associated with India House & Free India Society: Played a crucial role in fostering revolutionary activities among Indian students in London. 
  • Book on 1857 Revolt (1909): His work, The First War of Indian Independence - 1857, redefined the 1857 uprising as a nationalist struggle. 
  • Imprisonment (1911-1924): Arrested for conspiring against British rule, he was sentenced to 50 years at Kala Pani in Andaman Cellular Jail. 
    • He was released in 1924 after writing a few mercy petitions between 1911 and 1920 for his release.