Thu Feb 26 08:11:45 UTC 2026: ### Savarkar Remembered on Death Anniversary, His Legacy Continues to Influence Indian Politics
The Story: On February 26, India commemorated the death anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, widely known as Veer Savarkar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders paid tribute to his contributions. Savarkar, who died in 1966 by giving up food and water, remains a figure of significant influence, especially within right-wing organizations and political parties in India. His writings on religious identity, history, caste, violence, and nationalism continue to shape ideological discourse.
Key Points:
- Vinayak Damodar Savarkar died on February 26, 1966.
- He was the long-serving president (1937-1943) of the All India Hindu Mahasabha.
- Savarkar advocated for a unified and valorous Hindu nation.
- His literary works include “The Indian War of Independence—1857,” which framed the Sepoy Mutiny as the first war of Independence.
- He was arrested in London in March 1910 and later sentenced to two life terms in the Cellular Jail.
- Savarkar was acquitted after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in January 1948.
Key Takeaways:
- Savarkar’s ideology continues to resonate within India’s political landscape, particularly among right-wing groups.
- His writings and activism have had a lasting impact on the Hindu nationalist movement.
- Savarkar’s life, marked by both revolutionary activities and political leadership, remains a subject of debate and reverence.
First Piper 