The young man was consumed with a burning desire for India's freedom. However, he found himself imprisoned aboard a British ship, far from his homeland. Despite this, his resolve to escape grew stronger by the day.
The Daring Escape
Escape was not an easy task. The night was thick with darkness, and the only sound was the waves crashing against the ship. With no direction to guide him, the young man had no choice but to wait for the right moment. Finally, as dawn broke, he seized his chance. He leaped into the sea from the toilet window of the ship. What incredible courage! He swam through the rough waters, chanting, "May freedom be victorious for Lakshmi."
Meanwhile, the ship's guards awoke and jumped in after him, shooting as they tried to capture him. Miraculously, the young man escaped unharmed. He swam on, and after what seemed like an eternity, he finally reached the shore.
However, his freedom was short-lived. He was soon captured again and taken to France, where he sought refuge. Despite his requests for protection, the British insisted he was their enemy and should be punished. The case eventually reached the International Court of Justice, where he did not receive the justice he sought but made history as the first political prisoner tried in an international court.
This courageous young man was none other than Veer Savarkar an unparalleled patriot and hero of India's freedom struggle. His sacrifice deserves immense recognition. Beyond his contributions to the independence movement, Savarkar worked tirelessly to eliminate untouchability and social inequality in the country. His life was built upon the core values of honesty and selflessness.
Early Life and Childhood
Veer Savarkar, born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur, Nashik District, Maharashtra, was originally named Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. His father, Damodar Savarkar, was a respected and simple patriot, while his mother, Radhe, was a loving and caring figure. Savarkar's father-in-law, Mahadeva Panthi, had no children of his own, and thus, he became very attached to Vinayak, who won his admiration through his intelligence, respect for elders, and charm.
Savarkar's early life was shaped by the heroic stories of figures like Shivaji, whose bravery deeply influenced him. From a young age, Vinayak developed a strong sense of adventure and a deep respect for his country. He was the second of four children, affectionately known as "Tatya." His eloquence and deep thinking impressed those around him. He was known for his wisdom, never agreeing to anything hastily, and always reflecting deeply before making a decision.
Savarkar's childhood was filled with both joy and sorrow. At the age of nine, he lost his mother, a loss that left him inconsolable for days. Despite his grief, his resilience helped him bounce back, and he continued his education with the dream of one day fighting for India's freedom.
The Birth of a Revolutionary Spirit
As a child, Savarkar displayed an exceptional flair for eloquence and writing. He excelled in speech and article writing competitions, consistently winning first prizes. His articles, filled with nationalistic fervor, inspired many youth to join the freedom struggle. One such person was Govinda Darekar, a poet, who, after reading Savarkar's work, shifted from writing beautiful poems to creating revolutionary songs.
Savarkar's speeches were impassioned, and he attracted thousands of young followers. At the age of just seventeen, he formed a secret organization called 'Rashtra Bhakta Samuha', gathering a group of like-minded youths under the pretense of celebrating national days. Through these gatherings, Savarkar instilled nationalism and patriotism in the youth, advocating for an armed revolution to free India from British rule.
Savarkar also celebrated events like Shivaji Jayanti and Ganesha Utsav as a means to stir up nationalism among the masses. He cleverly used the public Ganesha Utsav as a platform to sing patriotic songs, spreading the message of freedom.
Early Nationalist Efforts and Social Movements
In 1901, the death of Queen Victoria sparked widespread mourning, but Savarkar rejected this notion, stating that Indians had no reason to mourn the death of a foreign queen. This defiance was a reflection of his growing resentment towards British rule and his unwavering patriotism.
In his youth, Savarkar formed a youth group called 'Mitra Mela', which grew quickly. The group, initially a small circle of friends, grew to include hundreds of members, with patriotism and independence being their core discussions. Despite some members abandoning the group due to life's distractions, Savarkar's dedication remained unwavering.
At the age of eighteen, Savarkar married Falguna in 1901. His father-in-law, Bhaurao Chiplunkar, was an advocate for spreading new educational reforms in Maharashtra, working alongside leaders like Lokmanya Tilak. Even after marriage, Savarkar continued to focus on his goal—India's independence.
Savarkar's writings, including songs like "Sinhagarh," inspired countless youth to join the nationalist movement. Despite the British authorities banning these songs and demonstrations, Savarkar's resolve only grew stronger. His group's activities became more notorious, eventually evolving into 'Abhinava Bharat Society', a revolutionary organization that aimed to gain India's independence through armed struggle.
Legacy and Unyielding Patriotism
Veer Savarkar's life is a testament to his unwavering commitment to India's freedom. His work in mobilizing the youth, his relentless pursuit of independence, and his advocacy for social reforms make him one of India's greatest patriots. Savarkar's vision, courage, and dedication continue to inspire generations of Indians in their pursuit of justice, freedom, and equality.