Veer Savarkar's journey towards becoming one of India's most iconic freedom fighters began with a bold decision. For the first time, he left behind his family, friends, and familiar surroundings to embark on a journey to England. His ambition was not just to study, but to achieve something monumental for his motherland. As he stood on the deck of the ship, gazing at the vast sea, his thoughts were consumed by one thing—India's freedom. This singular focus defined his journey.
A Revolutionary Mindset
Savarkar's companion on the ship was a Sikh youth named Harnam Singh, a B.A. graduate, who had come to England to pursue a law degree. Unlike Savarkar, Harnam had no intention of revolutionizing the world; his goal was to return to India and live a comfortable life managing his family's property. During the voyage, he suffered from seasickness, leading him to express his desire to return to India.
Savarkar, however, was not one to let negativity cloud his vision. Instead of offering sympathy, he shared his revolutionary philosophy, which left a lasting impact on Harnam. He said, "Look at the British. They came across the sea and enslaved us. They have mentally and physically strengthened themselves. We, on the other hand, have no clear sense of our nation's worth." These words sparked a fire in Harnam's heart, and he decided to continue his journey with a renewed sense of purpose.
Standing Up Against British Mockery
As the journey continued, Savarkar found another opportunity to instill a sense of pride in his fellow Indians. The British on board ridiculed the traditional attire of Indians, making fun of their hats and turbans. Seeing this as an opportunity to strike back, Savarkar encouraged his fellow travelers to wear their turbans and traditional hats proudly, as a form of defiance. This simple act of rebellion resonated deeply with the passengers, especially with Harnam Singh and other Punjabi traders, who later supported Savarkar financially and ideologically.
Soon, a sense of national pride took root among the passengers, and Savarkar began gathering like-minded individuals who were willing to fight for India's freedom. Onboard the ship, the revolutionary spirit was ignited as Savarkar spoke of the importance of armed struggle and shared his admiration for the revolutionary leaders of other countries.
Arrival in London and the Formation of India House
Savarkar arrived in London on July 3, 1906, ready to take his mission to the next level. Even before his arrival, the British intelligence services had already taken note of his activities, suspecting his involvement in anti-colonial propaganda. Savarkar, however, remained unbothered by the surveillance and immediately joined forces with Pandit Shyamji Krishnavarma to make London the epicenter of the Indian revolution.
Krishnavarma had established "India House" in London, a space that offered education and support to Indian students, many of whom had been seduced by the comforts of British life. Savarkar, along with his companion Harnam Singh, settled in this house and began spreading his revolutionary ideas. India House quickly became a center of resistance, where young Indians were transformed from passive observers into active revolutionaries.
The Struggle for National Consciousness
Upon observing the behavior of some of the Indian students in London—who had forsaken their native culture and adopted the ways of their British masters—Savarkar was disheartened. He felt it was his duty to awaken their national consciousness and instill in them the ideals of patriotism and revolution. He was determined to transform their mindset and inspire them to take action for the country's freedom.
Savarkar's influence began to spread across India House, where he gave impassioned speeches, drawing inspiration from historical figures like Italy's Giuseppe Mazzini and the legendary Garibaldi. Both Mazzini and Garibaldi had led Italy's unification struggle and fought for national independence, serving as critical models for Savarkar. Mazzini's biography had a profound impact on Savarkar, and he saw in Mazzini's struggle a parallel to India's own fight for independence. Inspired by Mazzini's leadership, Savarkar began to write a biography of the Italian revolutionary, which he hoped would stir the hearts of young Indians and motivate them to join the fight for freedom.
The Revolutionary Writings
Savarkar's determination to inspire change was not limited to speeches alone. He dedicated himself to writing and disseminating revolutionary literature. His first major work, The Biography of Mazzini, was written in the face of numerous challenges. He was committed to ensuring that the book was within the legal boundaries set by the British so that it could reach the masses. The book became an instant success, with leading Indian newspapers offering glowing reviews and a second printing quickly demanded.
Savarkar's second monumental work, The Indian War of Independence 1857, was even more impactful. Despite facing significant obstacles in getting it published, including raids by the British police, the book spread like wildfire. It was translated into several languages, including French, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi, and became a source of immense pride for Indian revolutionaries. The British government, fearing the book's influence, banned it in India, but by then, its revolutionary message had already spread across the globe.
The Creation of the "Free India Society"
Savarkar's work in London continued unabated. He established the Free India Society, an organization dedicated to the liberation of India from British colonial rule. Through this platform, he inspired a new generation of revolutionaries and patriots. His lectures, which were attended by hundreds of students, focused on the history of India's struggle for independence and the importance of armed resistance. He transformed the Home Rule League into a revolutionary organization that was aligned with his vision of India's liberation.
As Savarkar's influence grew, so did his support base. His speeches began to resonate deeply with the youth, and the once timid students started to embrace their Indian identity. They began to wear traditional attire, proudly singing patriotic songs and expressing their nationalism in public. This transformation was a testament to Savarkar's leadership and the power of his ideas.
Lasting Legacy
Savarkar's writings, speeches, and activism had a profound impact on the Indian freedom struggle. His books inspired thousands of youth to take up arms and join the fight for independence. His work in London, particularly with the Free India Society, laid the groundwork for the revolution that would eventually culminate in India's independence in 1947.
Through his courage, intellect, and unwavering commitment to India's freedom, Veer Savarkar became a symbol of resistance. His contributions to the struggle for India's independence will forever be remembered, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians to stand up for justice and liberty.
Conclusion
Veer Savarkar's journey from a young student in England to a revolutionary leader is a testament to the power of ideas and determination. His efforts, whether through his writings, speeches, or revolutionary activities, played a crucial role in shaping the course of India's freedom movement. Savarkar's life was marked by sacrifice, unwavering commitment, and a deep love for his country—qualities that make him one of the greatest heroes of India's independence struggle. His legacy as the torchbearer of revolution continues to light the way for future generations.