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Dear all,
I have therefore attached a file entitled ' Savarkar - unknown facts.' for your
reference.
The main accusation is this - Savarkar apologised for his deeds to seek release
from jail in Andaman Islands. It is astonishing that even Savarkarites are
accepting this without questioning. They do not ask the accusers for proof; they
come to me for an explanation!!
[As a typical example see June 2003 Savarkar special issue of the RSS weekly
Vivek from Mumbai. Article entitled Gandhi and Savarkar by Arun Sarathi. He
says on page 39 - It is true that Savarkar asked for clemency. Sarathi gives no
proof, no date, did not quote Savarkar's words. What a shame! ]
Savarkar was sentenced to Transportation for Life, TWICE and sent to Andaman
Islands to serve that sentence. IT DID NOT MEAN 50 years in jail. After serving a
few years (usually 3 to 4) the inmates were allowed to go to work outside the jail
and eventually settle on the islands. Savarkar was denied this even after serving
11 years. That was utter barbarity.
At the time of the First World War Savarkar did write to Mr Montague, the
then Secretary of State for India. He said that –
(b) In return Indian revolutionaries would cease all hostilities and help
Britain in war effort.
Due to outcry about prison conditions on the Andaman Islands, the British
Authorities decided to close the jail on the islands. Concessions were being
made to prisoners who wanted to settle on the islands. But these were denied to
Savarkar. He did want to settle on the islands. He was forcibly sent back to
mainland India and kept in various prisons for further 3 years.
Vande Mataram
V S Godbole
1906
Savarkar came to London on 24 June. His activities started immediately
thereafter.
Gandhi had no reason to visit the India House, a house in Highgate, London
converted into an Indian students’ hostel. He was 14 years older than Savarkar
and was not new to London. He studied Law in London during 1888-1891. But
the reputation of Savarkar was such that Gandhi could not resist the temptation
of meeting him.
1909
Despite having passed his examinations in July, Savarkar was not called to the
Bar by the benchers of Grays Inn because of his political activities (namely,
fighting for the freedom of India from British rule)
1911-1921
Savarkar was sentenced to Transportation for Life twice to be served in
succession on Andaman Islands some 1,000 miles off Madras (Chennai).
The main charge against him was ‘waging war against the King Emperor.’
No other leader was charged with this offence.
1921-1924
In 1923, Savarkar was sent to Yerawada Jail in Pune. Gandhiji was also kept in
the same jail, but the two were not allowed to meet.
In January 1924, Savarkar was released from jail on the conditions that for five
years he will live in Ratnagiri and will not take part in politics. As a coincidence,
Gandhiji had to undergo an operation of Appendicitis and was released in
February.
1924-1937
Savarkar was interned in a remote place called Ratnagiri, which had no Railway
and telephones. He was welcomed by members of Ratnagiri Congress Party.
In his immediate discussions with his well-wishers he expressed regret
that some 35 of his compatriots were living in exile, four of them were
Muslims.
March
July
December
Jatpat Todak Mandal (Society for the abolition of the caste system), Lahore
elected Savarkar as President for their annual session, but he could not attend
due to restrictions on him.
1927
May 1
Savarkar’s book 'My Transportation for life’ describing his experiences of jail
life on the Andaman Islands, was published in Marathi. Here are some
important passages conveniently ignored by his opponents.
1911 – July 4
Savarkar met his jailor Mr Barrie. During their conversation Barrie said, “ You see
I am not English but Irish….”
Savarkar, “Well, even if had been English I would not have despised or
hated you for that. I have spent few years of my youth in England and
admire many of their national characteristics.”
1914 onwards
Savarkar organised the political prisoners and started to raise their voice
against filthy conditions, poor quality food and lack of amenities. Hindus were
particularly badly treated. He said, “ When we fought for better life for Hindus,
we also took side of Muslim prisoners too, when required. By our agitation, we
brought about changes in prison life. That benefited Hindus as well as Muslims
who therefore developed a respect for us.”
Shuddhi movement
“It must be said that not only the ordinary Muslims but even the fanatic
Muslims developed a deep respect for me. Because, apart from our quarrel
over their proselytization activities, I took their side against the prison
authorities just as I did for Hindu prisoners. I supported their legitimate
demands and fought for their grievances too.”
With persistent efforts, the tide of Muslim aggression turned. By 1920, Savarkar
wrote, “Those Muslims who had terrorised us Hindus in the past feared that
Hindus will now seek revenge. That was reflection of their behaviour. It had
never been in the blood of Hindus to behave rudely towards others. I must
emphasise that we always treated fairly any ordinary Muslims and those who
were free from religious fanaticism. I taught many of them to read and write. I
wrote applications of many Muslim prisoners. I always did things to improve their
life with whatever little influence I had in prison. I am sure they will testify to that.”
Note - Unfortunately Savarkar’s book ‘My transportation for life’ was published
in Marathi only in 1927. It was vital that English version should have been
published for wider publicity but that did not happen and when Gujarati
translation was published in 1934 the book was banned by British Authorities
in Bombay Province. The English version was not published till 1950.
1929
1930
*On 9 December, Times of India reported, “Mr Gandhi, and many of his followers
in the Congress Party believe in Chaturvarnya and castes based on birth. But the
reformers in Ratnagiri believe that castes based on birth are harmful and
have started ‘dining together’ of all Hindus including untouchables, and it
is astonishing that Mr V D Sarvarkar is their source of inspiration."
1931
* April 26
During the conference some Mahars from Mumbai objected to the slogan “Hindu
Dharma ki jai” or Glory to the Hindu Dharma. After discussion with Savarkar
they changed their minds and shouted, “Hindu Dharma ki jai.”
July
1932
April 9
December 10
1933
Since December 1932, Savarkar had been in touch with Mr Gopalrao Deodhar of
the All India Anti-untouchability League (Maharashtra branch). Seth
Ghanashyamdas Birla was President of the League. He was prepared to spend
25,000 rupees for benefit of untouchanbles of Maharashtra. Savarkar
collected Rs 500 in Ratnagiri District and Birla added Rs 1,000. The fund was
utilised for housing, education, building wells and other social benefits.
Savarkar opened a café for all Hindus in Ratnagiri on 1 May 1933. Tea, snacks
and food were served by an untouchable. Such a café was unthinkable at that
time even in industrial city like Mumbai.
1934
1935
January
Yusuf Meher Ali, a Muslim leader of Congress party from Mumbai called on
Savarkar and visited the café in Ratnagiri – open to all Hindus including
untouchables. Mr Ali said that he had not seen such a Café in the whole of India.
That has been the tragedy of Savarkar. Our history would have changed
substantially if only his opponents had at least read his views. A well known
follower of Gandhi made such a confession in 1983.
1937
26 June
The daily paper Lokamanya on page one published various comments from
prominent Indian leaders. Rajaji (Rajagopalachari) openly stated that he was
inspired by the sacrifices by Veer Savarkar. Rajaji had published a book a few
years earlier entitled ‘Life of Barrister Savarkar.’ In 1947, Rajaji the became
first Indian Governor General of India after partition.
There is a long list of Savarkar’s biographies and books banned by the British.
* In November 1941 even a small biography of him by G.P Parchure was also
banned.
1938
April 6
July 7
Mumbai – Sunderdas Medical College.
September 3-7
December
1939
5 June
July
Bose had to resign as the President of the Congress Party due to the intrigues of
Gandhi. He toured India and was publicly honoured in Mumbai. Savarkar was in
the chair.
1940
22 June
Subhash Chandra Bose came to see Savarkar. He told Bose, “ Why do you
waste time in your movement to remove the monument to ‘Blackhole of
Calcutta?' A person like you should go out of India and form an army out
of our prisoners of war and attack the British from outside the India. There
are only two or three such men who can dare such an attempt. But I have
particularly high hopes about you.”
Bose eventually did what Savarkar had asked by forming the Indian National
Army (I.N.A) out of the prisoners of war held by the Japanese.
1942
March
At the insistence of the Americans, the British Government sent Sir Stafford
Cripps Mission to India. His scheme was far more dangerous than the partition
being demanded by Muslims. Savarkar openly challenged Cripps. And even
Nehru showered praise on Savarkar at that time in his paper, the National
Herald (Keer 304/5).
August
1943
1947
British were forced to give independence to India, but at the same time,
partitioned the country.
Many leaders of the Congress Party then were members of Savarkar’s secret
society, The Abhinav Bharat. They included Balasaheb Kher, the Chief Minister
of Bombay Province, Ravishankar Shukla, the Chief Minister of the Central
Provinces, Sir Sikandar Hyat Khan, the Chief Minister of Punjab and even
Acharya J B Krupalani, the President of the Congress Party!!
1952
10/11 May
Tributes were paid to those who died in armed conflicts against the English
from 1857 to 1947.
In the evening, there was another public function in front of the Peshave Park,
Pune. A huge portrait of Subhash Chandra Bose was in place as Chairman. The
meeting was conducted by Senapati Bapat, a veteran Congress leader.
Savarkar explained how the revolutionaries forced the British to grant
independence to India.
11 May
On the second day, Savarkar expanded on the theme on the role of the
revolutionaries.
12 May
Savarkar was given a civic reception by Baburao Sanas, Congress Party
Mayor on behalf of Pune Municipal Corporation. Mr S G Barve, Commissioner of
Pune City Corporation was present. Barve became Finance Minister in The
Government of Maharashtra in 1961.
14 May
1952/3
On 8 February 1953, when the 5th lecture was delivered, Mr Bhaurao Heere,
Revenue minister in the Congress Govt of Bombay Province was in chair.
1954
Rajendra Prasad, first President of India visited Andaman Islands. He saw the
prison cell where Veer Savarkar was imprisoned and bowed in respect.
1956
All parties formed a reception committee at Pune and invited Savarkar to deliver
the main speech. The celebrations were held in front of the famous historical
place Shaniwar Wada. [I was present at the function.] It was chaired by
Lokanayak M S Ane, a well-known Congress leader from Nagpur and attended
by Baburao Sanas, the former Mayor of Pune and a leader of Congress Party.
Members of all other parties were present on stage.
1957
12 May
1958
1960 / 61
Savarkar started to speak in low voice. He said,” You have gathered in such
large number to honour me. But I am weak. I cannot speak for a long time. If I do,
I get pain in my stomach….” However, astonishingly enough, the tone of his
speech changed just after two minutes. He said, “ I don’t know from where, but
I have got energy.” In his speech, he emphasised that nobody cares for a
country without strong armed forces.
The audiotape is worth listening. Even if you cannot understand Marathi the
change in tone of Savarkar was remarkable.
1962
1964
Nehru died in May. Within months, the Congress Party repented the years of
neglect of Savarkar and in October the Government of India sanctioned
him a pension, acknowledging his part in the Indian freedom struggle
against the British rule.
1966
1970
Mrs Indira Gandhi’s government issued a postal stamp in honour of
Savarkar.
1971
Demi Official letter No. 30/130/69-ANI dated 2/12/1971 from Shree H S Dubey,
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, New
Delhi, to Shree S C Vajpeyi, Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar
Administration, Port Blair.
Kindly refer to your letter No. 41-1/7/70 Home dated 7th October regarding the
use and maintenance of Cellular Jail at Port Blair. The report of the expert team
was submitted to the Prime Minister (Indira Gandhi) who has made the following
observations :-
“The main point of the preservation of the Jail is to maintain its gaunt severity.
This would be the most effective and poignant memorial of all. New gardens and
youth camps will detract from the atmosphere of the original jail, which we seek
to preserve. These proposals should, therefore, be dropped.”
Note by Prem Vaidya – There are as many as 30 metal plaques on the jail pillars
with inscribed names of our freedom-fighters, revolutionaries and martyrs from all
over the country at that time. They have all undergone through the gruesome
treatment for the noble cause.
1972
Balarao Savarkar, the private secretary to Veer Savarkar started to publish
Savarkar’s biography in four volumes. First part – Ratnagiri Era was published
on 23 July. At the publication ceremony, Mr Balasaheb Desai, a well-known
Congress leader was present. Desai was formerly the Home Minister of Bombay
Province and later of Maharashtra province. Justice Bhole of the Scheduled
caste was also present at the ceremony.
Documentary on Savarkar.
Janata Government was in power in Delhi from April 1977 to January 1980.
1978
1980
1982
On 15 August, Vaidya was asked to start shooting his documentary on
Savarkar. It was ready in eight months. The part of Savarkar during 1911-1966
was played by a Dalit named David Devram Kasbe, a driver working for
Vaidya. He was selected, not because he was a Dalit, but because according to
Balarao Savarkar, Kasbe looked exactly like Veer Savarkar.
1983
* Persons like Savarkar never die, nor ever say Goodbye. They are eternal.
Even one line or one word of from them gives us inspiration.
* Persons like Savarkar can never die by any vicious attacks, or neglect or
propaganda against them. They are self-made. They live like the great
Banyan trees providing comforts to others in their hour of need.
* We need to think how his thoughts could be spread in all the Indian
languages.
* So much has happened here that every Indian should come here in bow
in respect of freedom fighters like Savarkar.
Deshpande concluded his speech by saying, “To remind our people every
year, there should be a day of celebrations, right here in the Cellular Jail on
national level. And it should be presided by the highest authority of the
country.”
May
29th
“Despite its shortcomings Prem Vaidya’s VEER SAVARKAR is easily the most
interesting and significant of May’s Films Division documentaries. Beginning with
his death on February 26, 1966 the film traces the origin and stormy life of this
militant freedom-fighter who among other things thought that World War II was a
blessing for Indians to get military training for their way of independence….”
London
The committee was later joined by the British Labour Party veterans, Lord
Fenner Brockway, Rt Honourable Reginald Freeson, M.P, Mr Richard Walfe;
Member of the European Parliament and Mr P Pendse, former Lord Mayor of
London Borough of Brent.
1984
1 March
N T Ramarao, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh saw them film VEER
SAVARKAR in his own studio-theatre in Bhagyanagar (Hyderabad). He
commented, “ I very much wanted to meet this great man during my younger
days but could not. I am moved by this film.’
23 March
April / May
May 10
6 June
The meeting began with Savarkar’s famous song, ‘ jayostute shree mahan
mangale shivaspade shubhade.’
“ We are not just allowing you to hold a meeting here, we are in fact inviting you
to have your celebrations here.”
Lord Brockway, 97, just four years younger than Savarkar, was unable to attend.
His message was read out by Mr Freeson. It read, “ We are right in celebrating
the centenary of the birth of Veer Savarkar. It is difficult to describe his service to
Indian freedom. First, he gave inspiration by his books, using biography of
Mazzini, as an example to India. He differed from Gandhiji in urging an armed
struggle. About this we may differ, but Savarkar inspired many by his own
sacrifices. He was sentenced to transportation for life. It was characteristic of him
that he asked whether the British Raj would last that long. He not only opposed
the British occupation of India but also took a leading part in seeking to end the
ranks among Indians including the untouchability. Savarkar announced that he
was retiring from public life in 1948, but in fact he carried on. He was 83 when he
died and all of us who have taken any part in India’s struggle must remember
him.”
Richard Balfe, the Member of European Parliament (Labour) also attended the
meeting, despite his busy schedule with another election campaign for European
Parliament just eight days away. He said, “ It was a great pity that Savarkar had
to spend 27 years in jail and internment. If not, Indian politics would have taken a
different direction, adopted a different strategy and philosophy. He faced the
wrath of the British press, but stood up courageously. When you know you are
right, you invariably come out successfully in the end. People respect those who
have firm convictions of justice and righteousness of their cause. Savarkar was
such a man.”
“In 1910, Aldred and Savarkar shared the same prison; Aldred for printing a
banned Indian Nationalist paper, and Savarkar awaiting deportation to India to
face trial for waging war against His Majesty’s Government.”
“The friendship between the two lasted over fifty years. They both believed in an
ultimate universal state embracing all mankind, and wherein all men and women
would be equal citizens.”
June 20
1985
8 June
A commemorative plaque of Veer Savarkar was fixed by the GLC on the house,
previously known as ‘India House’ where Savarkar had stayed. It was
inaugurated by Labour Party Peer Lord Fenner Brockway aged 97. People in the
audience requested him to sit in chair while addressing the crowd. He refused,
stood up and spoke eloquently for three minutes. He said, “ I am proud to unveil
this plaque but this should have been done your Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.”
Sunil Gavaskar, the famous Indian cricketer was also present. He considered it
a great honour to witness the ceremony.
BBC broadcast this news on the programme Nayi Jindgai Naya jeevan.
23 August
Prem Vaidya, producer of documentary on Savarkar received the following letter
from Shri K Prabhakar Rao, Governor of Maharashtra after screening two
documentaries : Against the current and Veer Savarkar.
“… I greatly enjoyed seeing these films and felt that both of them have
considerable potential for being used as effective material with a view to
acquainting the younger generation with freedom-struggle and the spirit of
adventure."
The technical quality of the films and the sensitive manner in which the subject
has been dealt with was particularly impressive.
I trust you would be able to persuade the concerned authorities in the Central
and State Governments to arrange for the exhibition of these films in educational
and other institutions at an increasing scale, both in Maharashtra as well as in
other States of the country.
I would also suggest that you could undertake a series of films on freedom-
fighters and various episodes in the struggle for independence. Such material
will, I am sure, help to inspire contemporary and future generations of Indians
And also comprise an excellent historical record.“
1986
Barrister Vitthalrao Gadgil was a minister in the cabinets of Indira Gandhi and
also Rajiv Gandhi. He wrote an article about Savarkar’s case at the
International Court of Justice at The Hague in 1911. He said, “I am
publishing this judgement to show my deep respect for Savarkar.” It was
published in a Special issue of Savarkar Pratishthan of Mumbai.
1997
Pune
28 May – Presentation of the first Veer Savarkar Award for promotion of national
security awareness and strategic thinking. At the award ceremony General Roy
Chaudhuri referred to his visit to the Andaman Cellular jail and the cell where
Savarkar was kept in confinement. General Chaudhuri said that the list of people,
who were banished to the Kala Pani and suffered for their patriotism is
incomplete. Not all names have been traced and inscribed there. The army chief
pleaded for their recognition to all those, who undertook the armed struggle for
India’s independence.
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