NATIONAL
"Sensitive Poet, Fearless Revolutionary" — PM Modi Pays Tribute to Veer Savarkar on His 142nd Birth Anniversary
On the 142nd birth anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tribute to the revolutionary leader and poet, calling him a "true son of Mother India" whose courage and sacrifice continue to inspire generations.
PM Modi’s Tribute:
In a social media post, PM Modi wrote:
“Respectful tribute to Veer Savarkar ji, a true son of Mother India, on his birth anniversary. Even the harshest tortures of the foreign government could not shake his devotion towards the motherland.”
He added that the story of Savarkar's unwavering courage during India’s freedom struggle remains etched in the nation's memory.
“Savarkar means brilliance, sacrifice, penance, principles, logic, youth, arrow, and sword,” Modi remarked, underscoring the multifaceted legacy of the freedom fighter.
A Poet with a Sword:
The Prime Minister highlighted Savarkar’s rare combination of intellect and activism.
“He was a worshipper of both weapons and scriptures. A sensitive poet and a courageous revolutionary. He carried both poetry and revolution in his heart,” Modi said.
PM Modi also recalled Savarkar’s assertion that the revolt of 1857 was not merely a rebellion but India’s first war of independence, challenging colonial narratives at the time.
Cellular Jail: A Temple of Sacrifice
Describing the Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where Savarkar was imprisoned, PM Modi called it a sacred place.
“As soon as one enters the premises of the Cellular Jail, it feels like entering a temple. Those cells where revolutionaries like Savarkar were tortured are a living testament to their endurance and patriotism,” he said.
Legacy as a Guiding Light
Concluding his tribute, PM Modi stated that Savarkar’s life — filled with sacrifice, logic, and youth-driven energy — will always serve as a guide in building a developed and self-reliant India.
Veer Savarkar remains a controversial yet pivotal figure in India's freedom struggle. His influence spans literature, politics, and ideology — and his legacy continues to spark both admiration and debate.
