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New Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Immigrants, rebels, freedom fighters
Should one write history just for academic study, or should it be written with common people in mind? For author Rana Preet Gill, the aim of writing The Ghadar Movement: A Forgotten Struggle (Penguin) was to make a larger Indian audience, and not just Punjabis, understand the Ghadar Party's history and the importance of what they did more than 100 years ago. 'I wanted more and more people from across the nation to connect with this important chapter of Indian history. Hence, I wrote a narrative history, rather than an academic history, and emphasised storytelling. Many Ghadarites from places such as Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar joined the movement. Not many of today's generation are aware of them, at the most they are shadowy figures,' she says. Origin story Divided into 38 chapters, the book traces the party's origin and the conditions that led to its birth. 'In search of a better future, many poor Punjabis from peasant families moved to places like Canada and London. They also came into close contact with several Indian revolutionaries there; it was also their first brush with political ideas such as Liberalism and Marxism. Educated Punjabis such as Lala Har Dayal met revolutionaries like Shyamji Krishnavarma and VD Savarkar. Savarkar inducted Har Dayal in his group Abhinav Bharat,' she adds. The party & a newspaper It was in 1912 that Punjabi peasants, exiled revolutionaries, and students joined hands to form the Hindi Association of the Pacific Coast (what the Ghadar Party was first called) in Portland, United States. Sohan Singh Bhakna was its first president, GD Kumar was the secretary, and Kanshi Ram, the treasurer. The organisation advocated armed resistance. Lala Har Dayal and his close aide Bhai Paramanand joined the organisation a year later. The organisation not only focused on bringing an end to British rule on the Indian subcontinent, but also worked towards the abolition of casteism. Religion for them was a private matter, and any show of religious symbols was discouraged among its members. To spread its ideas among the masses, the organisation brought out a newspaper, The Ghadar (in Urdu and Punjabi in Gurumukhi script). 'It became extremely popular, and it gave a call to Indians living in the US to join the anti-British movement,' says Gill. Rise and decline May 23, 1914, is a landmark date in Ghadarite history. Gurdit Singh, an Indian businessman, chartered the Komagata Maru, a Japanese ship, to transport 376 Indian passengers (predominantly Sikhs) to Canada, hoping to circumvent Canada's restrictive immigration policies. The ship was denied permission and the aftermath was brutal. Many Indian immigrants, working as informers in the Canadian immigration department, were murdered, says Gill. Hopkins, an Anglo-Indian working for the immigration department, was assassinated by Mewa Singh, a Ghadar activist in Vancouver. Party members eventually headed towards India to initiate a full-fledged struggle against the British, but many were arrested. 'The Gharadites did not make secrecy a part of revolutionary tactics, and hence, it was easy for the British to take them down,' says the author. 'Its senior leaders were arrested. Besides, a section of activists in India also started dacoity in Punjab, which made them unpopular.' Can the Ghadar movement be seen as a 'failure' when it stirred the revolutionary spirit among many Indians, questions Gill. Bhagat Singh was one of the revolutionaries it inspired. 'Singh was inspired by Kartar Singh Sarabha, an important member of the Ghadar Party. He used to keep Sarabha's picture in his pocket,' she says.
NDTV
28-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Veer Savarkar Jayanti 2025: Remembering Veer Savarkar Through 10 Powerful Quotes
Veer Savarkar Jayanti 2025: May 28 marks Savarkar Jayanti, observed annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar - a polarising figure in India's freedom movement and the ideological architect of Hindutva. Why is Savarkar Jayanti Observed? Born on May 28, 1883, Savarkar is remembered for his role in India's struggle for independence, his advocacy for Hindu nationalism, and his endurance during years of imprisonment in the Cellular Jail of the Andaman Islands. The day is marked with tributes, speeches, and events, particularly in Maharashtra. Political leaders, especially from right-wing parties, often pay homage to his legacy. Who Was Veer Savarkar? Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883-1966) was a freedom fighter, writer, poet, and political thinker. While at Fergusson College in Pune, he founded the revolutionary group "Abhinav Bharat" in 1904. Later in London, he launched the "Free India Society" and penned The First War of Independence, a reinterpretation of the 1857 revolt. Arrested in 1910 for anti-British activities, he famously attempted an escape in Marseilles but was recaptured and sentenced to 50 years in the Andamans. After his release in 1937, he led the Hindu Mahasabha and worked towards social reform, including the abolition of untouchability. The Ministry of Culture notes that Savarkar later disbanded Abhinav Bharat and dedicated himself to the ideological goals of the Hindu Mahasabha until his death in 1966. 10 Notable Quotes by Veer Savarkar "The sacred soil of Bharat is my home, the blood of her brave is my inspiration, and the triumph of her will is my dream." "The world respects those who can stand up for themselves and fight their own battles." "A country that does not recognise its heroes, its martyrs, and its warriors is doomed to decay." "Independence is never given, it is always taken." "Hindu society must rise above the differences of caste and creed if it wants to see the dawn of freedom." "Cowards never make history, it is the brave who carve their names in the annals of time." "Our only duty is to keep fighting for our nation, come what may." "An educated mind is the greatest weapon in the struggle for freedom." "A nation's past is its foundation; it must be preserved and honoured." "A true leader leads by example, inspires by action, and empowers by vision."
Mint
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Savarkar Jayanti 2025: Top 10 quotes by India's most controversial freedom fighter
Every year, Savarkar Jayanti is observed to honour the birth anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, one of India's most controversial freedom fighters. Savarkar Jayanti is celebrated on May 28, marking the birth of Vinayak Savarkar in 1883. On this day, admirers of Savarkar remember his role in India's independence movement, his philosophy of Hindutva, and his resilience during years of harsh imprisonment under British rule. The day is observed across various parts of India, particularly in Maharashtra, with speeches, discussions, and tributes that highlight his life and ideals. Political leaders, especially from nationalist ideologies, pay homage to his contributions. According to the Ministry of Culture, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883–1966), also known as Veer Savarkar, was a freedom fighter, poet, writer, and political ideologue. While studying at Fergusson College in Pune, he founded the secret society 'Abhinav Bharat' in 1904, advocating armed resistance against British rule. In London, he established the 'Free India Society' and authored The First War of Independence, highlighting the 1857 revolt. Arrested in 1910 for his revolutionary activities, Savarkar attempted a daring escape in Marseilles but was recaptured and sentenced to 50 years in the Cellular Jail, Andamans. 'This did not, in any way, dampen his spirit or quench his thirst for freedom,' the ministry added. After his release in 1937, he joined the Hindu Mahasabha and served as its president for about seven years. 'Veer Savarkar worked relentlessly for the removal of untouchability through the Hindu Mahasabha.' The ministry said that in 1951, he dissolved the revolutionary organisation 'Abhinav Bharat' and devoted his time and energy to the ideals of the Hindu Mahasabha. 'The sacred soil of Bharat is my home, the blood of her brave is my inspiration, and the triumph of her will is my dream.' 'The world respects those who can stand up for themselves and fight their own battles.' 'A country that does not recognise its heroes, its martyrs, and its warriors is doomed to decay.' 'Independence is never given, it is always taken.' 'Hindu society must rise above the differences of caste and creed if it wants to see the dawn of freedom.' 'Cowards never make history, it is the brave who carve their names in the annals of time.' 'Our only duty is to keep fighting for our nation, come what may.' 'An educated mind is the greatest weapon in the struggle for freedom.' 'A nation's past is its foundation; it must be preserved and honoured.' 'A true leader leads by example, inspires by action, and empowers by vision.'
News18
28-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Birth Anniversary: 10 Facts And Must-Read Books By Veer Savarkar
Last Updated: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Birth Anniversary: His activism was heavily inspired by the belief system of radical nationalist leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Veer Savarkar Birth Anniversary 2025: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, also known as Veer Savarkar, has often been a subject of contrasting narratives. He is widely credited with giving meaning and shape to the Hindutva ideology. Veer Savarkar Jayanti is observed every year on May 28 to commemorate his birth anniversary. As we celebrate his 142nd birth anniversary today, let's take a look at some interesting facts about Savarkar and books by Veer Savarkar that one must read. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Birth Anniversary: Key Facts Savarkar was born to Damodar and Radhabhai Savarkar on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur, near Nashik in present-day Maharashtra. He had a multifaceted identity. Besides being an advocate for India's freedom, he was also a politician and a writer. He was also a vocal opponent of the caste system and called for its abolition. One of the most prominent political positions he held during his lifetime was when he led the Hindu Mahasabha as its president. He was at the helm of the outfit from 1937 to 1943. His activism was heavily inspired by the belief system of radical nationalist leader Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who was fondly known as Lokmanya. Vinayak Savarkar, along with his brother Ganesh Savarkar, founded the Abhinav Bharat Society, an underground movement, in 1904. The group was dedicated to ending British rule in India. In 1906, he went to London to pursue law on a scholarship. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was among the individuals who endorsed Savarkar for the student grant. Soon after reaching London, Savarkar started attempts to recruit Indians for the Abhinav Bharat movement. Known for his involvement in revolutionary activities, Savarkar was arrested by the British administration and put on trial in 1910. He was charged with a range of serious offences, including sedition. Savarkar was sent to the Cellular Jail in the Andamans in 1911 to serve his sentence. He spent 12 years in prison. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Birth Anniversary: Quotes 'We yield to none in our love, admiration, and respect for the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. They are all ours. Their glories are ours, and ours are their failures." 'One country, one God, one caste, one mind brothers all of us without difference, without doubt." 'The nation that has no consciousness of its past has no future." 'Calmness in preparation but boldness in execution, this should be the watchword during moments of crisis." Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Birth Anniversary: Must-read books By Veer Savarkar First Published: May 28, 2025, 07:40 IST
