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Savarkar's Grandson Seeks 'Swatantraveer' Title, Echoes RSS Chief on Bharat Ratna

Rajendra Savarkar, grandson of Veer Savarkar, has called for the government to officially recognise the title 'Swatantraveer' for his grandfather. He compared this to the official recognition of the title 'Mahatma' for Mahatma Gandhi during the British era. While agreeing with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat that conferring the Bharat Ratna on Savarkar would raise the award's prestige, he stated his family has never and will never demand it. Bhagwat had earlier stated that honouring Savarkar would increase the dignity of the Bharat Ratna award itself.

Key Points: Call to Officially Honour Savarkar as 'Swatantraveer'

  • Title recognition akin to 'Mahatma'
  • Family never demanded Bharat Ratna
  • RSS Chief agrees award would gain prestige
  • Honour tied to national sentiment
2 min read

Honour V D Savarkar as 'Swatantraveer' says grandson Rajendra Savarkar, "Just like title 'Mahatama' for MK Gandhi"

Rajendra Savarkar urges government to recognise title 'Swatantraveer' for his grandfather, drawing parallel to Gandhi's 'Mahatma' title.

"If Veer Savarkar is given a Bharat Ratna then this will enhance its prestige. - Mohan Bhagwat"

Nashik, February 9

Grandson of Veer Savarkar, Rajendra Savarkar has called for the Central government to recognise the title of 'Swatantraveer' for his grandfather, saying that it would be akin to the title of 'Mahatma' given to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

"If the government wants to honour Savarkar ji, it would be more appropriate to officially recognise the title of 'swatantraveer'. Just as the title of 'Mahatma' given to Mahatma Gandhi was officially recognised during the British era through a Government Resolution (GR) issued by the Central Provinces," Rajendra Savarkar told ANI on Sunday from Nashik, the birthplace of his grandfather.

While Savarkar's grandson agreed with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat that giving Bharat Ratna to the ideologue will raise the award's prestige itself, he said that his family has never demanded the award nor will they ever.

"Our family has never demanded the Bharat Ratna for Savarkar ji, nor will we ever do so in the future. But we do believe that the title of 'swatantraveer' bestowed upon him by the public is the highest honour," he told ANI.

"I completely agree with Mohan Bhagwat, if Veer Savarkar is given a Bharat Ratna then this will enhance its (award's) prestige. Savarkar does not need any award to enhance his dignity. Savarkar's contribution to the nation is invaluable, and honouring him is a matter connected to the sentiments of the country," he added.

RSS Chief Bhagwat had on Sunday addressed questions over the delay in conferring the Bharat Ratna to Savakar while addressing the two-day lecture series on '100 Years Of Sangh Journey - New Horizons' in Mumbai.

He had said, "I'm not on that committee, but if I meet someone who is, I'll ask them. If Swatantra Veer Savarkar is given Bharat Ratna, the prestige of Bharat Ratna will increase. Even without that prestige, he has become the emperor of millions of hearts."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting parallel drawn with Mahatma Gandhi's title. While Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence is globally revered, Savarkar's ideological contributions are also a significant part of our history. Recognizing 'Swatantraveer' officially could be a step towards a more inclusive historical narrative.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I think we should be careful. 'Mahatma' was a title that emerged organically from the masses for Gandhi ji. Government officially recognizing titles for historical figures can become politicized. Let history and the people judge, no need for official GRs now.
P
Priya S
Bhagwat ji is right – Savarkar is already in the hearts of millions. The man spent years in the Cellular Jail in Andaman, his sacrifice was immense. Whether it's 'Swatantraveer' or Bharat Ratna, the nation owes him a debt of gratitude. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
As someone learning about Indian history, I find this debate fascinating. It seems to be about how a nation chooses to remember its complex past. Official titles can shape public memory for generations to come.
K
Kavya N
The family's refusal to demand Bharat Ratna is praiseworthy. It shows they value the people's love over a state award. 'Swatantraveer' has a powerful ring to it and truly captures his spirit. Hope the government considers this.

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