Veer Savarkar played a significant role in the Indian independence movement as a prominent leader. He played a leading role in India’s freedom due to his courage, determination, and amazing ideology. His contribution is invaluable in Indian history, but some illiterate people persist in spreading unfounded allegations against him, instead of remembering his contribution. This article aims to unfold some facts, and evidence that highlight the contribution of Veer Savarkar towards India and not the allegations made by individuals that he supported the British.
Veer Savarkar significantly contributed to building India’s large army by recruiting Hindus, potentially preventing Pakistan from capturing a significant portion of India after independence. During World War II, Veer Savarkar viewed it as an opportunity to militarize Hindu society, advocating for Hindu youth to join the army despite restrictions on weapon possession. He toured the country, encouraging participation and highlighting the British government’s shift in policy towards arming Indian soldiers, which was previously prohibited.
“Liberation won’t be attained through paperwork; freedom comes with a rifle on your shoulders” With this proclamation, Veer Savarkar launched a massive campaign to recruit Hindu youth in the army all over India under the platform of Hindu Mahasabha. The result was that Hindu youth started joining the army in large numbers.
Historians criticize this step of Savarkar and try to prove him to be an ally of the British government. But cunning historians do not disclose why Veer Savarkar did this. Veer Savarkar’s actions were perceived as shattering the dream that Muhammad Ali Jinnah envisioned. In 1946, when the statistics of the Indian Army were revealed after the Second World War, Jinnah and other leaders of the Muslim League were shocked. Thanks to the efforts of Veer Savarkar, Hindus had now become a majority in the Indian Army.
In 1946, Jinnah expressed concern in the Muslim League Mukhpatr Dawn newspaper that “the speed at which Hindus are joining the army is a dangerous message.” Aligarh Muslim University Vice Chancellor and Muslim League leader Ziauddin Ahmed said, “Hindu youth are rapidly being recruited in the Navy, Army and Air Force. This is a matter of concern for Muslims.”
During the partition in 1947, most Muslim soldiers opted for Pakistan’s army while Hindu soldiers stayed with India. When Pakistan attacked Kashmir shortly after independence, those Hindu soldiers proved crucial in defending it. Without their contribution, Kashmir might not be part of India today. Therefore, it’s not just one family’s contribution but also patriots like Savarkar who deserve recognition like the Bharat Ratna.
