Savarkar’s Place in History

Raveendran Ravaneshwaram

The recent suspension of an RSS-affiliated teacher in Kasaragod district, reportedly pending an investigation into a question included in a school science club’s Freedom Quiz, has once again brought the historical legacy of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar into public discussion. The question reportedly asked which freedom fighter endured the greatest punishment during India’s freedom struggle. The incident raises a larger question: how should Savarkar’s role and place in Indian history be understood?

RSS and Hindutva organisations have consistently maintained that Savarkar was among the freedom fighters who suffered the harshest punishment under British rule. There is no doubt that Savarkar endured years of imprisonment, including a long period in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, assessing his historical position requires a broader examination of his political evolution, his relationship with the Indian national movement, his ideological commitments, and his activities after his release from prison.

Savarkar and the National Movement

The Indian national movement was a broad and diverse political current that brought together people and organisations with different social, religious and political backgrounds. Savarkar's political trajectory, however, increasingly developed along a distinct Hindutva-oriented path.

Savarkar was undoubtedly an effective organiser, political strategist and publicist. He established organisations, developed political networks and actively promoted his ideas. He also contributed to the revolutionary tradition of the early twentieth century. Yet the character and objectives of the organisations he created and supported remain central to understanding his place in history.

The question is therefore not simply how much punishment Savarkar endured, but what political direction he ultimately pursued and how that direction related to India's broader freedom movement.

The Justice Jivan Lal Kapoor Commission of Inquiry, which investigated the conspiracy surrounding Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, made a significant observation regarding Savarkar and those associated with him. The Commission concluded that, when all the circumstances were considered together, the assassination of Gandhi appeared to have been the result of a conspiracy involving Savarkar and his group. However, this finding must also be considered alongside the fact that Savarkar was acquitted in the court case because the available evidence did not meet the required legal standard.

From Revolutionary Nationalism to Hindutva Politics

Savarkar, a native of Ratnagiri, emerged from the revolutionary nationalist tradition associated with figures such as Vasudev Balwant Phadke and the militant nationalist current represented by leaders including Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal and Lala Lajpat Rai.

In 1904, Savarkar founded Abhinav Bharat, a revolutionary organisation inspired in part by the ideas and organisational methods associated with Giuseppe Mazzini and Young Italy. His engagement with revolutionary literature and secret organisations played an important role in shaping his political outlook.

After studying at Fergusson College, Savarkar travelled to London with the support of Shyamji Krishnavarma and with assistance connected to the Tilak circle. In London, he continued his revolutionary activities and expanded Abhinav Bharat. He also translated and wrote extensively about Mazzini, helping to popularise Mazzini's ideas among Indian revolutionaries.

Savarkar's early writings also reveal a conception of Indian nationalism that, at least in its earlier phase, emphasised the need for Indians to overcome internal divisions. In The First War of Independence, he highlighted the importance of Hindus and Muslims, as well as people from different social backgrounds, joining together in opposition to British rule.

Over time, however, his political thought developed in a markedly different direction. His later emphasis on Hindutva increasingly placed religious and cultural identity at the centre of his political vision.

Savarkar’s Imprisonment and Mercy Petitions

Savarkar was arrested in March 1910 in connection with revolutionary activities and was subsequently brought to India. He was accused in cases connected with revolutionary violence, including the assassination of Nashik Collector A. M. T. Jackson. He was sentenced to a total of fifty years' imprisonment and transported to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 4 July 1911.

He spent approximately ten years in the Andaman and Nicobar jails and later several years under restrictions in Ratnagiri. His imprisonment was undoubtedly severe, and the hardships he endured should not be minimised.

At the same time, Savarkar's repeated mercy petitions to the British authorities form an important part of the historical record. From the early years of his imprisonment, he sought commutation of his sentence. In a petition submitted in 1920, he stated that he was prepared to abandon armed methods and work within the framework acceptable to the British government.

Supporters of Savarkar have often interpreted these petitions as a political strategy intended to secure his release so that he could resume political activity. Critics, however, point to the commitments contained in the petitions and to Savarkar's political conduct following his release.

After Prison: A Different Political Path

The period of Savarkar's imprisonment coincided with a major transformation of the Indian national movement. During these years, the movement expanded considerably and acquired a much broader popular base.

After his release, Savarkar did not return to the mainstream anti-colonial movement in the manner of many other nationalist leaders. Instead, he increasingly devoted himself to the development of Hindutva as a political ideology.

This divergence became particularly significant during the period surrounding the Second World War. While the Congress leadership and its supporters continued their struggle against British rule, the Hindu Mahasabha and other political organisations adopted positions that differed sharply from the Congress approach.

The Quit India movement of 1942 further exposed these political differences. While Congress leaders were imprisoned for their participation in the movement, the political landscape included alliances and negotiations that did not correspond with the Congress demand for immediate independence. The article's original account points, in particular, to developments involving the Hindu Mahasabha, the Muslim League and the political leadership in Bengal and Lahore.

Savarkar, Fascism and European Influences

Another important aspect of Savarkar's political thought is his attitude towards European political developments during the 1930s.

The article argues that Savarkar drew lessons from the political developments of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. It refers specifically to a speech attributed to Savarkar in Pune on 1 August 1938, in which he expressed support for aspects of Nazism and Fascism and opposed Jawaharlal Nehru's critical position towards those regimes.

The article also refers to Savarkar's support for Germany's occupation of Czechoslovakia and cites Marzia Casolari's work on the foreign relations of Hindutva in the 1930s. These references form part of the argument that European fascist ideas influenced sections of Hindutva political thought during this period.

This aspect of Savarkar's political history remains important when examining the ideological development of Hindutva. His engagement with Mazzini and revolutionary nationalism in his earlier years later existed alongside an increasingly exclusive conception of national identity.

Savarkar and the Gandhi Assassination

Savarkar's name became inseparably associated with the controversy surrounding the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in January 1948.

According to statements cited in the article, Shankar Kisthaya, one of the accused in the Gandhi assassination case, stated that Nathuram Godse had met Savarkar on 17 October 1947. Digambar Badge, another figure associated with the case, also provided a statement concerning Savarkar and the conspirators.

However, these statements did not constitute sufficient direct evidence to secure a conviction. Savarkar was therefore acquitted by the court. Any historical assessment of his alleged involvement must distinguish between the findings and observations of the Kapoor Commission and the legal verdict of the criminal court.

This distinction is essential. Historical interpretation and criminal conviction are not the same thing, and both the Commission's conclusions and the court's acquittal form part of the historical record.

Reconsidering Savarkar’s Historical Place

Savarkar remains one of the most contested figures in modern Indian history. To some, he was a revolutionary nationalist who endured extraordinary imprisonment and contributed to India's anti-colonial struggle. To others, his later political evolution represents a decisive departure from the inclusive character of the broader national movement and the emergence of a distinct Hindutva political project.

A serious historical assessment must therefore look beyond a single dimension of his life. His revolutionary activities, his imprisonment, his mercy petitions, his later political writings, his attitude towards European fascist movements, his opposition to Gandhi and the Congress-led national movement, and the controversy surrounding the Gandhi assassination all form part of the complex record.

Reducing Savarkar either to an unquestioned national hero or to a single political label does little to illuminate this complexity. His historical significance lies precisely in the transformation of his political thought and the enduring influence of the ideology he helped shape.

The central question, therefore, is not merely whether Savarkar suffered imprisonment under British rule. It is also what political vision he pursued before, during and after that imprisonment, and how that vision related to the larger Indian struggle for independence.

Savarkar's place in history must ultimately be understood within this wider context: as a revolutionary in his early political life, as an important architect of Hindutva in his later years, and as a deeply controversial figure whose legacy continues to shape political debates in contemporary India.

(Translated from Madhyamam Daily, 11/08/2026)

 

THE HALF-TORN FOOTBALL (translated article from Madhyamam)

Muhammad Dawood

Football Unites the World" has long been one of FIFA's defining slogans, but the 2026 FIFA World Cup has prompted questions about whether the tournament is reflecting that ideal. From visa-related challenges faced by supporters and participants travelling to the United States to persistent allegations of inconsistent refereeing in key matches, the event has been overshadowed by controversies that many believe have deepened divisions rather than celebrated football's unifying spirit. Critics also argue that FIFA has failed to project the independence expected of a global governing body, with some claiming it has appeared overly aligned with the policies of the host nation and the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. If such perceptions continue to gain ground, FIFA's iconic slogan may increasingly be viewed through a different lens: "Football unites the world, but FIFA divides the world."

Let's start the political story of this World Cup with two red cards. US President Donald Trump has a role in both. The first was the denial of a visa to the US to Somali referee Omar Arta, who was selected by FIFA for the World Cup, as part of the US's entry restrictions. That political red card was not for professional reasons, but because of his own passport. This incident was not just the misfortune of one person. Football representatives and fans from Afro-Asian countries on the Trump administration's ban list had to face this misfortune. Thus, this became a World Cup of expulsions before kick-off. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said that world football's governing body cannot interfere in the host country's immigration policies. But can a country's government interfere in FIFA's World Cup?

The answer was unbelievable. Yes! American player Folarin Balogan was sent off in the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup. The ban, which according to FIFA rules would have meant missing the next match, sparked a huge political debate in the United States. After President Donald Trump intervened, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee reviewed the case and Balogan was allowed to play in the next match.

That is, FIFA could not do anything about the political red card given by Trump to Omar Artan. However, Trump was able to revoke the red card given by FIFA to Balogun. The moment it became clear who the real referee in this World Cup was!

Clueless clown

VAR, which comes in like a clown without any sense of the stage, has changed the World Cup even in the galleries. The spectators, who used to burst into joy as soon as a goal was scored, now started looking at the referee and the VAR for permission to celebrate. VAR is the field monitor of algorithms that control human emotions. Even the joy is not complete until the message "VAR Check Over" is displayed. After many matches in the World Cup, there was a complaint that this system, which was introduced to make the decisions flawless, was also biased. Discussions also heated up as to whether technology should interfere so much in the World Cup, which is a magnificent display of human ability.

VAR was initially adopted as a divine vision that ensures ultimate justice in moments where human eyes might fail. It was a bright prospect in the 2018 World Cup. But by 2026, VAR itself was in doubt. However, it cannot be described as a Frankenstein invention. Because the camera is not biased. However, it is humans who decide when to examine the scenes on the camera and from which angle. Therefore, the truth is that human discriminations and prejudices remain intact in this system.

Ban on Iran

The Iranian national football team qualified for this World Cup through tough competition. However, even tougher challenges awaited them in the United States. The long-standing diplomatic conflict between the two countries, security concerns, and immigration restrictions all cast a shadow over the World Cup. FIFA, which rejected Iran’s request to move their matches to Canada or Mexico, did not even allow them to stay in the city after the match in Los Angeles. The team had to return to the team’s base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, overnight. “Let no other team that comes to the World Cup have to go through this situation again,” said captain Mehdi Taremi. The Iranian national team’s World Cup experience is the most visible example of how geopolitics affects football. It was also a difficult time for the Iranian team on the field. Although they did not lose a single match in the group stage, they failed to reach the knockout stages due to a goal difference.

Maradona's prophecy or Hydration break

The Americans will cut the game into four halves instead of two. Then they will insert advertisements into them—a World Cup that has become a reality in the words of Argentine legend Diego Maradona in 2018, after the United States was awarded the World Cup. The screens were filled with advertisements as the players separated for a three-minute hydration break in the 22nd minute of each half. FIFA's explanation is that these breaks are to protect the health of players in the intense heat of American stadiums. However, the course and direction of many matches changed after the breaks.

First among equals

'All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others' is what George Orwell says in his book Animal Farm. The question in football circles is whether that animal is Argentina. Several teams have argued that Argentina is being given an advantage, including in refereeing. It is alleged that Argentina's eyes, which do not see fouls, have even counted tackles by the opposing team as fouls. The Argentina-Egypt match in the pre-quarterfinals has become a long indictment of allegations. After Egypt's second goal, there was an argument in the literature that VAR, which even considered fouls from a hundred yards away, turned a blind eye to fouls by Argentine players. Beyond the fan war, this has become an issue that cannot be ignored, as former players and experts have all taken up the issue.

There is no evidence to prove that FIFA favors Argentina. Therefore, these allegations cannot be presented as facts. However, perceptions also play a huge role in sports competitions. It is not enough for referees to be impartial; the world must also believe that they are. Trust is a referee's greatest asset. When that trust is undermined, every whistle, every penalty, every red card becomes suspect. These breaks often act as a sudden break for a team's attacks that are moving forward smoothly. There is also a strong concern that this will become the new normal in football due to the huge potential for advertising revenue.

Country and Politics

Israel and Palestine are two countries that are full of talent in the tournament despite not qualifying for this World Cup. This major rupture in global geopolitics has not only divided the World Cup teams but also the countries of the world. The world has been divided into two poles: those who support Israel and those who advocate for Palestine. In the galleries, flags expressing solidarity with Palestine and voices supporting Israel have risen. The world's biggest celebration has also become a litmus test of political positions. Fans' favorite teams, like Argentina government were subjected to scrutiny of their policies. President Javier Miquel's foreign policy and his public support for Israel were the subject of much discussion on social media, and this was reflected in fan debates about the national team. This has also strengthened the phenomenon of what can be called political football fandom, which supports a country's team based on political positions. Along with this, another question arises. Is a football team the political representatives of that country? Or is it a team that showcases that country to the world, beyond political positions?

(Translated from Madhyamam Daily; July 12, 2026)

"Windows to a Brighter World: Change Your Perspective, Change Your Life!"

 “This world will never be good,” his son muttered as he walked in, feeling totally frustrated. The father piped up, “How could the world be good, son? Who has clouded your perspective?” His son replied that people were just selfish, times were tough, and it felt like everything was conspiring to ruin his future.

The father thought for a moment, then recalled how he used to show his son the world through the painted windows of their home when he was young. Taking him over to one of these windows, he asked, “What do you see?”

The son responded, “Nothing is clear! The view is blurred, unfamiliar, and full of odd shapes.”

The father then directed him to an unpainted, clear window. “Now, look through this one!”

The son’s expression softened instantly. “I can see everything now – my city, my friends, familiar places, and everything around us.”

“Son,” the father said gently, “it’s not the world that needs to change; it’s the way you view it! That window represents your attitude. Keep it clean and clear, and you’ll see a beautiful world right before you.”

Today, our lifestyles and mindsets often cloud our vision, burdened by habits that lead to indolence and health issues that seem to pass down through generations. In this era of rapid technological advancements, it’s natural to resist stepping out of our comfort zones. However, a healthy mind and body require a little conscious effort! Just as we take care of our physical health, we must recognize and tackle the “ailments” in our attitudes and mental well-being, no matter how deep-seated they may be.

True progress isn’t just about external achievements but about nurturing a balanced, healthy life! Let’s bring back morning walks with friends, spontaneous neighborhood football games, and those small moments that remind us of our awesome community. Look through the clear window of a bright mind, and remind yourself: the world is beautiful!

"Rocking the Old-School Vibes: Rediscovering Family Values in Today's World"

 

Ever heard this one? A teacher once showed her husband a student's answer sheet for an assignment about future dreams. One response was a total heartbreaker: "I want to be a mobile phone so my parents will finally look at me." Reading this, the husband asked, "What kind of parents would make their kid feel like that?" With a heavy heart, the teacher replied, "This is our own son's answer sheet."

As we get all tangled up in the complexities of AI, the world is shouting: let’s head back to our families! A family isn't just a house; it’s all about relationships, love, and compromise. A study in America shows that crime rates are climbing right alongside family breakups. On the flip side, rock-solid family bonds give kids a massive confidence boost! Take Chess Grandmasters Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali—they give all the credit to their parents, Nagalakshmi and Ramesh Babu, who don't even know how to play chess themselves!

Family means more than just being nearby; it’s about feeling each other's problems as your own. When a mouse spotted a mousetrap in the house, it warned the chicken, goat, and cow. They all brushed it off, saying, "Not my problem!" But that night, a snake got caught in the trap and bit the person who went to check it. The doctor ordered chicken soup (bye-bye, chicken!). When visitors stopped by, the goat was served for dinner, and when the patient sadly passed away, the cow was used to feed the funeral guests. Turns out, that trap wasn't just the mouse's problem after all!

Family is made of individuals and groups—it’s a school where we learn the art of compromise and a bit of magic where love creates everything. During a famine in Shravasti, Gautama Buddha asked, "Who’s ready to feed the hungry?" The wealthy and powerful all backed away, claiming they didn't have enough. But a poor man’s daughter stepped up and said, "I will!" Everyone was stunned. "How?" they asked. She replied, "My food and store room are right there in your houses." Resources are everywhere; we just need the heart to share them! Prophet Muhammad said, "The best among you is the one who looks after his family well." Family really is the ultimate training ground for mercy.

One day, a teacher gave every student a balloon, told them to write their names on it, blow it up, and toss it on the floor. After mixing them all up, he told them to find their own balloon. They struggled and failed! Then he said, "Okay, just grab the first balloon you see and give it to the person whose name is on it." Suddenly, it was a piece of cake! Happiness is just like those balloons; if you make sure others get theirs, you’ll get yours too.

Are our hands always glued to mobile phones searching for answers? No need for that! As Rumi famously said, "If you want someone to hold your hands, keep them open."

"Beyond Horizons: The Timeless Quest for Home and Discovery"

The ability to write and to think bears witness to life itself. When we lose that, we lose the essence of living. Curiosity about what lies beyond our own horizons drives us forward, fuelling our desire for knowledge, joy, and wonder. Thousands of years ago, primitive humans ventured out from dense forests to riverbanks, establishing civilizations, crossing continents, and seeking new lands filled with promise. Leaving behind the familiar, they migrated through untamed landscapes, driven by an insatiable thirst for understanding, a hunger for meaning, or even a fascination with the unknown stories, places, and marvels they had only heard of.

Tourists once travelled the world to collect pepper seeds from Kerala, arriving on the shores of Malabar. Without this spirit of exploration and migration, there would be no knowledge to share, no languages to connect us, no flavours to savour, no cultural exchange to celebrate. Our lands, deprived of diversity, would be dry dunes, barren and limited in spirit.

Figures like Neil Armstrong, Yuri Gagarin, Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams, and Hazza Al Mansoori have become as familiar to us as close family, even though we know them mostly from pages and screens. While they lived on Earth, they carried in their minds visions of the celestial world, longing to reach the stars. Yet, after touching the skies, they returned to their roots, finding a renewed love for the soil beneath their feet. With great determination, they symbolically joined the sky with the stars.

Palestinian families, displaced from their homeland over three-quarters of a century ago, still hold tightly to the keys of their old homes, yards once filled with olive and lime trees, nurturing a dream of return. For them, these keepsakes are symbols, guiding the next generation back to their roots.

This longing isn’t limited to humans alone. Don’t the wings of migratory birds also carry within them the memory of their distant nests? As they journey across thousands of miles with no map or guide, perhaps they too feel the joy of returning home.

South Africa’s Bold Move for Global Justice Against Israel’s Actions in Gaza

https://radiancenews.com/south-africas-bold-move-for-global-justice-against-israels-actions-in-gaza/

Those advocating for human rights and humanitarian values owe a debt of gratitude to South Africa for bringing to light the genocide and terrorism carried out by Israel in Gaza at the International Court. This has placed America, Israel, and their allies in an uncomfortable position, as they are being scrutinized for their alleged atrocities, including the killing of innocent children and women.

South Africa is a nation that does not bow to American domination. It does not have any political or economic allegiance to America. South Africa has dealt a blow to America's narrative that countries subjected to America's economic and military power will remain silent. This country won its freedom through Nelson Mandela's tireless fight against racial discrimination. Today, by taking Israel to the International Court of Justice for human rights violations, South Africa has once again become an inspiration and the focus of global attention. South Africa has extended a helping hand, providing the assistance and support that Palestine should have received from its own brethren.

In June 2022, the Israeli cabinet in Tel Aviv decided to construct a discriminatory wall, designed to include Jewish settlements entirely and allow for future expansions. As the wall became increasingly burdensome for Palestinians, over 150 complaints were filed against it, with many questioning its legality. This project displaced Palestinians from their farms, places of employment, and separated them from their families. Despite these concerns, Israel's Supreme Court approved the wall's construction. However, the International Court of Justice later ruled the wall illegal, demanding Israel provide adequate compensation to those affected. Given Israel's history of disregarding United Nations resolutions, including 28 passed by the Security Council, the likelihood of compliance with the court's decision was slim. Nonetheless, the pursuit of justice through all available means is a commendable and important endeavour.

It has been revealed that during the initial session of the International Court, three representatives from Jordan participated, with the renowned international judge Aun al Kasakk leading the delegation. Judge al Kasakk had previously presided over the case concerning Israel's construction of the discriminatory wall. At the Arab summit in Saudi Arabia, the Arab League and the Muslim World League were tasked with gathering evidence to bring a case against Israel to the International Court for their alleged mass killings in Gaza. Jordan may consider raising the issue in the UN General Assembly and Security Council through the Arab League after evaluating the legal aspects. However, given America's veto power, the outcome of such efforts remains uncertain.

In June 2022, the Israeli cabinet in Tel Aviv decided to construct a discriminatory wall designed to completely encompass Jewish settlements and allow for future expansions. As the wall became a significant burden for Palestinians, over 150 complaints were lodged, many challenging the wall's legality. This project displaced Palestinians from their farms, workplaces, and separated them from their families. Despite these concerns, Israel's Supreme Court approved the wall's construction. However, the International Court of Justice later reviewed the case and ruled the wall's construction illegal, demanding Israel provide adequate compensation to those affected. Nevertheless, given Israel's history of disregarding United Nations resolutions with America's support, compliance with the court's decision remains unlikely. Despite this, the relentless pursuit of justice is both commendable and important.

South Africa, a nation far from Palestine and not claiming superpower status, took a stand when no one else protested against the prohibited genocide under the 1948 Geneva Convention. South African legal experts, based on an 84-page report on human rights violations, decided to approach the International Court. Since the African National Congress came to power under Nelson Mandela, they have advocated for justice. Countries that forget or manipulate the teachings of their freedom fighters should learn from South Africa; even after Mandela's death in 2013, South Africa's solidarity with the Palestinian people remains clear. Mandela, who became President in 1994 through a free election following the end of racial discrimination, once said, “Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of Palestine.” South Africans continue to honor their forefathers' legacy by supporting the independence and freedom of others.