“The contribution of Swatantryaveer Savarkar in the freedom struggle is above discussion”
While the Congress leadership has repeatedly criticized Hindutva thinker Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, its associates Maharashtra Government And Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar on Sunday heaped praise on Savarkar, saying his contribution to India’s freedom struggle and Marathi literary world cannot be doubted.
“The contribution of Swatantryaveer Savarkar in the freedom struggle is above all discussion. His writing in Marathi is immortal which no one can ignore. Swatantryaveer had a multifaceted personality,” Mr Pawar said in his speech at the All India Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Nashik in north Maharashtra on Sunday. Bhagur Savarkar’s birthplace is in Nashik.
The NCP chief’s remarks come in the backdrop of an objection raised by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which claimed that Savarkar’s name was dropped by the organizers of the literary meet. There was a demand that the pandal where the meeting is being held should be named after Savarkar, but instead Jnanpith award winning Marathi poet VV Shirwadkar was named. Senior NCP leader and minister Chhagan Bhujbal had come under attack from former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for the same.
Referring to the speech of Dr. Jayant Narlikar, the chairman of the meeting and veteran scientist, Shri Pawar threw light on Savarkar’s scientific temper for which he was known. Shri Narlikar, in his inaugural day speech, had emphasized the need to inculcate scientific values and flair in Marathi literature.
“In that context, I am reminded of Savarkar’s writings. He was scientific in his approach. His scientific approach can be seen in some of his controversial statements. He said that the cow is a useful animal. Use it till the utility remains. And when it is over, take advantage by various means. There are many more examples. He got a temple built in Ratnagiri and kept a Dalit man for worship. This is because he was full of scientific temper,” Mr. Pawar said. Said, Marathi people cannot oppose the name of Savarkar.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Monday reiterated his demand for Bharat Ratna for Savarkar, saying the BJP has forgotten it.
,