Sagaras

(O Ocean)

Savarkar’s close associate Madan Lal Dhingra bravely went to the gallows for the cause of India’s freedom on 17 July 1909. The British Police were now keenly shadowing Savarkar. Dhingra’s martyrdom and the subsequent repression by British authorities took its toll on Savarkar’s health. On 29 July, Savarkar went to Brighton, around 50 miles south of London to recuperate his health. He remained there for about 10-12 days. His associate Niranjan Pal would visit him to give him moral support. The two would frequently roam on the shores of Brighton. On one such occasion both of them were sitting on the seashore surrounded by dozens of mirthful English men and women. In the midst of this mirth, Savarkar was immensely sad. Sitting in front of the vast ocean, his mind was grieving at the thought of his beloved motherland. Niranjan Pal described that momentous occasion 29 years later in an article titledReminiscences of Savarkar dated 27 May 1938 in ‘The Mahratta’, Pune. Pal wrote, “Presently, he (Savarkar) commenced to hum a song. He sang as he composed. It was a Marathi song, describing the pitiable serfdom of India. Forgetful of all else, Savarkar went on singing. Presently, tears began to roll down his cheeks. His voice became choked. The song remained unfinished, Savarkar began to weep like a child.” The song Sagaras (To the Ocean) has become immortal in Marathi literature.
The following translation has been done by Anurupa Cinar.

Sagaras

(O Ocean)