Introduction

This is a collection of the statements that Veer Savarkar made from time to time on political matters from 1942 onwards. They are of great historical interest and a student of the political history of this country must study them to understand the course of events that led to the achievement of independence and the growth of democracy in India. Many of these statements were published by him to explain the movements led by him and they have altered the course of events in this country.

Savarkar came on the political scene when India needed him most. He had to fight against odds as contradictory political theories held the field. He advocated industrialization when the spinning wheel was believed to possess magic power of making the nation great. When some leaders talked of socialism he advocated co-ordination of class interests. He pointed out that prince factory-owner and industrialist could be just as patriotic as those who preached socialism He lad the Hindu Mahasabha when to be a Hindu-Sanghatnist was not a paying concern and when all the avenues to power, pelf and popularity led elsewhere. To call oneself a Hindu was to be obstracized by one’s own kith and kin for no other fault than of daring to love and defend the Hindu cause and Hindu honor. He advocated militarization when some leaders in all sincerity pleaded that ‘India did not need an army, navy or air force and no nation in the world would invade her and if some armed nation did invade her they could be easily persuaded to fall back as soon as they were confronted by an unarmed army of desh-sevikas singing to the tune of the spinning wheel and appealing to the conscience of the invading forces.’ Savarkar urged the Hindus to join the army, navy and air force in large numbers so that they might get the necessary training and experience in modern warfare. Savarkar always tried to reason with his opponents if their doubts and object on were genuine and his manner was persuasive. But when he found hypocrisy, imbecility and cowardice passing off as patriotism and generosity his attack grew virulent. He used satire and ridicule to expose the hollowness of such claims.

When other leaders in the country were willing to accept the principle of self-determination for the provinces embodied in the Cripps proposals and were wrangling over this or the other portfolio. Savarkar alone rejected this principle saying that it was Pakistan in disguise. In fact it was worse than Pakistan as it gave the right to other states to secede from the federation.

The Akhand Hindustan leaders’ conference convened by Savarkar was a feat of diplomacy. He was able to rope in leaders of several political parties and minorities including the Muslim, which the Congress leaders had failed to do in spite of their blank cheques.

Savarkar was a chapion of true democracy. He vigorously and successfully opposed all schemes of giving weigh-tages and special representation in councils and services to minorities beyond all proportion to their numerical strength.
He fought for the integrity of India. When other leader were willing to give the Muslim Leaguers ‘so much that they would have no desire to ask for more’ Savarkar stayed the hand of those who might have betrayed the Hindus and all that Mr. jinnah could get was ‘a truncated and moth-eaten’ Pakistan.

Savarkar travelled through the length and breadth of India. Wherever he went he addressed mammoth gatherings. He was given the same welcome as is accorded to princes. Listening to him was an overwhelming experience.
Veer Savarkar will always be remembered by this grateful nation as a patriot who led the country through troubled times, and as a champion of true democracy. He united the Hindus under one flag and gave them an ideology that should inspire and guide them for generations to come
G. M. JOSHI
4th October. 1966,
DADAR, BOMBAY

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