Why in News?
February 26 marks the death anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (Veer Savarkar). Leaders, including the Prime Minister, paid tribute highlighting his role in India’s freedom movement.
Major Contributions of Veer Savarkar:
- Revolutionary Organizations:
- Founded Mitra Mela (1899)
- Later transformed into Abhinav Bharat Society (1904)
- Activities in London:
- Associated with India House (London)
- Established Free India Society to mobilize Indian students
- Reinterpretation of 1857 Revolt:
- Authored The History of the War of Indian Independence (1909)
- First to call the revolt “First War of Independence”
- Imprisonment:
- Arrested in 1910 (Nasik Conspiracy Case)
- Sentenced to 50 years in Cellular Jail (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
