Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din 2023: History, Significance, Celebration

Starting from 2023, VD Savarkar’s birthday, i.e., May 28 will be celebrated every year as ‘Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din’. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra announced the celebration via a tweet from the office. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was an Indian politician, activist, and writer who was imprisoned for his active role in India’s independence movements. The day will honor the sacrifice made by Savarkar for the independence of the country. For more details about Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din 2023 and VD Savarkar, keep reading this article.

History of Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din

The proposal to celebrate Swatantra Veer Gaurav Day was put forward by the Cabinet Minister of the Ministry of Industries of Maharashtra, Mr. Uday Samant. The Government of Maharashtra liked his idea and adopted it almost instantly. Finally, on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, a tweet came from the CM office which mentioned the celebration of Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din on May 28 of every year. 28 May was chosen as the day of celebration as it coincides with the birth anniversary of VD Savarkar.

Significance of Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din

The main idea behind observing the Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din is to express gratitude for the sacrifices made by the freedom fighter for the independence of the country. The day also aims to take forward the patriotism, patience, and progressive ideas of Savarkar.

Who was Vinayak Damodar Savarkar?

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, was an Indian politician, activist, writer, and a leading figure in the Hindu Mahasabha. Savarkar started taking part in political activities when he was just a high school student. He also founded a secret society called Abhinav Bharat Society along with his brother. During his law studies in the United Kingdom, Savarkar got involved with organizations such as Free India Society and India House. For his connections with the latter, Savarkar was arrested in 1910 and ordered to be brought back to India. While returning via a sea voyage, he tried and succeeded in escaping to France but the French officials handed him back to the British.

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Savarkar was sentenced to life terms of imprisonment and was sent to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, after writing a series of mercy petitions to the British, he was released in 1924. When Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in 1948, Savarkar was charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination. But, due to lack of any evidence, he was acquitted by the court.

Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din Celebration

Swatantrya Veer Gaurav Din 2023 will be celebrated with many cultural programs organized in Savarkar’s honor. Different activities propagating the ideas of Savarkar will also be held by the Government of Maharashtra. To observe Savarkar’s birth anniversary, the government has even planned a ‘Veer Bhoomi Parikrama’ from May 21 to 28. In addition to this, a grand theme park dedicated to Savarkar would be built at his birthplace Bhagur, Nashik, Maharashtra.

A tourism circuit involving places like his birthplace, hostel room, and a temple that he established, has also been launched ahead of the celebration.

Also check National Brothers and Sisters Day