I am against Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar, says grandson Ranjeet Savarkar

Speaking to the Indian Express at his office at Shivaji Park (Dadar), he said, “Frankly, speaking I am not in favour of any award for Savarkar. As I believe the people of the country and across the world know his immense contribution during the freedom movement. And Veer Savarkar does not require any award to get the recognition.”

The grandson believes, “It is very demeaning to note when ever some one raises the demand for award for Savarkar, there are politicians countering by pushing forward other names which are equally worthy.” Now, it is highly insulting when it becomes say- Savarkar versus B R Ambedkar or Bhagat Singh.

As all of them are great personalities and have earned national recognition from the people across the country,” he observed. I feel they should keep great leaders out of award politics, he asserted. Arguing, “There is no end to the list of names. Subashchandra Bose, Bhagat Singh etc.”

Ranjeet was just two months old when Savarkar passed away on February 26, 1966. “I have done a lot to research on his life and work. On his personal life the knowledge was passed to me through the family members. But personally I went through a lot of documents and his writings on economics, politics and social caste system to understand his work.

There is no doubt that Savarkar was a great rationalist and thinker. He was blunt in his speech often inviting criticism from both Congress as well as then Janasangh. He was heading the Hindu Mahasabha. He worked to promote national interest always as was evident in his writing and action.”

According to Ranjeet, “Savarkar was often misunderstood. There can be differences of views. But I can vouch he would have never compromised on the national interest.”

In the past, NDA government lead by prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had installed a portrait of Veer Savarkar at Central Hall of Indian Parliament. The decision evoked sharp controversy with leaders of Congress and allies boycotting the event.

The BJP and Shiv Sena has often in the past also pitched the candidature of Savarkar to counter the Congress which did not subscribe to his ideology or politics. The Congress centre and state leaders disagreed with the Hindu Mahasabha’s ideology and politics.

Ranjeet believes, “I personally believe awards like Bharat Ratna or Padma Award should be given to contemporary individuals who have made immense contribution to society and remain unsung heros.” He added, “If we dwell too much in the past there will be no end of the individuals when it comes to drawing the award list.”

He further added, “Moreover, another aspect which I find it extremely painful is are we going to equate our freedom movement leaders with today’s individuals who also are listed in the same category of Bharat Ratna or Padma Awards.

Now, how can Ambedkar, Savarkar or Bhagat Singh match any the names which are being discussed for the Bharat Ratna or Padma Awards. So, let us not undermine our freedom movement leaders and not include them in the award list.”