New Delhi: From orphanhood to enduring 13 years of incarceration, Ganesh Damodar Savarkar, fondly known as Babarao, exemplified selflessness and courage in the pursuit of India's liberation. As the elder sibling of the revered freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar 'Veer' Savarkar, Babarao's remarkable journey left an indelible mark on India's fight for independence. Babarao's story began in Bhagur, Maharashtra, where he shouldered the responsibility of raising his siblings following the demise of their parents. His unwavering dedication to their upbringing was a testament to his love for Bharat Mata.
In collaboration with his younger brother, Babarao founded Abhinav Bharat in 1904, becoming a significant name in the Indian freedom struggle. His revolutionary ideas, exceptional political awareness, and unyielding commitment to freeing India from colonial rule shaped his legacy. The early 20th century saw Babarao's pivotal role in igniting the flames of the Indian freedom struggle. As a member of the secret revolutionary group 'Rashtrabhakta Samooh' established by his brother Veer, Babarao's dedication to his motherland equated his devotion to spirituality.
Under his leadership, 'Mitramela' evolved into 'Abhinav Bharat' in 1904, organizing revolutionary meetings with notable figures like Lokmanya Tilak and Aurobindo Ghosh. The partition of Bengal in 1905 further fueled Babarao's nationalistic fervor, leading to his arrest for raising 'Vande Mataram' slogans and sparking a nationwide backlash. Babarao's commitment to India's cause earned him the attention of the British, leading to his first arrest in 1908. Subjected to inhumane treatment and unjust imprisonment, he continued to champion the freedom movement even from behind bars.
Despite facing a second arrest in 1909 over nationalist and religious poems, Babarao's spirit remained unbroken. He endured 13 years of torture, abuse, and mental and physical harassment in the dreaded Cellular Jail in the Andamans. His unwavering dedication to Bharat Mata sustained him through hardship, even as he battled illness without access to proper healthcare.Babarao's release in September 1922 revealed a man weakened physically but fortified in spirit. His determination to challenge ideologies remained steadfast, and he continued to expose the limitations of Gandhian principles. On his deathbed in 1944, he entrusted the legacy of Hindutva and India's freedom to future generations, warning against compromising the nation's sovereignty.
Ganesh Damodar Savarkar's saga of sacrifice and resilience stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to India's freedom. Despite enduring brutalities at the hands of the British, Babarao's legacy continues to guide Indians through his profound thoughts and unwavering devotion to Bharat Mata.
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