It has been alleged that Savarkar carried out his campaign for social reform not because he had any sympathy for the lower castes but because he wanted to gain their support for Hindu consolidation. He penned down poems on specific occasions such as temple entry. His drama ‘Ushaap’ (Antidote to a curse) deals with untouchability, kidnapping of women, shuddhi and the duplicity of conservatives. During his internment in Ratnagiri, he penned ‘Jatyuchchedak Nibandh’ (Essays on abolition of caste) and ‘Vidnyan Nishtha Nibandh’ (Essays on Scientific Temper). Savarkar penned his views on social reform and rationalism. In his vigorous campaign for social reforms through his thoughts, words and actions, he had to face hostility of the religious conservatives as well as the Government that also with very meagre resources. The fiftieth anniversary of Savarkar’s atmarpan (embracing death by self-denial of food and water) which falls on February 26, provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate his contribution as a social reformer. It is not widely known that he was also an outstanding social reformer. Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar is largely known as a revolutionary freedom fighter and exponent of Hindutva. He was never motivated by narrow considerations of politics, power, pelf and popularity Veer Savarkar did his stupendous work in the field of social reform after undergoing nearly a decade and a half of hellish prison life.
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