Category: Social-Reformist Dimension
-
The caste system has long been a defining yet contentious element of Hindu society. Vinayak Damodar (Veer) Savarkar, a fierce nationalist and reformist, saw this system not just as a social hierarchy but as a significant barrier to Hindu unity and nation-building. His critique of caste-based social ostracism stemmed from his conviction that it weakened…
-
Vinayak Damodar (Veer) Savarkar, a revolutionary thinker and social reformer, played a crucial role in challenging the rigid traditions of Hindu society. During his time in Ratnagiri, he maintained close contact with people from all sections of society and received widespread support—except from one particular group: the Hindu orthodox traditionalists. His relationship with them was…
-
Social-Reformist Dimension of Hindutva, Part 8 The caste system has long been a subject of intense debate. While some have seen it as a stabilizing force in Indian society, others have condemned it as an oppressive and regressive institution. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a prominent Indian nationalist, falls squarely into the latter camp. His critique of…
-
Social-Reformist Dimension of Hindutva, Part 7 Veer Savarkar’s time in Ratnagiri, a period of enforced confinement following his years in the Andamans, proved to be a pivotal chapter in his focus on social reform. Released from prison in 1924, he was subjected to stringent restrictions, including a ban on political activity and a mandate to…
-
Social-Reformist Dimension of Hindutva, Part 6; Savarkar’s Scientific Worldview Against Superstition (3/3) Savarkar’s Vision: Embracing the Machine Age and the Religion of Science In the concluding part of our series exploring the “Savarkar’s Scientific Worldview Against Superstition”, we delve deeper into his profound advocacy for a scientific worldview, particularly his enthusiastic embrace of the machine…
-
Social-Reformist Dimension of Hindutva, Part 5; Savarkar’s Scientific Worldview Against Superstition (2/3) Revolutionizing the Hindu Mind: Savarkar’s Vision for a Progressive Nation In his relentless pursuit of a progressive nation, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar identified a critical impediment—the entrenched mindset of his compatriots, deeply influenced by the traditional concept of Dharma. He saw this as a…
-
Social-Reformist Dimension of Hindutva, Part 4, Savarkar’s Scientific Worldview Against Superstition (1/3) Savarkar’s Vision: Science Over Superstition, Machines Over Mysticism Vinayak Damodar Savarkar presented a compelling vision for India’s modernization. His intellectual journey, marked by a deep engagement with diverse ideologies, led him to a stark conclusion: India’s progress hinged on a decisive shift from…
-
Social-Reformist Dimension of Hindutva, Part 3 Savarkar: The Social Reformer Who Saw Beyond Political Independence Vinayak Damodar (Veer) Savarkar was more than just a political figure. He was a profound social reformer who understood the intrinsic link between social transformation and lasting political freedom. While his political contributions are widely recognized, his insights into the…
-
Social-Reformist Dimension of Hindutva, Part 2 The discourse on social reforms in India remains a subject of debate even in the 21st century. The need for such reforms arose as a result of the interaction between the indigenous Hindu social structure and external influences, particularly under British rule. The colonial era introduced a new paradigm…
-
Social-Reformist Dimension of Hindutva, Part 1 Vinayak Damodar Savarkar is often remembered for his role in the Indian independence movement and his formulation of the Hindutva ideology. However, a lesser-explored aspect of his life and work is his contribution as a social reformer and his vision for the reorganization of Indian society. Unlike Bhimrao Ramji…