In the deeply stratified caste-based society of India, untouchability was more than a social stigma—it was a form of systemic exclusion that dictated every interaction between communities. One of the most visible and personal manifestations of this discrimination was the denial of access to private homes. For centuries, Untouchables were not allowed to step into the houses of caste Hindus. Invitations to share a meal or drink were virtually unheard of, and if such an invitation was extended to a higher-caste Hindu by an Untouchable, it was often seen as a violation of social norms.
In this oppressive environment, Vinayak Damodar (Veer) Savarkar emerged as a revolutionary voice who dared to challenge these entrenched practices. While Savarkar is often remembered for his role in the Indian freedom struggle, his contributions as a social reformer are equally remarkable. He understood that true freedom was meaningless without dismantling internal social hierarchies and uniting the Hindu community as equals.
A Bold Step Toward Equality: Access to Homes
Savarkar believed that reform could not be confined to public spaces like schools or temples—it had to penetrate the private, intimate sphere of the home. He launched an audacious movement encouraging higher-caste Hindus to invite Untouchables into their homes to share food and drinks. This act, simple yet radical for its time, symbolized the breaking of invisible barriers that divided the Hindu society.
To create opportunities for interaction, Savarkar cleverly leveraged traditional festivals such as Dasera and Sankrant. These celebrations became platforms for social integration, where both upper-caste Hindus and Untouchables could come together in a spirit of unity. The ritual of exchanging “Sona” leaves, traditionally done as a gesture of goodwill, was reimagined by Savarkar as a way to transcend caste barriers.
The “Access to Homes” Campaign
Savarkar’s movement took shape through the annual “Access to Homes” campaign, where Untouchables, under his leadership, visited the homes of higher-caste Hindus. They requested that doors be opened to them and that the symbolic ritual of exchanging Sona leaves be performed. The goal was not just to enter physical spaces but to challenge and dismantle the rigid social walls that had segregated Hindus for generations.
This initiative was groundbreaking because it struck at the core of social orthodoxy—the private household, a space traditionally used to enforce caste purity.
Media as a Catalyst for Reform
Savarkar’s genius lay not only in his leadership but also in his strategic use of media. He launched a dual approach—criticizing the cruel realities of untouchability while celebrating those who supported reform. Through fiery articles, journals, and newspapers, Savarkar condemned caste-based discrimination and publicly recognized individuals and businesses that aligned with his vision. This positive reinforcement and public accountability accelerated the campaign’s momentum.
Within just three years of relentless effort, the movement won the support of around 90% of households and businesses. This success was nothing short of a social revolution, proving that determined advocacy, combined with public discourse, could challenge even the most deep-rooted traditions.
Beyond the Home: The Unfinished Struggle
Yet, Savarkar knew that inviting Untouchables into private homes was only the beginning. Public spaces—restaurants, cafes, salons—remained battlegrounds for equality. His campaign laid the foundation for future struggles, inspiring reformers to continue the fight against caste-based oppression in all aspects of life.
Final Thoughts – A Legacy of Courage and Inclusion
Savarkar’s “Access to Homes” movement remains a landmark moment in the history of social reform in India. By addressing discrimination within the most personal and sacred of spaces, he redefined what equality meant in practice. His courage, vision, and ability to mobilize both grassroots movements and media campaigns created a powerful legacy—one that continues to resonate in conversations about caste, inclusion, and social justice.
💭 What do you think?
What part of Savarkar’s “Access to Homes” movement surprised you the most, and why? Do you think social reform is more challenging in public spaces or inside private homes? What makes one harder than the other? If you lived in that era, how do you think you would have responded to the idea of inviting marginalized communities into your home? Which modern social barriers do you feel resemble the restrictions Savarkar fought against? What do you think is the biggest takeaway from Savarkar’s approach to social reform?
👉 Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Sources:
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KEER, Dhananjay. 1988. Veer Savarkar. Third Edition. (Second Edition: 1966). Popular Prakashan: Bombay (Mumbai).
KELKAR, B. K. 1989. „Harbinger of Hindu Social Revolution“, in SWATANTRYAVEER SAVARKAR RASHTRIYA SMARAK. 1989. Smarak Inauguration. 28 May 1989. Festschrift. Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak: Bombay (Mumbai), 49-51.
PHADTARE, T. C. 1975. Social and Political Thought of Shri V.D. Savarkar. A Thesis submitted to the Marathwada University for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Unpublished: Aurangabad.
SAMPATH, Vikram. 2019. Savarkar (Part 1). Echoes from a forgotten past. 1883-1924.Penguin Random House India: Gurgaon.
WOLF, Siegfried O. 2010. Savarkar’s Strategic Agnosticism. A compilation of his political and economic worldview, in Heidelberg Papers in South Asian Comparative Politics (HPSACP), No. 51, Heidelberg University, Germany.
WOLF, Siegfried O. 2009. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar und sein Hindutva-Konzept. Die Konstruktion einer kollektiven Identität in Indien [“Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and his concept of Hindutva: The construction of a collective identity in India.”]. Online Dissertation: Heidelberg University: Heidelberg.
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