Mumbai: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday announced that the state will observe May 28 – the upcoming birth anniversary of state Hindutva icon Vinayak D. Savarkar – as ‘Swatantryaveer Gaurav Diwas’. Vinayak D. Savarkar, later known as ‘Swatantryaveer Savarkar’, was born on May 28, 1883 in Bhagur, Nashik and died on February 26, 1966 in Mumbai. Next month will be his 140th birth anniversary.
“VD Savarkar’s birth anniversary on May 28 will be celebrated as “Swatantra Veer Gaurav Diwas” by the Maharashtra government,” Eknath Shinde was quoted as saying by ANI. The government will organize several programs to spread and publicize Savarkar’s ideas. “
Maharashtra | VD Savarkar’s birth anniversary on 28 May will be observed as “Swatantra Veer Gaurav Diwas” by the Maharashtra government. Government will organize many programs to spread and publicize Savarkar’s ideas: CM Eknath Shinde pic.twitter.com/gxNhdMrSpl– ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2023
Shinde said that to commemorate the momentous occasion, a number of events and programs would be organized to highlight Savarkar’s immense contribution to India’s freedom movement, propagate his ideology and focus on his campaigns for social reforms and eradication of untouchability. Activities will be organized. State.
Proposing ‘Swatantryaveer Gaurav Diwas’, state minister Uday Samant said Savarkar played a prominent role in Maharashtra politics and his patriotism, courage and progressive thinking would be paid tribute to the younger generation.
The opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) has demanded that the ruling Shinde Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state should ask the BJP at the Center to confer the Bharat Ratna on Swatantryaveer Savarkar.
The Congress, including senior leaders like Rahul Gandhi, has taken a critical stand on Swatantryaveer Savarkar’s role during the freedom struggle, while the Nationalist Congress Party has maintained a neutral position in view of strong public sentiment.