Kolkata, 27 May (H.S.): Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has taken the initiative to celebrate ‘Veer Savarkar Jayanti’ at Jadavpur University. Seeking permission to organize the programme on May 28, the birth anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the ABVP’s Jadavpur unit has submitted a letter to the university’s Vice-Chancellor.

In the letter addressed to Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharya, ABVP stated that the event would include floral tributes and a discussion session focusing on Savarkar’s life, ideology, and contributions to the nation and society. The letter was signed by ABVP Jadavpur unit president Nikhil Das and secretary Sanjeeban Deep Barman.

Speaking to Hindusthan Samachar, Nikhil Das said Savarkar remains one of the foremost symbols of nationalism and Hindutva. He claimed that Jadavpur University itself was founded on the spirit of national consciousness, making it important to highlight Savarkar’s life and ideology on campus. He also said that Bengal is the land of Syama Prasad Mukherjee and that Savarkar deserves respect in the state.

Notably, Syama Prasad Mukherjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, which later evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party.

However, Savarkar has remained a controversial figure for decades. Critics have alleged that during his imprisonment in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, he repeatedly submitted mercy petitions to the British government. Recently, in a defamation case being heard in a Pune court, Savarkar’s great-grandson Satyaki Savarkar reportedly stated that Savarkar had filed five mercy petitions before the British administration.

ABVP, however, rejects these allegations. Nikhil Das alleged that Left-backed and Congress-supported groups have long tried to tarnish Savarkar’s image and asserted that people should learn about his nationalist contributions.

Political observers believe the ABVP’s initiative at Jadavpur University reflects a broader ideological shift in Bengal politics. Over the past few years, efforts to strengthen Hindutva-oriented political and cultural influence in the state through the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh have intensified. ABVP’s growing activism on university campuses is also being viewed as part of that process.

ABVP has said the programme will be conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner. However, considering the possibility of the university remaining closed on May 28 due to Eid, the organization has indicated that the event date may be changed if necessary.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey