“The ideology of ‘Batenge to Katenge’ must be understood and embraced more widely, this is the demand of our times. Especially in the current scenario, where geopolitical changes are accelerating, corresponding changes in our thinking is essential. If we still do not become alert, incidents like Pahalgam will occur in every street. Our tendency to ignore critical issues is dangerous. The attitude of ‘Why should I bother? must be abandoned. Hindus have developed a habit of sleeping through crises,” said Dr Parikshit Shevde, delivering a powerful critique.

 

He was speaking at a lecture held on Sunday in Shivaji Nagar at the Shivaji Udyan on the topic ‘Krantisurya Savarkar’. Organised by the Samvedana Parivar Sanstha on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the event featured Dr Shevde as the keynote speaker. Also present on the occasion was Yogeshbuwa Ramdasi, Executive Head of the Shri Samarth Seva Mandal, Sajjangad. Dr Shevde stated that it was only because today’s leadership had accepted Savarkar’s ideology of firm response that decisive actions like Operation Sindoor became possible. Otherwise, we had long confined ourselves to sending only protest notes and evidence.

 

The day of the airstrike marked the true realisation of Savarkar’s ideal of self-sacrifice, he stated. It sent a clear message to the world. Describing Savarkar as a multi-faceted personality, Dr Shevde noted that the nation was blessed with an individual who was at once a literary figure, playwright, poet, social reformer, Hindu awakening proponent, champion of scientific temper, and opponent of the caste system. He divided Savarkar’s life into three major phases, Nashik, London, and Andaman, and used specific examples from each to illustrate his ideas. In the context of today’s changing times, Dr Shevde emphasised the importance of adopting Savarkar’s ideology and cultivating greater awareness. He remarked that Gen Z, the new generation, is currently the largest content consumer, and it is vital to understand what kind of ideological content should be made available to them. “No one respects the non-violence of the weak, and no one questions the violence of the strong. Through Operation Sindoor, we demonstrated to the world that we are strong,” he declared. The question is not about violence, but about recognising the enemy, he added. Savarkar’s thoughts should be presented systematically, and developing an ecosystem for his ideology is the need of the hour, asserted Dr Shevde. The event was also graced by Sandeep Kirtane and Sagar Kotwaliwale of the Samvedana Parivar Sanstha. 

 

 

The individual who dedicated his life to the nation and sacrificed everything for it must be honoured. Savarkar was a visionary, and his ideas are even more relevant today. Saying that it doesn’t matter if he wasn’t awarded the Bharat Ratna is a flawed notion. Honouring him with the Bharat Ratna would set a national benchmark. Most importantly, if we do not honour such a versatile son of Bharat Mata, then who will? With this thought-provoking question, Dr Shevde left the audience deeply reflective.