The most recent issue of Antim Jan, a monthly magazine which operates under the Ministry of Culture is dedicated to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, with the foreword calling his historical stature “no less than that of (Mahatma) Gandhi” – a choice that has sparked criticism from Gandhians and Opposition leaders.
Antim Jan is a monthly magazine published by Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Smriti (GSDS), which has the Prime Minister as its chairperson.
Inaugurated in 1984, GSDS’ fundamental purpose is to propagate the life, mission and thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi through various socio-educational and cultural programs. A nominated body of Gandhians and representatives of various government departments guide its activities.
However, officials at GSDS said the June issue was dedicated to Savarkar to mark his birth anniversary on May 28, and that GSDS will continue to dedicate the magazine’s upcoming issues to freedom fighters to mark 75 years of Independence.
The June issue features Savarkar’s sketch on the cover by Sitaram and articles reprinted from the works of Gandhi on religious tolerance, Savarkar on Hindutva and late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Savarkar. A portion from Savarkar’s book Hindutva has been adapted for an article with the same title. It also includes articles by other writers on “Deshbhakt Savarkar” (patriot Savarkar) and “Veer Savarkar and Mahatma Gandhi”.
An article by the editor of the magazine, Praveen Dutt Sharma, titled “Gandhi ka Gussa” (Gandhi’s anger) has been included as well.
Author Madhusudan Cherekar wrote about the relationship between Gandhi and Savarkar.
The foreword, by GSDS vice-chairman and BJP leader Vijay Goel, on Savarkar “the great patriot”, states, “It is sad that those who have not spent even a day in jail (during the freedom struggle), and have not contributed to society, criticize a patriot like Savarkar…. Savarkar ka itihaas mein sthaan aur swatantrata andolan mein unka saman Mahatma Gandhi se kam nahi hai (Savarkar’s place in history and stature in the freedom struggle is no less than that of Gandhi) ”.
Author and journalist Dhirendra K Jha, whose recent work Gandhi’s Assassin: The Making Of Nathuram Godse And His Idea Of India discusses the conspiracy behind Gandhi’s murder, said Savarkar was an accused in Gandhi’s assassination, although he was let off because charges against him were not corroborated.
“But at that time, the conspiracy angle of Gandhi’s murder was not investigated properly. Kapur Commission of enquiry to investigate the conspiracy behind the murder of Gandhi was set up much later in 1966. The commission clearly said that Savarkar and a group of people under him planned to kill Gandhi. The benefit of doubt Savarkar got during the murder trial should not be seen as complete acquittal for Savarkar,” Jha said.
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