Ranbir Singh Pathania
“History is written by the victor and suffered by the vanquished.”
In India, nevertheless, history has been written, rewritten, and distorted to suit political narratives. Myths have been paraded as history, inconvenient truths shelved, and towering icons of resistance marginalized to preserve the status quo.
Recent take of Amit Shah on B. R. Ambedkar in the Parliament and Prime Minister Narendra Modi naming a college after Veer Savarkar sparks off a series of reactions and counter-reactions on media and social media.
A brazen display of ‘political opportunism at its best’ is out in the open with Congress along with a bandwagon of ‘narrative mercenaries’ at their tip-toes and best of their lung power with campaigns like “Jai Bapu Jai Bhim Jai Samvidhan.”
Incensed by recognition of Herculean contribution of Savarkar, Congress seeks a College in the name of former PM, Dr. Manmohan Singh.
All said and done, this is offshoot of a selective amnesia that has plagued Indian historiography since times immemorial.
We all have been witness to a narrative that sidelines significant events, personalities, and contributions. Non-Congress freedom fighters like Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh, whose sacrifices are often overshadowed by an excessive focus on Congress leadership. Similarly, the rich legacies of ancient Indian advancements in science, philosophy, and governance are dismissed as mythology, while colonial narratives are disproportionately glorified. The atrocities of Partition and the role of tribal and regional heroes like Birsa Munda and Lachit Borkupham in resistance movements are also under represented. This bias creates a distorted understanding of India’s history, diminishing the richness of its diverse and multi faceted legacy.
And two major sufferers of this selective approach have been -Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the messiah of the underprivileged, and Veer Savarkar, the revolutionary patriot. Their contributions, vision, and sacrifices have been overshadowed by fake and feigned narrative, which sought to diminish them to protect its monopoly over India’s freedom struggle and governance.
Neglect and Marginalization of Baba Saheb:
Ambedkar’s life was a relentless fight against caste oppression and social inequality. Yet, the Congress’s treatment of this towering figure exposes the party’s double standards and tokenism.
Ambedkar led the Mahad Satyagraha, in 1927, a historic movement demanding access to public water tanks and temple entry for Dalits. Congress, which chest-thumps to be a champion of social reform, chose to stay silent.
Ambedkar’s demand for separate electorates for Dalits was vehemently opposed by Congress, leading to the Poona Pact of 1932. This compromise diluted Ambedkar’s vision.
Ambedkar’s progressive ideas, such as land redistribution and state ownership of industries, were brushed under the carpet of Nehru’s penchant for a centralized “License Raj.” This divergence in vision highlighted Congress’s unwillingness to address caste-based economic disparities.
Ambedkar’s push for the Hindu Code Bill faced stiff resistance from Congress. Peeved and provoked by this lack of support, Ambedkar resigned from Nehru’s cabinet in 1951, exposing Congress’s hypocrisy on social justice.
Ambedkar’s growing clout and influence, pushed Congress in cahoots with leftists, to defeat him in the 1952 Lok Sabha elections.
Ambedkar passed away in 1956. And it took decades for him to be honoured with Bharat Ratna. And his legacy, history preserved and showcased.
Narendra Modi has piloted and pushed ahead a project, Panchteerth, marking five pivotal sites associated with Ambedkar’s life, such as his birthplace in Mhow and the Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai. The government transformed these sites into national memorials. Ambedkar International Centre was established in New Delhi to propagate his ideas globally. Efforts were also made to promote his contributions through digital outreach, scholarships, and welfare programs aimed at uplifting Scheduled Castes, aligning with his vision of equality and social justice.
Half-truths and hallucinations pivoting around Savarkar
Visionless, directionless, agenda-less Congress, gets exposed when its leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, vilify Savarkar, portraying him as a symbol of their ideological opposition. On the other hand, historical records reveal that Congress government of Maharashtra officially recognized Savarkar as a ‘freedom fighter’, provided him medical aid, and even issued a postal stamp in his honor. This dual approach reflects a deliberate attempt to rewrite or selectively interpret history to suit political narratives. It exposes not just ideological hypocrisy but also a vested interest in undermining figures like Savarkar. Such duplicity and deviousness not only distorts history but also diminishes respect for the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
Although a revolutionary scholar, nationalist, and visionary, Veer Savarkar remains one of the most misunderstood and maligned figures in Indian history. His contributions to the freedom struggle, cultural renaissance, and the idea of a unified Indian identity have been systematically undermined. Despite the relentless attempts to tarnish his image, his enduring legacy as a reformer and patriot continues to inspire.
His imprisonment in the Cellular Jail of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands stands as a testament to his indomitable spirit. For ten long years, Savarkar endured inhumane treatment, solitary confinement, and physical torture, yet he emerged resolute in his commitment to the cause of India’s freedom.
Despite being denied pen and paper, Savarkar’s indomitable spirit led him to compose poetry and articulate his thoughts using charcoal on the prison walls. These writings, rich with patriotism and philosophical depth, were frequently erased by the British authorities to suppress his voice. Yet, his ideas survived through his unparalleled memory and determination, eventually being documented after his release. This is a poignant testament to his resilience and creativity under extreme oppression.
His sacrifice extended beyond personal suffering-his family was plunged into penury, his house, belongings and even utensils forfeited, and his educational degrees and achievements burned in an act of public disdain.
Contrary to a narrative that paints him as a divisive figure, Savarkar was a staunch advocate of secularism in its true sense. He defended minority rights, opposed caste discrimination, and promoted gender equality. His progressive ideas on social reform, including the abolition of caste barriers and fostering scientific temper, remain relevant and visionary even today. He envisioned an inclusive, ebullient, and culturally strong India, rooted in shared values and heritage. Savarkar’s articulation of Hindutva was not about religious supremacy but a call for a unified cultural identity. It emphasized the idea of cultural nationalism, which transcended caste, creed, and regional differences. It was not about exclusion but about fostering a shared identity that could bind a diverse nation together.
Savarkar’s vision for an inclusive and united India, his emphasis on cultural renaissance, and his sacrifices for the nation demand recognition.
Setting the Record Straight
The Congress’s treatment of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and V. D. Savarkar is a glaring example of how history has been distorted in India. Leaders who dedicated their lives to the nation, were sidelined to preserve the dominance of Congress’s narrative.
As we reassess our history, it is imperative to move beyond tokenism and give due recognition to figures like Ambedkar and Savarkar. Their legacies are not just symbols of resistance but also blueprints for a just and equitable India. To truly honor them, we must confront uncomfortable truths, challenge entrenched narratives, and ensure that their vision is realized in the spirit of a free and united nation.
The time has come to rewrite history-not to distort it further, but to restore it to its rightful place.
Let us not allow political agendas to overshadow the truth and the contributions of our nation’s true heroes.
(The columnist is member of J&K Legislative Assembly)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
