Prime Minister's Office press release · 28 May 2026 · pibtracker filter

Prime Minister remembers Veer Savarkar on his Jayanti

PRID2266117 MinistryPrime Minister's Office Released Reading1 min
Background & context

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883–1966) was a freedom fighter, political activist, and ideologue who coined the term "Hindutva" in his 1923 work. He was transported to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for his revolutionary activities against British rule and spent years in rigorous imprisonment. Savarkar advocated social reforms including the abolition of untouchability and caste discrimination, and was an early proponent of rationalism and reconversion movements. His birth anniversary falls on 28 May, a date often commemorated by the government and tested in Prelims questions on freedom fighters' anniversaries.

Prime Minister also shares Sanskrit Subhashitam The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today remembered Veer Savarkar on his Jayanti and paid tribute to his courage, patriotism and contribution to social reform. He said that the great revolutionary and eminent nationalist thinker will continue to inspire every generation of the country through his courage, intellect and patriotic spirit.

The Prime Minister shared a Sanskrit Subhashitam- “अनन्तोद्भूतभूतौघसङ्कुले भूतलेऽखिले। शस्त्रे शास्त्रे त्रिचतुराश्चतुरा यदि मादृशाः।। ”The Subhashitam conveys that in this world, many people are known either for knowledge or for strength, but truly rare are those calm and great personalities who possess both wisdom and valor.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said: “Remembering Veer Savarkar on his Jayanti. His courage and patriotism will always inspire people. His intellect and emphasis on social reform are also noteworthy.”“महान क्रांतिकारी और प्रखर राष्ट्रवादी चिंतक वीर सावरकर जी को उनकी जयंती पर सादर नमन! वीरता और बौद्धिकता से भरा उनका व्यक्तित्व देश की हर पीढ़ी को प्रेरित करता रहेगा। अनन्तोद्भूतभूतौघसङ्कुले भूतलेऽखिले। शस्त्रे शास्त्रे त्रिचतुराश्चतुरा यदि मादृशाः।।”

Key facts to memorise
  • Jayanti: 28 May
  • Full name: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
  • Life span: 1883–1966
  • Imprisoned in Cellular Jail, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
  • Coined the term 'Hindutva' in 1923

For UPSC

Veer Savarkar's Jayanti falls on 28 May; he was a revolutionary, nationalist thinker, and social reformer—remember the date for prelims matching questions on freedom fighters' birth/death anniversaries.

Trap watch

Do not confuse with other May freedom-fighter anniversaries; 28 May specifically is Savarkar's birth date.