Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Efforts to refashion Savarkar's image as nationalist philosopher
Some people are trying to make Vinayak Damodar Savarkar look like a important thinker about nationalism.
They use big words and ideas to try to make his writings seem more important.
But others say this is wrong because Savarkar's writings are actually about dividing people and promoting hate.
They say that trying to make Savarkar look good is like lying about history.
Savarkar's writings are very clear about his hateful ideas, and trying to make them seem more complicated is just a way to hide the truth.
The people who are trying to make Savarkar look good are not being honest about his real ideas and the harm they have caused.
Efforts are being made to portray Vinayak Damodar Savarkar as a philosopher of nationalism.
Scholars use theoretical jargon and Leo Strauss's hermeneutics to justify re-readings of Savarkar's thought.
Critics argue that this is intellectually dishonest and amounts to whitewashing Savarkar's hateful ideas.
Savarkar's writings are explicit in promoting division and violence, particularly against Muslims, Christians, and pacifist Buddhists.
The attempt to refashion Savarkar's image is seen as a way to redeem his legacy and promote his divisive ideas.
- Who
- Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, scholars, Irfan Gull
- What
- Efforts to refashion Savarkar's image as a philosopher of nationalism
- When
- Contemporary India
- Where
- India
- Why
- To rehabilitate Savarkar's image and promote his ideas as substantial political theory
- Figure
- Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
- Claim
- Efforts to portray Savarkar as a philosopher of nationalism
- Criticism
- Accusations of intellectual dishonesty and whitewashing
- Method
- Use of Leo Strauss's hermeneutics of esotericism
- Consequence
- Risk of falsifying history and promoting division
- Author
- Irfan Gull
- Publication
- Telegraph India