Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Nehru opposed Bharat Ratna for Savarkar
A long time ago, India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, did not want to give the highest award, Bharat Ratna, to V D Savarkar.
Savarkar was important in the freedom struggle, but later he became controversial.
Nehru wrote letters saying it wouldn't be a good idea to give him the award.
He also didn't want Savarkar to be invited to the National Defence Academy.
Later, a jail where Savarkar was kept became a memorial.
Nehru advised President Radhakrishnan against giving Bharat Ratna to Savarkar.
Savarkar was suggested for the award by the Punjab unit of the Hindu Mahasabha.
Nehru acknowledged Savarkar's early role in the freedom struggle but noted his controversial later career.
Nehru also advised against inviting Savarkar to the National Defence Academy.
The Cellular Jail in Andaman, where Savarkar was imprisoned, was later declared a national memorial.
- Who
- Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, V D Savarkar, V K Krishna Menon, J S Tilak
- What
- Nehru advised against conferring Bharat Ratna on Savarkar
- When
- June 1963, January 1961, February 1979
- Where
- India, Andaman, Khadakwasla
- Why
- Savarkar became a controversial figure after his early role in the freedom struggle
- Prime Minister
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- President
- Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
- Suggestion Source
- Punjab unit of the Hindu Mahasabha
- Date of Nehru's Response
- June 1963
- Defence Minister
- V K Krishna Menon
- Date of Nehru's Letter to Defence Minister
- January 18, 1961
- Cellular Jail Location
- Andaman
- Memorial Inauguration Date
- February 1979