NEWSLETTERS FROM LONDON
SENT BY SAVARKARDURINGAUGUST 1906- NOVEMBER 1909 |
Preface
Vinayak Damodar SAVARKAR, popularly known as Veer
Savarkar was the unsung hero of the Indian freedom struggle against the British
rule (1906-47). He made an outstanding contribution to this great cause.
Leaders like Gandhi, Nehru and Bose adopted Savarkar’s main philosophies, but
many years later. At the time of the Indian independence in 1947, many
prominent leaders of the Congress Party, including its President, were members
of Savarkar’s secret revolutionary society, called The Abhinav Bharat. He was
the main source of their inspiration and, yet, was never given any
credit for this.
Savarkar suffered terribly for 27 years at the hands
of the English rulers. He spent
10 ½ years of hard labour in jail, in Andaman Islands,
1,000 miles off east coast of India, followed by further 3 years in various
jails in India and then 13 ½ years in internment there as well. Despite having
suffered this appalling persecution by the British rulers, Savarkar had the
greatness to proclaim, “ I never hated the English just because they were
English.” He sincerely believed in the universal brotherhood of man.
In prison,
Savarkar also faced religious fanaticism from Muslims. Although he was in a
helpless condition, he fought against their tyranny and defeated them and in
the end won their respect. Yet he said in 1927, “ I never hated Muslims nor
even despised them.” He was truly a Humanist.
During his internment of 13 ½ years, Savarkar was
forced to live in a remote place called Ratnagiri and could move within the
district but was forbidden to take part in politics. Undaunted by this, he
concentrated on the task of social reforms and had to fight against the
entrenched attitudes of orthodox people. By 1933, with his sheer
resourcefulness he had managed to achieve four incredible social changes in
Ratnagiri.
* Removal of the practice of untouchability.
* Dining together by Hindus of ALL castes, including
untouchables.
* Opening up of a new temple for ALL Hindus including
untouchables.
* Running of a Café open to ALL Hindus including
untouchables.
After his
release from the internment in 1937, Savarkar fearlessly opposed Gandhi’s
policy of perpetual capitulation to Muslim demands, as it was clearly proving
to be disastrous to the nation. For this reason, Savarkar was much
misunderstood and maligned, which unfortunately continues to be the case even
today. But unlike many public figures of his times, he did not abandon his
principles to suit the public mood.
The Newsletters
While in London
as a student (1906 -1910) Savarkar sent 43 Newsletters surveying current
affairs and how they affected Indian freedom struggle, delineating strengths
and weaknesses of the British and the Indian people. These were published in
the Marathi papers Vihari (of Bombay) and Kal (of Pune)
Unfortunately
they are all in Marathi. I have therefore decided to translate them into
English for wider spread of his thoughts.
Savarkar touched
on many contemporary events such as The Suffragette Movement of women in
England, Passive Resistance (Satyagraha as Gandhi called it later) being tried
in France. Indians had a lot to learn from both. He also tells us of the
repercussions in 1907 of the Indian War of Independence 1857. He gives details
of celebrations of birthdays of Shivaji, the 17th century Maratha
king, and Guru Govind Singh, the last Guru of the Sikhs.
Savarkar came to
London on 3 July 1906, registered with Grays Inn for his legal studies, sought
permission to attend debate on Indian budget in the House of Commons, and sent
his first newsletter on 17 August 1906.
Savarkar’s last
newsletter is in November 1909 and relates to celebrations of Vijayadashami,
the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after exile in forests for 14 years.
One Barrister Gandhi was in the chair. He praised sacrifices made by Savarkar.
At that time no one would have thought that just a year later Savarkar would be
sent to transportation for life twice to Andaman Islands, spend 11 years
there, then 3 more years in Indian jails followed by 13 ½ years in internment
in a remote Indian town called Ratnagiri, while Gandhi would become Mahatma
Gandhi in 1920.
In 1909, Savarkar
was seeking ‘Absolute Political Independence for India’, whereas Gandhi was
singing ‘God Save the King.’ Nearly two decades later Gandhi said, “An
Englishman will never respect you unless you stand up to him.” Savarkar has
been saying that since 1907.
By strange
coincidence, in 1924, both Gandhi and Savarkar were in Yerawada jail (near
Poona). But they were not allowed to meet. Gandhi was kept in the European Wing
and treated as a Class ‘A’ prisoner, while Savarkar was treated as an ordinary
convict. In January 1924, Savarkar was released on two conditions namely
(1) He will not
take part in politics
(2) He will stay
within the confines of Ratnagiri District.
Gandhi was
operated for appendicitis and released unconditionally on health grounds in
February 1924.
In February 1927,
Gandhi was on a tour of Maharashtra. As Savarkar was ill Gandhi with his wife
Kasturba called on Savarkar and his wife in Ratnagiri.
A request for
the reader.
Nearly a century
has passed since these newsletters came out. It is expected that the reader has
read the book Inside The Enemy Camp in which Savarkar had outlined the
political movements in India and London from 1857 to 1906. Reader would find it
easy to understand the issues by first referring to the Appendices A and B.
-----------------
The newsletters
were published in Samagra Savarkar Vangamaya (Complete works of Savarkar)
Volume I (Autobiography part I), part 5 – Londonchee Batamipatre. I have
used the abbreviation SSV
Editor’s Name –
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Place of
Publication – Mumbai (Bombay), India
Publisher – Veer
Savarkar Prakashan
Date of
publication – 1993
Savarkar’s Newsletters
No
|
Title
|
Year |
|
|
|
1906 |
|
1 |
17 August 1906 |
|
|
2 |
28 September 1906 |
|
|
3 |
5 October 1906 |
|
|
4 |
26 October 1906 |
|
|
5 |
2 November 1906 |
|
|
6 |
23 November 1906 |
|
|
7 |
20 December 1906 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1907 |
|
8 |
4 January 1907 |
|
|
9 |
8 February 1907 |
|
|
10 |
15 March 1907 |
|
|
11 |
15 March 1907 |
|
|
12 |
12 April 1907 |
|
|
13 |
22 April 1907 |
|
|
14 |
17 May 1907 |
|
|
15 |
10 June 1907 |
|
|
16 |
19 July 1907 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1908 |
|
17 |
18 February 1908 |
|
|
18 |
29 May 1908 |
|
|
19 |
5 June 1908 |
|
|
20 |
31 July 1908 |
|
|
21 |
7 August 1908 |
|
|
22 |
14 August 1908 |
|
|
23 |
21 September 1908 |
|
|
24 |
5 September 1908 |
|
|
25 |
2 August 1908 |
|
|
26 |
16 October 1908 |
|
|
27 |
23 October 1908 |
|
|
28 |
13 November 1908 |
|
|
29 |
27 November 1908 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1909 |
|
30 |
15 January 1909 |
|
|
31 |
22 January 1909 |
|
|
32 |
15 February 1909 |
|
|
33 |
26 February 1909 |
|
|
34 |
5 March 1909 |
|
|
35 |
9 April 1909 |
|
|
36 |
30 July 1909 |
|
|
37 |
6 August 1909 |
|
|
38 |
13 August 1909 |
|
|
39 |
20 August 1909 |
|
|
40 |
27 August 1909 |
|
|
41 |
10 September 1909 |
|
|
42 |
17 September 1909 |
|
|
43 |
26 November 1909 |
* SSV means Samagra Savarkar Vangamaya (Complete works of Savarkar) Volume I, published by Balarao, Personal secretary of Savarkar in 1993.
My
fellow countrymen, you follow the path that suits you.
Last week many important
events took place in London. There was to be a debate in the British Parliament
on Indian Budget. Our leaders were anxiously waiting for the result of the
debate. On the day of the debate Daily News and other papers published
Mr Gokhale’s remarks, “ My nation stands expectant.” Mr Gokhale* may have had
high hopes, but they were not the hopes of people of Hindusthan (India).
There are those
who see genuine concern about India in Henry Cotton’s* carping. They saw
progress of India in the debate. But it merely amounted to ‘how much wealth was
looted this year, how much and in what way more wealth would be looted next
year.’ And what was the end result? Which expectation was fulfilled? What did
Mr Morley *, a Liberal leader give you? Our leaders have been begging for
concessions for the last decade. And what did they get yesterday apart from Mr
Morley’s crafty speech? Did he not say that the leaders of the Indian National
Congress are opium eaters? You misguided folks, when are you going to come to your
senses? Would you not realise that it is no good using Sir Henry Cotton’s
speeches as a Barometer and seek ‘self government’ by that route? When will you
feel ashamed that men of all the independent nations are laughing at you?
No sooner the
farcical debate took place in the British Parliament, than an interesting event
took place elsewhere in London. The well-known Social Democratic Federation has
been arranging a series of lectures. On 22 July, Barrister Parekh, who
practices in England spoke on ‘The Recent Persecution in Bengal’. He is the
Vice President of Indian Home Rule Society. He spoke for about an hour. He
quoted some examples of harassment of Bengali students and asked, “ Our people
are harassed in this way and there is no legal remedy to seek redress. So, what
should our nation do?”
“What should your
men do?” exclaimed one listener. He was one of the leaders of Social Democratic
movement. He spoke beautifully and then there was a questions and answers
session. An Irishman (I think he was Irish) said – Like the Irish Nationalists,
people of Hindusthan (India) too should not co-operate with the British rulers
and both Ireland and Hindusthan should support each other for mutual benefit.
This was followed
by a lecture by Mr Harvey. In short, this is what he said - When persecution by
a foreign power reaches its climax and the legal machinery is there only to
help the oppressors, there are only two ways to revive the national spirit. The
first is General Passive Resistance, the second is the formation of Secret
Societies.
Passive
Resistance is an indirect confrontation. But an enslaved nation is generally
not ready to put this method into practice. It needs far more political
awareness, education and enlightenment. This is not possible under the strict
rule of a foreign power. People therefore resort to the second option, that of
formation of Secret Societies. With secret societies we can rapidly spread
patriotism and create a vast network of workers in the field. This is what is
happening in Russia right now and their full-fledged revolution is not far off.
Notes – Savarkar’s remarks were made at the policies
of Indian Moderates.
Gokhale – A Moderate Indian leader from Poona in
Maharashtra.
Morley – Secretary of State for India
Sir Henry Cotton – Retired ICS Officer, one of the
founder members of Indian National Congress
After Mr Harvey
another lady spoke. She was calm and dignified and the way she delivered her
thoughts impressed me. I think she was also Irish. She compared Russia with
Hindusthan and said, “ I feel sympathy for all the oppressed people wherever
they are in the world and I will not feel happy unless they are all liberated.
One English
gentleman rose and suggested to Mr Parekh that Indians should donate money to
the Labour Party so that when it comes to power they will help the cause of
Hindusthan, as if the financial help given to the Liberal Party all those years
was not enough. The Sahib was soundly ridiculed.
Finally the
Chairman said, “ People of Hindusthan need to work in their own country. It is
no good sending delegates to England to tell the Englishmen about the
conditions in India. It is futile to expect results by helping any political
party financially and hope that when it comes to power it will help the cause
of India. It is despicable that Mr Morley should talk about freedom of speech
and writing in India, in the British Parliament and should at the same time
allow the current persecution in Bengal.”
Thus, we found
two medicines for ills of Hindusthan. One bottle was given to Mr Gokhale by Mr
Morley in the House of Commons, another bottle was offered to Mr Parekh by Mr
Harvey in the Chandos Hall. My fellow countrymen, you take the medicine that
suits you, follow the path that is suitable for you.
17 August 1906
There is a public
saying – ‘Big palace, elegant looking from outside but empty and decayed from
inside’. England is in a similar position. Many get carried away by the pomp
and show of the British Empire but do not know how hollow it is. We in India
six to seven thousand miles away fear the might of the British. Many
feel that England could exercise control not only over the 300 million people
of India but the rest of the world too. Many feel that England is a paradise, a
Kamadhenu*. But what is the real situation? Seats in British Parliament are
sold for money *. Thousands of people are starving. There are riots by the
unemployed. Corruption, making false statements and deeds of brutality are so
common that people do not even demand public enquiries.
At every public
place and at the entrance to historical monuments, a big notice is displayed –
‘Beware of pickpockets.’ What does this indicate? The pickpockets are
widespread. But then who is not a pickpocket in England? It would have been
much better if the slogan was displayed on every country kept in subjugation by
England.
The fear of
English pickpockets is not restricted to England alone; all countries of the
world fear them. One can say that the English are expert at it. They behave
professionally in this. They abide by their principles. Pockets are of two type
– that of an individual and that of a nation. The first has already been dealt
with. To describe to Indians how clever the English are at becoming
‘pickpockets of nations’, is to admit that the ‘Natives’ do not know about this
character of the English.
During the Zulu
war the English behaved worse than animals. And this is being reported by the
English papers themselves. A Zulu woman was consoling her crying child. All of
a sudden an English soldier appeared. He said, “Don’t worry madam. I will
silence him.” And he shot dead the baby. I am giving this as an example of
their barbarity. English soldiers themselves are writing to English newspapers
about hundreds of such examples.
During the Boer
war, there were rumours that the Boers were supplied with arms from England.
But it was soon revealed that such ‘virtues’ were also discovered during the
Zulu war. It was proved that the Zulus were supplied with rifles by the
English. Not only that the Military Commission of enquiry found that there were
many corrupt practices involving huge amounts of money. Hundreds of such
examples show how rotten England is from inside. But, our people get carried away
by the first impression of show of strength of the British Empire and despair
for our future without realising how hollow their show of strength is.
The English are
rotten mentally as well. Once upon a time they may have had some virtues, but
they all have vanished now. Any Empire shows signs of decline at some stage, so
is the English Empire and they are aware of this. Many in India feel that the
--------------------------------
Notes – Kamadhenu – a mythical cow who would fulfil
wishes of her worshippers.
* ‘Peerages for sale’ had been a news item for the last century. See The Times (of London) of 14 March 2006, Editorial on page 19. David Lloyd George, the British Prime Minister during 1916 - 1922 was notorious for selling Peerages for money. A Prime Minister could appoint new Lords who would enjoy the privileges of House of Lords, and so would their progeny.
that the people
who have never seen even a broken sword or a damaged ship, should
be frightened by
the ‘Maxim’ rifles and warships of the English. But when we consider how
expansive the British Empire is we realise how insufficient their military
power is.
If Germany
invades England they will be far stretched to defend themselves. How can they
control Egypt, Ireland, Zululand and other territories? Most of all Hindusthan!
The land of Shivaji, Rana Pratap, Guru Govindsingh. And to control them
indefinitely? How can this be done? Until recently the English could rely on
the loyalty the Indians to the crown of, but when they become loyal to their
motherland, how can the English control them? Mr Seeley wrote in his
book,’Britain cannot sustain its rule over India even for one day. British Navy
would not be adequate. The English know that their empire is doomed. They are
merely trying to delay its demise as long as possible. It is simply a matter of
delaying tactics. The English are not very strong physically as we imagine.
Only a select few are sent to India and we imagine that the rest of English are
similarly strong. But in fact there is no physical difference between ordinary
Indian and ordinary Englishman. This was witnessed when Indian soldiers
(Gurkhas, Sikhs and Marathas) came here in 1901 to participate in the
coronation ceremony of King Edward the VII. Our soldiers are in no way inferior
to English soldiers. In fact they are superior in toughness to the English.
Indians are deficient in their patriotism and are therefore working for the
English.
The English are
rapidly declining in physical strength. Standards of height and weight for new
recruits were set some 25 years ago. But today even 10% of recruits do not
reach those standards. So the standards are reduced. Lord Roberts, the
Commander in Chief of the British Army has angrily commented that the English
youth are running away from the life of a soldier and are more interested in
comfortable life in commerce. He is therefore going to start a ‘Rifle club.’
His comments are being discussed in many papers. Everyone is suggesting means
to face the physical decline of English youth. They are really scared. Added to
that are the movements of the Ireland, Egypt and India. Germany’s moves in
Turkey are causing concern. The English know that the English Army and Navy
once produced fear in the hearts of Indians. But today they know how much both
forces have deteriorated. If Ireland and India have serious agitations and
there are external pressures, existing army would not suffice to defend half of
Britain. Therefore everyone is seeking a remedy.
Daily Mirror is published from London. Its circulation
runs into hundreds of thousands. This paper is very popular among youngsters.
Therefore a series of articles is being published in it. Decline in physical
characteristics was discussed in detail. It was pointed out that with the
freedom movement in Ireland and India things are going to be very difficult and
therefore England needs to produce soldiers for defending their own country.
Everyone from Lord Roberts* to the editors of newspapers accepts that a
volunteer army needs to be raised. Some demand imparting compulsory military
training. Some say that military training should be made so popular that young
men would be eager to go for military training.
A Military
Officer writes in the Mirror - The main route would be to form a habit
of physical exercise and fitness at young age. Once this is done they will
continue that habit for the rest of their youth. It is very difficult to start
physical training at the age of ----------------
* Lord Roberts – Commander-in-Chief of the British
Army
20, but if the
same is given at the age of 14, human body takes shape wonderfully. But once
the muscles and bones become stiff, it is difficult to make them flexible. So,
many argue that physical education must start at the age of 14.
But mere physical
training is not sufficient. Military training must be given at the same time.
And thus a Volunteer Army can be formed.
We Indians have
some crazy ideas about military training. We feel that it is a very
complicated, dangerous and difficult task. Many feel that it takes ages to
train a soldier. But that is a fallacy. It is very easy to train a soldier to
defend the country. Any one can be trained to be a soldier and it needs neither
high intelligence nor time. Even a dumb uneducated Englishman can be trained as
soldier. In the words of The Spectator, “ Soldiers can be thoroughly
trained in six months and made to enjoy their training instead of dragging
through* it as they do it at present.”
“Military
training involves three main aspects. Horse riding, shooting and drill. Out of
this, drill is no longer vital, tenacity is required. All the three qualities
can be taught and developed easily at young age. Generally it is much easier to
teach boys than young men how to shoot or ride a horse. Once this is done at
the age of 14 or 15 they develop a taste for soldier’s life. They then spend
more time on physical exercises and horse riding than playing cricket. And they
would develop the capacity to fight for freedom of the motherland.”
The Daily
Mirror says, “ Thus we
can form a nation of soldiers. What can be matter of more satisfaction than the
fact that every youngster will be fit to sacrifice his life for defending his
motherland?” The paper has suggested the formation of a Boys Army for Britain
and has asked for volunteers among its readers. Soon after, the paper published
an article – A striking and patriotic response to our proposal. It read,
“ A patriot has
offered to teach a batch of youth of 14/15 years, shooting, horse riding, drill
and use of swords.”
Thus it is no doubt that a Youth Army will be
formed. And for what reason? ‘In case a foreign enemy invaded our shores every
Englishman should to be in a position to assist in expelling the invader.’
It is a divine
inspiration that everyone should join in a battle for defending the country’s
freedom. Vitality of a Nation is its political independence. Once this is
achieved, the nation is prepared to progress. It all depends on necessary physical
and mental training of its youngsters. But many short-sighted leaders ignore
this training. The weak will not survive in this world. Every nation needs to
raise such ‘National Youth Armies.’ It is very easy to do. And what are we
doing in India? Playing cricket!!
28 September 1906
---------------
* He means formation in files, drills, marching,
right turn, left turn, about turn, quick march, marking time, saluting seniors,
standing to attention and such mundane activities. When there is nothing more
than these all day, soldiers get bored.
Last week Indian
affairs caused a sensation in London, like of which had never seen since 1857.
I do not say that the Englishmen had totally forgotten us since 1857. I do not
deny that persons like Sir A O Hume, Sir Henry Cotton and Wedderburn* have been
enjoying our hospitality. Modern day Mazzini Mr Gokhale, C.I.E had nearly
conquered England, that too, I accept. But no sooner Gokhale’s mission was
declared a success in the newspaper ‘India’ than the ill-omens began.
Gokhale had a close encounter with Mr Morley and had assured him that there is
no sedition in India. After reading about Mr Fuller’s* resignation, Gokhale had
also assured the reporter of Daily News, ‘The public opinion will come
to normal state.’ It was obvious that the agitation was only about Mr Fuller.
Indians were not agitating because of looting of their wealth of 400 millions
of rupees every year by Britain. They were not agitating because Indians starve
to death every year in the same number as died in the recent Russo-Japanese
war. They were not agitating against slavery. Their agitation last year was
only against Mr Fuller. Now that he has rendered his resignation, people will
be quiet, no matter if the fetters don’t loosen by the smallest amount. Having
assured thus Mr Gokhale was to return to India. He said in public and believed
himself that the British Raj was ‘public dispensation.’ And all of a sudden
came a telegram – King Edward was deposed and Babu Surendranath* had become the
King of India.
As soon as the
telegram was published in the evening papers, the whole London was rocked. Some
were startled. ‘Today morning India was under our rule and within 12 hours it
was taken over by a Bengali Babu – some could not take food. Merchants were
concerned about their trade. Pensioners were concerned about their pensions.
Sir Henry Cotton and Wedderburn became anxious – what will happen to India
now?
Indian members of
the British Committee of Indian National Congress became more restless about
the Indian news than the Englishmen, and could not sleep. They were all told by
Gokhale that the British Raj had been a God given gift to India and we
should pray for its eternal survival. But what will God say if he hears the
news of Surendranath Banerjee having defied the British Raj and has been
crowned King. Then, the only consolation is that English do not worship murtis
(idols), so their God does not have ears. But Sir Henry Cotton does have ears,
what do we do with that? He must have heard this news from India itself and he
would have become angry – for the benefit of Indians of course. When Sir Henry
Cotton got angry it does not matter what God felt. So, what a sin has
Surendranath committed! To expiate his sin Mr R C Dutta* sent a letter to The
Times, not just one but two. He wrote, “ Brahmins gave their blessings to
Surendranath, such ceremonies are celebrated all the time in India and there is
nothing to worry about. Surendranath has recently become arrogant and therefore
such laughable events take place. I do not know why Surendranath should be so
eager to seek blessings from Brahmins etc.” He signed the letter R C Dutta. But
then he thought – what is it that I have got that will make the Englishmen take
notice of my letter? After a little thought he decided to add – Late (former)
Civil Servant, a good slave and most obedient servant.
-------
* Sir Hume, Cotton and Wedderburn – former ICS
officers who had served in India
* Fuller – On 16 October 1905, Bengal was partitioned
and Sir Fuller was appointed Lt Governor of East Bengal. He was forced to
resign due to furious public agitation against him.
* Surendranath Banerjee – a moderate Indian leader
from Bengal.
* R C Dutta – an Indian from Bengal who had joined
the ICS in 1868.
This settled the
commotion in London, and then English took some courage. They realised that
India was not lost and everyone started to congratulate Mr Dutta.
But when difficulties arise they also start to mount. Something more serious happened. Daily News printed news that in Bengal the police had discovered a secret society named ‘Golden Bengal.’ Its branches are widespread. They (secret society) have recently published a leaflet in which they say – Why Cry? Drive out the Saheb. During his coronation speech Surendranath said, “The sugar from