Amit Shah, Bhagwat unveil Savarkar statue in Andamans, begin three day visit

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday unveiled a statue of Vinayak Damodar (Veer) Savarkar at Beodnabad in the South Andaman district , installing it in the newly inaugurated Veer Savarkar Inspiration Park . The park commemorates Savarkar’s life as a revolutionary, writer, social reformer, and freedom fighter who endured harsh imprisonment at the Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) in 1911 and remains an influential, though polarising, figure in India’s nationalist discourse.

After the unveiling at 3:15 pm, Shah and Bhagwat planted Rudraksha trees inside the park. They were greeted by D K Joshi , Lieutenant Governor and Vice Chairman of the Islands Development Agency (IDA). The dignitaries then visited the BR Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT) in Sri Vijaya Puram, where a song based on Savarkar’s iconic patriotic composition, Sagara Pran Talamala , was released to mark the 115th anniversary of the song.

Addressing the gathering, Shah said Savarkar “was never given the recognition he deserved” for his efforts to fight social evils like untouchability and for dedicating his life to India’s freedom struggle. He described Savarkar as a courageous reformer and literary figure who composed the Shiv Stuti at the age of 11, and later challenged colonial powers in England. Shah also praised his writings, social reform initiatives, and enduring contribution to India’s nationalist thought.

Shah paid tribute to other freedom fighters, including Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose , and recalled the Indian National Army’s role in liberating parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He mentioned the renaming of two islands, Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep , in 2018 at Bose’s suggestion, endorsed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi . Shah described the islands as a “sacred land” forged by the sacrifices, dedication, and patriotism of countless freedom fighters, including those imprisoned at the Cellular Jail.

Mohan Bhagwat’s

presence as the chief guest underscored the RSS’s long-standing admiration for Savarkar. While the exact details of his speech were not published, his participation highlighted Savarkar’s role in India’s nationalist tradition. Bhagwat is scheduled to address a public gathering on Saturday at the Virat Hindu Sammelan in Netaji Stadium and another event at DBRAIT on Sunday before departing the islands.

Ahead of the event, Shah shared on social media that Savarkar’s life inspires “boundless love for the motherland” and the courage to sacrifice for it. He added that the Inspiration Park and statue will continue to motivate future generations to uphold cultural nationalism and follow Savarkar’s vision, while commemorating his literary and social reform legacy that continues to influence India today.