New Delhi / Veer Savarkar was a multidimensional personality: VP Naidu

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on November 15, during a book release called Veer Savarkar a 'multidimensional personality' and said that Savarkar was a "freedom fighter, social reformer, writer, poet, historian, political leader and a philosopher." Naidu was present at a book launch where he released the book 'Savarkar: Echoes from a Forgotten Past'. During the launch, he said, "Very few in Indias know that Veer Savarkar started one of the most powerful social reform movements against untouchability in India," adding that Savarkar built Patit Pavan Mandir in the Ratnagiri district to allow entry to all Hindus, including Dalits.

On Savarkar's seven reforms

During the book launch, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu listed Savarkar's seven reforms of the society. According to him, "the first one was the rigid caste system." This, according to Savarkar, "deserves to be thrown into the dustbins of history." Further, VP Naidu said, "The second reform Veer Savarkar wanted was to popularize Vedic literature to everyone, not only to a particular caste." He added that "Savarkar called Vedic literature civilizational knowledge for the entire human race and India's unique gift to mankind." The third reform was to break away from caste-based vocational rigidity and encourage persons to pursue any vocation of their choice based on aptitude and ability. Further, he said that Savarkar believed in "global mobility and the need for Indians to venture out into foreign lands so as to bring back the best of the world and carry the fragrance of India and her culture to every corner of the globe."

Speaking about Veer Savarkar's fifth reform, VP Naidu said that it was to " break away from the taboo on inter-caste dining." According to an official release, Naidu said, "He had said Religion is in the heart, the soul, the spirit; not the stomach!'" The sixth reform was the "promotion of inter-caste marriage." Lastly, Naidu said that the seventh aspect that Veer Savarkar underscored was the "need to develop a scientific temper."

'Truly remarkable vision'

Speaking further about Veer Savarkar, Vice President Venakaiah Naidu called Savarkar's vision of India's future development a 'truly remarkable.' He further appealed to everyone to visit the Cellular Jail at least once in their lifetime. VP Naidu also complimented the author Vikram Sampath for the book.