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Context

PM Modi recalls Vinayak Savarkar’s daring 1910 escape attempt in Marseille, highlighting its significance in India's freedom struggle.

About VD Savarkar

Early life

Vinayak Damodar Savarkarwas born in 1883 in Bhagur village of Nashik, Maharashtra.
He was educated at the local Shivaji High School and completed his bachelor’s degree from Fergusson College in Pune and went to England to study law at the Gray’s Inn Law College.

Contribution in Freedom Struggle

He was regarded as a freedom fighter, politician, lawyer, social reformer, and the founder of the Hindutva philosophy.
He propagated the idea of armed revolt against British opposed to non-violence of Gandhi.
He was arrested and sentenced to two life sentences (50 years) in the Kala Pani jail of Andaman.
He was associated with Mitra Mela to bring in national & revolutionary ideas.
He built the Patit Pavan Mandir to fight against untouchability.
He called 1857 revolt as the first war of independence.
He founded a secret society called Abhinav Bharat Society & Free India Society.
He was the president of Hindu Mahasabha from 1937 to 1943.
The famous book includes ‘The History of the War of Indian Independence’ and ‘Hindutva: who is Hindu?’
He was also a member of India House
He opposed the Quit India struggle in 1942, calling it a "Quit India but keep your army" movement.
Savarkar endorsed the ideal of India as a Hindu Rashtra and is credited with developing the Hindu nationalist political ideology Hindutva.
He wrote the book ”Joseph Mazzini- Biography and Politics”.
The airport at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar's capital has been named Veer Savarkar International Airport.
He died on 26th February 1966 due to fasting on his wish of death.

Sources:

INDIAN EXPRESS

Attempt Daily Quiz

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. In which city did Vinayak Damodar Savarkar attempt to escape from British custody in 1910?

A) London

B) Marseille

C) Bombay (Mumbai)

D) Paris

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar attempted a daring escape on July 8, 1910, while being transported from London to India aboard the British ship SS Morea. When the ship docked in Marseille, France, he jumped out of a porthole, swam to shore, and sought asylum. However, he was recaptured by a French policeman and handed back to British authorities. This led to a diplomatic dispute between Britain and France and later a legal case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague.