PM Modi Honors Savarkar in Marseille, Highlights City’s Historic Ties to the Freedom Fighter

During his recent visit to Marseille, France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the renowned Indian freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, acknowledging the city’s significant connection to his life and struggle for India’s independence. Speaking at a special event organized in Savarkar’s honor, Modi reflected on the freedom fighter’s contribution to India’s independence and highlighted the historical ties between Marseille and the revolutionary leader.

Savarkar, a key figure in the Indian freedom movement, was known not only for his role as a political activist but also for his intellectual writings and deep commitment to the cause of India’s freedom from British rule. Modi’s visit to Marseille was an opportunity to bring attention to the critical role Savarkar played in shaping the ideological landscape of the independence struggle, particularly his advocacy for a united India and his resistance against colonial oppression.

In his speech, Modi recounted the journey of Savarkar, who was imprisoned by the British colonial authorities in 1909 for his involvement in revolutionary activities. He was later exiled to the Andaman Islands, where he spent many years in harsh conditions. Despite the adversity, Savarkar continued to inspire millions through his writings and his unwavering determination to free India from British colonial rule.

Prime Minister Modi also emphasized the important connection between Savarkar and Marseille, the city where the freedom fighter was briefly detained before being sent to the Andaman Islands. In the early 1900s, Savarkar made several trips to Europe as part of his efforts to seek international support for India’s independence. During this time, he visited Marseille, which was then an important port for Indian revolutionary activities and a hub for those who sought to challenge British rule. It was in this city that Savarkar’s ideals were shaped further, and his political ideology evolved to challenge imperial powers on a global stage.

Modi expressed that Marseille holds a special place in the history of India’s struggle for independence, as it was a city that gave refuge to many Indian nationalists and revolutionaries. The city, with its vibrant multicultural heritage and its historical importance as a port, provided a space for intellectual and political discussions about India’s freedom. The connection between Savarkar and Marseille exemplifies the global dimension of the Indian freedom movement, which saw leaders like Savarkar reaching out to different parts of the world to rally support for the cause.

Prime Minister Modi further praised Savarkar’s enduring legacy and his role in inspiring future generations to continue the fight for justice, equality, and the preservation of India’s sovereignty. He highlighted Savarkar’s contributions to India’s social and political fabric, particularly his vision for a united India that transcended regional, religious, and cultural divides.

The tribute to Savarkar in Marseille also underscored India’s growing diplomatic and cultural engagement with France. Modi’s visit is seen as a reaffirmation of the deep ties between the two nations, not only in terms of economic and political cooperation but also in terms of shared historical connections.

Concluding his address, Modi called upon the younger generation to draw inspiration from leaders like Savarkar, who demonstrated immense courage, sacrifice, and commitment to the cause of India’s freedom. He urged them to remember the contributions of freedom fighters like Savarkar, whose efforts continue to shape the ideals of modern India.

In paying tribute to Savarkar in Marseille, Prime Minister Modi not only honored a key figure in India’s independence struggle but also highlighted the enduring relevance of Savarkar’s ideas in the global context of justice, freedom, and human rights.