New Delhi. On the occasion of the release of the Urdu translation of Veer Savarkar: The Man Who Could Have Prevented Partition, titled Veer Savarkar aur Bharat ke Vibhajan ki Tragedy, the National Council for the Promotion of Urdu Language held a launch event and discussion at the Prime Ministers’ Museum, Teen Murti Marg, New Delhi.
In his keynote address, Law and Justice Minister (Independent Charge) and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal lauded Veer Savarkar as a great freedom fighter whose active role in India’s struggle for independence and long years in prison shaped the course of history. He said that the freedom we enjoy today is the fruit of sacrifices made by such towering personalities.
Meghwal emphasized that Savarkar was deeply sensitive to national unity and integrity. He strongly opposed the partition of India, and it was only due to the neglect of his farsighted plans that the country ultimately split, he asserted. The minister expressed regret that after independence, deliberate efforts were made to malign Savarkar’s image and distort his ideas. He welcomed the recent resurgence of serious interest in his philosophy across the country, and congratulated the Urdu Council and translators on bringing out this edition, which he hopes will reach Muslim readers and Urdu speakers and clear many misconceptions.
At the event, Author Uday Mahurkar (former Central Information Commissioner), who contributed to the book, observed that for the first time in the history of independent India, this publication presents a “true and fair” account of Savarkar. He noted that many distortions spread under political ideologies are now being countered with historical evidence.
Mahurkar underscored that by adopting Savarkar’s vision of national unity, inclusive growth, and respect for all social communities, India can emerge as a global leader. The book, he added, rigorously examines Savarkar’s Hindu nationalist ideology and presents his actual views on relations with Muslim communities. Savarkar, according to Mahurkar, respected all revolutionaries who contributed to the Indian struggle, and believed in active participation of every community, including Muslims, in the nation’s holistic development.
Professor Mazhar Asif, Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia and one of the translators, described the book as a detailed review of Savarkar’s personality and his perspective on national development and unity. He said its distinguishing feature is that it subjects all prevailing misconceptions about Savarkar to critical scrutiny using evidence and reason — knowledge every Indian should possess.
Dr. Shams Iqbal, Director of the Urdu Council, welcomed guests and noted that the Council, under the Education Ministry, has published over 2,000 titles spanning literary, social, medical, and scientific themes. He explained that until now, there had been a paucity of authentic, fact-based works about Savarkar in Urdu. He expressed hope that the Urdu-speaking community would engage with this work and thereby strengthen historical discourse in independent India.
Other contributors and dignitaries, including co-authors and co-translators, were honored with shawls, mementos, and copies of the publication. The event was attended by scholars, university faculty, media professionals, researchers, and students in large numbers.