Ranbir Singh Pathania
“History is authored by the victors and endured by the defeated.”
In India, history has frequently been rewritten or altered to fit political agendas. Myths are often presented as fact, uncomfortable realities are ignored, and significant figures of resistance are marginalized in the name of maintaining the status quo.
Recent remarks by Amit Shah regarding B. R. Ambedkar in Parliament and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dedication of a college to Veer Savarkar have triggered a wave of responses and counter-responses across media platforms.
This situation reveals a shocking level of ‘political opportunism,’ with the Congress Party and its allies rallying vigorously behind campaigns like “Jai Bapu Jai Bhim Jai Samvidhan.”
Offended by Savarkar’s recognition, Congress is now advocating for a college to be named after former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Ultimately, this reflects a deep-seated selective amnesia that has impacted Indian historiography for centuries.
We have witnessed narratives that neglect key events and figures, with the contributions of non-Congress freedom fighters such as Subhas Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh often overlooked in favor of a heavy focus on Congress leadership. Likewise, the rich legacy of ancient Indian advancements in science, philosophy, and governance are dismissed as mere mythology while colonial narratives receive undue praise. The horrors of Partition and the roles of tribal and regional leaders like Birsa Munda and Lachit Borkupham in resistance movements are also inadequately represented. Such biases create a skewed historical understanding that diminishes the richness of India’s diverse heritage.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a champion for the marginalized, and Veer Savarkar, a revolutionary hero, have both suffered under this selective historiography. Their profound contributions, visions, and sacrifices have been eclipsed by misleading narratives intended to uphold a singular viewpoint of India’s freedom struggle and political governance.
Neglect and Marginalization of Ambedkar:
Ambedkar’s life was characterized by his unwavering battle against caste oppression and social injustice. Yet, the way Congress has treated this monumental figure reveals its duplicity and tendency towards tokenism.
In 1927, Ambedkar led the Mahad Satyagraha, advocating for Dalits’ access to public water sources and temple entry, while Congress—claiming to be a champion of social reform—remained silent.
His push for separate electorates for Dalits faced strong resistance from Congress, culminating in the Poona Pact of 1932, which diluted his original vision.
Ambedkar’s forward-thinking proposals for land redistribution and state control of industries were downplayed by Congress’s preference for a centralized “License Raj,” indicating its reluctance to tackle caste-based economic inequality.
His advocacy for the Hindu Code Bill was met with fierce opposition from Congress, leading to Ambedkar’s resignation from Nehru’s cabinet in 1951, further underlining Congress’s hypocrisy surrounding social justice.
Following Ambedkar’s rise in influence, Congress, in alliance with leftists, worked to defeat him in the 1952 Lok Sabha elections.
Despite his death in 1956, it took decades for him to be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna and to see his legacy properly recognized and preserved.
In contrast, Narendra Modi has been proactive in promoting Ambedkar’s memory through the Panchteerth initiative, which highlights five key sites tied to Ambedkar’s life, transforming them into national memorials. The Ambedkar International Centre was also established in New Delhi to advance his ideas on a global platform, alongside scholarships and welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting Scheduled Castes, aligning with his vision of equality and social justice.
Half-truths Surrounding Savarkar:
The Congress Party’s lack of vision is revealed in its attempts to vilify Savarkar, branding him as an adversary. However, historical documents show that the Maharashtra government under Congress once officially recognized Savarkar as a ‘freedom fighter,’ provided him with medical assistance, and even issued a postal stamp in his honor. This contradictory stance indicates a deliberate effort to misconstrue or selectively reinterpret history for political gain, exposing both ideological hypocrisy and vested interests aimed at undermining figures like Savarkar.
Despite being a revolutionary thinker, nationalist, and visionary, Savarkar remains one of the most misinterpreted figures in Indian history. His significant contributions to the independence movement, cultural resurgence, and the crafting of a cohesive Indian identity have faced systematic erasure. Nevertheless, his enduring legacy as a reformer and patriot continues to inspire.
During his decade-long imprisonment at the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, Savarkar endured brutal conditions, yet he emerged more committed than ever to his fight for India’s freedom.
Even while stripped of pen and paper, Savarkar’s unwavering spirit allowed him to compose poetry and formulate thoughts on prison walls using charcoal. These writings, imbued with patriotism and philosophical insight, were frequently erased by British authorities desperate to silence him. Yet, his ideas endured, captured later through his exceptional recollection and determination.
His sacrifices extended to his entire family, who faced destitution, losing their home and possessions, and even his academic credentials which were publicly destroyed.
Despite narratives that label him as divisive, Savarkar was an ardent proponent of true secularism, advocating for minority rights, opposing caste discrimination, and championing gender equality. His progressive thoughts on social reform, aiming to eliminate caste barriers and fostering a scientific mindset, still resonate powerfully today. Savarkar envisioned a vibrant, inclusive India rooted in shared heritage and values, where cultural nationalism bolstered unity rather than exclusion.
Savarkar’s call for a united India, his emphasis on cultural renewal, and his selfless sacrifices for the nation merit acknowledgment.
Setting the Record Straight:
The treatment of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and V. D. Savarkar by the Congress Party starkly illustrates the distortion of Indian history. Leaders dedicated to the country have been rendered invisible to maintain the dominant narrative.
As we reevaluate our past, it is crucial to move beyond mere tokenism and extend proper recognition to figures like Ambedkar and Savarkar. Their legacies are not merely reflections of resistance but also foundational blueprints for a just and equitable India. To sincerely honor their contributions, we must confront uncomfortable realities, question entrenched narratives, and strive to realize their vision for a free and unified nation.
The time is ripe for revisiting and revising our history—not to further distort it but to restore it to its rightful context.
Let us ensure that political agendas do not overshadow the truth and the contributions of our nation’s genuine heroes.
(The columnist is a member of the J&K Legislative Assembly)
