New Delhi: State-run television channel Rajya Sabha TV, on Monday aired ‘Vishesh’, a special programme, featuring ‘right-wing icon’ Vinayak Damodar Savarkar or commonly known as Veer Savarkar. The 24-minute feature was then repeat telecasted on Tuesday.
The channel had previously aired the flagship programme on personalities such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Bhagat Singh. However, it was the first time that a ‘Hindutva’ icon was featured on a state channel. The programme also highlighted Savarkar’s book The Indian War of Independence based on Indian rebellion of 1857, that was banned by British authorities.
The special feature is aired on RSTV and is a current affairs programme. “It was based on the core values of Savarkar. For example, it focussed on his strong objection to cow worship, caste discrimination, superstitions and partition,” an official said as per a report by TOI.
Savarkar was arrested in 1910 in connection with the revolutionary group India House. While in jail, he wrote about Hindutva, and what it means to be a Hindu. He deduced that all the people descended from Hindu culture including Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. He was also among the eight accused who were tried for the Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination on January 30, 1948, quotes Outlook.
Rajya Sabha TV is looked over under the chairmanship of Vice-President, Venkaiah Naidu. The programme was discussed in advance and was unanimously agreed to, the official said.