PM Modi’s Marseille go to brings Savarkar’s story to fore | India Information

NEW DELHI: When PM Narendra Modi visits Marseille, the second largest metropolis in France and residential to a well-known port, he can be connecting not simply with the valour of Indian troopers who fought on the aspect of the British in World Conflict I but in addition an necessary episode within the lifetime of nationalist and Hindutva icon Veer Savarkar.
Modi will maintain diplomatic engagements in Marseille, together with inaugurating India’s latest consulate basic. He may even be a part of French President Emmanuel Macron on the Mazargues Conflict Cemetery to honour Indian troopers who fought in World Conflict I.
Marseille, house of Napoleon Bonaparte and legendary footballer Zinedine Zidane, which lends its title to the inspiring battle hymn ‘La Marseille’, holds historic significance for Hindu nationalists as the positioning of Savarkar’s escape try on July 8, 1910. En path to India aboard the British ship Morea, he slipped by way of a porthole, swam ashore and briefly evaded seize earlier than French authorities returned him to the British. His extradition sparked a diplomatic dispute, with France arguing the method violated worldwide legislation. The controversy led to worldwide authorized debates over asylum and extradition, drawing consideration to colonial authorized frameworks and their affect on political prisoners.
Savarkar was sentenced to life imprisonment in Mobile Jail within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, enduring harsh punishment however persevering with to encourage the independence motion by way of his writings. PM’s go to underscores the hyperlink to historical past.