Swatantryaveer Savarkar was remembered on the occasion of the Independence Day celebration held virtually in London. Befitting to the occasion, his literary contributions were presented by renowned ballad singer Mahila Shahir Vinata Kale-Joshi, who also happens to be the grandniece of Veer Savarkar (Vinayak Damodar Savarkar). Poems, Powada (Ballad), and excerpts from other books written by Savarkar were beautifully recited. Rahul Nangare, First Secretary at the High Commission of India in London rendered opening words for the session. Commending Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence for organising the event on such a befitting day, he paid tributes to Savarkar and paraphrased quotes on Savarkar by Shri AB Vajpayee, himself an ardent poet. During the presentation, Vinata included some snippets highlighting Savarkar’s writings from London, from Kalapani in Andaman Jail etc. and performed excerpts from his Powada on Narveer Tanaji Malasure, Shivaji Maharaj Aarti and his classic works such as Jayostute & Anadi Mi Anant Mi. She also presented his social work in Ratnagiri in the Q and A session that followed.
Vinata Joshi Rahul Nangare- Ist Sec HCI London
Ragasudha Vinjamuri, the founder of Sanskruti Centre, has presented the vote of thanks. Vinata Joshi is Kala Gaurav Puraskar recipient and has been performing Powadas on Jhansi ki Rani and on Savarkar and other songs for more than 30 years. It is noteworthy that her 1000th ballad performance was in Andaman where Veer Savarkar was held as a prisoner. One may also recall that a blue plaque was installed at 65, Cromwell Avenue in Highgate where Savarkar stayed while he came to study at Grays Inn.
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Fascinating story didn’t realise he was in London to study and lived in Highgate this is great positive connection between the two countries More stories like this please