Veer Savarkar's Views on Cow Protection and Vegetarianism

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, also known as Veer Savarkar, was a prominent Hindu nationalist leader of early twentieth-century India. While his contributions to the Indian freedom struggle and his ideological stance on Hindu nationalism are well-known, his personal views on vegetarianism and cow protection are also important to understand.

Vegetarianism: A Belief Consistent with His Time

According to historical records, Veer Savarkar adhered to a vegetarian diet, which aligns with the beliefs of many Hindus in his era. His emphasis on vegetarianism was in line with the traditional Hindu values that he promoted through his writings and speeches. While some critiques and discussions exist regarding his views, the consensus is that Savarkar's dietary choices reflected the prevalent practices of his time. This adherence to vegetarianism demonstrates his commitment to Hindu cultural and religious values.

Defending the Concept of Cow Protection

Veer Savarkar's writings reveal a nuanced approach to the issue of cow protection. He was not just a rigid adherent of protecting cows at any cost, but rather, he tried to rationalize the practice and debunk the superstitions and emotions linked to it. In his work, 'Samagra Savarkar Vangmaya,' Savarkar presents a balanced perspective on the issue of cow protection, emphasizing its humanitarian and national significance under certain circumstances.

He wrote: 'Cow is worthy of protection so long as this serves humanitarian and national interests.' This statement reflects a broader understanding of the benefits and the conditions under which cow protection is meaningful. Savarkar further elucidated: 'Animals such as the cow and buffalo and trees such as banyan and peepal are useful to man hence we are fond of them to that extent we might even consider them worthy of worship. Their protection, sustenance, and well-being is our dharma! It is also true that when under certain circumstances an animal or tree becomes a source of trouble to mankind, it ceases to be worthy of sustenance or protection and as such its destruction becomes a humanitarian or national dharma.'

Critiques and Debates

There were critiques and debates surrounding Savarkar's views on cow protection. Some argued that his rationalization of the concept was an attempt to reconcile the humane and nationalistic concerns with the prevailing superstitions. He addressed these concerns in his writings: 'When humanitarian interests are not served and in fact harmed by the cow and when humanism is shamed self-defeating extreme cow protection should be rejected.'

Summary of Key Points

1. **Vegetarianism**: Veer Savarkar practiced vegetarianism, consistent with the beliefs of many Hindus. His commitment to this practice rooted in Indian cultural and religious values.

2. **Rationalization of Cow Protection**: Savarkar did not rigidly adhere to the protection of cows at all costs. He sought to understand the humanitarian and national significance of such protection and recognized that it is a matter of dharma (duty) under certain circumstances.

3. **Balanced Perspective**: His writings reflect a thoughtful and balanced approach, advocating cow protection when it serves humanitarian and national interests, while acknowledging that harm or trouble posed by cows could make such protection inhumanitarian.

Veer Savarkar's views on cow protection and vegetarianism reveal a deep understanding of Indian culture and society, reflecting a nuanced and compassionate approach to religious and ethical dilemmas of his time.