On 29 July, 1909, #VeerSavarkar went to Brighton, UK. He remained there for about 10-12 days. His associate Niranjan Pal would visit him and they used to roam on the shores of Brighton.

On one such occasion both of them were sitting on the seashore.

#Thread

Savarkar was immensely sad. Sitting in front of the vast ocean, his mind was grieving at the thought of his beloved motherland. Niranjan Pal described that occasion 29 years later in an article:

“Presently, he (Savarkar) commenced to hum a song. He sang as he composed.
It was a Marathi song, describing the
pitiable serfdom of India. Forgetful of all else, Savarkar went on singing. Presently, tears began to roll down his cheeks. His voice became choked. The song remained unfinished, Savarkar began to weep like a child.”

#VeerSavarkarJayanti
This song Sagaras (Ode to the Ocean) has become immortal in Marathi literature.
O Ocean, take me back to my motherland; My soul is tormented.

I had always seen you,
Washing the feet of my motherland.
You led me to a different country,
To experience the diversity of nature there.
Knowing that my mother’s heart was full of anguish,
You promised her that you would take me back;

I was reassured.
I believed that my experience of the world,
Would help me to serve her better.
Saying that I would return soon,
I took leave of her.

Oh, Ocean, I am now pining for my motherland
Like a doe caught in a snare,
The promise you made was deceptive!

I cannot suffer the separation anymore,
Darkness envelops me everywhere.
I had accumulated flowers of virtues,

In the hope that my mother will be rendered fragrant with their smell.
What use, this burden of knowledge and virtues

If my mother cannot prosper from it?

I miss the love of the mango tree, the flowers in my garden back home the blossoming creepers and the blooming rose… I feel desolate…
Oh Ocean, I am pining for her… Take me back to my motherland

Oh Ocean, I am pining for her…
Credit: Taken from Vikrant Pande’s articles @SwarajyaMag

Pic Credit: Unknown (DM for credit)

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