Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Biography

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar ( pronunciation (help·info)) (28 May 1883 – 26 February 1966) was an Indian pro-independence activist, lawyer, politician, poet, writer and playwright. He advocated the conversion of Muslims and Christians to Hinduism. Savarkar coined the term Hindutva (Hinduness) to create a collective "Hindu" identity as an essence of Bharat (India). His political philosophy had the elements of utilitarianism, rationalism and positivism, humanism and universalism, and realism. Savarkar was also an atheist and a staunch rationalist who disapproved of orthodox beliefs in all religions.