Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was an Indian independence activist, lawyer, politician, poet, and playwright born on May 28, 1883. He is best known for his role in the early nationalist movement against British rule in India. Savarkar was a proponent of Hindutva, which emphasizes Hindu cultural identity, and he wrote extensively on the subject. Savarkar was also a key figure in the formation of the Hindu Mahasabha, a political party aimed at promoting Hindu interests. He faced imprisonment for his revolutionary activities and spent over a decade in cellular confinement in the Andaman Islands. His legacy remains controversial, with supporters praising his contributions to nationalism and critics questioning his views on religious identity.