Tharoor on Savarkar: Mughal flag salute to Hindutva, award refused.

• Shashi Tharoor declined the 'Veer Savarkar International Impact Award 2025' amidst controversy, stating the announcement was made without his consent and citing lack of clarity on the award's nature.
• Tharoor noted Savarkar's early support for Hindu-Muslim unity and his view of the 1857 revolt as India's first war of independence fought under the Mughal flag.
• Tharoor analyzed Savarkar's 'Hindutva' as an ethnic, cultural, and political identity, defining a Hindu by 'Matrbhumi', 'Pitrbhumi', and 'Punyabhumi'.
• Savarkar's definition of 'Hindutva' excluded Muslims and Christians from full national loyalty, as their 'Punyabhumi' was outside India, according to Tharoor's analysis.
• Tharoor highlighted Savarkar's emphasis on Hindus acquiring political power, rather than spiritual pursuits, to overcome centuries of subjugation.

Why It Matters: Tharoor's analysis of Savarkar's ideology redefines historical narratives in India.