Malaa devaache darshan gheu dya (Allow me to see my God)

While in internment in Ratnagiri (coastal Western Maharashtra), Savarkar was barred from participating in political activities. He used this opportunity to bring about social reform in Hindu society.  In those times, the so-called untouchables were barred from entering temples. Savarkar waged a bitter struggle for temple entry of ex-untouchables.  In this, he also put his literary prowess to use.  Savarkar was instrumental in founding the Patitpavan Mandir in Ratnagiri in 1931. This was the first temple in India to open its doors to all Hindus irrespective of their caste.  This was a revolutionary step. To mark this occasion, Savarkar composed a Marathi poem ‘Malaa devaache darshan gheu dya’ (Allow me to see my God) that expressed the anguished cry of ex-untouchables who were being denied temple entry.    The poem was sung by two boys of the Bhangi (Balmiki) caste.  Members of this caste carried out scavenging work and were considered untouchables.  Narayan Sadashiv alias Ulhas Bapat, Savarkar’s associate was an eye-witness when Savarkar composed this poem.  In his reminiscences (Smritipushpe, self-published, Pune, 1979, p 63), Bapat remarks that Savarkar must have shed atleast a handful of tears when he composed this poem.  Such was the intensity of feeling that Savarkar had for the plight of ex-untouchables.  It may be noted that the very same Savarkar remained unmoved on being handed down a punishment of two Transportations for Life. Given below is an English translation of Savarkar’s poem ‘Amucha swadesh Hindusthan’ with the Marathi original.  The translation has been done by Anurupa Cinar.

Malaa devaache darshan gheu dya (Allow me to see my God)