A powerful voice for Hindutva, Dharma, spirituality, revolution, and the Nation

SPECIAL FEATURE

Dr Sachchidānanda Suresh Shevade, based in Dombivli, is the elder son of Bharatacharya H.H. (Prof.) S.G. Shevade, aged 89, who currently resides at the Sanatan Ashram in Ramnathi, Goa.

Dr Shevade has authored several books rooted in the principles of Nation and Dharma. Alongside his literary contributions, he actively participates in discussions on a wide spectrum of subjects. In this special feature, we explore the work he is presently involved in, the books he has written, and the inspiration that has fuelled his remarkable journey.

Dr Sachchidānanda Suresh Shevade

Education : M.Phil., Ph.D.

Date of Birth : 9 November 1961 (Bali Pratipada)

Spiritual Guru : Brahmibhūt H.H. Swami Vardānanda Bhāratī (in His earlier life, Prof. Anant Dā. Athavale)

Specialisation : A rare convergence of qualities;an orator, a discourse exponent, an interpreter, and a literary scholar

Lectures delivered so far:

Discourses delivered on the Rāmāyaṇ, Bhāgavat Kathā, Bhagwān Shrī Krishna, Manobodh, and Swami Vivekananda, among many others; lectures on topics such as revolutionaries, Shivaji Maharaj’s war strategy, Battle of Panipat, Kashmirnāma, and more.

While presenting these topics, he employs a pictorial, visual style that brings characters to life before the audience’s very eyes.

Awakened resolve to educate society despite anti-Hindu forces

1. Inspiration behind his journey into writing and oratory

My father, H.H. Bhāgavatāchārya (Prof.) Suresh Shevade, belongs to this very field. From childhood, I’ve been listening to his spiritual and nationalistic talks. Our home was filled with thousands of books on religious and spiritual topics. This environment nurtured a habit of intense study and wide reading, forming a solid intellectual base early in life.

During my college days, I came across the works of H.H. Swami Vardānanda Bhāratī. These books instilled in me the courage to articulate my thoughts with clarity and conviction.

Speaking about revolutionaries forty-four years ago was a daring act. Even mentioning Swatantryaveer Savarkar would spark fear;not just among speakers, but among listeners as well. The society of that time was gripped with apprehension. People would say, “If you speak about Savarkar, the Government will throw you in jail.” Although we lived in a democracy where freedom of thought and speech was a constitutional right, the Congress had systematically instilled fear in people’s minds.

We were taught in school that India’s freedom was achieved only because of Congress. But during my student days, I came across the biographies of revolutionaries. It was then I realised;this truth must reach people. This realisation gave birth to my vow of social awakening, a vow I continue to uphold to this day.

2. Social education against the tide

Four to five decades ago, social media didn’t exist like it does today. Newspapers and magazines were the only platforms, and they highlighted a select few individuals. Those who wrote regularly were given the most visibility, and they became household intellectuals. Governments at the time adorned them with awards like garlands, glorifying them with institutional respect.

Ironically, those who mocked Deities were considered brilliant minds.

In that atmosphere, I chose to go against the flow and take up the cause of awakening society.

– Dr Sachchidānanda Shevade

Literary contributions spanning every field of knowledge

Dr Sachchidānanda Shevade’s literary work is vast and diverse;ranging from epic plays and historical biographies to children’s literature, spiritual texts, and sharply critical contemporary commentary. His writings reflect a unique blend of devotion, nationalism, intellect, and historical insight.

A. Epic drama : 

• Krantichakra (Hindi)

B. Plays :

• Chanakya-Chandragupta (Co-authored with Janardan Oak)

C. Novels :

• Raktalānchhan
• Aghorvāḍā

D. Biographical narratives

• Punarutthān (on Ādi Shankarāchārya)
• Narendra to Vivekananda,
• Vasudev Balwant
• Chāpekar Parva
• Krāntikārak Rajguru (available in both Marathi and Hindi)
• Dnyāneshwar Kanyā Gulāb Rāo Mahārāj
• Bhagwān Parshurām

E. Children’s literature

• Guru and Disciple (Parts 1 and 2)

F. Literature for youth

• Kathābodh
• Kathākusum
• Vasudev Balwant Phadke
• Khudiram Bose
• Madanlal Dhingra
• Sardar Udham Singh
• Bhagat Singh
• Yashāchī Gurukillī

G. Historical works

• Kashmirnāma
• Vandya Vandemātaram
• …Āṇi Savarkar
• Shodh Shrīlaṅkecā

H. Miscellaneous writings

• Muktavedh
• Nivadak Muktavedh
• Vāchā āṇi Gapp Basā
• Rāshtrajāgar
• Ātā Tarī Jāge Whā
• Dole Ughadā
• Avaghe Dharū Supanth
• Prahar
• Seculars Navhe Fakeulars
• Satya Sāngā Nā…!
• Vātā Āpalyā Sanskr̥utichyā

I. Religious literature

• Shrī Chintāmaṇi Vijay Kathāsār
• Bappā Moryā
• Manāchiye Dvāri

J. Translations (Bhāvānuvād)

• The Treasure of Miraculous Powers
• Bhāratīya Yātrī
• Mission Vaishnodevi
• The Hindu Counterattack on Islamic Aggression
• The Leftist Poison Vine

K. Co-authored works

With Mr Durgesh Parulkar –

• Shivrayānchī Yuddhanītī
• Pānipatchā Ransangrām
• Goa Muktisangrām
• Savarkar – Known and Unknown

With Vaidya Parikshit Shevade –

• Jamāt-e-Purogāmī
• Why Only Ram Mandir?
• Pakistan – From Destruction to Destruction

With Bharatacharya H.H. (Prof.) S.G. Shevade –

• Mahābhārat – Vyās’ and Chopra’s Versions

L. Audio CDs

• Samargāthā
• Vijaygāthā

Honouring the spirit of the Warriors

Just as the Mavlas and Shiledārs made the supreme sacrifice for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Hindavi Swarajya, today too, many Hindutva-rooted and nationalist citizens are tirelessly working as modern-day ‘Shiledārs’ for the protection of Dharma and the Nation.

Through this column ‘Hindutvache Shiledār’, we aim to present the inspiring life-stories and efforts of such individuals, in the hope that they motivate many others on the same path. – Editor

The commanding presence of an orator and the serenity of a spiritual interpreter

The lecture – a fierce storm of clarity and conviction

A lecture by Dr Sachchidānanda Shevade is truly a powerful storm. He has the rare ability to develop a subject through narrative, slowly unfolding its core essence. His command over storytelling, articulation, his distinct manner of delivery, and his firm intellectual footing elevate the lecture to a level of mastery.

His enunciation is sharp, his thoughts decisive, and the flow of his speech draws listeners into deep engagement. Thousands of audience members remain spellbound, absorbed in the subject as they are bathed in the downpour of words;a shower that completely drenches them in understanding.

The discourse – a calm, introspective unravelling of spiritual wisdom

While delivering discourses, he appears in striking contrast; utterly calm, gently drawing threads from saint literature. His interpretation of the lives, words, and teachings of Saints is rendered in a tone full of emotional resonance and sweetness.

When a topic is studied deeply;supported by extensive reading, close observation, and deep intellectual processing;it leads to mastery. And when such knowledge is enveloped in the gift of oratory, both the lecture and the discourse become truly mesmerising.

He brings the same richness of interpretation even to musical programmes;adding colour, context, and emotion through his words.

A rare confluence of intellect, spirituality, and action

Bharatacharya H.H. (Prof.) S.G. Shevade (aged 89)

Dr Sachchidānanda Suresh Shevade, from Dombivli, is the elder son of Bharatacharya H.H. (Prof.) S.G. Shevade (aged 89), currently residing at the Sanatan Ashram, Ramnathi (Goa).

Dr Shevade has authored several books rooted in the themes of Nation and Dharma. He also participates in panel discussions on diverse topics. In this section, we shall look into the work he is currently doing, the books he has written, and the driving force behind his mission.

An unmatched legacy of lectures

His son, Vaidya Parikshit Shevade, delivering a lecture

Over the past 38 years, more than 5,000 programmes have been successfully conducted by him across India and abroad. A total of 50 books have been published. He has delivered lectures even aboard ships, airplanes, and buses;demonstrating a rare ability to connect across all environments.

He is the first-ever speaker to have delivered a lecture inside the Cellular Jail;a feat he has repeated for the last 12 years, every year, on Savarkar Smr̥tidin.

On Mount Titlis, the highest summit in Europe, he stood amid snow and delivered a soul-stirring narration on Shivaji Maharaj. In St Mark’s Square, located in Venice;the floating city of Italy;he addressed an audience on Swami Vivekananda.

Events have also been conducted in Dubai, London, Mauritius, Sydney, Melbourne, Colombo, and Nuwara Eliya, among many other places.

He is a regular contributor to debates and discussions on news channels such as ABP Māzā, Jai Maharashtra, Mi Marathi, Zee 24 Taas, Sāma, Sudarshan, and others.

Honours and Awards received by Dr Shevade

Dr Shevade speaking in the courtyard of the Cellular Jail

A. The book Vandya Vandemātaram

• Received the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad (M.S.P.) award for historical writing.

B. The book Krāntikārak Rajguru

• Awarded the Biography Writing Prize by Vandana Prakashan.

C. The book Seculars Navhe Fakeulars

• Received the M.S.P. award for excellence in column writing.

D. Oration Recognition

• Honoured with the P.B. Bhāve Memorial Oration Award, conferred by the P.B. Bhāve Memorial Committee.

Additional honours include:

• Letter of Honour by Ratnāgiri Kīrtan Kul
• Kalyān-Dombivli Mayor’s Award
• Recognised as Icon of Thane in 2013 by the Lokmat media group
• Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rāshtravichār Prasārak Puraskar by Uttung Parivār, Vile Parle
• Vyāsratna Puraskar (July 2016) by Vyās Creations, Thane
• Award for Saint and Spiritual Literature (November 2016) by the Mumbai Sahitya Sangh
• Savarkar Puraskar (2018) by Tilaknagar Shikshan Sanstha, Dombivli
• Ashokji Singhal Memorial National Award (2019)
• Brāhmaṇabhūshan Puraskar by the fortnightly Āmhī Sāre Brāhmaṇ

Distinctive publication milestones of select books

A. …Āṇi Savarkar and Prahar

Both of these books were released at the Cellular Jail in the Andamans.

B. Vāchā āṇi Gapp Basā

Published in Mauritius.

C. Savarkar – Known and Unknown

Released at the 3ʳᵈ Savarkar World Conference in London.

D. Satya Sāngā Nā…!

Launched at the 4ᵗʰ Savarkar World Conference in Sydney.

Strengthening the cause of Hindutva: The path ahead

At present, those who speak of “political Hindutva” are increasing in number. The representation of Hindutva within governing power structures is also rising. As a result, a new group of neo-Hindutvawadis is beginning to assemble. However, many among them have no real connection with the principles of Hindutva.

So what does it truly mean to become Hindutva-oriented ?

Even today, individuals are still identified based on caste, and people continue to harbour prejudices against one another because of these divisions. This is not what is meant by Hindutvawād.

In such circumstances, large Hindutva-aligned organisations must take the initiative to organise study classes in society. These classes will help groom committed workers who will go out into the community and raise public awareness.

These study groups can also be conducted online, and short reels (brief video clips) can be created and circulated via social media platforms.

– Dr Sachchidānanda Shevade