Issued by India

Issued on Nov 7, 2025

Issued for : It is an honor for the Department of Posts to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on 150 years of Vande Mataram, celebrating its enduring legacy as a hymn of patriotism and a unifying force that continues to inspire generations of Indians.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Shri Sankha Samanta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 303300

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The song Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the mid-1870s, a time when India’s freedom struggle was gaining momentum. It is believed that the song was composed during the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami on 7^th November 1875. It first appeared in Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s literary journal Bangadarshan and was later included in his novel Anandamath (1882).
• The song was written during a period of growing national consciousness and it invoked the Motherland as a symbol of strength, prosperity, and divinity, giving poetic expression to India’s awakening spirit of unity and self-respect. The song became popular among the masses after Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore gave it voice at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress. The song became a rallying cry of the Swadeshi Movement following the partition of Bengal in 1905, uniting people across regions and inspiring countless patriots. The song’s emotional and spiritual resonance made it an enduring symbol of India’s nationalist movement. During the freedom struggle, Vande Mataram became a source of collective inspiration, instilling in the people a deep sense of patriotism and cultural pride. It served as a unifying anthem that brought together countless Indians in their quest for independence and national dignity.
• On 24^th January 1950, while announcing the adoption of the Constitution, Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, declared that Vande Mataram, which had played a historic role in the freedom struggle, would be honoured as the National Song. Since then, the song has been a symbol of national pride, unity, and the indomitable spirit of India’s freedom and cultural heritage.
• As the nation marks the 150^th anniversary of Vande Mataram in 2025, nationwide celebrations are being organised to commemorate its legacy and reaffirm the timeless ideals of unity, sacrifice, and love for the Motherland.
• Text : As per the content provided by the Ministry of Culture.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 24, 2025

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to release a commemorative stamp celebrating 80 years of the United Nations. This stamp symbolises India’s commitment to global cooperation, peace, and the shared ideals of the United Nations over eight decades.

Design : To celebrate 80 Years of the United Nations, a nationwide stamp design competition was organized by the Department of Posts in collaboration with Ministry of External Affairs and MyGov. Approximately 7.4 lakh students participated, creatively expressing India’s vision of global leadership and multilateralism. The design by Ms. Shrestha Majumdar is featured on the commemorative stamp. Additionally, artworks by Ms. Anshika Jain and Ms. Rollie Sharma have been selected for the First Day Cover and Brochure. This initiative reflects young India’s commitment to peace, unity, and sustainable global progress.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Shri Suresh Kumar

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 205686

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The United Nations (UN) has stood as a symbol of multilateralism and international cooperation. India’s deepening engagement with the UN is based on its steadfast commitment to multilateralism and dialogue as the key for achieving shared goals and addressing common challenges faced by the global community.
• Department of Posts has previously released commemorative postage stamps on the UN’s 9^th, 40^th, 50^th, and 75^th anniversaries in 1954, 1985, 1995, and 2020, respectively. Department of Posts and the United Nations Postal Administration jointly issued stamps for the UN Women HeForShe solidarity movement in 2016. United Nations Postal Administration released a commemorative Diwali stamp in 2018 and a definitive stamp on the occasion of the 150^th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019.
• India and the UN share a commitment to multilateralism and dialogue, viewing them as essential to meeting global challenges. As the world’s largest democracy and an active member of the UN, India has advanced UN goals in peacebuilding and peacekeeping, sustainable development, poverty alleviation, climate action, disarmament, human rights, health, migration, cybersecurity, space, and frontier technologies like Artificial Intelligence.
• Over recent years, India’s engagement with the UN has expanded in scope. In 2025, India hosted the “Conference on Women Peacekeepers from the Global South” in New Delhi, bringing together women peacekeepers from 35 countries to address gender-inclusive peace operations. India remains one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping, with more than 290,000 Indian peacekeepers deployed on over 50 missions to date.
• Milestones in this relationship include :
  • 1945 : India became a signatory to the United Nations Charter
  • 1948 : India endorsed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
  • 1950 : India was first elected to the UN Security Council
  • 1973 : India acceded to the Biological Weapons Convention
  • 1980 : India ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
  • 1993 : India joined the Chemical Weapons Convention
  • 2000 : India adopted the Millennium Declaration
  • 2007 : 2 October, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, was declared the International Day of Non-Violence
  • 2014 : 21 June was declared the International Day of Yoga
  • 2015 : India endorsed the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and ratified the Paris Agreement on climate change
  • 2021-22 : India’s eighth term in the UN Security Council, as a rule-abiding democracy and a positive contributor to the security of the global commons.
• India’s global conduct, which is rooted in the fundamental principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ – which means ‘world is one family’ – resonates powerfully in the halls of the United Nations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India upheld this principle by providing essential medicines and vaccines to more than 150 countries. At the 80^th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2025, India urged that every member state that can make this world a better place must have the opportunity to do its utmost.
  
• Text : Referenced from the content provided by the Ministry of External Affairs.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 26, 2024

Issued for : Department of Posts is proud to release Commemorative Postage Stamp on 75^th Anniversary of Constitution. This initiative honours the Constitution’s vital role in shaping India’s democracy and safeguarding fundamental rights, celebrating its enduring impact on the nation’s unity and progress.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Ms. Gulistaan

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 202800

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Constitution Day, celebrated every year on November 26, marks the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1949. As we approach its 75^th anniversary, this day not only commemorates the foundational legal framework of the country but also serves as a moment for reflection on the core principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity that it embodies.
• The journey towards a constitutional framework began long before India’s independence. The need for such a framework emerged from the socio-political challenges posed by British colonial rule. Various reforms, including the Government of India Act of 1935, set the stage for self-governance and democratic ideals. Following independence in 1947, the Constituent Assembly, which included prominent leaders such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, worked tirelessly to draft a Constitution reflective of India’s diverse aspirations. The draft was officially adopted on November 26, 1949, establishing India as a sovereign democratic republic.
• The Constitution of India stands as the supreme law of the land, detailing the governance structure, fundamental rights, and duties of citizens. It enshrines a system of checks and balances among the executive, legislature, and judiciary, ensuring no single entity can dominate. Its comprehensive nature draws from various legal traditions, making it one of the longest written constitutions globally, comprising 448 articles and 12 schedules. A notable feature is its emphasis on fundamental rights, guaranteeing civil liberties for all citizens. Rights such as equality, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination underscore the commitment to dignity and equality, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender.
• The Preamble reading is a key event during Constitution Day celebrations, encapsulating the essence of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Educational institutions often host debates, discussions, and workshops to foster a deeper understanding of constitutional rights and responsibilities among students and citizens alike. In 2015, the Government of India officially declared November 26 as Constitution Day, emphasizing its importance in the nation’s democratic framework. This has further spurred efforts to educate the public about constitutional values and principles. Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the necessity to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution. In a diverse nation like India, it acts as a unifying force that promotes social justice and inclusivity, ensuring marginalized voices are heard.
• The judiciary plays a pivotal role in interpreting and enforcing the Constitution. Landmark Supreme Court judgments have shaped the legal landscape, acting as guardians of fundamental rights against arbitrary state actions.
• The youth are vital in shaping the future of democracy. Engaging them in constitutional discussions and encouraging participation in democratic processes can cultivate a more informed and active citizenry. Constitution Day is an urgent call to action for the younger generation to uphold democratic principles and strive for a society reflecting the Constitution’s ideals. As we celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of Constitution, we honour the foundational values that support the Indian state. This occasion is a reminder for all citizens to reflect on their rights and responsibilities, actively participating in the democratic process. By honouring the Constitution and its architects, India can reaffirm its dedication to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Celebrating the 75^th Anniversary of Constitution is more than a celebration of a historical document; it is a call to continue the journey towards a just and equitable society. Let it inspire each citizen to engage actively with the Constitution, ensuring its values guide us towards a brighter future.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jul 26, 2024

Issued for : Department of Posts is proud to release commemorative postage stamps on the Silver Jubilee of Kargil Vijay Diwas, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of our armed forces. This special issue celebrates 25 years of India’s victory in the Kargil War and pays tribute to our heroes.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Ms. Gulistaan

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 304000

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The Indian Army has an unparalleled military tradition of determination, bravery and sacrifice led by its junior leaders in battle. This tradition manifested in the summer of 1999, when Operation Vijay was launched by the Indian Army to evict Pakistani intruders from the icy heights of Dras, Kargil and Batalik Sectors of Ladakh. Raw courage, daring, tenacity and heroic efforts displayed by our soldiers and young officers ensured triumph of the Indian Army in this operation also referred to as the Kargil War.
• Post-Independence Pakistan’s obsession with annexing Kashmir saw several failed military ventures and finally it resorted to Operation Badr whereby while extending the olive branch during the Lahore Summit in February 1999, it surreptitiously occupied the winter vacated posts in the Kargil District of Ladakh. This was done to cut off National Highway (NH) – 1 with an overall aim to sever Ladakh from Kashmir thereby forcing the vacation of Siachen Glacier.
• The Pakistani intrusions took place along the heights of Mashkoh Valley, Tololing and Tiger Hill in Dras Sector; the glaciated heights of Kaksar; Batalik and Ganashok valleys astride the Indus River and in Chorbat La and Turtuk Sectors. The engagements that took place here were classic examples of intense infantry operations in high altitude supported by intimate and high volume artillery barrages. The Indian Army supported by the Indian Air Force began systematically clearing the heights overlooking the NH – 1 including Tololing, Tiger Hill and Pt 4875 and with the NH-1 having been secured, proceeded to clear the rest of the intrusions along the Line of Control.
• The phenomenal tactical and logistical challenges posed to the Indian Army were overcome by a combination of innovation, determination and courage. The intensity of this short war of less than three months, can be measured by the fact that 85 major and minor units participated in war with 559 Officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Soldiers making the Supreme Sacrifice and four Param Vir Chakras, 10 Mahavir Chakras and 69 Vir Chakras were awarded. Theatre and Battle Honours were awarded to 29 units while 17 units received the Chief of Army Staff Unit Citations for gallantry during the operations.
• With the advent of satellite television, Operation Vijay became India’s first battle that was taken into the homes across our country by the media and soon Kargil, Batalik, Dras, Muskoh and Turtuk became household names. On 26 July 2024, the Silver Jubilee of the Kargil War, we rededicate ourselves to the memory of the braves who laid down their lives during Operation Vijay, 1999.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jun 15, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on the occasion of India’s first-ever Chairmanship of SCO Council of Heads of State.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 203100

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a multilateral organization founded in Shanghai on 15 June 2001. The SCO currently comprises eight Member States – China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
• India’s engagement with SCO started in 2005 as an Observer State and India became a full-fledged member on 9 June 2017 at the summit in Astana. India attaches special importance to SCO in promoting multilateral, political, security, economic and people-to-people interaction in the region and values its relationship with the Organisation. India considers SCO as an important regional organisation to promote cooperation in the areas of peace, security, trade, economy and culture and is committed to widening cooperation by playing a proactive, positive and constructive role in the organisation. Though, India became a member of SCO only in June 2017, our traditional and historical ties with SCO countries are a millennia-old. These bonds of history and geography make us natural partners of SCO Member States.
• India assumed the Chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of State on 17 September 2022 as per rotation from the previous Chair – Uzbekistan. This is a historic event, as India took over the Chairmanship of the highest decision-making body of the organisation for the first time and will host the 23^rd session of the SCO Council of Heads of State (CHS) chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 4^th July 2023.
• The overarching theme of India’s Chairmanship was ‘Towards a SECURE SCO’, drawing from Prime Minister’s vision for the organization i.e. ‘S’ for security for citizens, ‘E’ for economic development, ‘C’ for connectivity in the region, ‘U’ for unity, ‘R’ for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and ‘E’ for environment protection. Several events and meetings were organized during India’s Chairmanship of SCO including regular meetings of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Culture, Tourism, Environment, Commerce to further expand cooperation among the SCO Member States. Varanasi (Kashi) was also celebrated as the first-ever Cultural and Tourist capital of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation 2022-23 during India’s chairmanship. A series of Workshops, Conferences, Seminars and Cultural Activities were conducted throughout the year that received enthusiastic participation from all Member States.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Ministry of External Affairs.

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Issued by India

Issued on Apr 3, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on Diamond Jubilee of Central Bureau of Investigation and salute its contribution in preserving values in public life and ensuring the health of the national economy.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Sh. Brahm Prakash
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 301700

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The Central Bureau of Investigation traces its origin from the Special Police Establishment which was set up in 1941 by Government of India to investigate cases of bribery and corruption in transactions concerned with the War & Supply Department of India during World War-II.
• During the early stages of World War-II, the then Government of India realized that the enormously expanded expenditure for purposes connected with the war had brought about a situation in which unscrupulous and antisocial persons, both officials and non-officials, were enriching themselves dishonestly at the cost of the public and the government. The Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies, functioning under the State Governments, were found inadequate to cope with this challenge. Accordingly, it became necessary to set up a separate organization to investigate offences connected with these transactions. Vide an executive order, an organization i.e. Special Police Establishment (S.P.E.), was created by the Government of India in 1941. This organization was to be headed by a Deputy Inspector General of Police.
• The SPE was mandated to investigate cases of bribery and corruption in transactions concerned with the War and Supply Department of the Government of India and its superintendence was vested in the then War & Supply Department.
• Towards the end of 1942, the activities of the SPE were extended to include cases of corruption in the Railways, which was strategically concerned with the movement and supply of war material.
• As the need for a Central Government agency to investigate cases of bribery and corruption by Central Government employees was felt even after the end of the war, Delhi Special Police Establishment Act was enacted in 1946. This Act transferred the superintendence of the SPE to the Home Department and its functions were enlarged to cover all departments of the Government of India. The jurisdiction of the SPE, which extended to all the Union Territories, could now be extended to the States with the consent of the concerned State Government.
• Central Bureau of Investigation was established on 01.04.1963 vide resolution of Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India with the DSPE as one of its Divisions. Initially the offences that were notified by the Central Government related only to corruption by Central Government servants. In due course, with the setting up of a large number of public sector undertakings, the employees of these undertakings were also brought under the purview of CBI. Similarly, with the Nationalization of the Banks in 1969, the Public Sector Banks and their employees also came within its ambit.
• Beginning 1965, the CBI has also been entrusted with the investigation of Economic Offences and important conventional crimes such as murders, kidnapping, terrorist crimes, etc., on a selective basis.
• Over the years, the CBI has grown into a multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional investigating agency mainly entrusted with the following functions:
  • Enquiry and investigation of cases
  • Prosecution of CBI investigated case
  • Preventive vigilance functions
  • National Central Bureau – India connected with International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO) and
  • Coordination, Training and Research
• Today, this agency has a broad jurisdiction that extends to cases related to corruption, economic offences, bank frauds, financial crimes, organized crime, wild life related offences, human trafficking, smuggling of Arts & Antiquities, cyber offences and other major crimes.
• CBI also acts as the National Central Bureau i.e. Interpol India. It functions as the focal point for Indian Law Enforcement Agencies as well as Foreign Law Enforcement Agencies basis seeking and providing informal assistance of Police to Police operation.
• CBI also acts as nodal authority to receive and respond to all requests for assistance in the matters relating to United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crimes (UNTOC) and the supplementary protocols thereto.
• In last 60 years of its existence, CBI has gained reputation as a highly professional investigation agency, enjoying confidence of the executive, legislative, judiciary and the common man alike.
• Text : Based on information provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Feb 11, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is delighted to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp, on Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and salutes to the Spirit of India, proud of its rich past & heritage and committed to the future of Viswa Guru Bharat.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation cachet : Shri Sankha Samanta

Type : Se–tenant pair of 2 Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise (2)

Stamps Printed : 201600 each

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) is a landmark initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of its people, culture, and achievements. This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India thus far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of activating India 2.0, fuelled by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• The official journey of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on 12^th March 2021 from Sabarmati Ashram where a symbolic ‘Dandi Yatra’ was flagged off by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This started a 75-week countdown to our 75^th anniversary of Independence and will conclude, post a year on 15^th August, 2023.
• Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav has been powered by the enthusiasm, love for the nation and participation of all stakeholders. The events and initiatives of Amrit Mahotsav cover the length and breadth of India and the world. Till date more than 1.5 lakh events have been held under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. These events have happened across different locations within India covering all of the States and Union Territories as well as across 150+ countries, globally.
• Amrit Mahotsav events are high on Janbhagidari (people participation) bringing in people from all walks of life representing a ‘Whole of Society’ approach with many programmes and events being directly initiated by organisations and groups representing civil society.
• During the Har Ghar Tiranga initiative, held in August 2022, more than 6 crore selfies with flag were recorded and people from all walks of life joined the Tiranga Rallies being held across the length and breadth of India and across foreign locations.
• A key feature of Amrit Mahotsav is the commemoration of Unsung Heroes of freedom struggle & highlighting the role of people in our Independence movement. The AKAM website has a special section on Unsung Heroes which is an attempt to recall and remember forgotten heroes of our freedom struggle, many of whom might be renowned yet unknown to the new generation. Different events commemorating birth and death anniversaries of freedom fighters and important milestones connected to the struggle for Independence are an important part of the AKAM event calendar. Picture books that chronicle the contributions of women and tribals in the freedom struggle of India have also been released to enable children to easily connect with the stories that facilitated our freedom and progress over time.
• Digital District Repository is another special initiative of AKAM that chronicles district wise narratives of our history and heritage. It stemmed from the central thought that history is not only about the landmark events, it finds shape and character in the myriad events that led up to a flashpoint of change. Interesting facts that there are prison cells in IIT or that 2 freedom fighters were shot dead inside what is now an IIT in an incident, known later as the “Hijli firing”, when twenty nine rounds were fired on unarmed prisoners, have been highlighted over events.
• Amrit Mahotsav is also about looking towards the future as we navigate through ‘Amrit Kaal’ (the journey from Now to India@100). One important aspect of looking into the future is spotlighting and celebrating startups, entrepreneurs, and innovation. Smart India Hackathon 2022 is a nationwide initiative to provide students a platform to solve some of the pressing problems we face in our daily lives, and thus inculcate a culture of product innovation and a mindset of problem solving. Another part of fueling a growth culture in encouraging curiosity and celebrating the role of science & scientists in the progress of our nation. A week-long event titled ‘Vigyan Sarvatra Pujyate’ was held last year in 75 locations across the length and breadth of the country. To honor this intent, it will be repeated this year with increased scope and scale. ‘Swadeshi Scientists’ is a series of event curated as part of Amrit Mahotsav that chronicles the role of scientists in the freedom struggle and in helping realize India’s ‘Atmanirbhar’ goals.
• Text : Ministry of Culture.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jan 23, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Major Durga Mall who fought against the British for India’s freedom and for the pride of the country.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Ms. Neetu Arora
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 302850

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Durga Mall

Born on Jul 1, 1913 at Dehradun, British India

Died on Aug 25, 1944 at Delhi, British India

About : 

• Major Durga Mall was born on 01/07/1913 in Doiwala, Dehradun, Uttar Pradesh, now (Uttarakhand). His father was Shri Ganga Ram Mall and mother Smt. Parvati Devi Mall. Durga Mall was the eldest son among all the siblings. His siblings were Laxman Mall, Padma Mall, Prem Mall and sisters Janaki Devi, Rama Devi and Shyama.
• Since childhood, he was a person of different nature. In 1930, when he was a student of ninth grade, he jumped into the freedom movement. When the Salt Satyagraha movement started, Durga Mall also started participating openly in local public meetings and demonstrations. Consequently, his father left him at his uncle’s house in ‘Bhagsu’ Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
• On 26 January 1931, at the age of 18 years, Durga Mall joined the 2/1 Gorkha Rifles, Dharamshala Cantonment. Due to Durga Mall’s educated and calm nature, he earned everyone’s praises. He soon started the army’s training and acquired distinction. He was also admired as a football player. Apart from this he was also greatly influenced by plays and poems, and himself wrote some poems. He had a strong desire to remove backwardness in the society.
• In September 1939, Germany attacked Poland and Britain and France announced to help Poland. On September 03, 1939, World War II started. The Japanese had also announced the invasion in 1941 from the east. Durga Mall got a call from the battalion and 2/1 Gorkha battalion reached ‘Malaya’ and joined the battle. The Japanese captured Singapore in 1942 by defeating the British. Three major Gorkha Rifles 2/1, 2/2 and 2/9 Gorkha battalion under the British also participated in this war. Many of their soldiers were taken prisoner by the Japanese during the war.
• Azad Hind Fauj was formed in 1942 by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The main task of volunteering the captive soldiers was given to Durga Mall and Asman Singh under the leadership of Poorna Singh Thakur, Rash Behari Bose and the supreme commander of Azad Hind Fauj, Captain General Mohan Singh.
• Azad Hind Fauj honoured Durga Mall with the title of Major due to Durga Mall’s efficiency and delivery of secret information. After reaching Singapore on 13 July 1943, Netaji declared war on Britain and the United States on 25 October 1943. Major Durga Mall was handed over the intelligence department because of his efficiency. He kept collecting secret information and sending it to the headquarters of Azad Hind Fauj in Rangoon. Taking advantage of this information the soldiers of Azad Hind Fauj kept moving forward in the war.
• On March 27, 1944, Durga Mall was taken prisoner by the British soldiers in Mashipur ‘Akhrul’ near Kohima. He was kept in the prison house of the Delhi Red Fort as a prisoner of war and was prosecuted in a military court under section 41 of the Indian Military Act and Act 121 of the Indian Penal Code. He was sentenced to death by the British Raj.
• Before his death sentence, his wife Mrs. Sharda Mall was called for his last darshan because the British government hoped that after meeting his wife he might beg her forgiveness. Durga Mall was sitting on the throne of his room, where he was reciting Gita, and Mrs. Sharda Mall fainted after seeing her husband. He brought his wife back to her senses and said: “I am sacrificing my life for the freedom of Mother India, don’t be sad. I don’t want to see you sad, what if I am not there, crores of sons of the country are with you.”
• On August 15, 1944, Veer Durga Mall was brought from Red Fort Jail to Delhi Central Jail. After 10 days, on August 25, 1944, this brave fighter, Durga Mall embraced the gallows and got his name written forever in the pages of history as ‘Amar Shaheed’.
• Text : Based on information received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Aug 2, 2022

Issued for : Department of Posts salutes the spirit of the Indian National Flag and recognizes the sacrifices of all freedom fighters and unsung heroes who contributed to the rise of free and independent India and evolution of the Indian Flag. Department of Posts is pleased to issue Stamp on evolution of Indian Flag and salutes the Indian National Flag, a symbol of national pride of the entire nation.

Credits :
Stamps/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Shri Brahm Prakash

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 7500 Paise

Miniature Sheets : 200000

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The flag is a symbol of a country’s values and pride which differentiates it from the rest of the world. It is an identity of the people in front of the world and is connected with patriotic emotions. The National Flag symbolizes the norms, values, belief and rules of the nation and its people. The importance of the flag and the waving of the flag outside the homes and offices is an important tool to express patriotic emotions and love for the country.
• The National Flag of India, commonly known as Tiranga represents hope and aspirations of the people of India. It is a symbol of our national pride. The National Flag has three equal, parallel, and rectangular stripes of Indian saffron (Kesari) at the top, white in the middle, and Indian green at the bottom. A navy blue coloured Dharma Chakra or “Wheel of the Law”, also called Ashoka Chakra, with 24 equally spaced spokes is placed in the centre of the white band. This Wheel has been derived from the Lion Capital of the Great Mauryan emperor Ashoka which was discovered at Sarnath near Varanasi.
• The evolution of the Indian Flag represents the freedom struggle of India. The first Indian flag came into being in 1905. It was made by Sister Nivedita, an Irish disciple of Swami Vivekananda. The words Vande Mataram in Bengali script were written on it. The flag also contained figure of Vajra in the middle, the weapon of the Hindu deity, Indra.
• In 1906, another flag, a tricolor was designed with three equal stripes, green at the top, yellow in the middle, and red at the bottom. This flag had symbols of Sun and a crescent along with eight half opened lotuses. This flag had the words Vande Mataram written in Devanagari script. This flag was hoisted by Sir Surendranath Bannerjee at Kolkata to mark unity of India against the Partition of Bengal.
• Another version of the tricolor was developed in the year 1907 by Madam Bhikaji Cama, Veer Savarkar and Shyamji Krishna Varma. This flag had three bands – green at the top, saffron in the middle, and red at the bottom with Vande Mataram in Devanagari script on the centre band. This flag was hoisted on 22^nd August, 1907 by Madam Bhikaji Cama in Stuttgart, Germany who became the first person to hoist Indian Flag on foreign soil.
• In 1921, Pingali Venkaiah a young man from a small village in Andhra Pradesh, designed the Indian Flag at the insistence of Mahatma Gandhi. The flag had three bands with a large charkha super imposed on all the three bands. In 1931, a modified tricolor came into existence with three bands – saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom, with a Charkha in dark blue color imprinted on the middle band.
• In 1947, the India National Flag in its present form was adopted in a meeting of the Constituent Assembly on 22^nd July, 1947. Leading a group of 70 women, Smt. Hansa Mehta presented the first National Flag of independent India to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly, in the Parliament on the midnight of 14-15 August, 1947.
• It first served as the National Flag of the Dominion of India from 15^th August, 1947 to 26^th January, 1950 and, thereafter, as the National Flag of the Republic of India.
• In modern times, the Government envisages to transform the relationship between the National Flag and citizens to be personal rather than formal and institutional, so as to evoke the sense of patriotism in the hearts of the people. Har Ghar Tiranga campaign has been initiated by the Government to propagate this idea and to inspire the citizens to hoist the national flag at home.
• Text : Referenced from the contents provided by National Archives of India.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jul 30, 2022

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Right to Free Legal Aid.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Shri Brahm Prakash

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 201600

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The Constitution of India is premised on multiple fundamentals of which equality and justice are the prominent beacons. The Preamble of our Constitution speaks about three contours of justice i.e. social, economic and political, thus emphasizing its relevance at all times and concomitant to access to justice is the concept of ‘welfare state’ as envisaged under the Directive Principles of State Policy essentially laying down those cardinal and elemental notions which portray a means to secure equality and justice.
• Article 39A is a tool to guarantee the aforesaid idea as this provision is based on the edifice of ‘access to justice’. Access, in particular refers to the capability of bringing something within the reach of a person without any hassle and as a matter of right and the importance of making justice accessible cannot be emphasized enough. To make justice accessible, ‘legal aid’ was realized in early eighty’s in India.
• During this time, citizens started getting conscious about their rights but due to the poverty and ignorance resulting from British slavery were incapacitated from approaching the courts. The sincere need of providing the marginalized sections with legal aid was then felt and consequently the ‘Legal Services Authorities Act’ was enacted in 1987 by the Parliament. The objective of the Act is to provide for establishment of such legal services institutions across the country under the aegis of a national level authority.
• The poor, downtrodden and backward sections in India suffer from what we can call as ‘legal incompetence’. Such people are deprived of a voice which could positively assert his rights and demand them without any hiccups. To be the voice of such unheard voices, legal aid is incredibly helpful and a means of upliftment of such strata of people. Free Legal Aid is a formal embodiment of the substantive conception comprising access to justice. This conception predominantly outlines the right of a person to approach judicial fora for the redressal of his grievances which in turn is secured by legal aid.
• Legal Aid primarily encapsulates a mechanism to provide legal assistance at the state expense to the marginalized sections and is spreading ‘legal awareness’ at a mass level and thus sensitizing the citizens about the existence of stringent legislations and an equally powerful mechanism to enforce those rights. This thought has achieved great heights by bringing in existence ‘Lok Adalat’, where disputes at pre-litigation stage and even pending cases are resolved amicably, thus creating an impact by recording huge disposals day by day.
• Legal Aid emanates from two corners of the Golden Triangle of our Constitution i.e., Article 14 and Article 21 a guarantee of equality before law and right to life and liberty respectively. Hence, justice is made accessible through right to free legal aid which will always deserve a mention because it is a reminder to the downtrodden people of India that they will never be left behind the lurch and will always be given helping hand in times of distress.
• Text : Referenced from contents provided by the proponent.

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