Issued by India

Issued on Aug 30, 2025

Issued for : India Post proudly releases a Commemorative Postage Stamp honouring the timeless legacy of Sri Madhvacharya, a philosopher and spiritual reformer whose Dvaita Vedanta school profoundly shaped Indian philosophical thought. His teachings continue to illuminate the path of devotion, knowledge, and righteousness.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 303480

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Vasudeva

Born on 1238 CE at Pajaka, Udupi taluk, Karnataka, India

Died on 1278 CE

About : 

• Sri Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita (dualistic) school of Vedanta, was born around 1238 CE in the village of Pajaka near Udupi, in present-day Karnataka, India. He belonged to a Tulu Brahmin family and exhibited a deep spiritual inclination from an early age. Known for his extraordinary intellect, physical strength, and devotion, he began his formal education under his father, Madhyageha Bhatta, and local scholars.
• By the age of 16, Madhvacharya chose to renounce worldly life and took monastic vows (Sannyasa) under Achyutapreksha, the head of a local Advaita monastery. However, over time, he developed philosophical ideas that challenged the core tenets of Advaita Vedanta.
• Sri Madhvacharya’s principal contribution to Indian philosophy was the establishment of Dvaita Vedanta. The dualistic philosophy stood in direct contrast to the non-dualistic Advaita school founded by Adi Shankaracharya. According to Madhvacharya, the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme Being (Vishnu or Narayana) are eternally separate. He strongly asserted the reality of the world, the distinction between God and the soul, and the importance of bhakti (devotion).
• Sri Madhvacharya argued that liberation (moksha) is achieved not through knowledge alone but through unwavering devotion to Vishnu, adherence to Dharma (righteous duty), and divine grace. His vision placed God as supreme and unchanging, with individual souls in eternal servitude to the divine.
• A prolific writer and teacher, Sri Madhvacharya composed numerous works that laid the foundation of Dvaita philosophy. Key among them are:
  • Brahma Sutra Bhashya – A commentary that systematically critiques earlier interpretations, particularly those of Shankaracharya.
  • Bhagavad Gita Tatparya – A detailed exposition of the Gita’s spiritual teachings.
  • Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya – An interpretive text revealing the deeper meanings of the Mahabharata.
  • Upanishad Bhashyas – Commentaries on select Upanishads, offering dualistic interpretations.
  • Dwadasha Stotra – A collection of twelve devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• These works, rich in logic and devotion, laid the groundwork for the Dvaita school’s development and spread, influencing future generations of thinkers and devotees.
• One of Sri Madhvacharya’s most enduring legacies is the establishment of the Udupi Krishna Matha, a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in Udupi. According to legend, he recovered an idol of Krishna from a shipwreck and installed it in the temple, which became the spiritual and organizational center of the Dvaita tradition.
• To manage religious and administrative duties, Sri Madhvacharya founded Ashta Mathas (eight monasteries) and appointed his closest disciples as heads. These Mathas continue to function today, playing a certain role in preserving and promoting Dvaita Vedanta and the worship of Krishna.
• Sri Madhvacharya’s teachings left a deep mark on Indian philosophy and devotional practice. His emphasis on the personal relationship between the soul and God resonated deeply with later bhakti movements across India. Communities, especially among Tulu and Kannada-speaking Brahmins, embraced his dualistic teachings and devotional emphasis.
• His rational, theistic philosophy offered a strong counter-narrative to Advaita Vedanta and influenced subsequent theological debates. Today, his works are studied by scholars and devotees alike, and the institutions he established remain vibrant centers of learning and spiritual practice.
• Sri Madhvacharya is revered not only as a philosopher but also as a saint, mystic, and reformer. His life of devotion, scholarship, and service continues to inspire millions, securing his place as one of the most significant figures in the spiritual and philosophical traditions of India.
• Text : Based on information provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 15, 2024

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to release commemorative postage stamp on “200^th Birth Anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati” and celebrates the life and work of a patriot who spread the light of Vedic knowledge and gave a new direction to humanity.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 518300

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Mool Shankar Tiwari

Born on 12 Feb, 1824 at Tankara, Maurvi district, Gujarat, India

Died on 30 Oct, 1883 at Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

About : 

• Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, was born on Falgun Krishna Dashami Vikrami Samvat 1981 (February 12, 1824) in Tankara village, Maurvi district of present Gujarat. His father’s name was Karsan Ji Tiwari and mother name was Amritbai. His birth name was Moolshankar. While fasting on Shivratri and witnessing rituals in the Shiva temple, the curious child Moolshankar attained enlightenment and left his home at the age of 19 years to attain the darshan of the devout God and set out on a journey of purity.
• He went to Mathura and got the education of grammar, vedas and scriptures from Guru Virjanand Dandi and learned from his philosophy that the main reason for the dilemma in the present condition of the country is the prevalence of wrong meanings instead of the correct meanings of the Vedas.
• During his journey, he saw the web of religious pomp, superstition and social evils spread in the society and understood why we are slaves of others in our own country. Seeing the country’s poverty, illiteracy, plight of women, destruction of language and culture, Dayanand Saraswati became extremely moved. He learned that when India had the knowledge of Vedas, India was the world leader. He pledged to re-establish the Vedas, Vedic religion and ancient culture in India by offering his entire life as Gurudakshina to Guru Virjanand.
• He expressed his views on religious, social and political issues through his classic book ‘Satyarth Prakash’. For the first time, he created awareness in the context of cow protection, Hindi protection, usefulness of Sanskrit language, Swadeshi, self-language and self-respect.
• He established Arya Samaj in Mumbai in the year 1875 to keep his goals continuously moving forward. In order to restore India to the position of world leader, on Vedas, he presented its actual commentary before the countrymen and talked about the right of everyone to read the Vedas and to act in life as per the Vedic principles. In his short but precious life, he fiercely attacked religious superstitions and social evils. Proclaiming the message of the Vedas as ‘Mata Prakarana Bhavati’, he became the biggest advocate of women’s education. He called for bringing a large section of the Hindu society, which had been isolated due to casteism, untouchability and discrimination, into the mainstream of society, raising their standard of living and working for education.
• While propagating the cause of social upliftment, Swadeshi and patriotism, he became a thorn in the eyes of British. At the age of 59, he was poisoned and eventually he passed away in Ajmer on the eve of diwali on 30 Oct 1883.
• The actions undertaken by Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati during his lifetime, played a key role in restoring India to the position of world leader. Today the evil practices of casteism, untouchability, child marriage, polygamy, Sati practice, animal sacrifice, male sacrifice, purdah system, Devdasi have come down substantially. The works like inter-caste marriage, Dalit empowerment, widow remarriage, education campaign for all, women empowerment, right to education for women, right to read Vedas for all, education through Gurukul education system are being done by the government by making laws.
• His thoughts are eternal and relevant even today. Even after 200 years of his birth, the life of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati gives us new vision and consciousness, the light of truth given by him gives us new energy and life giving power to fulfill our resolve every day.
• The Logo on 200^th birth anniversary of Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on the occasion of the beginning of its 200^th year on February 12, 2023, is a symbol of human sacrifice, unbroken peace, happy world and a unified India. It also symbolises that Vedas forms the basis of life of human race.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Apr 21, 2024

Issued for : Department of Posts is proud to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on the 2550^th Nirvan Kalyanak of Bhagwan Mahaveer, honoring his lasting legacy of non-violence, equality, and truth.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 201600

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Vardhaman

Born on 599 BCE at Vaishali (Vajji Sangha) at Kundgram, Nalanda district, Bihar, India

Died on 527 BCE at Pavapuri, Magadha, Haryanka Empire [now in Nalanda district, Bihar, India]

About : 

• Bhagwan Mahaveer was the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankar of the Jain religion of this era.
• Bhagwan Mahaveer, born as Vardhaman, was the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. He was born on the thirteenth day of the rising moon of Chaitra month, 599 B.C. in the rich environment of Vaishali (Vajji Sangha) at Kundgram in Bihar, India.
• Due to his special qualities, he was addressed by five names – Vardhaman, Veer, Ativeer, Mahaveer and Sanmati. He has been deeply interested in renunciation since his childhood. He renounced his royal life and left his home at the young age of 30. He left behind his royal clothing under a “Ashoka tree”, at a place called ‘Khandvan’ and became a Digambara saint.
• Bhagwan Mahaveer attained Kaivalya (enlightenment) at the age of 42, under a Sal tree, on the banks of the Rijupalika River near Jurmbhikgram after performing a rigorous penance for 12 years as a dedicated shraman. After attaining enlightenment, Bhagwan Mahaveer chose Vipulachala, near Rajagriha, for his first sermon. Here, he spoke in Prakrit, the people’s language, sparking a social revolution. Indrabhuti Gautam, foremost among his 11 Gandharas, became a tireless propagator, spreading his message far and wide.
• Bhagwan Mahaveer didn’t represent a personality of prohibitions, rather he became a bright bundle of positive acceptances. He inspired the people to know the real truth and let it manifest freely in all dimensions of life. He said that man is known not by his/her birth but by the deeds. Describing the nature of an object as religion, Bhagwan Mahaveer emphasized on its adoption through forgiveness, contentment, simplicity and softness. True religion, he believed, was like a radiant lamp, which can dispel all darkness from its path.
• 2550 Years ago, Bhagwan Mahaveer declared that religion is not such an existence which creates a rift among human beings. Rather, it is such a moral/philosophical system, which creates a bridge of compassion not only between humans, but also among the entire living worlds and brings them closer to each other. Thus, he championed non-violence over violence, truth over falsehood. Through Anekant and Syadvad, he advocated respecting diverse viewpoints, dismantling injustice and solidifying the path to justice.
• He evolved the doctrine “Live and let live”. According to him, only the one, who wants to live, can create constructive conditions of coexistence for his/her neighbourhood, city-locality and country-world through a positive living. Mahaveer’s concept of Living was indicative of the fact that living is an art, and it lies in self-discipline and self-discovery. His concept of living contains new possibilities of co-existence.
• Tirthankar Mahaveer expanded the inheritance of the Shramana tradition, which came from the Lord Rishabhdev. Mahaveer’s entire life was dedicated to the search for truth and equity; Samyaktva of knowledge and also of the character. He performed intense experiments of meditation to experience the essence of the purity of his soul. He was a man of experiment and practised the religion of truth. He explained the practice of separating Pudgal and Jiva; conscious and unconscious.
• Championing equality, Bhagwan Mahaveer shattered societal hierarchies. He declared that all souls, regardless of position, are inherently equal. There are no superiors or inferiors, no masters or slaves and no distinction between men and women. Both genders deserve the same social and cultural standing. He took a revolutionary step by dismantling the shackles that confined women within traditional customs, paving the way for their liberation. While advocating for celibacy, he emphasized it as a principle that could empower women, not restrict them. Ultimately, his teachings aimed to dismantle discrimination and awaken a sense of true equality within society.
• Bhagwan Mahaveer gave a new expansion to the philosophy of non-violence and said that it is necessary not to harm anyone through thought, word and deed and prohibited every type of violence. Non-violence was described as the supreme religion and the giver of happiness and peace. To attain this, he underlined the necessity of following celibacy along with truth, non-stealing and non-attachment. Apart from this, he emphasized on having a feeling of compassion towards every living being and attaining the ultimate feeling of happiness from one’s soul. Calling for victory over oneself, he asserted the principle of live and let live. He propounded the multi-dimensional existence of truth and introduced the principle of Anekant for non-violent resolution of conflicts and suggested the technique of its revelation to the public with Syadvad.
• Bhagwan Mahaveer believed that freeing the soul from bondage required conquering anger and embracing knowledge that illuminates truth and calms the restless mind. His teachings, known as Sarvodaya Tirtha, transcended all boundaries – region, time, caste or social status. Ultimately, his concept of religion focused on achieving soul purity. He viewed all souls with compassion, recognizing their inherent equality. This principle formed the core of his message: “treat others with the same kindness and respect you desire for yourself”.
• 2549 years ago, at the age of 72, Bhagwan Mahaveer attained Nirvana on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi in Pawapuri (Bihar). This marked the culmination of his life’s journey, a transition from a revered teacher to a Siddha – a perfect, liberated soul. Jains celebrate this auspicious night as Diwali, lighting lamps to symbolize the illumination and liberation he achieved. Diwali, the last day of the Jain calendar, becomes a radiant testament to his enduring legacy.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Apr 7, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on Dayanand Saraswati and salutes the life and work of this great social and political reformer and a true patriot.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 201600

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Mool Shankar Tiwari

Born on 12 Feb, 1824 at Tankara, Morvi district, Gujarat, India

Died on 30 Oct, 1883 at Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

About : 

• Dayanand Saraswati was born as Mool Shankara on February 12, 1824 at Tankara, Morvi in the state of Gujarat. He belonged to a wealthy family of Samavedi Brahmins. His father Karshanji Lalji Tiwari brought up his son under the strict Brahminical rules. To acquire true knowledge, Mool Shankara left his parental home at the age of nineteen and wandered in various parts of India in search of truly learned ascetics to master the theory and practice of Yoga. He became a Sannyasi at the age of 24 and was named as Dayanand Saraswati.
• In the year 1860, he found his Guru, a remarkable Sanskrit scholar at Mathura, Swami Virjananda Saraswati who was visually handicapped but had a grand vision about the future of India. On completion of Dayanand’s studies, Guru Virjananda took a promise from his disciple as ‘Dakshina’ that he would dedicate his life to remove ignorance from the society, work incessantly to spread true Vedic knowledge.
• In the 17^th and 18^th century, Swami Dayanand Saraswati emerged as a torchbearer in the Indian society and raised his powerful voice among the masses – men and women, illiterate and educated, people living in the cities as well as in the rural areas. He worked in many spheres and in various facets of life but his contribution in the revival of Vedic tradition is the greatest.
• He gave a clarion call, Back to the Vedas and enthused Hindu society. At such a time when Vedas were considered as ancient relics of our civilization and when western scholars had started misinterpreting them, Swami Dayanand made a serious attempt to discover the genius of Vedic tradition by adopting the ancient and original methodology for proper interpretation of the Vedas which had fallen into disuse and misuse, during the decadence period.
• Long before the rise of Indian National Congress, Swami Dayanand Saraswati had built the foundation of a strong nationhood. It was Dayanand Saraswati who used the words like Swaraj and Swadeshi for the first time. Dayananda showed true patriotism that was far in advance of the times.
• Sardar Patel described Dayananda Saraswati as a great revolutionary leader and maker of India’s destiny. His contribution towards the ideas of one national language throughout the country, Swadeshi, Nationalism, establishment of Panchayats, upliftment of the downtrodden, national and social unity, profound sense of patriotism and declaration of Swarajya was an unparallel gift to the Nation.
• Great Indian patriots like Bhagat Singh, Ram Prasad Bismil, Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shyamji Krishna Verma and a galaxy of other freedom fighters were closely associated with and influenced by the ideas of Dayanand Saraswati. Lala Lajpat Rai referred to Dayanand Saraswati as his “Dharma Pita” and Arya Samaj as his Mother. Sardar Arjun Singh, Grandfather of Bhagat Singh (who had a picture of Swamiji tattooed on his chest), at the time of Yagyopavit (holy thread) ceremony of Bhagat Singh & his brother Jagat Singh, vowed to dedicate both his grandchildren in the service of the Nation. The author of the popular patriotic poem “Sarfaroshi Ki Tamana”, Ram Prasad Bismil who happily went to gallows, too was imbued with nationalistic views of Swamiji. The great nationalist, Shyamji Krishna Verma was a direct disciple of Dayanand Saraswati.
• Mrs. Annie Besant an ardent supporter of Indian self-rule and founder of ‘Indian Home Rule Movement’ called Dayanand Saraswati as the first to raise the slogan, India for Indians. Mahatma Gandhi appreciated his unequivocal pronouncement against untouchability.
• The Arya Samaj movement, while taking a cue from Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s works, took up various programmes for the upliftment of depressed classes and established a number of Dalitoddhar Sabhas in the country.
• Dayanand Saraswati was deeply concerned about deplorable condition of women in India. He delved deep into the Vedic studies and found that inferiority of the females was not at all sanctioned by the Vedas. He asserted that during Vedic times women enjoyed a very respectable position in the society. The orthodoxy opposed tooth and nail when Dayanand Saraswati started his crusade to preach.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jul 6, 2019

Issued for : The College has completed 75 years of its establishment this year. Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Fakir Mohan College, Balasore.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Smt. Vinita Sinha
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 601880

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Fakir Mohan College was established on 6 July, 1944. The college, initially known as Baleshwar College, was started as a second grade college with 96 seats for Intermediate in Arts course. In 1946, the Bachelor of Arts class was introduced and Intermediate in Science was introduced in 1948. Ultimately, after more than a decade, the Bachelor of Science class was started in 1961-62.
• Now the institution provides education up to post-graduate level in Arts, Science and Commerce. To accommodate the increasing demand for courses and student enrolment, separate blocks were constructed and infrastructure strengthened. It is a full-fledged Graduate and a growing Post-Graduate College, affiliated to Fakir Mohan University, Balasore. Located in the heart of Balasore City, the institution has relentlessly fostered learning and academic excellence, building up a huge corpus of illustrious alumni over the years. The Baleshwar College was the only institution of the type in the whole of the district in the pre-independence era. The College initially operated from the premises of the erstwhile Zilla School, until the School was shifted in 1961 to its new building. The College was renamed as Fakir Mohan College in 1949 after the eminent Oriya poet and novelist late Fakir Mohan Senapati who was the son of the soil.
• In 1999, the Institute was granted Autonomous status by the U.G.C. and in 2001, the +2 wing was separated. At present, Fakir Mohan Autonomous College has a student strength of 3500 covering Arts, Science and Commerce streams. Post-Graduate courses in Commerce commenced from 1979-80 followed later by P.G. in Mathematics, Physics, Political Science, Odia, Botany, Hindi and Psychology. Courses in self-financed mode are offered in Computer Science, Bachelor of Business Administration and 4-year Integrated Bachelor of Education course along with the skill development programme, Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality Management. In the current session, the UGC has also approved the course of Bachelor of Vocational Education.
• Significant milestones in the journey of the College include accreditation by NAAC in 2006 with B++ and re-accreditation in 2014. In 2006, the Institution was declared a centre with Potential for Excellence. Presently, the Institution is in readiness for the third cycle of re-accreditation. The college serves as a nodal centre for supervision and implementation of various Government schemes and policies of the region.
• The Vision of the College is to foster holistic development through academic excellence in teaching, learning and research; to inculcate appreciation for arts and culture and to help imbibe humanistic values along with consciousness of the importance of physical wellness. The Mission of the College inter alia is to nurture through continuous academic engagement, to inculcate values, rational approach, management and leadership skills; to encourage development through research activities, colloquium and workshops for faculty members; to encourage active participation in co-curricular activities; to encourage fitness of mind and body through participation in games and sports, yoga and meditation; and to provide a transformative journey leading to holistic development.
• Text : Based on information received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on May 2, 2019

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Vedanta Desikan.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Smt. Vinita Sinha
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 600500

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Venkatanathan Desika

Born on 1268 CE at Thoopul (Thiruthanka) [now in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, India]

Died on 1369 CE at Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, India

About : 

• Vedanta Desikan was a renowned poet, philosopher and a logician. He taught that everyone can easily attain salvation by following the practical path of prappatti, the way of loving surrender and service. His in-depth understanding of even the rival schools of philosophical thought made him a unique polymath.
• Vedanta Desikan contributed to Tamil and Sanskrit literature. His works are Stotras (Devotional Poems), Vedanta Granthas, Vyaakhyaana Granthas (Commentaries), Rahasya Granthas (Esoteric Works), Kavya Granthas, drama that revealed his ingenuity, creativity, logic, linguistic expertise, devotional fervour and erudite scholarship. In all, one hundred and seventy works have been attributed to Vedanta Desikan. He has been honoured with several titles like ‘Sarvatantraswatantra (Master of Everything)’, ‘Kavitharkika Simha (Lion among poets and logicians)’ and ‘Vedanthacharya (The Master of Vedanta)’. The term ‘Desika’ denotes Vedanta Desikan alone.
• Vedanta Desikan was born in 1268 A.D. in Thoopul, Kancheepuram (Tamil Nadu). His parents were Anantasuri and Todaramba. Anantasuri was one of the seventy-four simhasanadhipatis appointed by Sri Ramanuja to spread the message of his philosophy. Anantasuri and Todaramba were childless even after many years of marriage. They went to Tirumala during Brahmotsava and prayed to Lord Venkateswara for progeny. One night, Todaramba had a divine dream in which she swallowed the bell used in the worship of the Lord. She narrated this incident to her husband the next morning. At the same time, the bell in the sanctum sanctorum was found missing. The priests and scholars deduced that the divine bell was going to incarnate from the womb of Todaramba.
• The next year, on the day of the Teerthavaari of Lord Venkateswara – Purattasi Sravanam, Todaramba gave birth to a male child. The child was named as Venkatanatha and later revered as Vedanta Desikan. Vedanta Desikan is considered an avatar (incarnation) of the divine Bell of Lord Sri Venkateswara of Tirumala Tirupati.
• Vedanta Desikan grew up as a prodigy. When he was seven, Kidambi Appullar accepted Venkatanatha as his disciple and taught him arts, science and scriptures. By the age of 20, he became famous for his mastery over poetry, logic, linguistics, science, Vedanta, debate and allied arts. At the age of 21, Desikan got married to Thirumangai also known as Kanakavalli. His uncle also taught him the Garuda mantra which he chanted at Oushadhagiri at Thiruvahindrapuram (near Cuddalore). Garuda gave darshan and taught him the Hayagreeva mantra. He recited that mantra and received the blessings of Lord Hayagreeva.
• Some scholars had challenged Desikan to compose 1000 hymns in one day. Desikan accepted that and composed 1008 hymns on the Divine Feet (padhukas) of Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam within a short span of four hours. This work titled Padukasahasram is full of sonorous and charming poetry in praise of the divine feet of the Lord. He was also master of many other skills including carving sculptures.
• Vedanta Desikan lived a humble life with his wife. He undertook a vow called uchhavritti – accepting alms for daily sustenance from his disciples without actively seeking them. Desikan stayed in several cities throughout his life such as Thiruvahindrapuram, Kancheepuram, Srirangam, Tirupati and Melkote. He also travelled widely all over India on foot. He lived for 101 years and left for his heavenly abode in 1369 A.D.
• Text : Based on information received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 19, 2018

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Gulabrao Maharaj.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 3.0 lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Gulab Gondoji Mohod

Born on Jul 6, 1881 at Amravati, Maharashtra, India

Died on Sep 20, 1915 at Pune, Maharashtra, India

About : 

• Gulabrao Maharaj was a Hindu saint from Maharashtra, India. Born in a farmer’s family, deprived of education, blinded of on early age, facing adverse conditions all around, he was still credited with giving a vision of life to the people.
• Gulabrao Maharaj was born in a Maharashtrian family on 6 July, 1881 to Gonduji Mohod and Alokabai Mohod from the village of Madhan near Amravati. His full name was Gulab Gonduji Mohod. He became blind on being administered the wrong medicine at the age of 9 months. When he was four years old his mother died and he was brought up by his maternal grandmother in Loni Takli village. He was married to Mankarnika, daughter of Ganaji Bhuyar a farmer in nearby village in the year 1896.
• Sant Gulabrao Maharaj was known as Pradnyachakshu Madhuradwaitacharya Gulabrao Maharaj. He was called Pradnyachakshu because in-spite of becoming blind at the age of about 9 months, he was master of Vedanta philosophy and many occult and physical sciences. ‘Pradnya’ means intelligence and eyes are called “chakshu” in Sanskrit language. He had many divine powers that included the ‘intellectual eyesight’.
• Gulabrao Maharaj displayed his deep intellect and genius through a vast array of writings on Bhakti Vedanta, Sankhya, Nayaya, ethics, Yoga, Ayurveda, music, poetry, literature, plays and scripts in Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi, Brij and Varhadi. He wrote about 133 books on various subjects containing more than 6000 pages, 130 commentaries and about 25,000 stanzas in poetry. He particularly wrote on the Advait Vedanta of Shri Sankaracharya and Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj. He liked the holy songs (Bhajans), holy verses (Shlokas) and reading occult books. He would ask his friends to read the books and would repeat the contents immediately. He had extraordinary memory. He knew all the Vedas and Shastras at the age of ten years. He started writing essays and poetry on religious philosophy since 1897 i.e. from the age of sixteen. He would visit nearby cities, villages and towns and meet people to discuss various topics of religion. In the year 1902 when he was 21, he wrote a commentary on the theories of Darwin and Spencer. He wrote books on various subjects like dhnyan, yoga and bhakti and commentaries on ancient treatises. He wrote on the “Manas Ayurveda”, i.e. psychological part in the Ayurveda. He gave valuable guidelines to those who want to attain salvation and gain eternal knowledge.
• Gulabrao Maharaj is also called “Dharama Samanvaya Maharshi” because he compared and contrasted Indian Philosophy with western philosophy and put up the theory of reconciliation to remove misunderstandings and conflicts from all religions of the world.
• Gulabrao Maharaj died at an early age of 34 years on 20 September, 1915.
• Text : Based on information received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Sep 23, 2018

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Sant Ganinath.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 3.0 Lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Ganinath

Born on — at Mahnar, Vaishali district, Bihar, India

Died on — at India

About : 

• Mansaram lived with his wife on the banks of river Ganges in Mahanar of Vaishali district. They had no children. Mansaram was of pious thought. He used to worship Lord Shiva with utmost dedication along with his other social activities. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva blessed him with a child. During a visit to the forest, Mansaram saw a unique supernatural, divine light coming out of the aura of a newborn (child). Mansaram took that child to his house. Everyone in the village was surprised by the influence of the divine power of the child. He started showing miracles from his childhood. After seeing these miracles, the people praised Lord Shiva and christened the boy as “Ganinath”.
• Ganinath was a brilliant student of sharp intellect. In Samvat 1024, Ganinath was admitted to Vikramshila University. Ganinath achieved mastery in eight ‘Siddhis’ and nine ‘Nidhis’ with austerity and yoga. A Yagya was organized on Baba’s return. Baba Ganinath gave four teachings to the society. They are: study the Vedas; follow the truth and religion; abandon attachment, anger, greed, pride and laziness; respect & protect women’s honor in society. Many people started to come to listen to Baba’s messages. After the blessings of Baba, the suffering of people started to melt away.
• Baba Ganinath married Raja Dhang’s daughter Kshema. Like Baba Ganinath, Mother Kshema was very pious. The five children of Baba Ganinath were Raichandra, Shridhar, Govind, Sonmati and Shilmati respectively. Like Baba, five siblings were also proficient in Vedas, arms and Shastras.
• After becoming Maharaj in 1060 Vikram Samvat, Baba Ganinath unified the states won by his ancestor kings, to establish self-government and order in them. With love, coexistence and compassion, he integrated all the states into a single state.
• In order to liberate the society from Yavanas, Baba Ganinath formed an army which was administered by Raichandra and Shridhar. Yavanas were defeated in the fierce battle and influenced by Sant Ganinath, Sardar Lal Khan Baba, leader of Yavanas become his disciple and continued to serve him throughout his life.
• Baba Ganinath and Mata Kshema took the samadhi together in Palvaiya Dham, which is situated in Hajipur District Vaishali as a grand temple.
• Text : Based on the information received from proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jun 7, 2018

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to release a set of two Commemorative Postage Stamps between India and South Africa to mark “20 years of Strategic Partnership between India and South Africa” featuring images of ‘Deendayal Upadhyaya’ from India and ‘Oliver Reginald Tambo’ from South Africa.

Credits :
Stamps/Miniature Sheet/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 2500, 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 5.0 Lakh each

Miniature Sheet Printed : 1.1 Lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Deendayal Upadhyay

Born on 25 Sep, 1916 at Chandrabhan, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh, India

Died on 11 Feb, 1968 at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India

Name : Oliver Reginald Kaizana Tambo

Born on 27 Oct, 1917 at Nkantolo, Bizana, South Africa

Died on 24 Apr, 1993 at Johannesburg, South Africa

About : 

• India’s relations with South Africa date back several centuries. India was the first country to sever trade relations with the apartheid Government in 1946. Diplomatic and consular relations with South Africa were restored in November 1993.
• India–South Africa relations have been growing from strength to strength. 2017 marked 20 years of Strategic Partnership between the two countries (the Red Fort Declaration for Strategic Partnership was signed by the Prime Minister of India Shri Deva Gowda and President of South Africa Nelson Mandela at New Delhi in March, 1997). 2018 marks 25 years of the establishment of relations between India and South Africa and also marks the 125^th year of the Pietermaritzburg railway station ‘incident’ involving Mahatma Gandhi.
• Our bilateral relations have been strengthened and nourished by a regular exchange of visits at the Head of the Government, Head of the State, Ministerial, Parliamentary and official levels. A number of bilateral agreements have been concluded between the two countries since 1993 in areas ranging from economic and commercial cooperation, defence, culture, health, human settlements, public administration, science and technology to education.
• Under the IBSA & BRICS Initiatives, both countries interact regularly at all levels. On the Commercial & Economic front, our bilateral trade was US$ 9379.71 million in 2016-17 and from 01 April, 2017 to 31 January, 2018 it is US$ 8812.22 million. India is the fourth largest trade partner of South Africa. About 150 Indian companies have their presence in South Africa, with an estimated investment of about US$ 10 billion.
• Regular cooperation has been witnessed in the areas of sports. Approximately 1000 South African nationals have been trained under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme since 1993-94. The South African Indian origin community numbers around 1.5 million which constitutes about 3% of South Africa’s total population. South Africans of Indian origin are well-represented in government, business, media, legal and other professions. The year 2010 marked the 150^th anniversary of the first arrival of Indians in South Africa. 2014 marked 100 years of Gandhiji’s final departure to India from South Africa which date is commemorated annually as Pravasi Bhartiya Divas.
• The theme for India–South Africa: Joint Issue is “20 years of Strategic Partnership between India and South Africa” depicting images of “Deendayal Upadhyaya” from India and “Oliver Reginald Tambo” from South Africa on stamps.
• Deendayal Upadhyaya:
  • Deendayal Upadhyaya was born on 25 September, 1916, in the village of Dhankia in Rajasthan. He lost his parents at an early age and was brought up and educated at his maternal grandfather’s place under difficult conditions. Deendayal drew strength from the hardships and sufferings around him and rose above his circumstances through sheer grit and determination. He received primary education at Kota and Rajgarh. He matriculated from Sikar. Deendayal went to Pilani to study for his intermediate. He topped the board examination in 1937 with distinction in all subjects. He graduated with first division from Sanatan Dharma College, Kanpur in 1939 and joined St. John’s College, Agra for pursuing his Master’s Degree in English Literature. He passed the Provincial Services Exam but he did not join as he was not interested in administrative services. His special areas of interest were sociology and philosophy.
  • Deendayal Upadhyaya was an extremely disciplined and devoted person. His devotion to service, humility and modesty earned respect of those around him. While studying for his graduation in Kanpur in 1937, Deendayal came into contact with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and became a life-long pracharak of the Sangh. Subsequently, he became the General Secretary of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh and later its President.
  • Deendayal was a deep and original thinker. In the field of politics and economics, he was pragmatic and down to earth. He visualized for India a decentralized polity and self-reliant economy with the village as its base. He was open to the use of modern technology but wanted it to be adapted to suit Indian requirements. He placed the nation’s interests above everything else. He died on 11 February, 1968.
• Oliver Reginald Tambo:
  • Oliver Reginald Tambo was born on 27 October, 1917 and groomed in a village life with strong morals and values of hard work. An eloquent young man, he was initially a member of the debating society in a different school where love for discussion and debate was kindled. He later enrolled at Holy Cross Mission near Flagstaff where he became one of the star students. He matriculated from St. Peter’s in Johannesburg with top marks and graduated from Fort Hare University with B.Sc. degree in Maths and Science. It was during this time that his talent as a leader came to the fore when he was elected to the Student’s Representative Council of his residence, Beda Hall.
  • He started his career as a teacher in his alma mater St. Peter’s college. While teaching, he became a very active member of the African National Congress (ANC), forming its Youth League (ANCYL) and became its first National Secretary in 1944. He was promoted as president of the Transvaal ANCYL in 1948 and national vice-president in 1949. In 1951, he formed the first black law partnership with Nelson Mandela. In 1953, he became Secretary General of the ANC and in 1958, its Deputy President. In 1960, after the Sharpeville Massacre, the ANC feared increased attacks on their members, Tambo was asked by the ANC to travel abroad and set up the ANC’s international mission. Thereafter, Tambo headed the ANC diplomatic mission to campaign globally and gain support for the anti-Apartheid cause. He also addressed the UN General Assembly of the Special Political Committee, appearing for the freedom of South Africa. In 1963, he gave a passionate plea to the UN for the release of political prisoners in South Africa prisons.
  • In 1967, after the death of ANC President – General Chief Albert Luthuli, Tambo became Acting President until his appointment was approved at the Morogoro conference in 1969. He served as President of the ANC till 1990, when Nelson Mandela was elected President. In 1990, Oliver Tambo and his family returned home after 30 years in exile. He passed the leadership baton to Nelson Mandela. He was elected as a National Chairperson of the ANC. He died on 24 April, 1993 at the age of 75 years.
• Text : Based on the information received from Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

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Issued by India

Issued on Feb 25, 2018

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Auroville International Township – Golden Jubilee 1968-2018.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 6.46 lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• For millennia, we have been developing outer means, outer instruments, outer techniques of living, and finally those means and techniques are crushing us. The sign of the new humanity is a reversal in the standpoint, and the understanding that inner knowledge and inner technique can change the world and master it without crushing it.
• Auroville is the place where this new way of living is being worked out, it is a centre of accelerated evolution where man must begin to change his world through the power of the inner spirit. – The Mother
• Inspired by Sri Aurobindo’s vision ideals of human unity, Mirra Alfasa, Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual collaborator and universally revered as ‘The Mother’, founded Auroville as an international cultural township on 28 February 1968. In its physical manifestation as a human settlement, its founders envisioned Auroville as a “living laboratory” for applied researches.
• “Auroville wants to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity”. – The Mother
• The core purpose of Auroville is to realise human unity in diversity, on behalf of humanity as a whole. Today, Auroville is recognised as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing experiment in human unity and transformation of consciousness, also concerned with – and practically researching into – sustainable living and the future cultural, environmental, social and spiritual needs of mankind.
• A planned town for up to 50,000 people from around the world, Auroville began on a degraded barren plateau in south-east India. Located mostly in the State of Tamil Nadu, close to the Coromandel Coast and some 10 km north of Pondicherry and 150 km south of Chennai. Over the last 50 years an unknown rural area has been transformed into a lush green Conscious City, acting as a magnet for men and women seeking a higher purpose of life.
• In terms of physical development, Auroville aims at becoming a model of ‘the city the earth needs’. It wants to show the world that future realisations in all fields of work will allow us to build beautiful cities where people sincerely look towards a more harmonious future.
• One of the most remarkable concepts of Auroville is its master plan, laid out in form of a Galaxy – a galaxy in which several ‘arms’ or Lines of Force seem to unwind from a central region.
• At the centre of the township lies the Peace Area, comprising the Matrimandir, the ‘soul of Auroville’, a place for individual, silent concentration and its gardens, the amphitheatre with the Urn of Human Unity that contains the soil of 124 nations and 23 Indian states, and the project of a lake to help create an atmosphere of serenity.
• Radiating out beyond the Matrimandir Gardens are four Zones, each focusing on an important aspect of the township’s life:
  • Industrial Zone, a zone for “green” industries, is focused on Auroville’s efforts towards a self-supporting township. It contains small and medium-scale industries, training centres, arts and crafts.
  • Cultural Zone is a site for applied research in education and artistic expression. Facilities for cultural, educational, art and sports activities are located in this zone.
  • Residential Zone is designed to provide a well-adjusted habitat between individual and collective living, with large areas of greenery and smaller built surface, thereby creating an urban density balanced by nature.
  • International Zone hosts the national and cultural pavilions, grouped by continents. Its central focus is to create a living demonstration of human unity in diversity through the expression of the genius and contribution of each nation to humanity.
• Surrounding the city area is a Green Belt consisting of forested areas, farms and sanctuaries. The Green Belt stands as an example of successful transformation of wasteland into a vibrant eco-system, a remarkable demonstration site for soil and water conservation, ground water recharge, and environmental restoration.
• “Greetings from Auroville to all men of goodwill are invited to Auroville all those who thirst for progress and aspire to a truer life” was the message to youth of the world, in 1968. Inspired young men and women came from world over in caravans chasing a dream; a dream which belongs to nobody in particular. A place where youth will never age. A place searching for answers to the struggles of the world.
• Over the years the population has grown and today 2800 permanent residents from 54 countries have made Auroville their home. Many more thousands come for a shorter experience and take the fragrance of Auroville back to the lands they come from. Young minds are attracted to learn from this aspiration for a new way of living and feel inspired to join Auroville.
• Embracing ‘All Life is Yoga’, a message of Sri Aurobindo, Auroville is an answer to humanity’s aspiration for a higher perfection where unity with the Divine is not achieved by withdrawing from but by embracing all the challenges of life, and turning the difficulties of human existence into stepping stones of growth and progress. Auroville is indeed the practical expression of India’s eternal philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakkam”.
• Auroville is a place of unending and lifelong education, a seat for learning and continuation of our age old tradition of Gurukul, where learning is not confined to classrooms but where life is a living laboratory. Experiments in content and methods of a new system of education are undertaken. Emphasis is on developing all aspects of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual growth of a human being. Along with academics, sports, arts, culture are spiritual development consist an important part of learning. Additionally special schools are run for local villages to provide holistic education. Making education a joyful learning experience, Auroville runs more than 20 educational centers and numerous courses and diverse activities to serve the learning needs of all ages.
• The economy of Auroville is based on the fundamental of no ownership of lands and enterprises. All actions are a service and offering to the Divine. Money is not meant to generate money; money should generate an increase in production, an improvement in the conditions of life and a progress in human consciousness.
• The enterprises are run on principle of trusteeship above needs of personal possessions. Beauty in matter is a cherished goal behind creating a wide range of products. Nearly 400 artisanal small enterprises employ more than 6,000 people from local villages. Apart from income from internal units, Auroville receives grants and donations from several well-wishers from all over the world, including the Government of India.
• Encouraging creativity and innovative thinking Auroville has made rapid progress in applied research in areas of health and healing, environmental regeneration, organic farming, water harvesting, solid waste management, electrical mobility and renewable energy. Auroville has become a centre for sustainable architecture and green practices, producing 125% of energy consumed from renewable sources like wind and solar energy.
• Collaboration is the essence of Auroville’s experiment. Transforming local villages around Auroville has been an important aspect of co-development. The developmental footprint of Auroville effort in rural development has had a transformative effect in the bioregion. Through several initiatives of micro finance, micro enterprises and skill development, Auroville has brought improvement in lives of nearly 1,00,000 people in the surrounding villages.
• Art and culture are integral part of life in Auroville. The exuberant vitality is visible with works of several artists and potters who made Auroville their home. Several residents have become well-known artists and writers through their works of arts, music, acting and literature.
• The organization of Auroville is based on principles of equality, inclusiveness, transparency, collaboration, empathy and plasticity. Recognizing the importance of the Auroville experiment, the Government of India created a statutory body by in-acting the Auroville Foundation Act 1988, functioning under the Ministry of Human Resources and development.
• The General Assembly of UNESCO unanimously passed in 1966, 1968, 1970, 1983 and 2017 resolutions of support to Auroville, inviting ‘member states and international non-governmental organisations to participate in the development of Auroville as an international cultural township designed to bring together the values of different cultures and civilisations in a harmonious environment with integrated living standards which correspond to man’s physical and spiritual needs’.
• The footprint of Auroville has spread beyond its geography through several projects of its units and actions of its residents. Transformation of the surrounding villages of Auroville is the most visible impact. Recognizing the wider impact The UNESCO resolution passed by the General Assembly in 2017 for the 50^th year noted, “that Auroville has developed into a centre of expertise in a wide range of fields, benefiting India and noting its success in sharing its experience and helping the development of its neighboring rural population”.
• Over the years Auroville has been recognized by several national and international Awards like ‘Hasan Fathi Award for Architecture in 1992, Best Earth Buildings to Centre for Scientific Research, Award by HUDCO to Auroville Building Centre in 1994, 1995 and 1996, Ashden Award for renewable energy to Aurore (Auroville Renewable Energy) in 2004, Award of Excellence by Ministry of Textiles to Upasana Studio, Low Carbon Award’ of the ‘Green Building Solutions Awards in 2016’ to Auroville Earth Institute, Rush Light Award for 2017-18 to Auroville Consulting.
• Text : Based on the material received from proponent.

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