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 Feb 23, 2024

Issued for : Department of Posts is delighted to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Sarangadhar Das known as Gadjat Gandhi and appreciates his contribution to social reformist ideas and value his important role in political world as well as in evolution of industries.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 201600

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Sarangadhar Das

Born on 17 Oct, 1826 at Harekrushnapur, Dhenkanal [then princely state], British India [now in Odisha, India]

Died on 18 Sep, 1957 at Cuttack, Odisha, India

About : 

• Sarangadhar Das, was a revolutionary, a scientist par excellence, a Parliamentarian and a prolific writer. He was popularly known as ‘Gadjat Gandhi’ for his role in the Prajamandal Movement in various Princely States of Odisha.
• Born on 17^th October 1886 at Harekrushnapur, Dhenkanal, Odisha, he did his matriculation from Dhenkanal Garh High School and B.Sc. from Ravenshaw College, Cuttack. For higher studies, he studied Chemistry at Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan. He also studied Sugar Technology at the University of California, Berkeley. He left for heavenly abode on 18^th September 1957.
• Sarangadhar struggled hard after his father’s death when he was 11. However, his mother encouraged him to pursue his studies. The aim of Sarangadhar was not to join in Government Service but to establish Industry. He had a dream, to make India an industrially developed country.
• After completing his study, he planned to set up a sugar industry in Dhenkanal. But, the then king of Dhenkanal, Shankar Pratap wanted to exterminate the sugar factory, created all obstacles, and destroyed the factory. Sarangadhar’s mission failed and he realized that it was impossible to develop industry in Dhenkanal without the abolition of the king’s rule. So, he thought of a revolution and that was translated into the Gadjat Movement.
• He established an institution, ‘Praja Samilani’ and encouraged the local leaders to form the Prajamandal committee and to revolt against the king. The Movement spread in the nook and corner of the entire Dhenkanal Gadjat as well as in other parts of Odisha. Subsequently, he became one of the Vice Presidents of the All India Prajamandal Committee.
• He had an active political career. In 1946, he was elected to the Provincial Legislative Council of Odisha (1946-1949) from Tirtol–Erasama constituency and India’s Provincial Parliament where he presented strong arguments in favour of the merger of all Princely States with Odisha and demanded a responsible Government in all Princely States.
• After independence, he resigned from the Congress Party to join the Socialist Party and was an active participant in the All-Orissa State’s People’s Movement. He was also the Chairman of the Socialist Party (Utkal, 1951-1952) as well as the Deputy Leader of the Praja Socialist Party (1952-1953). In the year 1951, he was elected Member of Parliament to Lok Sabha from Dhenkanal-west-Cuttack Joint Parliamentary Constituency.
• He worked tirelessly for the upliftment of tribal groups and lower caste communities. He also served as a member of the Standing Committee of the All-India State’s People’s Conference (1939-1943) and a member of the All-India Congress Committee (1939-1945). He was elected President of Orissa and Central Provinces States Regional Council (1946-1947).
• Sarangadhar Das regularly wrote about various struggles of the masses in the journal ‘Krushak’. Two of his published Works include ‘The Development of Sugar Industry in India’ and ‘Bikaner – A Political & Economic Survey’.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jan 24, 2024

Issued for : Department of Posts is proud to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on 100^th Birth Anniversary of Karpoori Thakur and salutes his endeavour to fight for the cause of downtrodden in the society.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Sh. Sankha Samanta
Cancellation Cachet : Sh. Sankha Samanta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 201600

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Karpoori Thakur

Born on 24 Jan, 1924 at Pitaunjhia, Bihar and Orissa Province, British India [now in Samastipur district, Bihar, India]

Died on 17 Feb, 1988 at Patna, Bihar, India

About : 

• Karpoori Thakur was born on January 24, 1924, in Pitaunjhia, a small village in Samastipur, Bihar. Hailing from a modest background, he rose to prominence through his dedication to social justice and political activism. His father was from the ‘Nai’ (barber) community in Bihar. Karpoori Thakur was the first Non-Congress CM of Bihar in 1971. He became CM Twice, 1970-1971 and 1977 and became Deputy CM in 1967. He was politically influenced by Loknayak Jaiprakash Narayan and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia. His life and career were marked by a commitment to empower the marginalized communities, leaving an indelible impact on Bihar’s political scenario.
• Karpoori Thakur’s early life was shaped by the socio-economic conditions prevalent in Bihar during the pre-independence era. Despite facing financial constraints, he pursued his education with diligence. The formative years instilled in him a deep sense of empathy for the underprivileged, motivating him to work hard for positive change.
• His entry into active politics occurred against the backdrop of India’s struggle for independence. Thakur, inspired by the spirit of the times, became involved in various social and political movements, and he became a noted figure during the Indian freedom struggle. He was also jailed during Bharat Choro Aandolan (Quit India Movement).
• Thakur’s political journey gained momentum as he aligned himself with causes that championed the rights of the downtrodden. His entry into mainstream politics was marked by his association with socialist ideologies. Thakur’s commitment to egalitarian principles saw him emerge as a prominent leader, and people believed in him and his cause.
• One of the defining moments in Thakur’s political career came with his election to the Bihar Legislative Assembly. His advocacy for the rights of the underprivileged found popularity among with voters, propelling him to leadership roles within the socialist movement.
• Karpoori Thakur’s tenure as the Chief Minister of Bihar marked a transformative phase in the state’s history. His leadership, characterized by a resolute commitment to social justice, resulted in groundbreaking policies aimed at uplifting marginalized communities. He played a pivotal role in the implementation of reservation quotas for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and educational institutions.
• The introduction of reservation policies under Thakur’s administration aimed to address historical injustices and provide opportunities for those historically marginalized. These policies sought to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
• Thakur’s governance style’s primary character was defined by simplicity and accessibility, earning him the nickname “Jan Nayak” (People’s Leader). His administration prioritized grassroots development, emphasizing education, healthcare, and infrastructural improvements. Thakur’s policies were rooted in the belief that social progress was intrinsically linked to economic and educational empowerment.
• Karpoori Thakur’s untimely demise in 1988 marked the end of an era in Bihar’s political landscape. However, his legacy endures through the enduring impact of the policies he championed and the indomitable spirit of social justice he embodied. Thakur’s life serves as an inspiration for future generations, reminding them of the transformative power of principled leadership in the pursuit of a more just and inclusive society.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on May 22, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on 250^th Birth Anniversary of Raja Ram Mohan Roy who fought against the caste system, untouchability, superstitions, social evils and for the pride of the country.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Mr. Sankha Samanta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 201600

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Ram Mohan Roy

Born on 22 May, 1772 at Radhanagar, Bengal Presidency, Company Raj [now in Arambagh, Hooghly, West Bengal, India]

Died on 27 Sep, 1833 at Stapleton, Bristol, England

About : 

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy was born on 22 May 1772 in Radhanagar, Hooghly district of West Bengal. He was one of the founders of the Brahmo Sabha in 1828. His influence was apparent in the fields of politics, public administration, education and religion. He was known for his efforts to abolish the practices of sati and child marriage and is considered to be the “Father of the Bengal Renaissance” by many historians.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy’s impact on modern Indian history was on account of efforts for revival of the pure and ethical principles of the Vedanta school of philosophy, as found in the Upanishads. He preached the unity of God, made early translations of Vedic scriptures into English, co-founded the Calcutta Unitarian Society and founded the Brahmo Samaj.
• The Brahmo Samaj played a major role in reforming and modernizing the Indian society. He successfully campaigned against sati, the practice of burning widows. He endeavored to integrate Western culture with the best features of his own country’s traditions. He established a number of schools to popularize a modern system (effectively replacing Sanskrit based education with English based education) of education in India. He promoted a rational, ethical, non-authoritarian, this-worldly, and social reform Hinduism.
• His writings also sparked interest among British and American Unitarians. During early rule of the East India Company, Ram Mohan Roy acted as a political agitator whilst employed by the East India Company.
• Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Atmiya Sabha and the Unitarian Community to fight the social evils, and to propagate social and educational reforms in India. He was the man who fought against superstitions, a pioneer in Indian education and a trend setter in Bengali prose and Indian press. He crusaded against Hindu customs such as sati, polygamy, child marriage and the caste system, demanded property inheritance rights for women.
• Roy’s political background and Devandra’s Christian influence influenced his social and religious views regarding reforms of Hinduism. He believed education to be an important tool for social reform. He also founded a number of educational institutions. He supported induction of western learning into Indian education. His most popular journal was the Sambad Kaumadi. It covered topics like freedom of the press, induction of Indians into high ranks of service and separation of the executive and judiciary. He died on 27 September 1833 at the age of 61 years.
• Text : Based on information received from the 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 Nov 10, 2021

Issued for : Department of Posts is honoured to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Dattopant Thengadi.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 201600

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Dattatrye Bapurao Thengadi

Born on Nov 10, 1920 at Arvi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India

Died on Oct 14, 2004 at Pune, Maharashtra, India

About : 

• Dattopant Thengadi was born on 10^th November, 1920 on the day of Diwali in Arvi Nagar, Wardha district, Maharashtra. His full name was Dattatreya Bapurao Thengadi but he became famous by the name of Dattopant. His father Bapurao Dajiba Thengadi was an eminent advocate. Dattopant Thengadi had his early education in Arvi Nagar.
• In the year 1931-32, while the freedom movement was going on under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, Dattopant Thengadi was a student of class VI & VII and at this early age, he had started sharing his organizing skills. He had formed the Vanar Sena, Jhuggi Jhopdi Mandal and the Arvi Vidyarthi Sangh and participated in the movement.
• Dattopant took advanced education in Nagpur and after earning the L.L.B. degree, he decided to be a pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh and remained engaged in social service for his lifetime. After serving as a Pracharak in Kerala from 1942 to 1944 and then in Bengal till 1948, he came back to Nagpur where he was instrumental in the establishment of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad in 1949. He was the Sangathan Mantri of Bharatiya Jana Sangh of Madhya Pradesh in 1951-53 and Dakshinanchal in 1956-57. He served as the Sangathan Mantri of Madhya Pradesh INTUC Labour Union in 1950-51 which enriched his experience of the labour sector.
• Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh was founded by him on 23^rd July, 1955. The aim of its establishment was to set up a labour organization that would work in the interest of the nation, industry and workers on the principle ‘of the workers, by the workers and for the workers’. The organization is considered as the largest labour organization in the country today.
• Dattopant Thengadi was an organizer and philosopher. He was a litterateur and accomplished author who wrote more than one hundred books and prologues of books. His book ‘Sanket Rekha’ and ‘Third Way’ (third option) books were discussed all over the world. He used to deliver meaningful lectures on literature, culture, history, science, politics, contemporary global activities, economic and social subjects. He had a keen grasp of Marathi, Hindi, Malayalam, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada and English languages.
• He established ‘Bharatiya Kisan Sangh’ on 4^th March, 1979. He also established ‘Swadeshi Jagran Manch’, ‘Samajik Samrasta Manch’ and ‘Sarvapanth Samadar Manch’ on 22^nd November, 1991, 14^th April, 1983 and 14^th April, 1991 respectively. He played a crucial role in the establishment of the Environment Forum and organizations such as All India Advocates Council, Sahkar Bharti, Pragya Bharti and All India Consumer Panchayat.
• He served as a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from 1964 to 1976. He breathed his last on 14^th October, 2004 at Pune.
• Text : Based on information received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Aug 30, 2019

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue Commemorative Postage Stamps to acknowledge the contribution made by these Master Healers of AYUSH of modern era.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Based on inputs received from proponent, developed by Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Sheetlet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 300000

Mix sheets Printed : 60280

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Bhaskar Vishwanath Gokhale

Born on 19 Apr, 1903 at Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Died on 12 Jan, 1962

About : 

• AYUSH systems of healthcare form the foundation of India’s Medical Heritage. These systems are not merely sciences of disease and drug, but have their conceptual spheres touching every aspect of life. Path-finding visionaries have appeared in each of the different streams of AYUSH systems at different times in history and made valuable contributions to the growth and development of respective practices.
• Department of Posts is bringing out Commemorative Postage Stamps on 12 such Master Healers from different streams of AYUSH systems.
  • Bhaskar Vishwanath Gokhale was a skilled teacher, far sighted visionary and eminent Ayurveda physician. He emphasized the need for quality Post Graduate education and Research in Ayurveda. He was also one of the early votaries of integrative medical system. His ideas to increase the potency of routinely used drugs are familiar as Ekaushadhi Prayoga. His teachings continue to serve as guiding light for generations of Ayurveda professionals even after so many decades.
• Text : Based on information received from the 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 Dec 29, 2017

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Dadabhai Naoroji. The stamp also depicts Udvada Atash Behram Fire Temple and Elphinstone College. The Fire temple in Udvada is one of the eight fire temples (holy place of worship) of the Zoroastrian religion in the country and the oldest fire temples in India, dating back to the 8^th century, and represents the historical cultural and religious links with ancient Persia. This temple also symbolizes the contribution of Dadabhai Naoroji in spreading the message of Zoroastrian concepts and promoting social reforms in the Parsi Community. The temple attracts Zoroastrian pilgrims from all parts of India and from around the world.

Credits :
Stamp/First Day Cover/Brochure : Sh. Sankha Samanta
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.5 million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Dadabhai Naoroji

Born on 4 Sep, 1825 at Bombay, British India [now Mumbai, Maharashtra, India]

Died on 30 Jun, 1917 at Bombay, British India

About : 

• Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the Grand Old Man of India was one of the guiding lights in the late nineteenth century who played a cardinal role in shaping India’s destiny. He had the distinction of becoming a Liberal Party Member of Parliament (MP) in the United Kingdom House of Commons between 1892 and 1895, the first Asian to be a British MP. Naoroji is also credited with the founding of the Indian National Congress, along with A. O. Hume and Dinshaw Edulji Wacha. His book “Poverty and Un–British Rule in India” gave a brilliant account of India’s economic exploitation under the colonial rule.
• Dadabhai Naoroji was born on September 4, 1825 in Mumbai in a Parsi family, and was educated at the Elphinstone Institute School. He was patronised by the Maharaja of Baroda, Sayajirao Gaekwad III, and started his public life as the Dewan (Minister) to the Maharaja in 1874. As an Athornan (ordained priest), Naoroji founded the Rahnumae Mazdayasne Sabha (Guides on the Mazdayasne Path) on August 01, 1851 to restore the Zoroastrian religion to its original purity and simplicity. In 1854, he also founded a Gujarati fortnightly publication, the Rast Goftar (or The Truth Teller), to clarify Zoroastrian concepts and promote Parsi social reforms. In 1855, he was appointed Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy at the Elphinstone College in Bombay becoming the first Indian to hold such an academic position. He travelled to London in 1855 to become a partner in Cama & Co, opening a Liverpool location for the first Indian company to be established in Britain, but within three years, he resigned on ethical grounds. In 1859, he established his own cotton trading company, Dadabhai Naoroji & Co. Later, he became professor of Gujarati at University College London.
• In 1865, Dadabhai Naoroji directed the launch of London Indian Society, the purpose of which was to discuss Indian political, social and literary subjects. In 1861, Naoroji, alongwith Muncherjee Hormusji Cama, founded the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe. In 1867 Naoroji also helped establish the East India Association, one of the predecessor organisations of the Indian National Congress with the aim of putting across the Indian point of view before the British public. The Association was instrumental in countering the divisive propaganda by some opinionated groups. This Association soon won the support of eminent Englishmen and was able to exercise considerable influence in the British Parliament. In 1874, he became Prime Minister of Baroda and was a member of the Legislative Council of Mumbai (1885-88). He was also a member of the Indian National Association founded by Sir Surendranath Banerjee from Calcutta a few years before the founding of the Indian National Congress in Bombay. The two groups later merged into the Indian National Congress, and Naoroji was elected President of the Congress in 1886.
• Naoroji moved to Britain once again and continued his political involvement. Elected for the Liberal Party in Finsbury Central at the 1892 general election, he was the first British Indian MP. In 1901, he published his book, “Poverty and un-British Rule in India”. In 1906, Naoroji was again elected president of the Indian National Congress, during the phase when opinion in the party was split between the moderates and extremists. Naoroji was a mentor to Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was married to Gulbai at the age of eleven. He died in Bombay on 30 June 1917, at the age of 91. In 2014, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg inaugurated the Dadabhai Naoroji Awards for services to UK-India relations.
• Dadabhai Naoroji’s work focused on highlighting the drain of wealth from India to England during colonial rule. One of the reasons that the Drain theory is attributed to Naoroji is his decision to estimate the net national profit of India, and by extension, the effect that colonisation has on the country. In Naoroji’s book he estimated a 200-300 million pounds loss of India’s revenue to Britain that is not returned.
• He was regarded as one of the most important Indians during the independence movement. Mahatma Gandhi wrote to Naoroji in a letter of 1894 that “The Indians look up to you as children to the father. Such is really the feeling here.”
• Text : Based on the material available on internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 11, 2017

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Nanaji Deshmukh.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.5 million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Chandikadas Amritrao Deshmukh

Born on 11 Oct, 1916 at Kadoli, Hingoli district, Maharashtra, India

Died on 27 Feb, 2010 at Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India

About : 

• Nanaji Deshmukh also known as Chandikadas Amritrao Deshmukh was born on 11 October 1916 in Kadoli, a small town in the Hingoli district of Maharashtra to Amritrao Deshmukh and Rajabai Amritrao Deshmukh. At an early age, he lost his parents and was brought up by his maternal uncle. His early life was full of strife and struggle, however, he grew up to become a dedicated social activist and also worked in the fields of education, health and rural self-reliance. He was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan.
• Nanaji Deshmukh became inspired by Lokamanya Tilak and his nationalist ideology. He was also in close association with eminent leaders such as Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya who he met for the first time in the year 1940. In 1947, on the launch of two journals, Rashtradharma and Panchjanya, and a newspaper called Swadesh, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was assigned the responsibility of the editor and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya was made the Margdharshak with Nanaji as the managing director.
• Nanaji Deshmukh was given the charge of Bharatiya Jan Sangh in Uttar Pradesh as General Secretary. Deshmukh’s groundwork was a great help in strengthening Bhartiya Jan Sangha (BJS) at the grass roots. By 1957 BJS had established its units at each and every district in Uttar Pradesh and credit for this goes to Nanaji who had extensively travelled all over the state and put in a lot of hard work.
• Nanaji Deshmukh also actively participated in Bhoodan Movement started by Vinoba Bhave. He spent two months with Vinoba, and was greatly inspired by the success and appeal of the movement. Later, when Jayaprakash Narayan gave the call for “Total Revolution”, Nanaji responded by giving total support to this movement. Nanaji Deshmukh was elected in 1977 from Balrampur Lok Sabha constituency of Uttar Pradesh. He was offered a Cabinet portfolio which he declined.
• In 1980, when he turned 60, he opted out of politics, devoting himself completely to social and constructive work, living in ashrams and keeping a low profile. He did pioneering work towards anti-poverty and minimum needs programmes. Other areas of his work were agriculture and cottage industry, rural health and rural education. Nanaji assumed chairmanship of the Deendayal Research Institute (DRI) which he had founded in 1972 to validate the philosophy of Integral Humanism propounded by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. Integral Humanism gave a vision for Bharat that with an approach to man and his relationship to society that is integral and complementary could transform India turning it into a self-reliant and compassionate example for the world to follow.
• Nanaji propounded a model for the development of rural areas on the basis of Integral Humanism. After initial experiments in Gonda (U.P.) and Beed (Maharashtra), Nanaji fine-tuned a program that would cover health, hygiene, education, agriculture, income generation, conservation of resources, and social conscience, that is both sustainable and replicable. The vision of the project was ‘Total transformation through total development with people’s initiative and participation’. He was also instrumental in carrying out social restructuring programme in over 500 villages of both Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
• He finally settled down at Chitrakoot, a holy place on the borders of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. It was in 1969 that Deshmukh had visited Chitrakoot for the first time and was moved to see the condition of the society. He resolved to change the face of Chitrakoot during his lifetime. He established Chitrakoot Gramoday Vishwavidyalaya, India’s first rural University, and served as its Chancellor.
• He was nominated to Rajya Sabha in the year 1999 in recognition of his services to the nation. He was also awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1999. India’s former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam praised Deshmukh for his “single-minded devotion to the uplift of the people”. He died the age of 94, on 27 February 2010 in the premises of Chitrakoot Gramoday Vishwavidyalaya.
• Text : Based on the material available on internet.

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