Issued by India

Issued on Dec 31, 2003

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud of this valiant soldier and pays homage to his supreme sacrifice through the release of this commemorative postage stamp that bears his photograph.

Credits :
Stamp : ISP, Nashik based on the photograph.
FDC : Alka Sharma, based on material received from the proponent.
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint condition

Colour : Multicolour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Overall size : 4.064 x 2.73 Cms.

Printing size : 3.714 x 2.38 Cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un W/M Adhesive Gravure Coated stamp paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 Cms.

Print Quantity : 0.4 Million

Number per issue sheetlet : 40

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Somnath Sharma

Born on Jan 31, 1923 at Dadh, Kangra, Punjab Province, British India

Died on Nov 3, 1947 at Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir, India

About : 

• It is oft-proclaimed that national developments are independent of the individual’s effort. But it is also true that achievements of some individuals are so towering that they alter the character of a nation. The annals of Indian Military History, for instance, would have had an altogether different story to tell but for Major Somnath Sharma. For the annals would have been devoid of the flaming magnificence of the patriotism of the man that propelled not only his own Company to fight and gain ultimate triumph over the enemy but also inspired generations of soldiers thereafter to serve the country with single-minded devotion even if it meant making the Supreme Sacrifice. No wonder that this was the man who was the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry award.
• Born in 1923 in a family of soldiers and doctors, Major Somnath Sharma did his schooling in RIMC Dehradun where he distinguished himself as an all round sportsman and scholar. He gained a competitive vacancy in the Indian Military Academy and was commissioned in 1942 into the 19^th Hyderabad Regiment and was posted to the 8^th Battalion. He took to the Army like a duck to water, revelling in the challenges of a hard life. The Regiment fought in Burma under the command of Lt. Col. (later General) K.S. Thimayya. There, Major Sharma had a close shave with death when a Japanese hand-grenade landed in his trench but did not explode. He later served with Thimayya as a Major in his staff when the latter got the command of 51 Indian Brigade. Meanwhile, in India, the 8/19^th and 4/19^th were merged to form the 4^th Kumaon.
• In 1947, when tribal raiders were let loose into Kashmir in thousands, Major Sharma‘s Regiment received an emergency call to join the select force to rescue Kashmir. Though he had broken his wrist and his arm was in plaster, his own ‘D’ Company was the first to go and after landing at Srinagar, was deployed without pause to stem the enemy advance in Badgam village. The enemy, estimated at 700, attacked his company position with 3-inch mortars, LMGs and rifles. Completely outnumbered and with fire being brought to bear on its position from three sides, the company began to sustain heavy casualties.
• Fully realizing the gravity of the situation and the direct threat that would result to both Srinagar and the aerodrome if the enemy attack was not held until reinforcements could be rushed to close the gap leading to Srinagar via Hum Hom, Major Sharma urged his company to fight the enemy tenaciously. He kept rushing across the open ground to his sections, exposing himself repeatedly to heavy fire to urge them to hold on. He skillfully laid out cloth airstrips to guide our aircraft onto their targets in full view of the enemy.
• Realising that casualties had affected the effectiveness of his light automatics, this officer, whose left hand was in plaster, personally commenced filling magazines and issuing them to light machine gunners. A mortar shell landing right in the middle of the ammunition resulted in an explosion that killed him. Major Sharma‘s company still held onto his position and this resulted in the enemy being delayed for six hours, thus gaining time for our reinforcements to get into position at Hum Hom to stem the tide of the enemy advance.
• Major Sharma set an example of soldierly qualities seldom equalled in the history of the Indian Army. For his inspiring leadership, fearless courage, unmatched tenacity and self sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the first Param Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry award instituted by independent India.
• Text : Based on material received from the Army Postal Service.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 31, 2003

Issued for : The Department of Posts pays a tribute to this visionary through the issue of this commemorative postage stamp.

Credits :
Stamp : Kamleshwar Singh
FDC : Alka Sharma, based on material supplied by proponent.
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Four Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Overall size : 2.9 x 3.91 Cms.

Printing size : 2.9 x 3.91 Cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported Unwatermark Stamp Paper

Print Quantity : 0.4 million

Number of Stamps per sheet : 40

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Madras Security Printers

Name : Siddavanahalli Nijalingappa

Born on Dec 10, 1902 at Siddavanahalli, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India

Died on Aug 8, 2000 at Chitradurga, Karnataka, India

About : 

• A plain country gentleman, fervent in religion, fierce in patriotism, brilliant in leadership; such was Siddavanahalli Nijalingappa. His figure straddled the history of Karnataka and left a mark that has never been effaced. Born on 10 December, 1902, young Nijalingappa had a secure childhood. The teachings of his parents laid the foundation for a secular outlook and his education at Davangere and Chitradurga further widened his perspective. He obtained a degree in Law in 1926 at Poona where he studied in Fergusson College. His guiding principles as a lawyer were truth and justice and he believed that making money was not the goal of a lawyer. The freedom movement drew him into its fold and he abandoned all things foreign, adopting Khadi for his attire.
  
• Nijalingappa‘s public and political career can be broadly divided into five successive phases – his role as a leader of the Karnataka Ekikarna (Unification) Movement, participation in the freedom movement as a member of the Gandhiji-led Congress, his achievements as the Chief Minister of united Karnataka State, his role as the President of the undivided Indian National Congress at a critical juncture, and the final phase, in which he blossomed into a great statesman trying hard, in spite of old age and failing health, to rouse the conscience of a nation in the spirit of Gandhiji. We take a brief look at each of these phases.
  
• Karnataka‘s territorial, caste and communal fragmentations provided the backdrop for Nijalingappa‘s stellar role in the Ekikarna Movement. Territorially, it was divided into five sub regions – old princely Mysore State, old Hyderabad State of the Nizam, Madras Karnataka, Bombay Karnataka and Uttara Kannada and the Chief Commissioner’s province of Coorg. Apart from the caste and communal factions, there was division between the Congress and the non-Congress parties. The only unifying factor was the Kannada language and it is a measure of Nijalingappa‘s astuteness that he was able to harmonize all these fragments and carve out a broadly acceptable Karnataka State.
• The second major role that Nijalingappa played with a fire in his belly was towards the liberation of his motherland from the colonial yoke. Important landmarks in this direction include participation and subsequent arrest in the Flag Movement in 1938 at Shivapur near Maddur and organization and leadership of the struggle against the provisions of the Forest Act near Chitradurga in which he led the Congress workers in cutting down toddy palm trees.
• Formation of a separate Karnataka State and leading it as its first Chief Minister was the third major milestone that marked Nijalingappa‘s life. Towards this end he succeeded in persuading the powers that be to accept the logic of federalizing the Indian polity along linguistic lines. In his two stints as Chief Minister, his significant achievements lay in the nationalization of Kolar Gold Fields in 1956, successful handling of the issue of socio-economic justice for backward and weaker sections by extending the reservation scheme in existence in Old Mysore to the whole state, setting up of the Bangalore dairy, encouragement of Khadi and Village industries in rural areas, construction of Tunga Canal and Mangalore harbour and the development of agro-industries, wool industry, paper mills, cooperative sugar factories, roads, mining and Sainik School at Bijapur.
• On his entry into national level politics, Nijalingappa donned the mantle of the President of the Congress, giving up his third Chief Ministerial assignment. This was the period during which there was a rift between the old guard and the newer generation that eventually led to the fragmentation of the Congress, despite Nijalingappa‘s best efforts to prevent it. His role as a Statesman – the fifth major phase of his life – trying to keep the nation’s conscience like a true Gandhian stemmed from these efforts. In this role, he emphasized upon the politics of principles and moral values. He vehemently condemned the unprincipled lust for power and self-aggrandizement. He was committed to creating a humanistic, egalitarian, moral and democratic political environment. He visualized an India that was not just a politically independent entity but an India that was economically strong, socially vibrant and modern in outlook.
• Text : Based on material received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 29, 2003

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to bring out a set of two commemorative postage stamps in recognition of the invaluable contribution of these two doyens of Indian folk music.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Sankha Samanta
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Four

Denomination : 500 Paise

Overall size : 2.80 x 3.30 Cms.

Printing size : 2.80 x 3.30 Cms.

Perforation : 13.5 x 13.5

Paper : Matt Chromo

Stamps Printed : 0.4 Million

Number per issue sheetlet : 50

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd.

Name : Hajjan Allah Jilai Bai

Born on Feb 1, 1902 at Bikaner, Rajasthan, India

Died on Nov 3, 1992

About : 

• Another trail-blazer of folk music was Hajjan Allah Jilai Bai from the erstwhile Bikaner state of Rajasthan. She was born on 1 February, 1902 in a traditional family of musicians. It is said that when she was born, someone gave her poison. He mother besought the Almighty and by virtue of his prayers, the young child was saved. That is why she was named Allah Jilai Bai. Jilai Bai’s mother sang in the court of Maharaja Ganga Singh who was a great patron of the arts. Young Jilai Bai used to accompany her mother to the court when she used to sing at Holi, Diwali, Teej and Gangaur. At times, she used to sing with her mother. Her melodious voice was found to be so captivating that she was placed under the tutelage of Ustad Hussain Bakhsh in the Court School of Maharaja Ganga Singh known as “Guni Jankana” when she was merely eight years old. It was here that she imbibed the Dadra, Thumri and traditional Rajasthani music from Ustad Bakhsh. She learnt dance as well but soon gave it up for she believed it would adversely affect her singing.
  
• Allah Jilai Bai’s forte was Maand and Lok Sangeet. Her rendition of ‘Mharo rangeelo Rajasthan’ and ‘Kesariya baalam, aao ni padharo mharey des’ is unrivalled. Besides the ‘Dadra’ and ‘Thumri’, she also rendered Meera’s bhajans and Ghalib’s ghazals and the ‘Hori’ and ‘Kajri’ with versatility. Her melodious yet powerful singing received recognition from the Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi which awarded her a “Manpatra” in 1975 and also conferred on her the title of “Swar Sadhika”. She also received a Sammanpatra from the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Udaipur in 1978 and the Rajasthan State Award in 1980. On 26 January, 1982, the Govt. of India honoured her with the “Padmashri”. Allah Jilai Bai passed away on 3 November, 1992 at the age of 90.
  
• Text : Based on material received from the proponents and other published sources.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 29, 2003

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to bring out a set of two commemorative postage stamps in recognition of the invaluable contribution of these two doyens of Indian folk music.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Sankha Samanta (Stamp on Lalan Fakir is inspired by a line sketch of Lalan Fakir by Nandlal Bose).
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Four

Denomination : 500 Paise

Overall size : 2.80 x 3.30 Cms.

Printing size : 2.80 x 3.30 Cms.

Perforation : 13.5 x 13.5

Paper : Matt Chromo

Stamps Printed : 0.4 Million

Number per issue sheetlet : 50

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd.

Name : Lalon Sain

Born on 1774 at Bhanrara, Kustia district, Bengal Presidency, British India

Died on Oct 17, 1890 at Cheuriya, Kushtia district, Bengal Presidency, British India [now in Bangladesh]

About : 

• Lalan Fakir (1774-1890), the all-time emperor of the bauls of Bengal was born in Bhanrara village of Kustia district (now in Bangladesh). He was the only child of his parents but having lost his father in early childhood, he could not obtain any institutional education. His village was a centre of folk traditions, renowned also for the culture of folk songs especially baul songs. Baul songs are considered to be the most popular folk songs of rural Bengal and the contribution of Lalan Fakir towards making them popular is immense. From his very boyhood, Lalan was fond of devotional songs. It is stated that he went on a pilgrimage with his neighbours but fell seriously ill due to an attack of small pox. While his companions abandoned him in a state of senselessness, a Muslim lady rescued him, nursed him and got him backed to life. However, Lalan was not accepted back in his village. So, he adopted an ascetic life with Siraj Sain as his preceptor.
  
• Lalan established a religious institution in the village of Chenuria near Kustia where he preached his spiritual ideology based on the tenets of philanthropy, universal love and secularism. His devotional baul songs were simple and touched people’s hearts. People of different religions and castes were drawn to his philosophy based on humanism and before long, his popularity crossed the boundaries of Chenuria. His open-mindedness, secular sense and social orientation added a new dimension to his baul character. He was able to instill a remarkable awareness and sensibility in the life of rural Bengal. The great Indian poet and philosopher, Rabindra Nath Tagore was deeply influenced by Lalan’s ideology and composed many songs based on his baul philosophy.
  
• Text : Based on material received from the proponents and other published sources.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 22, 2003

Issued for : The Akademi completed fifty eventful years of its existence in January this year. The Department of Posts celebrates its Golden Jubilee with the release of this set of three commemorative postage stamps and a miniature sheet which capture the vibrant spirit of the performing arts they portray.

Credits :
Stamp, Miniature Sheet & FDC : Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Overall size : 2.90 x 3.91 Cms.

Printing size : 2.90 x 3.91 Cms.

Perforation : 13.5 x 13.5

Paper : Matt Chromo

Stamps Printed : 0.8 million each

Miniature Sheet : 0.1 million

Number per issue sheet : 30

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd.

About : 

• Civilization is mirrored in its cultural patterns. The classical arts portray not merely its roots but also its developments. They provide a visual commentary on and are a concrete manifestation of abstract thought. Indian art has blossomed through the centuries by virtue of the patronage accorded to it by the various kings and statesmen who ruled the country. Post-independence India felt the need to preserve and promote the rich and vast cultural heritage expressed in diverse forms of music, dance and drama. And thus was born the Sangeet Natak Akademi on 28 January, 1953 with the objective of providing an institutionalized system of support and patronage to the performing arts.
  
• The thought behind the establishment of the Akademi is best expressed in the words of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Union Minister of Education: “India‘s precious heritage of music, drama and dance is one which we must cherish and develop. We must do so not only for our own sake but also as our contribution to the cultural heritage of mankind. Nowhere is it truer than in the field of art that to sustain means to create. Traditions cannot be preserved but can only be created afresh. It will be the aim of this Akademi to preserve our traditions by offering them an institutional form…. In a democratic regime, the arts can derive their sustenance only from the people, and the state, as the organized manifestation of the people’s will, must, therefore, undertake …. maintenance and development [of the arts] as one of [its] first responsibilities….“
• As the apex public body in the field of performing arts, the Sangeet Natak Akademi has not only opened new vistas for our art traditions, it has also fostered cultural contacts among the various regions in India and between India and the world. Besides, it renders advice and assistance to the Government of India in formulating and implementing policies and programmes in the field of performing arts. At present, the Akademi is an autonomous body of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India and is fully funded for implementation of its schemes and programmes. The Akademi has also established institutions like the National School of Drama, Jawahar Lal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy at Imphal and Kathak Kendra – National Institute of Kathak Dance at New Delhi in order to chisel talent and create excellence in these areas. It has taken up National Projects to rejuvenate such ancient dance forms as Kutiyattam (Kerala), Chhau (Orissa) and Sattriya (Assam).
• The Sangeet Natak Akademi has instituted ‘Akademi Awards‘ that are conferred on practising artists as hallmarks of the meritorious service rendered by them in their respective fields. ‘Akademi fellowships‘ are conferred as the highest recognition on living masters. Distinguished ‘Akademi Fellows’ include Bharat Ratna Ravi Shankar, Bharat Ratna Bismillah Khan, Ebrahim Alkazi, Kapila Vatsyayan, Komal Kothari, Kelucharan Mohapatra, Mrinalini Vikram Sarabhai, Birju Maharaj, Ammannur Madhava Chakyar, Badal Sircar, Vijay Tendulkar, Balamurali Krishna, Bhupen Hazarika, Chairman and Shyamanand Jalan, Vice-Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
• The Akademi functions as a storehouse of archives comprising audio/video tapes, photographs and films and a reference library comprising old books and unpublished manuscripts of rare nature as well as more than 600 musical instruments and dance costumes of rare nature to promote research in the field. A gallery of musical instruments was also inaugurated by renowned violinist Lord Yehudi Menuhin at Rabindra Bhawan in New Delhi where more than 200 musical instruments are displayed. The Akademi also gives grants-in-aid to individual workers and cultural organizations engaged in imparting higher training in music, dance and drama and for conducting research and surveys.
• Text : Based on material received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 20, 2003

Issued for : The Department of Posts commemorates his birth centenary with this issue.

Credits :
Layout of Stamp : Sudha Chowdhry, based on material provided by the proponents.
FDC : Mallika Das
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Four Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Overall size : 2.9 x 3.91 Cms.

Printing size : 2.9 x 3.91 Cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported unwatermarked stamp paper

Print Quantity : 0.4 Million

Number of Stamps per sheet : 40

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Eagle Press Private Ltd.

Name : Ramchandra Vishnupant Godbole

Born on Dec 15, 1903 at Pawas, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, India

Died on Aug 15, 1974 at Pawas, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, India

About : 

• Swami Swaroopanandji was born Ramachandra Vishnu Godbole at Pawas, Ratnagiri on 15^th December, 1903. His keen interest in religious scriptures was evident from childhood and was fostered by his teachers at the Aryan Education Society at Bombay. He graduated from the Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune.
  
• However, the thoughts of nationalistic leaders Shri Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi influenced him greatly, urging him to offer his services to his nation rather than to pursue higher studies. Young Godbole returned to Pawas to set up a school, aptly called “Swavalambanashram”. The education imparted here inculcated patriotism, independence and self-sufficiency, in tune with the spirit of the times. The school ran from 1922 to 1927 but he was forced to give it up due to poor local response.
  
• Unfazed, he returned his enthusiasm towards the national movement and spiritual growth. In 1923, he had been initiated into the Nath Sect by his Guru, Baba Maharaj Vaidya. But while seeking spiritual advancement, he continued to express his nationalistic feelings through fiery speeches. He was ordered not to leave the precincts of Pawas. But he disobeyed the orders to go to Pune to participate in a nation-wide strike. He was arrested in 1930 along with other compatriots. This term in jail proved to be another milestone in his life, giving him time for meditation.
  
• After his release, his Guru authorised him to lead the Sect, naming him “Swaroopanand”. A near-death experience in 1934 brought about a complete change in him and his life style. For the rest of his life he stayed at “Anant Niwas” in Pawas till his final rest or “Mahasamadhi” on 15^th August, 1974. His work focussed in these forty years on making the treasures of Marathi Literature and thought embodied in the writings of Sant Dnyaneshwar accessible to the common people and helping them in their spiritual advancement. It was difficult for the ordinary people to comprehend the finer aspects of the Dnyaneshwari, Amritanubhav and Changdev Prashasti because they were composed in Marathi as prevalent hundreds of years ago. Swami Swaroopanand’s translations of these volumes made them available and comprehensible. Personifying the virtues inculcated by the “Bhagavad Geeta” which moulded his personality and thinking, Swaroopanandji combined devotion with detachment and knowledge.
  
• Text : Based on material provided by the proponents.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 18, 2003

Issued for : The Department of Posts honours the memory of Mukut Behari Lal Bhargava who stands like a beacon at the confluence of the political, legal and nationalistic streams of India’s life.

Credits :
Stamp : Bharati Meerchandani
FDC & Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Four Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Overall size : 2.90 x 3.91 Cms.

Printing size : 2.90 x 3.91 Cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated stamp paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 Cms.

Print Quantity : 0.4 Million

Number of Stamps per sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Mukut Bihari Lal Bhargava

Born on Jun 30, 1903 at Shahpura, Bhilwara, Rajasthan, India

Died on Dec 18, 1980 at Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

About : 

• Born in 1903 in Shahpura, Bhilwara, Rajasthan, Mukut Behari Lal Bhargava established his personal and professional presence well beyond the boundaries of his birthplace. Adopted by Vinodi Lal Bhargava of Beawar near Ajmer, he rounded off his studies with a Master’s degree in History and a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Allahabad University. He began his legal practice at Beawar in 1927.
• Ajmer became the fulcrum of his activities which expanded beginning with membership of the Beawar Municipality in the same year. He joined the Indian National Congress in 1930 and became a committed participant in its activities. His ability as a lawyer saw him become president of the Bar Association in Beawar to begin with. Later he was Chairman of the Rajasthan Bar Council. He was articulate and persistent in seeking democratisation of administration in the Ajmer–Merwara territory and extended the fight to seeking the same for the States of Rajputana and Central India.
• Working with the Congress he was arrested in 1941 for individual “satyagraha” and again during the Quit India Movement in 1942. He lost his eyesight during detention, but this did not douse the light of his resilient spirit. He was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly in 1945 and later to the Constituent Assembly. Ajmer returned him to Parliament three times as its representative. His eloquent and fearless advocacy was made available often free of cost to people, groups and causes that he passionately believed in: matters relating to weaker sections, farmers, labourers, freedom from foreign rule, women’s education, untouchability, the use of Hindi as an official language and communal harmony. As a lawyer he received recognition even in the Supreme Court. His legacy lives on in his private collection of legal literature and in the welfare fund he set up for lawyers.
• Even after withdrawing from active political life in Parliament, his commitment to these issues continued unabated. His nationalism was not limited to the political arena. It carried him and his formidable memory and eloquence into a lifelong dedication to the upliftment of educational, social & cultural institutions. No issue was too small for his attention, whether it was widow rehabilitation or rationing of foodstuffs.
• Text : Based on material received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 11, 2003

Issued for : The Department of Posts commemorates the 200^th session of the Rajya Sabha with this issue.

Credits :
Stamp, FDC and Cancellation : Sankha Samanta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Five Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Overall size : 4.06 x 4.80 Cms.

Printing size : 4.06 x 4.80 Cms.

Perforation : 13.5 x 13.5

Paper : Matt Chromo

Print Quantity : 0.8 Million

Number of Stamps per sheet : 40

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd.

About : 

• The Government of India Act, 1919 for the first time provided for a bicameral Central Legislature, which was inaugurated in 1921 and consisted of the Governor-General and two Houses, namely, the Council of State and the Legislative Assembly. The Legislative Assembly was later renamed as the House of Assembly under the Government of India Act, 1935. The bicameral arrangement continued till 1947.
  
• After much debate in the Constituent Assembly, which met from 1946 to 1950, the founding fathers decided for a bicameral Central Legislature. In the Council of States, which was named Rajya Sabha in Hindi in 1954 all the States are not represented equally. The Union territories of Delhi and Pondicherry are also represented in Rajya Sabha. Twelve persons having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as literature, science, art and social service are nominated by the President to Rajya Sabha. The minimum age limit for being a member of Rajya Sabha is thirty years. The vice-President of India is the ex–officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
  
• As a constituent of Parliament, both in terms of volume and content of legislation and the time devoted to the transaction of business, Rajya Sabha has effectively discharged its role mandated by the Constitution. Rajya Sabha has limited power in financial matters but the role assigned to it in this regard is by no means less important.
  
• Apart from legislation, the other important function of Parliament is to focus attention on matters of public importance, influencing policies of the Government and to provide a forum for ventilation of public grievances. This responsibility is discharged by Rajya Sabha through various time-tested procedural mechanisms and by adopting new procedural devices.
• As an embodiment of the federal principle, under the provisions of the Constitution, if Rajya Sabha adopts a resolution by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting, stating that it is necessary or expedient in the national interest that Parliament should make laws with respect to any matter enumerated in the State List specified in the resolution, Parliament assumes power to make laws for the whole or any part of the territory of India in respect of that subject. Rajya Sabha has similarly been assigned a special role in the national interest to enable Parliament to create by law one or more All-India Services common to both the Union and the States.
• The Committee System in Rajya Sabha was also revamped to cope with emerging challenges, the latest addition to which have been the seventeen Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committees out of which six function under the direction and control of the Chairman, Rajya Sabha.
• During the 199 Sessions that Rajya Sabha held so far, this House of Parliament has played a constructive and effective role. Its performance in the legislative field and in influencing the Government policies has been quite significant. Rajya Sabha has worked for the unity and integrity of the nation and has reinforced the faith of the people in democracy.
• Text : Courtesy, Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 10, 2003

Issued for : India Post, through the release of this joint issue of stamps, conveys the message of further consolidating its friendship, cooperation and partnership with ROK for the Twenty First century.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Bharati Meerchandani based on material obtained from the Postal authorities of ROK and photograph by M.D. Sharma.
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

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

Colour : Four Colour

Denomination : 1500 Paise each

Overall size : 2.90 x 3.91 cms.

Printing size : 2.50 x 3.50 cms.

Perforation : 13.5 x 13.5

Paper : Matt Chromo

Print Quantity : 0.8 million each

Number of Stamps per sheetlet : 16

Printing Process : Photo Offset

Printer : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd.

About : 

• India and Korea share traditional ties of friendship and a common Asian heritage. There have been contacts between the two peoples through the centuries. This shared historical legacy is immortalised in the Korean epic “Samguk Yusa” (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), according to which King Kim Suro married a Princess from Ayodhya. Subsequently, the advent of Buddhism into Korea, resulting in increased people-to-people exchanges, acted as the catalyst for enhanced linkages between the two countries. Today the India – Republic of Korea relationship is based on this strong foundation of shared cultural and spiritual heritage, democracy, human freedom and economic complementarities. In recent years, these relations have been reinforced with several bilateral, institutional mechanisms, set up for regular interaction between the two countries on issues of mutual interest. Besides, India’s “Look East” policy has always included the Republic of Korea as an important component. India was actively involved in the Peninsula to support the United Nations during the Korean War and also after the war.
  
• Trade and investment constitute an important aspect of the India – ROK bilateral relations. Total bilateral trade in 2002-03 was US$ 2.2 billion and is growing. Total cumulative approved ROK investment to India is nearly US$ 3 billion. There has been fruitful interaction and growing cooperation in the Information Technology sector.
  
• India – Korea ties have surged ahead in all directions and completed thirty years of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Providing further impetus to mutual understanding and cooperation, the Postal Administrations of the two countries have embarked on a joint venture in Philately through the release of a set of stamps.
  
• The setenant features the ancient observatories of the two nations that depict the technological advancements in the field of astronomy at that time. The Korean stamp depicts the Cheomseongdae Astronomical Observatory at Gyeongju. The observatory was built in 647 A.D. during the reign of Queen Seondeok (632-647) in the Silla period and is 9.17 metres high. It is probably the oldest observatory still remaining in East Asia. As an astronomical observation centre of Silla, it served as the standard of the meridian. It can be seen that astronomy was deeply related to agriculture in that it could decide the farming time according to the movement of the celestial bodies. And it was also deeply related to politics as the good and bad luck of a nation could be predicted according to the result of observing the heavens. Accordingly, astronomy became the great interest of a nation, and as a result, it is natural to have built Cheomseongdae.
  
• The Indian stamp features the ‘Jantar Mantar’ at Jaipur. Etymologically speaking, the Sanskrit word ‘Yantra’ meaning instrument is ‘Jantar’ in the local dialect and the Sanskrit word ‘Mantra’ or Mantar means a mystical formula meant for attainment in astronomical and mathematical calculations as well as in spiritual life. The Jantar Mantar at Jaipur was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1728 A.D. and is 431 metres above Mean Sea Level. He had a monumental love for astronomy that found expression in the creation of this observatory. It is situated in the vicinity of the Royal city palace so that the Astronomer-Maharaja could carry out celestial observations whenever he wanted. The objective of its construction was to popularise the study of astral luminaries, to make celestial observations, to prepare the ephemeris, almanacs and calendars. This magnificent scientific creation paved the way for the pursuit of astronomical studies and research in the country. It became the Mecca for Indian and European astro-scholars. The observatory was restored under the orders of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II in 1901 A.D. It still serves as an arena of practical demonstrations and examination for the students of astronomy.
  
• Text : Based on inputs received from Ministry of External Affairs and ROK.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 3, 2003

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to commemorate his birth centenary through the issue of this stamp that depicts the writer in a pensive mood and highlights his concern for gender issues.

Credits :
Stamp : Based on a painting by Gogi Saroj Pal received from the proponent.
FDC : Binoy Varghese
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Four Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Overall size : 2.90 x 3.91 Cms.

Printing size : 2.55 x 3.56 Cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated stamp paper in Sheets 50.8 x 53.5 Cms.

Print Quantity : 0.4 million

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Yashpal

Born on Dec 3, 1903 at Kangra Hills, Punjab, British India

Died on Dec 26, 1976

About : 

• A youth in revolt, a fervent apostle of liberty, a magnificent expounder of criticism and of truth who shocked his contemporaries but dazzled posterity by his writings. That was Yashpal. The man and his works will ever be the cause of argument and explanation but rising above them all is the depth of his thought and comprehension matched by the sheer power, force and beauty of his words that he has left as his memorial.
• Born on the 3^rd of December, 1903 in Punjab in a middle class family, he studied at Gurukul-Kangri, Hardwar and at National College, Lahore. In his formative years, the nation was agog with patriotic activity that kindled in him the fire to liberate the country from the foreign yoke. Initially drawn to the Non-Cooperation Movement, he later felt that such movements were unresponsive to the needs of the poor and ineffective with the British and was attracted to the more fiery Revolutionary Movement. He joined the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army that sought to overthrow the British rule by armed struggle through a people’s revolution. Among his comrades were martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdeva, Chandra Sekhar Azad & Bhagwati Charan Vohra. On 24 December, 1929 Yashpal & Bhagwati Charan bombed the Viceroy Lord Irwin‘s train at Delhi that created quite a stir. Yashpal was captured in an armed encounter at Allahabad and sentenced to fourteen years rigorous imprisonment. However, he was released in 1938 under General Amnesty for political prisoners by the Congress Government. This marked the beginning of his career as a writer.
• Yashpal‘s short stories, essays, novels and reminiscences reflect his intense patriotic fervour. As a revolutionary, he was deeply inspired by Marxian ideology and he believed that the social crisis of India could be solved by establishing a just political and economic order, promising equality of opportunity to all. As such, his writings in the monthly journal ‘Viplava‘ that he founded in 1939, were particularly vitriolic while talking about the economically deprived & exploited sections of society.
• From his earliest writing to the last, he campaigned relentlessly for an equal place for women in society. He also questioned illogical and repulsive religious practices. These standpoints earned him the wrath of the puritanical elements of society. His novel ‘Jhootha Sach‘, about India‘s partition, has been compared to the works of Balzac & Victor Hugo and in scope and breadth to Tolstoy‘s “War & Peace“. Another epic creation of his is “Divya“. His works have been translated into all Indian and more than fifteen foreign languages.
• Yashpal was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1970 by the Government of India for his contributions to literature and India’s freedom struggle. He has also been conferred the Mangala Prasad Puruskar, Dev Puruskar, Sahitya Varidhi and the Sahitya Akademi Puruskar. He breathed his last in 1976 while writing the fourth volume of his Reminiscences.
• Yashpal‘s style was simple and lucid and his writings revealed his grasp and deep insight into the problems he was dealing with. He has left an indelible mark on Hindi literature.
• Text of Information Brochure : Based on inputs received from the proponent.

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