Issued by India

Issued on Dec 30, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is proud to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on 200 Years of Indian Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka, recognising the hardships faced by the Indian Origin Tamils and valuing their contribution to the economic development of Sri Lanka.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 301850

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Indian Origin Tamils (IOT) of Sri Lanka are Tamil people of Indian origin, also known as Malayaga Tamilar, who predominantly descend from workers sent from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka in the 19^th & 20^th centuries to work in coffee, tea and rubber plantations. They are instrumental in the development of the plantation sector. These Tamil-speaking people mostly live in the central highlands, also known as the Malayagam or Hill country.
• The first group of Indian Origin Tamils (IOT) arrived in Sri Lanka, then called Ceylon, in 1823 as labourers to work in coffee and then tea, rubber, and cocoa plantations in the hilly regions of Sri Lanka. Later in the 1900s, substantial numbers of Tamils from India also came to settle in Ceylon as financial entrepreneurs and grocers. They were the trading community of IOT, which was not part of the plantation economy and who had come to Ceylon since then. After the British takeover of the administration of Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon) in the early 19^th Century, they involved themselves in various activities, including economic enterprises such as plantation and agriculture.
• The Indian Origin Tamils were put through immense hardship during the British rule in India and Sri Lanka. During the 1830s, Indian Origin Tamils working in coffee estates were not provided with wages. Instead, they were asked to trade coffee beans gathered by them for commodities from shops. Only after 100 years of immigration to Sri Lanka did the Indian Origin Tamils’ hardships become known to the international community.
• The Indian Tamils in Sri Lanka were enumerated as a separate ethnic group for the first time in the census of 1911 when the people of this community became the second-largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka. The government considered them a separate group and named them “Indian Tamils” in the official census from that year onwards. For various administrative and political purposes, the government officially identified the community as “Indian Tamils”.
• In the 1940s, the trade union movement had galvanised the plantation workers into a militant working class. They joined hands with the Lanka Sama Samaja (or Socialist) Party (LSSP), which carried the message of a working-class struggle for liberation from exploitation by mostly British plantation companies. The Ceylon Citizenship Act of 1948 made the IOT community stateless.
• As they had no means of electing anyone to the Parliament, they ceased to be a concern to the Sri Lankan Parliament. The plantation workers were thus forgotten from 1948 to 1964. They were unable to profit from any progressive legislation. The housing, health and education of the plantation workers were neglected.
• A Satyagraha campaign was launched to protest the deprivation of representation by the Indian Tamil leaders in 1952 by the CWC led by Soumyamoorthy Thondaman, Abdul Aziz, G.K. Motha, and P. Perisundaram, K. Rasalingham, C.R. Motha, Kottampalli Govindan Sellappa Nayar, Vaithiyalingham Palanisami Pillai and many others participated in this struggle. It occurred at the Galle Face Green, in front of Ceylon’s parliament.
• After making the IOT community stateless, Citizenship rights granted according to eligibility criteria set out in a few enactments enabled Indian Tamils to become part of the country’s permanent population. This was a long process. There was much political manoeuvring by the Indian Tamil leaders and the regimes in power at various times to solve problems. Also, the process imposed on the Indian-origin Tamils a price which they paid through heavy sacrifices and financial hardships. After two generations or more of Indian Tamils after the Independence of Sri Lanka, the final batch of the 300,000 stateless IOT population was granted citizenship in 2003 by a Bill proposed to the Sri Lankan Parliament by Arumugam Thondaman. The IOTs suffered the agony of being a stateless community. Accordingly, the Indian Tamil population in Sri Lanka experienced different issues and trends during the last two hundred years of their stay.
• The current political regime in India followed a proactive approach to address the issue of IOT. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited central Sri Lanka in May 2017, where Indian Origin Tamils were settled and inaugurated various projects completed with the aid of the Government of India. This includes the completion of 4,000 concrete houses for the Indian Origin Tamils and the announcement of 10,000 new houses.
• During the visit of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe to India on 21^st July 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the implementation of various projects worth Rs 75 crore for Indian-origin Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka while celebrating the 75^th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka and also completion of 200 years of the arrival of Tamil community of Indian origin in Sri Lanka.
• On the 2^nd of November 2023, Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman participated and graced the ‘NAAM 200’ organised by the government of Sri Lanka.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 29, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on Diamond Jubilee of Sashastra Seema Bal and salutes its unwavering commitment of serving the nation.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 307100

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Chinese aggression of 1962 gave a denting shock to India. The Indian policy makers and strategist were compelled to rethink about the national security vis-à-vis its neighbors particularly China. Besides addressing military issues, a need was realized for an out of box solution which led to the creation of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), a unique and unconventional organization, designed to work in the far-flung, strategic but vulnerable border areas, motivating the border population across several states to work as a cohesive population aware of the threats from across the border and ready to respond in their own way.
• The humble beginning of Special Service Bureau was made in 1963 under Cabinet Secretariat in Tezpur (Assam) and in the North-Eastern Frontier Agency (NEFA), later re-named as Arunachal Pradesh. SSB soon spread out into North Bengal, Hills of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu. In the next two decades, SSB extended its footprints to the border areas of Manipur, Sikkim, Rajasthan, Guwahati, South Bengal and Nagaland. Guided by its motto of “Service, Security and Brotherhood”, SSB soon became a household name in the border areas and it was better understood as People’s Force.
• SSB carefully identified the needs of the border people to provide medical, veterinary, infrastructural and several other civic programmes for the ill-provided and vulnerable communities along the border, generally away from the reach of Government agencies. SSB virtually became the face of the Indian Government in these areas. The border men and women volunteered to learn nation building and protection of the same.
• The Kargil war and its aftermath made the policy makers to go to the drawing board once again and the Group of Ministers recommended that the role of the SSB should be altered from “People’s Force” to “Men in Uniform” guarding 1751 kms long Indo-Nepal border. In 2001, the Special Service Bureau became Sashastra Seema Bal and its officers and men were seen going about their business now in fatigues. Later in 2004, SSB was also given the responsibility of guarding 699 km long Indo-Bhutan border. Working under the Ministry of Home affairs, SSB is now spread along the international borders in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam and part of Arunachal Pradesh. SSB continues to carry the flavour of its old role as warriors of perception management. In recognition of its services, the President of India has presented Colour of SSB in 2004.
• SSB is in expansion mode by 2026. SSB will become formidable force providing opportunity to serve the nation to 1 lac personnel in various ranks. Today it is 89904 officers and men maintaining a vigil on 2450 kms long Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders. The task of providing 24 x 7 vigil is not easy in difficult and diverse terrain ranging from Tarai region to the rainforests of Assam and high altitude inhospitable terrain of Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Sikkim.
• The SSB Jawan is a happy soldier, content with his job profile and welfare measures undertaken in the force. It is a force of choice for the border population of states in which SSB is deployed. SSB comprises six frontiers – Ranikhet, Lucknow, Patna, Siliguri, Guwahati, Tezpur, Eighteen sectors – Almora, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, Gorakhpur, Bettiah, Muzaffarpur, Purnea, Ranidanga, Gangtok, Jalpaiguri, Bongaigaon, Rangia, Bezpara, Bomdila, (Spl. Ops.) Srinagar, Jammu, Gaya & Bhilai and 59 Battalions. 05 Battalions are in I.S. duties in J&K, 07 Battalions in Bihar, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh of LWE duties.
• SSB plays an important role in curbing anti-national activities (apprehension of third Country National, movement attempting illegal cross border) and cross border crime, be it FICN (Fake Indian Currency Note), narcotics, wild life trade, arms peddling, human trafficking etc. The presence of SSB has indirectly contributed to conservation of our pristine forests and wild life sanctuaries right from Uttarakhand to Arunachal Pradesh. SSB is deployed in the areas of several important wild life reserves like Manas National Park, Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Rajaji National Park, Dudhwa National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Raimona National Park, to name a few.
• SSB’s officers and Jawans have brought glory to the country and have earned 01 Kirti Chakra, 04 Padmashree, 06 Shaurya Chakra, 02 Presidents Police Medals for Gallantry, 25 Police Medals for Gallantry, 83 Presidents Police Medals for Distinguished Service, 551 Police Medals for Meritorious Service, 24 Prime Minister’s Medals for Life Saving, 2 Asadharan Surkha Sewa Praman Patra (Posthumously), 14 Sarvottam Sewa Praman Patra, 23 Uttam Sewa Praman Patra, 1592 Utkrisht Seva Padak, 768 Ati Utkrisht Seva Padak, 6 Jivan Raksha Padak, 22 Prakram Padak, 01 Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak and many other civil awards.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 27, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is delighted to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on 125 Years of Ramakrishna Mission and appreciates its contribution in promoting spirituality, service and humanity, all over the world.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Shri Suresh Kumar
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

About : 

• 1 May 2022 marked the 125^th anniversary of the Ramakrishna Mission, a social service organization with a spiritual outlook. It was founded in 1897 by Swami Vivekananda, the seer of modern India, to work for the all-round development of India.
• Swami Vivekananda, known in his pre-monastic life as Narendra Nath Datta, was born in an affluent family in Kolkata on 12 January 1863. By the time he graduated from Calcutta University, he had acquired a vast knowledge of different subjects, especially Western philosophy and history. Born with a yogic temperament, he used to practise meditation even from his boyhood, and was associated with Brahmo Movement for some time.
• In November 1881, Narendra went to meet Sri Ramakrishna, his spiritual guru, who was staying at the Kali Temple in Dakshineshwar. Apart from removing doubts from the mind of Narendra, Sri Ramakrishna won him over through his pure, unselfish love. Thus began a guru-disciple relationship which is quite unique in the history of spiritual masters.
• During his travels all over India, Swami Vivekananda was deeply moved to see the appalling poverty and backwardness of the masses. To carry out his plans for the spread of education and for the uplift of the poor masses, and of women, Swami Vivekanand, felt the need of an efficient organization of dedicated people. He wanted “to set in motion a machinery which will bring noblest ideas to the doorstep of even the poorest and the meanest.” It was to serve as this ‘machinery’ that Swami Vivekanand founded the Ramakrishna Mission in the year 1897. It was registered as a society in 1909.
• For the last 125 years, the Ramakrishna Mission has distinguished itself through its various service based programmes. It extends service in the areas of healthcare, education, rural and tribal development, disaster relief and rehabilitation, general welfare, spiritual and cultural work, publication of books and journals and other fields. It runs hospitals, dispensaries, homes for the aged, orphanages, schools, colleges, polytechnics, ITIs, a deemed university, agricultural institutes, and special institutions for the disadvantaged sections of society. It’s charitable and philanthropic works have found wide acceptance and appreciation by the public.
• Members of the mission provide services to the people as means to the attainment of the ultimate goal of human life, which, according to Sri Ramakrishna, is realization of God. Here charity to the poor and needy is prompted not by egotistic compassion, but is conceived as service rendered in a spirit of worship of God, who resides in every human being. Instead of looking upon a needy person as an object of pity, he is looked upon as an object of worship. Owing to this spiritual outlook, the services conducted by the mission are meant for the benefit of all people – without any distinction based on religion, caste, colour or class.
• The main workforce of the Ramakrishna Mission consists of dedicated monks who are members of the Ramakrishna Math. Though the Mission and the math are distinct legal entities, they are referred to as twin organizations, and they join hands in running all the service activities. As of February 2023, there are 202 branches of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, spread over 27 states / Union Territories of India. Outside India, the organization has 67 branches in 24 countries. The headquarters of the twin organizations is located at Belur Math in Howrah district, West Bengal.
• Perfect accountability, efficient management, and sincere and honest enterprise are some of the hallmarks of the work of the Ramakrishna Mission. The Mission has received several awards and recognitions for its selfless service, including the prestigious Gandhi Peace prize for the year 1998, conferred by the Government of India. The prize carried a citation that noted, “The Ramakrishna Mission has become a great source for peace and happiness amongst people in this country and abroad.”
• The motto of Ramakrishna Mission, set by Swami Vivekananda, is “For one’s own salvation and for the welfare of the world.” Endowed with this lofty ideal and sustained by the dedication of its members, the Ramakrishna Mission is expanding its influence with time.125 Years is a significant milestone in the Mission’s journey to bring about spiritual regeneration of humanity.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 27, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is honoured to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Motiram, Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroha and salutes the unmatching contribution of these legendary personalities for propagating and enriching Indian Classical Music.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 207300

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Ancient Indians were deeply impressed by the spiritual power of music. Ragas have the power to heal the human mind and body. It is out of this understanding, that Indian classical music was born. Classical music involves single-minded devotion and lifelong commitment.
• Indian classical music is scientific in nature and learning it, is like learning a language. In Indian classical music, once you have learned the basic notes, you are introduced to ragas (which are like musical themes), and then you are encouraged to start improvising and making your own melodies.
• Pandit Jasraj was born in Hisar, Haryana on January 28, 1930, to a well-known Mewati Gharana, where his grandfather, father, uncles, brothers – all of them were renowned singers. Immersed in a musical family, he was surrounded by musical treasures, masters, instruments and learning since his childhood. His father, Pandit Motiram initiated his basic learning.
• In 1934, Pandit Motiram, upon the invitation of the then Nizam of Hyderabad, to become the court musician, shifted to Hyderabad. Jasraj, youngest son of Pandit Motiram got his first music lesson in Hyderabad with his father and that became his most precious memory of life. A ceremony was to be held on 30^th November 1934 for the appointment. Unfortunately, Pandit Motiram passed away few hours earlier. Young Jasraj was only 4 years old then.
• After the demise of his father, he was trained under his brother Pandit Maniram. At the age of 7, he mastered playing the tabla and began performing with his brothers and other artists. In 1947, the family moved to Kolkatta – the well-known place for artistic creativity and growth. At the age of 22, after turning to classical singing and giving his life for it, he performed at his first concert for the King of Nepal. His spiritual guru Maharaja Jaiwant Singh was a great influence that inculcated the Bhakti element in him and his performances.
• He contributed to music with many innovations. He created Jasrangi Jugalbandi, a form of music where male and female singers create a unique surreal sound. He popularized Haveli Sangeet, which is now famous in temples. His penchant for creativity helped him to blend devotional music with classical music. Moreover, he was a master at combining Indian classical music and lyrics, touching moods and emotions. As a teacher, he opened many music schools in different parts of the world.
• Pandit Jasraj had a deep emotional attachment with Hyderabad. To seek blessings of his father he kept going back to Hyderabad. The minute he would land in Hyderabad he would touch the land and pray. He created a temple like structure at the place where the last rites of Pandit Motiram were done. He would spend hours singing at this place.
• Due to his faith and Swar-abhishek he did, every time he visited Hindu Smashan Ghat, in Amberpeth, its energy transformed. People from around the world started to visit it and were seen emotionally overwhelmed. It became a Musical shrine and everyone started calling it a Mandir or Temple.
• In his father’s memory in 1972, he started an annual music festival, ‘Pandit Motiram Sangeet Samaroha‘. After the demise of his eldest brother, Pandit Maniram in 1985, he renamed this annual event as ‘Pandit Motiram, Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroha’.
• The Samaroha has showcased performances of many eminent artistes in the past from varied genres of music and dance. To name a few, Late Pandit Ravi Shankar, Late Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Late MS Subbalakshmi, Late Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Ustad Zakir Hussain, Dr. L. Subramaniam, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Late Girja Devi, Dr. Padma Subramaniam, Shankar Mahadevan, Hariharan and many others have enthralled Hyderabad city audiences.
• He received many awards and appreciation during his lifetime, which includes Padma Shri in 1975, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Hindustani Music – Vocal in 1987, Padma Bhushan in 1990 and Padma Vibhushan in 2000. He is a widely recognized star of Indian music worldwide. For Pandit Jasraj’s unprecedented and unconditional service towards Hyderabad he was given the title of “Son of Hyderabad” by the State Government. This award was presented to Pandit Jasraj by Bharat Ratna MS Subbalakshmi.
• Pandit Jasraj left for heavenly abode on 17^th August 2020. His ashes were brought back to Hyderabad so that he could finally be united with his father Pandit Motiram. Today the shrine at Amberpeth reads as “Pandit Motiram – Pandit Jasraj Mandir”.
• The shrine has become an iconic monument of a musician who created history with love, and devotion for music. The Annual Sangeet Samaroha is now called “Pandit Jasraj, Pandit Motiram, Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroha”.
• The students and followers of the divine music of Pandit Jasraj continue the tradition. Every year on 30^th November, specially designed performances, live renditions by musicians and recordings of divine sound of Pandit Jasraj are played in the Samaroha. In the year 2022 when the whole nation is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Samaroha is celebrating its 50^th year.
• Text : Based on information received from the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 26, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is delighted to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on the Khartargachha Millennium and appreciates its endeavour of serving humanity.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 303900

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• ‘Khartargachha’ is one of the most prominent and oldest living sect of Jain Shwetamber Sangh. Around 2,600 years ago, Lord Mahavir was the 24^th Tirthankar of Jains. In the lineage of Lord Mahavir, Gautam Swami and Sudharma Swami succeeded him in due course. Lord Mahavir had prescribed strict rule based regime to be followed by Jain Sadhu-Sadhvis and their followers.
• With influx of time, distortions creeped into lives of some Sadhus. They had started living in temples (Chaitya) and hence were also known as ‘Chaityavasi’. To lead an easy life, they had gradually discarded the strict regime of monk life prescribed by Lord Mahavir. There were however some true followers of Lord Mahavir, who scrupulously followed his path and regime.
• Around Vikram Samvat 1078-79, Acharya Vardhman Suri, who was the 39^th heir to the lineage of Lord Mahavir, and Sudharma Swami alongwith his disciples including Acharya Jineshwar Suri started moving from Delhi towards Gurjar Pradesh (now, Gujarat) and reached Patan in Vikram Samvat 1980. At that time, Patan was dominated by Chaityavasi Acharyas notably Suracharya and Sadhus and they had great influence over the King and its people. At the behest of Chaityavasi Sadhus, misinformation was spread about Acharya Vardhman Suri and his disciples and word reached the King. At the advice of his Mantri, the King ordered a debate (Shastrartha) between Suracharya and Jineshwar Suri started in the presence of King Durlabh Raj. Finally, after long debate with many Granths by both the contestants, King Durlabh Raj, impressed with arguments and testimonies presented and declared Acharya Jineshwar Suri, who succeeded as the 40^th heir to lineage of Lord Mahavir. Thereafter, his Sadhus and followers were known as Khartargachhiya and group of his followers, Sadhus-Sadhvis etc. came to be known as ‘Khartargachha’. Thus, 1000 years ago, Khartargachha came into existence and is now entering its Millennium Year (Sahasrabdi Varsh – 1000th year) in Vikram Samvat 2080 (Year 2023-24 AD).
• Since then, Khartargachha is continuously moving forward in its glorious journey. In the long and glorious history of Khartargachha spanning these 1000 years, many famous Acharyas, Sadhu-Sadhvis, scholars, litterateurs, painters, sculptors and philanthropists have greatly enriched our nation and its socio-cultural milieu by different means and methods. Acharya Jin Dutt Suri, Acharya Manidari Jin Chandra Suri, Acharya Shri Jin Kushal Suri, Akbar Pratibodhak Acharya Shri Jin Chandra Suri, Mahopadhyaya Samay Sundarji, Acharya Kshma Kalyan Sagar Suri etc. were famous Scholar-Acharyas, who authored many important granths and propounded original thinking on complex spiritual issues. This resulted greater and deeper understanding of concept and application of various principles. More than 400 years ago, Mahopadhyaya Samay Sundar was a scholar par excellence, who defined and described a single sentence of 8 words into 8,00,000 ways. In the lineage of these illustrious Khartargachha Acharyas and Sadhus, many of their disciples have propagated and spread the principles and teachings of Jain Dharma through nook and corner of the country. Four most famous Acharyas namely Acharya Abhay Dev Suri, Acharya Jin Dutt Suri, Acharya Manidari Jin Chandra Suri, were out of reverence known as ‘Dada Gurudev’ and temples dedicated to them are known as ‘Dadabari’. There are around 800-900 Dadabaris situated in every part of the country, where thousands of faithfuls and followers visit to pay obeisance to them. Khartargachha Acharyas visited many kings and rulers to show them the right path and influenced them and inspired them to declare prohibition of slaughter of animals on several occasions. Thus, lives of many precious animals were saved, which is a living testimonial of adherence to principles of Ahimsa.
• There have been many eminent Khartargachha Scholars like Shri Agar Chand Nahata, Shri Bhanwar Lal Nahata, who have authored more than 100 books and more than 5,000 articles and painstakingly collected and deciphered many old, rare manuscripts. Another great scholar, Mahopadhyaya Shri Vinay Sagar ji made significant contribution to literature by authoring, editing and translating many important books. Khartargachha Shravaks and Sanghs have built many famous temples and Tirths, which are marvels of sculpture especially Temple sculpture. Around 250 years ago, Seth Motishah, a Khartargachha Shravak, concerned with various accidents and injuries to pilgrims decided to build a grand temple by joining two hillocks and filling and levelling the vast land between these hillocks at Palitana (Gujarat). Many Paintings and art works by Khartargachha followers are mesmerizing and are invaluable. Many philanthropists from this sect have built institutions like Granth bhandars, schools, colleges, hospitals, dharmshalas, old age homes, auditoriums etc. in many parts of the country. These institutions are helping needy and people of weaker sections without any distinction of caste, creed, religion, sex, state, language or province.
• By dint of their hard work and principled life, Khartargachha followers have earned respect and admiration of every section of society. Ahimsa (Non-Violence) and Satya (Truthfulness) are undiluted core values, which every Khartargachhiya follower practices without any compromise or exception. Thus, its followers are always at forefront in making positive and significant contributions to society and country at large.
• Khartargachha sect is fully determined to carry forward this glorious legacy to greater heights and glory by re-inventing itself and re-dedicating to serve humanity with great zeal in this rare and historical period of Millennium Year (Sahasrabdi year – 1000th year). We are proud of our past, are safe and secure in present and confident of future. We will march forward with vision, vigour and determination to contribute to the nation building and social welfare in a true and righteous manner.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 24, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on Acharya Sushil Kumar and salutes his spiritual life and work for humanity, peace and self-realization.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 421220

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Sushil Kumar

Born on 15 Jun, 1926 at Sikhopur, Haryana, India

Died on 22 Apr, 1994 at New Delhi, India

About : 

• Acharya Sushil Kumar was a self-realized master who devoted more than 50 years to promoting non-violence, peace and knowledge of the self. Guruji (as he is lovingly called by many of his devotees) was born on June 15, 1926 in a Brahmin household in Sikhopur, a small foothill village in Haryana, India. The village was later named Sushilgarh in his honor. As a seven-year-old child, he left his home to live with Shri Chotelalji Maharaj, who later become his religious guru. Shri Roop Chandji Maharaj was spiritual guru of Acharya Sushil Kumar.
• When he was 15 years old he became a Jain muni (monk) in Swetamber Sthanakwasi sect. During his academic career he mastered the classical studies of Indian religious and yogic philosophies.
• As a Jain monk, he traveled on bare foot, across the length and breadth of India. He represented the Sthānakwasi Jain tradition in the making of Saman Suttam, a compilation of Jain principles that was acceptable to all sects of Jainism. He discovered and mastered the secrets of sounds behind the Namokar Mantra, an auspicious rendering that is central to Jains and wrote a book on the subject, ‘Song of the Soul’. He was a poet and an author and wrote more than twenty books on Jainism and knowledge of the self.
• For hundreds of years and as long as historical records are available, Jain monks did not use any mechanical means for travel. However, on June 17, 1975, Acharya Sushil Kumar made the decision to travel outside India by aircraft to spread Bhagwan Mahavir’s message of Ahimsa (non-injury) and Anekantavada (belief that no one has a monopoly on truth). He traveled and taught extensively, spreading the message of nonviolence and self-awareness. He established many ashrams in India and abroad.
• Guruji founded many spiritual organizations, including the World Fellowship of Religions (1957) and the Vishwa Ahimsa Sangh (1957). He also founded the International Mahavir Mission (1977), Arhat Jain Sangh (1979), the World Jain Congress (1981) and the World Center of Non-Violence. He was the Honorary President of the World Conference of Religions for Peace, the director of the Temple of Understanding, a Founding Member of the Global Forum of Spiritual and Parliamentary Leaders on Human Survival, President of the Punjab Peace Unity Committee, President of the Ram Janambhoomi – Babri Masjid Solution Committee and a Founding Member of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
• His primary ashram in North America, Siddhachalam, located in Blairstown, New Jersey, was established in 1983. Siddhachalam is regarded as the first tirtha (site of pilgrimage) outside India. He was among the founding fathers of American Jainism. In 1991, on the occasion of the Pratishtha Ceremony of the main temple at Siddhachalam, various felicitation resolutions were passed by the US houses including US House of Representatives, New Jersey General Assembly, Senate of State of New Jersey etc.
• Acharya Sushil Kumar was a master of meditation and the science of sound. His teaching system is called Arhum Yoga. It is an ancient system of the mastery of the inner self through watchfulness and direct perception.
• Guruji had a vision of an earth united in the pursuit of ahimsa, peace and brotherhood. In 1957, he convened a World Religions Conference with more than 1200 representatives from 27 countries and 500,000 people in attendance. His work was not limited to creating religious harmony; he also received acclaim for his pioneering work in the fields of animal and environmental protection. In 1966, he initiated India’s cow protection movement to signify protection of the weakest.
• In 1982, he inspired the leaders of eight nations to submit a memorandum demanding peace through non-violence to the Secretary General of the United Nations. In August 1989, he was invited to inaugurate and preside over the World Hindu Conference in Britain. In the same year, he addressed the World Conference of Religions for Peace in Melbourne, Australia, advocating the dire need to protect the animal kingdom and our natural environment, In 1990, he was an honored guest at the Global Conference for Human Survival in Moscow. In 1991 he traveled to Iran in an attempt to persuade Saddam Hussein to adopt a peaceful resolution to the Gulf Crisis. At the World Parliament of Religions conference at Chicago in 1993, he delivered the keynote address where he emphasized the need to create a charter of Animal Rights for ecological balance, a key to human survival.
• In 1982, the International Mahavira Jain Mission founded by him became affiliated with the United Nations and the concept of Ahimsa was adopted at the Sacred Earth Gathering as a core principle for protecting all forms of life.
• Acharya Sushil Kumar journeyed around the world and he was sought after by millions for his wisdom, his loving and childlike simplicity, and for his teachings of love and brotherhood. He was known to engage in deep meditation for days at a sitting and easily traverse time, space and lives. He attained Samadhi (left his worldly body) on the 22 April 1994 in New Delhi.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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Issued by Bangladesh

Issued on Dec 16, 2023

Issued for : Bangladesh Post has issued a Commemorative Stamp of denomination Tk. 10 (ten), a First Day Cover of Tk. 10 (ten), a Data Card of Tk. 5 (five) and a Special Canceller on this auspicious occasion of the “Great Victory Day 2023”.

Designer (Stamp + FDC) : Mr. Boni Adam

Designer (Canceller) : Mr. Sanjiv Kanti Das

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

No. of Stamps : 01 (One) Piece

Colour : Multicolour

Denomination of Stamp : Tk. 10/- (Ten)

Size of Stamp : 32 mm x 48 mm

Perforation of Stamp : 12.5

Qnt of Stamps : 1,00,000 (One Lac) Pieces

Process of Printing : Offset

Printer : The Security Printing Corporation (Bangladesh) Ltd., Gazipur

About : 

• 16 December 2023 marks the 52^nd (1971-2023) Anniversary of the Glorious Victory Day of the Great Liberation War of Bangladesh. After a long struggle, the Bangalee people irrespective of religion or color became united in 1971 under the indomitable, undaunted, vigorous and brave leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It was a glorious chapter in the annals of Bangladesh. On this day in 1971 Bangalee nation, under the charismatic leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, achieved the ultimate victory over Pakistan after 24 years of intense political struggle and a nine-month long bloody war of liberation.
• During the Great Liberation War of Bangladesh Pakistan Army and its local collaborators (Al-Badr, Al-Shams and the Razakars) carried out the worst, hellish and devised genocide of the 20^th century in Bangladesh and killed 3 million people. 200 thousand women lost their innocence in the Great Liberation War of Bangladesh. An estimated 10 million Bangalee refugees fled to neighboring country India while 30 million were internally displaced.
• On the 52^nd anniversary of Great Victory Day let us all work from our respective position under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the able daughter of the Great Hero of Independence, the Great Architect of Independent and Sovereign Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for building a hunger-free, poverty-free, exploitation-free, secular, happy and prosperous democratic Bangladesh as dreamt by Bangabandhu and 3 million martyrs of Great Liberation War of Bangladesh.
• On this Great Victory Day we recall Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with profound respect and pay our deepest homage to him. We also pay our sincere homage to all martyrs and valiant Freedom Fighters of the Great Liberation War of Bangladesh who gifted us this Free and Independent Bangladesh. We wish all Bangladeshi nationals, in country and abroad a joyous and prosperous Victory Day-2023.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 15, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on Rani Abbakka Devi and salutes her valour and bravery, an everlasting inspiration for every Indian.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 303200

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Due to the entry of the Portuguese in the 16^th century, Tulunadu became a hotbed of unrest. When more than fourteen sub dynasties like the Bangas, Ajilas, Chautas, Sawantas, were engaged in conflict amongst themselves. It then inevitable that they had to fight against the Europeans as well. The political centres of the Banga dynasty were Belthangady, Uppinangady, Nanadvara and Mangalore, and the Chautas were Ullala, Puttige and Mudabidre region. These dynasties belonged to the Jain community. The Chautas of Ullal rose to power during the 12^th century.
• The names of elder Rani Abbakka Devi (1554-1588) and younger Rani Abbakka Devi (1594-1640) shine like the brightest stars in Indian history. The elder Rani Abbakka Devi was married to Kamaraya II, and her daughter, the younger Rani Abbakka Devi was married to Lakshmappa Bangarasa, the IV. Both Kamaraya and Lakshmappa belonged to the Banga dynasty. The mother-daughter duo held great expertise in warfare and other state crafts and were popular amongst their subjects. When the Banga dynasty succumbed to the Portuguese rule and was prepared to pay tribute, the elder Rani Abbakka Devi opposed it. Elder Rani Abbakka Devi resisted the Portuguese until her last breath, while the younger Rani Abbakka Devi continued her mother’s revenge and fulfilled her mother’s dreams.
• The difference of opinion between the Lakshamappa Bangarasa and Younger Abbakka on payment of tribute to the Portuguese increased to such an extent that she left the Palace of her husband in Mangalore with her three children and assumed the throne at Ullal, inherited from her mother. She was ready to face Portuguese in war than to offer them tribute.
• The war continued for a long time. In 1617, when the Portuguese looted a merchant ship of Abbakka, enroute to Saudi Arabia, she was gravely enraged. This incident led to the great war against the Portuguese in 1618. Abbakka got the help of Venkatappa Nayaka of Keladi, who also saw the Portuguese and the Bangas as his enemy. The Portuguese Navy, which had an excellent reputation internationally, was destroyed by Rani Abbakka with her meagre military force in her war against the Portuguese in 1618. In this war, Portuguese military leaders Miranda and D’Mello narrowly escaped.
• This news spread like wildfire in Europe. More or less, after this incident, the coastal belt was freed from Portuguese interference.
• As suggested by Shah Abbas, the king of Persia, Italian traveller Pietro Dalla Valle came to Ullal in 1623 to meet Rani Abbakka. He gets inspired by his meeting with the queen in Manel. His description of this exceptional meet can be found in his travelogue. Had Rani Abbakka not defeated the Portuguese with her skilled war tactics, the possibility of the Portuguese ruling India instead of the Britishers had a high chance.
• Rani Abbakka was as well known for her war tactics and state crafts as her love towards her subjects, governance and justice. Such an extraordinarily brave woman who belongs to the Tuluva soil is a matter of great pride to the entire nation. Despite being the queen of a small province like Ullala, she dared to erupt against the European forces and defeat the Portuguese. Hence, it is only apt to say that Braveheart is the first Indian freedom fighter to fight against the European powers.
• The Portuguese had made several attempts to capture Ullal, strategically placed. But Abbakka had repulsed each of their attack with sheer courage and ingenuity. The queen’s story is retold from generation to generation through folk songs and yakshagana, the popular folk theatre, In bootaradhana, (which literally means appeasing the possessed, a local ritual dance) the personal in trance narrates the great deeds of Abbakka Devi. Abbakka, dark and good looking, always dressed in simple clothes like a common village woman. She rode the horse stately and worked deep into the night dispensing justice.
• Rani Abbakka, though a Queen of a little known small princely state, Ullal, was magnetic woman of indomitable courage and patriotism. While Rani Jhansi has become a symbol of courage, Abbakka, nearly 300 years her predecessor, has been largely forgotten by history. Available records and archives speaks of her as a luminous personality of awesome valour and bravery.
• Text : Based on information received from proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 15, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to commemorate India and Oman Friendship through the Joint Issue of Commemorative Postage Stamp and celebrates the warmth, goodwill and friendship between the two nations.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Mrs. Soni Budhia & Mr. Brahm Prakash
Cancellation Cachet : Mrs. Nenu Gupta

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 2500 & 2500 Paise

Souvenir Sheet Price : 5000 Paise

Souvenir Sheet Printed : 1,11,500

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• India and Oman are linked by geography, history, and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations. While people-to-people contact between India and Oman can be traced back to 5000 years, diplomatic relations were established in 1955, which got upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2008. After that, the political engagement between the two countries has taken on a more strategic shape.
• As a mark of this special friendship, India has extended an invitation to the Sultanate of Oman to participate as a guest country during India’s Presidency of the Group of 20 nations (G-20). This is a symbol of the time-tested friendship between India and Oman and opens up new possibilities for deepening cooperation between the two countries.
• To commemorate the long historic friendship and cultural similarities between India and Oman, India Post and Oman Post agreed to the issuance of India-Oman Joint Stamp. An MOU in this regard was signed by the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India and Oman Post on 21 March 2022. The two sides agreed on the theme of traditional dance forms of India and Oman for this joint stamp issue.
• The artwork for the joint stamp has been created by Mrs. Soni Budhia, an Indian artist living in Oman over the past 12 years. The artwork showcases the traditional dance forms of India and Oman and the iconic architectural symbols of both countries. The Indian image is showcased with Hawa Mahal, a well-known landmark from the city of Jaipur, while the Omani image is showcased on the backdrop with the iconic Fort Nizwa, which is one of the most identifiable landmarks of Oman.
• The launch of India–Oman Joint Stamp marks a historic milestone in the long-standing relationship between India and Oman and will be cherished by both philatelists and art enthusiasts in both countries.
• Dandiya Raas is a popular folk dance from the state of Gujarat in India. Dandiya Raas is a rhythmic dance performed by young people moving around in a circle in measured steps to the beat of dandiya or sticks that they carry in their hands. The rhythm is maintained by the clacking sticks, with clapping hands keeping pace. The Dandiya Raas is performed with traditional songs and folk tunes to the beat of the dhol and the wind instrument Shehnai. It is associated with the autumn festival of Navaratri.
• As precious gems rooted deep in Omani heritage, various folk arts are passed from generation to the next in the Sultanate of Oman. They are living manifestations of the nation’s values, norms and behaviors that Omanis so proudly exhibit and celebrate in breathtaking spectacles brimming with national pride.
• A key component of Oman’s artistic heritage is Al Razha, an ancient folk art widely known across the Sultanate. It is a choreographed duel between two fighters, called Zavenin, armed with swords and shields and accompanied by passages recited by great poets.
• This magnificent performance is considered an artistic display of people’s celebration and happiness. It was primarily used as a call to arms, a declaration of victory or was a form of traditional celebration and entertainment during holidays and gatherings.
• Al Razha is performed in various styles depending on the performers’ movements, the rhythm and tempo and the subject of accompanying poems. Main styles of this traditional artform include Himbel, Qusafi and Lal Al Oud.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Ministry of External Affairs.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 8, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is delighted to issue Commemorative Postage Stamp on India Art Architecture Design Biennale 2023 and appreciates its role in highlighting the Indian art and culture at global level.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Ms Nenu Gupta
Cancellation Cachet : Ms Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 301600

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The Ministry of Culture, Government of India is organising India Art Architecture Design Biennale 2023, as its flagship programme to invigorate the cultural space & creative economy, with its first iteration at Red Fort, New Delhi (declared as a Cultural Space by Hon’ble PM in January 2020) from 8^th-15^th December 2023. This is in line with the government’s aim to develop & institutionalize a Global Cultural Initiative at par with International Biennales at Venice, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney, Sharjah, Jeddah, and Art Fairs at Dubai, London, Basel and Design Week at Berlin.
• The India Art Architecture Design Biennale 2023 (IAADB -23) will be the country’s unique endeavour with global & pan-India outreach, similar to other international biennales, art fairs and other such event. Fulfilling the mandate of Jan Bhagidari, IAADB will see the inclusion of students, emerging & established artists/architects/designers, folk & rural practitioners across genres & regions.
• This mega event aims to invigorate the cultural & creative industries that contribute 3.1% of the global GDP and 6.2% of all employment, hires more people aged 15-29 years than any other sector. It will also initiate holistic dialogue & provide platform for practitioners & professionals in the fields of art, architecture, design and allied services/sectors and leverage the Arts for Global Cultural Diplomacy & Connect.
• In this event, traditional, grassroot artisans as well as contemporary designers, curators & thought leaders, cutting across age, gender & genre lines will showcase their work and celebrate the best that our country has to offer in the fields of ancient, modern, contemporary and technology driven art, architecture and design.
• The Red Fort, identified as the venue of the event, located in the heart of Delhi, is an iconic symbol of art, Architecture Design. 3 Barracks have been chosen for the exhibitions, while the lawns and spaces around the barracks will host workshops, art bazaar, cultural programmes, merchandise corner etc.
• Each day of the week is built around a uniquely conceptualized theme which will be complemented by exclusively curated exhibitions for which 7 distinguished curators have been on-boarded. The exhibitions have been designed in both physical and digital forms for an immersive experience accompanied by interactive installations.
• During the week long event a series of programs and interactive sessions on themes like Door of India, Gardens of India, Baolis of India, Temple Architecture of India, Architectural Wonders of Independent India, Indigenous Design and Women in Architecture Design will be organised.
• Massive participation of designers, academicians and citizens has been visualised through panel discussions, workshops and art bazaar. Pavilions set up as part of Biennale to remain on display till 31^st March 2024. In conjunction with the IAADB’s mandate for inclusivity, a Student Biennale is also being organised from the 9^th of December at the Lalit Kala Akademi and will serve as a platform for emerging talent to showcase creativity and imagination.
• The India Art Architecture Design Biennale 2023 is set to be a unique event that aims to mobilise the community of artists and designers by providing a platform for both established and emerging artists. It’s goal is to energize cultural and creative industries by fostering dialogue among practitioners in art, architecture, and design.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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