Issued by India

Issued on Oct 30, 2025

Issued for : India Post is proud to release a commemorative stamp on the 150^th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, honouring his unmatched contributions to India’s unity and nation-building. This special issue stands as a tribute to the Iron Man of India, whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Through this stamp, India Post not only celebrates a national icon but also reaffirms its commitment to preserving and promoting the rich heritage and history of our nation.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Sh. Suresh Kumar

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 202800

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel

Born on 31 Oct, 1875 at Nadiad, Gujarat, India

Died on 15 Dec, 1950 at Mumbai, India

About : 

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, was a pivotal figure in India’s struggle for independence and the country’s subsequent integration. Known as the “Iron Man of India,” Patel’s tenacity, leadership and vision played a crucial role in unifying a fragmented nation post-colonial rule.
• Patel’s political journey began in earnest during the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918, where he mobilised farmers against oppressive taxation during a famine. His successful leadership earned him respect and recognition among the masses, and he emerged as a key figure in the Indian National Congress.
• In the 1920s and 1930s, Patel worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi, participating in various movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement. He became known for his pragmatic approach, often balancing the ideals of non-violence with the harsh realities of colonial rule.
• Patel’s contributions to India’s independence were substantial. His organisational skills were instrumental in establishing the Indian National Congress as a formidable political force. As a leader, he worked tirelessly to unite different factions within the Congress and forge alliances with various groups.
• One of Patel’s significant achievements was the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928, where he successfully led farmers in a non-violent resistance against increased land revenue assessments. His leadership in this movement solidified his reputation as a champion of the agrarian community and demonstrated his ability to galvanise support among ordinary citizens.
• In 1942, Patel was imprisoned during the Quit India Movement, where he advocated for complete independence from British rule. His unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom made him one of the key architects of India’s liberation.
• After India gained independence on August 15, 1947, Patel faced the monumental task of unifying over 500 princely states into a single nation. His vision was clear: a united India was essential for stability and progress. As the first Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs, Patel employed a combination of diplomacy and firmness to persuade reluctant rulers to accede to India.
• His most notable achievement was the integration of states like Hyderabad and Jammu & Kashmir. Patel’s strategy often involved negotiations, but he was not afraid to use military action when necessary, exemplified by the police action in Hyderabad. His efforts culminated in the formation of a cohesive and united India, ensuring that the diverse states would coexist under a common national framework.
• Patel also championed social reforms, advocating for the upliftment of women and marginalised communities. He understood that a nation could only thrive if its citizens enjoyed equal rights and opportunities. His initiatives in education and rural development sought to empower the underprivileged and promote national integration.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel passed away on December 15, 1950, leaving behind a legacy of unity and resilience. His contributions to India’s independence and nation-building have made him a revered figure in Indian history. In recognition of his efforts, Patel was posthumously awarded the title “Sardar,” meaning leader or chief, which symbolises his leadership qualities and his role as a unifier.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel remains an enduring symbol of unity, determination, and visionary leadership. His life’s work not only contributed to India’s independence but also laid the foundations for a unified and progressive nation. As India continues to navigate the complexities of a diverse society, Patel’s principles of tolerance, unity, and resilience are more relevant than ever. His legacy as the Iron Man of India will forever inspire those who seek to create a better, more integrated world.
• Text : Based on information provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Aug 17, 2025

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to release a commemorative postage stamp celebrating Laxmidas Borkar, a visionary devoted to truth, freedom, and the enduring power of the written word. This stamp honours the memory and work of a man who lived for Goa and stood firmly for the greater ideals of India.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Sh. Jairaj T. G.

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 303765

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Dattaram Krishna Borkar

Born on 17 Aug, 1925 at Quepem, Goa, Portuguese India

Died on 4 Dec, 1999

About : 

• Laxmidas Borkar, born as Dattaram Krishna Borkar on 17 August 1925 in Kusman (Quepem), Goa, was the son of Krishna Dattaram Borkar and Umabai Krishna Borkar. He was a distinguished freedom fighter, journalist, writer and social reformer. He began his academic journey with primary education in Marathi. He completed his Lyceum in seven years, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to service, literature and nation-building.
• Laxmidas Borkar spent 16 formative years as a freedom fighter. He joined the Goa Seva Sangh in 1943. Later, he became an executive committee member of the Goa Congress Committee (Bombay Branch). A close associate of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, he was arrested during the historic 18^th June 1946 movement in Margao. He also participated in multiple Satyagraha protests across Goa, including in Shiroda, Ponda and Castle Rock. He often faced arrests, beatings and detentions. His dedication to civil liberties and the call for Goa’s freedom remained unwavering.
• He played a significant role as office secretary and later president of the National Congress of Goa (Bombay Branch). Representing Goan voices at national and international platforms, he interviewed Mahatma Gandhi on the “Goa Topic”. He was selected as the Goan People’s representative to sign the representation before the International Court of Justice at The Hague.
• Laxmidas Borkar’s journalistic journey spanned 51 years. He served at renowned publications including Loksatta, Indian Express, Financial Express, Screen, Navaprabha, Lincoln Star (USA), and Blitz. He also held key roles such as Vice President of Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh and played a foundational role in Goa Marathi Patrakar Sangh. He visited Rostock and Berlin in East Germany as well as Moscow in Russia, as part of a journalist delegation.
• An accomplished writer, Borkar authored 16 books covering political commentary, travelogues, fiction and biographies. His writings offered in-depth insights into freedom movements, social challenges, and cultural heritage. One of his notable works, published decades after it was written, was released at the hands of the Governor of Goa. The book presents a detailed three-year account of the freedom movement in Goa and has been translated into several Indian and foreign languages.
• His contributions include translations and original works in Marathi and Konkani. He also published writings that explored the lives of saints, revolutionaries and social reformers.
• Throughout his life, Borkar nurtured literary and professional communities through institutions such as The Goa Hindu Association, Sane Guruji Katha Mala, Mumbai Marathi Patrakar, and Goa Marathi Patrakar Sangh. His influence extended beyond journalism into public consciousness and youth education.
• His contributions have been honoured through awards, scholarships, exhibitions, documentary films, and a road named in his memory. His life has been celebrated through exhibitions, symposiums, digital book releases, and a memorial auditorium inaugurated in his honour. A commemorative quiz for students and a new Lifetime Achievement Award instituted by Goa Marathi Patrakar Sangh further reflect the enduring legacy of Laxmidas Borkar.
• Text : Based on information provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jul 13, 2025

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to release a commemorative postage stamp on Chandrabhanu Gupta, who dedicated his entire life to the service of the country, the state, and society. This stamp stands as a tribute to a great patriot, distinguished politician, and committed social worker. From his active participation in the freedom struggle to his visionary leadership as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Chandrabhanu Gupta’s contributions reflect a life devoted to public welfare, integrity, and progressive ideals.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Ms Priya Pandey

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 302852

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Chandra Bhanu Gupta

Born on 14 Jul, 1902 at Bijauli, United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, British India [now in Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh, India]

Died on 11 Mar, 1980 at New Delhi, India

About : 

• A great freedom fighter, a sharp politician, and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Chandrabhanu Gupta, who had pleaded as an advocate on behalf of the revolutionaries in the Kakori Train Action Case, established the Motilal Memorial Society in 1935 and the Bharat Seva Sansthan in 1964 in the state capital, Lucknow. Both institutions continue to play a leading role in promoting education, healthcare, and culture for all sections of society in Lucknow and other districts.
• Chandrabhanu Gupta was born on July 14, 1902 in Bijauli village of Aligarh District. He received his early education in Lakhimpur district and pursued higher education (MA in Political Science and LLB) from Lucknow University.
• On 14 April, 1930, the City Magistrate of Lucknow sentenced Mohan Lal Saxena and Chandrabhanu Gupta under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code for leading the movement to break the salt law in Lucknow. They were sentenced to one and a half years of imprisonment. However, due to the personal interest taken by the President of the Awadh Bar Association, George Jackson, an Englishman who argued on the application on behalf of the association, their sentence was reduced to six months. After being imprisoned in Lucknow Jail for some time, Chandrabhanu Gupta was transferred to Ghazipur Jail, where he was eventually released.
• Chandrabhanu Gupta was elected as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly in the years 1937, 1946, 1952, 1961, 1962, 1967, and 1969. He also served as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council from 1960 to 1961 and held various Cabinet Ministerial posts in the Uttar Pradesh Government between 1947 and 1959. He became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the first time on 7 December 1960 and served in the role four times until 1970. He passed away on 11 March 1980.
• Chandrabhanu Gupta played a prominent role in India’s freedom struggle. He was a man of strong character, loyal, an efficient administrator, and a visionary leader. He valued new ideas and technology more than material wealth.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jul 9, 2025

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to release a commemorative postage stamp on 125^th Birth Anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a visionary leader, educationist, and nationalist whose ideals continue to guide and influence India’s journey. This stamp is a tribute to his lasting contributions to India’s political and educational landscape, his commitment to national unity, and his belief in inclusive development rooted in Indian values.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 202800

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Shyama Prasad Mukherjee

Born on 6 Jul, 1901 at Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Died on 23 Jun, 1953 at Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

About : 

• Syama Prasad Mookerjee was born on 6 July 1901 in Calcutta (now Kolkata) into a distinguished Bengali family. His father, Sir Ashutosh Mookerjee, was a renowned educationist and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was academically gifted and completed his education at the prestigious Presidency College, Calcutta. He studied law at the University of Calcutta and, in 1926, joined Lincoln’s Inn in London, becoming a member of the English Bar in 1927.
• As a young student, Syama Prasad Mookerjee was inspired by the growing freedom movement led by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, which motivated him to dedicate himself to India’s independence. In the 1920s, he joined the Indian National Congress and became an active member of its youth wing. However, his vision for India, especially regarding the role of princely states and the structure of the Indian Union, was distinct. From 1943 to 1946, he served as the President of the All India Hindu Mahasabha. Syama Prasad Mookerjee was elected to the Constituent Assembly from West Bengal. He actively participated in debates on minority rights, regional languages, and other key issues.
• On 21 October 1951, Syama Prasad Mookerjee founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in Delhi. He strongly opposed the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and advocated its abrogation. During a visit to Jammu in August 1952, addressing a massive gathering, he famously said, “I will either get you the Indian Constitution or sacrifice my life for it.” His slogan “One Nation, One Constitution,” reflected his belief in equal rights for all Indian citizens, regardless of their state. Syama Prasad Mookerjee maintained a strong connection with South India through his contributions to the fields of education, industry, and linguistic inclusivity. He served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta from 1934 to 1938 and was a member of the Council of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, in 1935. As an educationist, he emphasised the importance of learning one’s mother tongue while appreciating other languages. He advocated for the inclusion of regional languages like Tamil and Telugu in university curricula.
• As a Minister for Industry and Supply, he worked to support small-scale industries, including taking concrete steps to aid handmade matchstick producers in Tamil Nadu – such as tax relief and ensuring access to raw materials and transport. He also encouraged the Madras Government to organise these workers into cooperatives for long-term sustainability. These interventions highlight his commitment to inclusive national development and his engagement with concerns of the southern states. Integral Humanism, later shaped by Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, advocated a development model based on India’s cultural and civilisational values – balancing material progress with spiritual and cultural well-being. While the term became popular after Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s time, his ideas and speeches reflected this philosophy. He consistently emphasised that India’s progress should not blindly imitate the West but be rooted in its own cultural and moral foundations. Speaking at the 1936 convocation of Nagpur University, he stated: “Generally speaking, an Indian university must regard itself as one of the living organs of national reconstruction. It must discover the best means of blending together both the spiritual and the material aspects of life.”
• Antyodaya, or the upliftment of the last person in society, was central to the social vision of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and later Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. While Syama Prasad Mookerjee did not use the term directly, his political and educational work emphasised justice, equality, and inclusion, particularly for the underprivileged. At the 1940 convocation of Agra University, he clearly articulated this thought: “Political and social justice requires, not the disintegration of a country and destruction or humiliation of a class which shows initiative, intelligence and drive, but equality of opportunity for all, genuine freedom for self-fulfilment, in which all men irrespective of caste or creed may share.” Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s luminous journey came to an untimely end on 23 June 1953, marking a solemn moment in India’s history.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 21, 2024

Issued for : Department of Posts is proud to release a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Harekrushna Mahtab on his 125^th Birth Anniversary and salutes his unwavering commitment in the welfare of the Nation. His enduring legacy continues to inspire and guide the collective aspirations of the people of Odisha and India.

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 2,02,800

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Harekrushna Das

Born on 21 Nov, 1899 at Agarpara, Bengal Presidency, British India [now in Odisha]

Died on 2 Jan, 1987 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

About : 

• Harekrushna Mahtab, fondly known as “Utkal Keshari,” was a stalwart of Indian politics, leaving an indelible mark on the socio-political landscape of Odisha and India at large. Born on November 21, 1899, in the picturesque village of Agarpara, situated in the Bhadrak district of Odisha, Mahtab belonged to a revered Kshatriya family. His early education commenced at Bhadrak High School, where he imbibed the values of service and sacrifice before pursuing higher studies at Ravenshaw College in Cuttack.
• Mahtab’s political awakening was profoundly influenced by the ideals espoused by Mahatma Gandhi. The fervor of the Indian National Congress (INC) sessions in 1920 prompted him to forsake his academic pursuits and plunge headlong into the freedom struggle in 1921. His journey within the Congress was meteoric, culminating in key leadership roles, including chairmanship of the Balasore District Congress Committee and membership in the Bihar and Odisha Council. Mahtab’s involvement in coordinating the boycott of foreign-made goods during the Non-Cooperation Movement earned him the ire of colonial authorities, leading to his arrest on charges of sedition.
• The year 1930 witnessed Mahtab’s elevation as the president of the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee, a position from which he drew inspiration from Gandhi’s iconic Dandi March to spearhead a successful salt satyagraha in Orissa, resulting in his imprisonment. Subsequently, in 1932, he assumed the mantle of General Officer Commanding Congress Sevadal, the grassroots arm of the INC, further amplifying his influence within the party ranks.
• Mahtab’s commitment to social justice found expression in his participation in the movement against untouchability in 1934, symbolized by his decision to throw open the doors of his ancestral temple to all. His pivotal role in the Congress Working Committee, nominated by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1938, facilitated his deep engagement with issues of national importance, including the integration of princely states and the Quit India Movement of 1942, during which he endured incarceration in the Ahmednagar Fort Jail until 1945.
• The Constituent Assembly elections of Orissa bore testimony to Mahtab’s leadership prowess, catapulting him into the august assembly where he played a pivotal role in the integration of Odia-speaking princely states into the province, thus shaping the modern contours of Odisha. His tenure as the inaugural Chief Minister of Odisha from 1946 to 1950 and subsequently from 1956 to 1960 marked a transformative phase in the state’s history, characterized by the consolidation of disparate regions and the formulation of policies aimed at fostering socio-economic development.
• Mahtab’s vision for Odisha transcended mere political boundaries, evident in his relentless pursuit of the merger of princely states sharing geographical, linguistic, and ethnological affinities with the state. The establishment of the Eastern States Union posed a formidable challenge, necessitating deft negotiation skills and strategic maneuvering. The eventual accession of states like Nilgiri underscored Mahtab’s pragmatic leadership style, characterized by a judicious blend of firmness and diplomacy.
• Furthermore, Mahtab’s tenure witnessed landmark infrastructural projects, including the relocation of the state capital from Cuttack to Bhubaneshwar, and the establishment of the Hirakud Dam Project and the Rourkela Steel Plant, emblematic of his commitment to industrialization and economic self-sufficiency, resonating with Gandhi’s principles.
• However, Mahtab’s disillusionment with the Congress party’s trajectory under Indira Gandhi’s leadership precipitated his departure, leading to the formation of the Orissa Jana Congress (OJC). Despite encountering limited success, Mahtab remained steadfast in his opposition to authoritarianism during the dark days of the Emergency in 1975, an act of defiance that underscored his unwavering commitment to democratic values.
• Mahtab’s legacy extends beyond the realm of politics. A prolific writer and intellectual luminary, he penned several literary works during his incarcerations, including the novel “Nutan Dharma” and the drama “Swarajya Sadhana.” His historical account, “History of Orissa,” stands as a testament to his scholarly acumen, while his pioneering efforts in journalism, notably through publications like Prajatantra and Rachana, contributed significantly to the dissemination of Gandhian thought and principles.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Feb 20, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Rao Birender Singh.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Ms. Vinita Sinha
Cancellation Cachet : Mrs. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 301805 each

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Birender Singh

Born on Feb 20, 1921 at Rewari, Punjab, British India [now in Haryana, India]

Died on Sep 30, 2009 at Gurgaon, Haryana, India

About : 

• Former Chief Minister of Haryana and Cabinet Minister in Government of India, Late Rao Birender Singh, a descendant of Shaheed-e-Azam Rao Tula Ram, a frontline hero of the 1857 movement for Independence, belonged to the Royal Family of Rewari. He was born on 20^th February 1921 in Rewari (Haryana). Educated at the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University he served as a Captain in the Indian Army. Though selected to the Indian Police Service in 1950, he preferred the army to serve the Nation.
• Rao Birender Singh started his political career in 1954 by being elected as an independent to the Punjab Legislative Assembly. Keeping in view his immense popularity amongst the masses, Punjab Chief Minister Shri Pratap Singh Kairon gave him a place in the Cabinet and he served the public, handling important Ministries like Public Works, Transport, Revenue and Irrigation. In 1961, he resigned from the Kairon Cabinet due to apathy towards the Hindi-speaking areas of Punjab and raised the demand for a separate State of Haryana. His struggle paved the way for the creation of a separate Haryana State in 1966. In 1967, Rao Birender Singh was elected as the first Speaker of the newly formed Haryana Legislative Assembly. In 1967, he was elected as an MLA from Pataudi Assembly. On 23^rd March, 1967, Rao Birender Singh became Chief Minister of Haryana and took decisions for the welfare of people of Haryana. In 1971, Rao Birender Singh was elected from the Mahendragarh Lok Sabha Constituency on a Vishal Haryana Party ticket. In 1977, Mrs. Indira Gandhi herself lost the election. Subsequently, Mrs. Gandhi came to Rewari and appealed to Rao Birender Singh in a public meeting to cooperate in difficult times. Which he did! Keeping in view his cooperation, given in the 1980 Lok Sabha elections, Rao Birender Singh was inducted as the Union Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development, Irrigation and Civil Supplies.
• On 31^st December 1981, as the Union Irrigation Minister, he paved the way for the historic Raavi – Beas Water Agreement signed by the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan and the then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi. While being the Union Agriculture Minister, he did many welfare works for the farmers and due to his policies, the farmers got the maximum price for their produce. Due to his farmer-friendly policy, the farmers coined a slogan about him: Rao-Aaya, Bhav-Aaya. During his tenure as Agriculture Minister, the production of food grains in the country increased from 107 to 185 metric tonnes annually. While being the Union Civil Supplies Minister, Rao Birender Singh approved the Consumer Protection Act. After this, consumer courts were formed across the country and the door of justice opened up for the consumer.
• After general Election of 1984, Rao Birender Singh joined as Union Agriculture and Food Minister under the leadership of the then Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi. Rao Birender Singh resigned on 25^th September 1985 from the Cabinet as he was against Rajiv Longowal Agreement, on the Table of the House itself. In the history of independent India it was the first time when any cabinet minister has given his resignation letter in public interest in the House itself. He later resigned from Parliament and the Congress Party.
• In 1989 he won the Lok Sabha election on the Janta Dal ticket and he served the country as the Union Food and Public Distribution Minister in the Chandra Shekhar Cabinet.
• Rao Birender Singh always strived to raise the voice of Farmers, underprivileged, minorities and backward classes of the country and as the chief of All India Yadav Maha Sabha he raised the demand for their representation in Vidhan Sabha and Provincial Parishads across the country.
• Rao Birender Singh died at the age of 88 years on 30^th September 2009.
• Text : Based on information provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 13, 2022

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on 150^th Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo and salutes his contribution to the spiritual upliftment of millions in India and abroad.

Credits :
Souvenir Sheet/FDC/Brochure : Sh. Suresh Kumar
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 15000 Paise

Stamps Printed : 1.11 lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Aurobindo Ghose

Born on Aug 15, 1872 at Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Died on Dec 5, 1950 at Pondicherry, French India [now Puducherry City, Puducherry, India]

About : 

• In India, spirituality and religion are part of people’s everyday life. Since ancient times, the Rishis & Munis of India preferred to attain spiritual pursuits rather than materialistic pursuits of life. Hence, spiritual wisdom gained an upper hand over materialistic prosperity. Since ages, spiritual seekers from India have shown the world, the higher path of living.
• Sri Aurobindo was born in Calcutta on 15^th August 1872. At the age of seven he was sent to England for education. There he studied at St. Paul’s School, London, and at King’s College, Cambridge. After return to India in 1893, he worked for the next thirteen years in the Princely State of Baroda in the service of the Maharaja and as a professor in Baroda College. During this period, he also joined a revolutionary society and took a leading role in secret preparations for an uprising against the British Government in India.
• In 1906, soon after the Partition of Bengal, Sri Aurobindo quit his post in Baroda and went to Calcutta, where he soon became one of the leaders of the Nationalist movement. He was the first political leader in India to openly put forward, in his newspaper Bande Mataram, the idea of complete Independence for the country. Prosecuted twice for sedition and once for conspiracy, he was released each time for lack of evidence.
• Sri Aurobindo had begun the practice of Yoga in 1905 in Baroda. In 1910 he withdrew from politics and went to Pondicherry in order to devote himself entirely to his inner spiritual life and work. During his forty years in Pondicherry he evolved a new method of spiritual practice, which he called the Integral Yoga. According to Sri Aurobindo, spiritual realization not only liberates man’s consciousness but also transforms his nature. In 1926, with the help of his spiritual collaborator, the Mother, he founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Among his many writings are The Life Divine, The Synthesis of Yoga and Savitri. Sri Aurobindo left for heavenly abode on 5^th December 1950.
• After the death of Sri Aurobindo, Sri Aurobindo Society was started by the Mother on 19^th September 1960. She was not only the founder and the Executive President but also remains its guiding force. From a very small beginning, over the years, the Society has grown into an international organization working in diverse fields of life, like integral education, Indian culture, emergency response management and sustainable development.
• Sri Aurobindo has been a scholar, a literary critic, a philosopher, a revolutionary, a poet, a yogi and a rishi. He was all these and much more and has touched the souls of millions in India and abroad. Sri Aurobindo has been an inspiration to all those who wants to make this world a better place by making improvements in their inner world.
• India in its 75^th Years of its Independence and as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations is commemorating the life of spiritual masters whose work and values resonates with the soul of India. Government of India has decided to commemorate 150^th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo in befitting manner at national and international level during the period from 15 August 2022 to 15 August 2023.
• Text : Referenced from the contents provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jan 23, 2021

Issued for : The Government of India will commemorate the 125^th Birth Anniversary of Netaji on 23 January 2022. Department of Posts is pleased to issue a commemorative postage stamp on 125^th Birth Anniversary Year of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose to begin the year long celebrations.

Credits :
Stamps, FDC and Brochure : Sh. Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation Cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 2500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 504000

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Subhas Chandra Bose

Born on Jan 23, 1897 at Cuttack, Orissa Division, Bengal Province, British India [now in Cuttack district, Odisha, India]

Died on Aug 18, 1945 at Army Hospital Nanmon Branch, Taihoku, Japanese Taiwan [now Taipei City Hospital Heping Fuyou Branch, Taipei, Taiwan]

About : 

• Subhas Chandra Bose, fondly called Netaji who was born on 23 January 1897, was undoubtedly one of the most prominent Indian nationalist whose defiant patriotism made him a hero in India.
• He became President of the Indian National Congress in 1938. However, soon after being re-elected in 1939, he was ousted from Congress leadership positions following differences with the Congress high command. He was subsequently placed under house arrest by the British before bravely escaping from India in 1940.
• Netaji arrived in Germany in April 1941, where the leadership offered unexpected cold sympathy for the cause of India’s independence. However, he did not divert from his goal which was freedom for India. In November 1941, with German funds, a Free India Centre was set up in Berlin and soon a Free India Radio, on which he would make nightly broadcasts. A 3,000-strong Free India Legion, comprising Indians captured by Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Korps, was also formed to aid in a possible future German invasion of India. Later the same year, with German help, he was transferred to a Japanese submarine from which he disembarked in Japanese-held Sumatra in May 1943.
• With Japanese support, Netaji revamped the Indian National Army (INA). Before long the Provisional Government of Free India, presided by Netaji, was formed in the Japanese-occupied Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Netaji had great drive and charisma. The INA under Netaji was a model of unity in diversity comprising a splendid mix of ethnicity, religion, and even gender from all regions of India.
• The Japanese also took possession of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1942 and a year later, the islands were renamed Shaheed (Martyr) and Swaraj (Independence). During Netaji’s only visit to the islands in early 1944, India hoisted its own tri-colour flag for the first time. On the Indian mainland, an Indian Tricolour, modelled after that of the Indian National Congress, was raised for the first time in the town of Moirang, in Manipur, in north-eastern India. On 6 July 1944, in a speech broadcast by the Azad Hind Radio from Singapore. Netaji addressed Mahatma Gandhi as the “Father of the Nation” and asked for his blessings and good wishes for the war he was fighting. This was the first time that Gandhiji was referred to by this honorific title.
• Netaji believed in the Bhagavad Gita as a great source of inspiration for the struggle against the British. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on universalism, his nationalist thoughts and his emphasis on social service and reform had all inspired Netaji from his very young days. He believed that socialism in India owed its origins to Swami Vivekananda. He had clearly expressed his belief that democracy was the best option for India. The most famous quote of Netaji was “Give me blood and I will give you freedom”. Another famous quote was “Dilli Chalo” (“On to Delhi”). This was the call he used to give the INA armies to motivate them. “Jai Hind” or “Glory to India” was another slogan used by him and later adopted by the Government of India and the Indian Armed Forces. Netaji was considered a patriot even by some of his rivals in the Congress. Gandhi himself wrote that Bose’s “… patriotism is second to none”, and he was moved to proclaim after Netaji’s death that he was a “prince among patriots” – a reference, in particular, to his achievement in integrating women and men from all the regions and religions of India in the Indian National Army. Netaji wanted freedom for India at the earliest opportunity.
• Text : Sh. Pallab Bose.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 4, 2020

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a commemorative Postage Stamp on I. K. Gujral.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Ms. Bharti Mirchandani
Cancellation cachet : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 300000

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Inder Kumar Gujral

Born on Dec 4, 1919 at Pari Darveza, Punjab, British India [now in Punjab, Pakistan]

Died on Nov 30, 2012 at Gurugram, Haryana, India

About : 

• Inder Kumar Gujral was the 12^th Prime Minister of India, who led the nation during the period 1997-1998. He was born on 4^th December 1919 in Jhelum of the undivided Punjab State of British India. He was well qualified and had done M.A., B.Com., Ph.D. and D.Litt. (Hons. Causa).
• I. K. Gujral belongs to a family of freedom fighters. His parents, Avtar Narain Gujral and Pushpa Gujral, actively participated in the freedom struggle of the country in Punjab. At the age of eleven, Gujral himself jumped into the national movement. In 1942, he was jailed during the Quit India Movement.
• The post-independence political career of I. K. Gujral started with a humble beginning as Vice-President of the New Delhi Municipal Committee, in the year 1958. He later entered mainstream politics by joining the Indian National Congress in the year 1964. He served as a Minister in various Ministries viz. Communications, Parliamentary Affairs, Information & Broadcasting, Works & Housing and Planning during the period 1967-1976. From 1976 to 1980 he was the Ambassador of India to U.S.S.R. in the rank of a Cabinet Minister to the Union.
• In 1980s, he left Indian National Congress and joined Janata Dal and served as Union Minister for External Affairs during the years 1989-1990. He also served as Minister in the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Water Resources in 1996.
• In the year 1997, he emerged as the consensus candidate for Prime Ministership during the role of the United Front Government. A set of five guiding principles with regard to conduct of India’s foreign relations with its immediate neighbours which later came to be known as the Gujral Doctrine, was formulated by him during his stint as External Affairs Minister under the United Front Government. These were further fine tuned during his tenure as Prime Minister of India.
• Apart from serving in various official capacities, he also worked for other important assignments such as Chairman, Indian Council of South Asian Co-Operation, President of the Institute of Defence Studies & Analysis (IDSA), Chairman of the official Committee for Promotion of Urdu (Gujral Committee) and many others. He has been a writer and commentator on National and International Affairs as well as Theatre. He had a good knowledge of Urdu language and was fond of poetry. His book ‘A Foreign Policy of India’ published in 1998 showcased his aspirations about the foreign policy that he envisioned for India. He authored the book ‘Matters of Discretion: An Autobiography’ which was published in the year 2011.
• I. K. Gujral left for his heavenly abode on 30 November 2012 at the age of 93 years.
• Text : Sh. Pallab Bose

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Issued by India

Issued on May 23, 2018

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

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

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 600000

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : C. Kesavan

Born on 23 May, 1891 at Mayyanad, Kollam district, Kerala, India

Died on 7 Jul, 1969 at Mayyanad, Kollam district, Kerala, India

About : 

• C. Kesavan was born at Mayyanad in Quilon. He graduated from University College, Trivandrum and took his law degree from Law College, Trivandrum. He was a prominent freedom fighter who organised, guided and led the struggle for the independence of India and was the chief architect of the liberation of Travancore State from the clutches of monarchy.
• After obtaining BA and BL degrees, he started legal practice at Kollam. He imbibed the teachings of Sree Narayana Guru, the great sage and social revolutionary and was gradually attracted to the dynamic philosophy of Gandhiji. As a man of the masses, he admired the radical economic and political teachings of Karl Marx also. Serving as the general secretary of the social organisation Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, he gave a new momentum to the social and political struggles in the state.
• C. Kesavan briefly worked as a school teacher. His political career began in 1932 as the undisputed leader of Abstention Movement (Nivarthana Agitation). As a leader of this Movement, which later shaped the struggle for Independence in this part of the country, he entered mainstream politics through the State Congress. He invited the severe wrath of the rulers while serving as the general secretary of All Travancore Joint Political Congress. He was arrested at Alleppey on June 6, 1935, tried for sedition, sentenced to imprisonment and fined and confined to Central Prison, Thiruvananthapuram. He made an epoch-making speech in Kozhenchery in 1935 which was a turning point in his career and a milestone in shaping the destiny of modern Kerala. C. Kesavan was arrested and imprisoned in Central Jail, Poojappura, Trivandrum. Later released, he was given a rousing reception at Kidangaparambu, Alappuzha. With the establishment of Travancore State Congress in 1938, the stormy political life of C. Kesavan had begun. Later, he courted arrest frequently and became a regular visitor to Poojappura Central Prison in Trivandrum. He had to again undergo imprisonment from August 29, 1942 for one year for taking part in the Quit India Movement.
• In the first election held after Independence he was elected to the Travancore Legislative Assembly and became a Minister in the Pattom Thanu Pillai Ministry in 1948 and held the portfolio of Health & Forest. By opening the Medical College in Trivandrum and legislating the bill for minimum wages of labourers, C. Kesavan displayed a model to Kerala society. However, he resigned after a few months. Subsequently, he was again elected to the Assembly and became the Chief Minister of Travancore State on February 28, 1951. Afterwards, even though he was elected to the Assembly once again in 1952, he retired from active public life after a few years and spent the last phase of his life at his home town Mayyanad in Quilon till his death on July 7, 1969.
• C. Kesavan was also a pioneering journalist; he launched one of the first daily newspapers in Malayalam: Kaumudi. He was a singer, actor and writer who penned one of the classic autobiographies in literary history: Jeevitha Samaram (Life Struggles).
• A Kerala icon, former Chief Minister of erstwhile Travancore-Cochin, leader of freedom movement, founding father of Travancore State Congress, architect of modern Kerala, hero of Abstention Movement; C. Kesavan was an outstanding social reformer of avowed commitment who revolutionized the society of Kerala with his trademark honesty, humility and inexorable determination. Known for fierce independence of thought, outlook and action, C. Kesavan’s brilliant and coercive oratory moved millions in their pursuit for political independence and social regeneration.
• Text : Based on the information received from proponent.

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