Commemorative stamps: A mark of honour

Postage stamps are powerful tools of communication, and are issued to promote national history, accomplishments and milestones. Stamps commemorate and honour people who contributed significantly to the nation and society. It acknowledges the outstanding accomplishments of evident individuals who have made seminal contributions in the fields of science, history, technology, education, business, literature, and the arts, as well as to the socioeconomic advancement of society.

By showcasing their accomplishments and piquing the public's curiosity in these individuals, stamps serve as a medium of knowledge interface.

Dr Rajendra Prasad: Before being chosen as the first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad served as president of the Constituent Assembly and the Indian National Congress (1943 and 1939). As President of India, he operated independently of any political party and in accordance with the Constitution. He was re-elected in 1957, making him the only Indian President to have served in that capacity twice.

In 1962, he received the “Bharat Ratna”, the country’s highest civilian honour. We could not have wished for a more suitable and ideal individual to guide India into a new chapter of the magnificent history of the country! His life has been genuinely inspirational for all Indians! He became the third living individual to appear on an Indian stamp.

Two stamps honouring the first President of the Indian Republic have been released by the Department of Posts. His image appears on a 15-naye-paise commemorative stamp from 1962, and another stamp from 1984 shows our President signing paperwork while seated at a desk.

Dr M. Visvesvaraya: Mr. Visvesvaraya, also known as Sir MV, was the Diwan of Mysore, a renowned engineer, and a statesman. He was awarded the “Bharat Ratna” for his exceptional social contribution. He is honored for his immeasurable contribution to his field on his birth anniversary. Engineer’s Day is observed on his birthday. In 1915, Britain bestowed upon him the honour of a knighthood. In Bengaluru, the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum is named in his honour. This well-known person was the second living person to get a stamp honour.

Mother Teresa: There isn't a single person in the Indian subcontinent who isn’t familiar with Mother Teresa, a remarkable woman with a rich personality. Mother Teresa spent her entire life in the 20th century fighting for the rights of the underprivileged and sickly patients around the globe. During her nearly 45 years of service, she not only assisted the sick, elderly, orphaned, and needy but also set the path for the growth of the Missionaries of Charity.

She received the Padma Shri in 1962, the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, and the Bharat Ratna in 1980. The government released a commemorative Rs 5 currency note in her honour on August 28, 2010. She is the fifth Indian whose likeness has been featured on a postage stamp.

Dhondo Keshav Karve: Renowned social reformer Dhondo Keshav Karve made substantial contributions to widow remarriage and women's education. He dismantled the traditional Hindu opposition to widow remarriage, and in 1893 he founded the Widow Marriage Association. In addition, he founded the Hindu Widows Home in Poona (Pune) as an educational facility to assist widows who were unable to remarry. In Pune, he also founded the Women's University. In addition, Maharishi Karve made enormous contributions to the elimination of the caste system. In 1958, he received the Bharat Ratna. He is the first Indian to have a postage stamp issued in his honour during his lifetime.

Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan: Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, a supporter of liberalism, individualism, and democracy, is one of the architects of contemporary India. He was born in Tiruttani, Madras, in 1888. In addition, he served as vice-chancellor of Banaras Hindu University. In 1949, he was named Indian ambassador to the USSR. His contributions to Unesco in a variety of roles earned him widespread acclaim. Dr Radhakrishnan served as India’s vice-president from 1952 to 1962 and its President from 1962 to 1967. He stopped being actively involved in public life in 1967 and lived in Madras until his death on April 17, 1975. Dr Radhakrishnan was a dedicated philosopher, thinker, and scholar who raised awareness of Indian heritage both in India and abroad. The Department of Post released a commemorative stamp in 1989 to recognise this gift to India and honour the life of this outstanding scholar. He was the fourth living person to be honoured on a stamp.

In the history of Independent India, the personalities commemorated on stamps range from well-known to not well-known, glamorous to ascetic, and radical to professional. The spotlight is on social reformers and freedom fighters.

The writer is the Postmaster General, Delhi Circle

Indian Post is hosting Amritpex 2023, the National Philatelic Exhibition, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from February 11 to 15. This is part of the nationwide Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.