The Lok Sabha (Lower House) Secretariate 10.1.1989

The Lok Sabha (Lower House) Secretariate is depicted on the stamp and the Parliament House, New Delhi on the first day cover.

Harekrushna Mahatab 2.1.1989

Harekrushna Mahatab (21 November 1899 – 2 January 1987) was a leader of the Indian National Congress, a notable figure in the Indian independence movement and the Chief Minister of Odisha from 1946 to 1950 and again from 1956 to 1961. He was popularly known by the sobriquet Utkal Keshari.

Mannathu Padmanabhan 2.1.1989

Mannathu Padmanabhan (January 2, 1878 - February 25, 1970) was a social reformer and a freedom fighter from the State of Kerala, India. He is recognised as the founder of the Nair Service Society, which claims to represent the Nair community that constitutes almost 14.5% of the population of the state. Padmanabhan is considered as a visionary reformer who organised the Nair community under the NSS.

Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi 30.12.1988

Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi, (30 December 1887 – 8 February 1971) popularly known as Kulpati Dr. K. M. Munshi, was an Indian independence movement activist, politician, writer and educationist from Gujarat state. A lawyer by profession, he later turned to literature and politics. He was a well-known name in Gujarati literature. He founded Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, an educational trust, in 1938.

The stamp depicts K.M. Munshi and a tree, symbolising his interest in the Van Mahotsav (Grow More Trees). The first day cover shows him against a background of the Bhartuya Vidya Bhavan.  

India-89 World Philatelic Exhibition (4th Issue) 20.12.1988

India-89 World Philatelic Exhibition As a prelude to India-89, World Philatelic Exhibition, the Department of Posts has been issuing a series of stamps. This, the fourth set, carries two cancellations, one of the RMS and the other of the DLO.

The first stamp (60P) depicts one of the earliest hand stamps of the travelling post office in the 'Allahabad-Cawnpore' railway sector and this post mark was in use from December, 1864 to 1869. It was used by the travelling sorting offices between these two places. The first Travelling Post Office was established on 1st May, 1864 under a Suprintendent at Allahabad. The TPO operated on the 'Allahabad-Crownpore' and 'Calcutta-Delhi' railway sector. The circular post mark shown on the stamp has a diameter of 25 to 26 ms with "TRAVELLING" along the upper rim of the circumferrence and "POST OFFICE" along the lower rim, with No. 1 of the set, date and 'AC' in three horizontal lines in the space within the circle. This cancellation was used by the 1st set of the experimental TPO on 21st August, 1864.

The second stamp (Rs6.50) depicts the type of cancellation used by the Dead Letter Offices in 1886. The origin of Dead Letter Offices can be traced to the Act of 1837 which prescribed the treatment of undeleivered letters lying at any post office for longer than three months. Initially these were sent to the GPO of the Presidency and lists of such undeleivered letters and parcels were published in the official Gazette. They remained at the GPO for 18 months and, after a further period of 12 months, they were destroyed. The Dead Letter Offices were established somewhere in 1860s but it was only towards the end of the decade that actual marings were used on envelops and other postal material.

Bhakra Dam 15.12.1988

Bhakra Dam is a concrete gravity dam across the Sutlej River in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh in northern India. The Bhakra-Nangal multipurpose dams were among the earliest river valley development schemes undertaken by India after independence though the project had been conceived long before India became a free nation.

Described as "New Temple of Resurgent India" by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, the dam attracts tourists from all over India. Bhakra dam is 15 km from Nangal city and 20 km from Naina Devi town.

The dam, at 741 ft (226 m), is one of the highest gravity dams in the world (compared to USA's largest Hoover Dam at 743 ft). The 166 km² Gobindsagar Reservoir, named after Guru Gobind Singh, is created by this dam which is the third largest reservoir in India the first being Indira Sagar Dam and second Nagarjunasagar Dam. The river Satluj used to flow through a narrow gorge between two hills,

The dam was part of the larger multipurpose Bhakra Nangal Project whose aims were to prevent floods in the Sutluj-Beas river valley, to provide irrigation to adjoining states and to provide hydro-electricity. It also became a tourist spot for the tourists during later years because of it huge size and uniqueness.

The power generated at Bhakra Power houses is distributed among partner states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh and also supplied to common pool consumers like National Fertilizers Ltd. and Chandigarh.

Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah 5.12.1988

Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah (Born, 5 December 1905 – Died, 8 September 1982) was an Indian statesman who played a central role in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir, the northernmost Indian state. The self-styled "Sher-e-Kashmir" (Lion of Kashmir), Abdullah was the founding leader of the National Conference and thrice served as the head of government in Kashmir. He agitated against the rule of the Maharaja Hari Singh and urged self-rule for Kashmir.

Birsa Munda 15.11.1988

Birsa Munda (1875–1900) was an Indian tribal freedom fighter, religious leader and folk hero who belonged to the Munda tribe. He spearheaded an Indian tribal indigenous religious millenarian movement that rose in the tribal belt of modern day Bihar and Jharkhand in the late 19th century, during the British Raj, thereby making him an important figure in the history of the Indian independence movement. His achievements are even more remarkable for having been accomplished before the age of 25.

His portrait hangs in the Central Hall of the Indian parliament, the only tribal leader to have been so honored.

Jawaharlal Nehru - Birth Centenary 14.11.1988

It was in the year 1957 when India Post issued a set of three stamps for the first time on 14th November. The First stamp depicted a boy eating a Banana. The price of the stamp was 8 Paisa. The stamp was created from a candid photograph of an eight year boy Shekhar Borker. The photograph was selected from 10000 entries. Shekhar became famous as 'Banana Boy' after the stamp was issued. Until 1966, the Children's Day stamps were created using photographs. From 1971, instead of using photographs, India Post started to use designs of drawings and paintings done by children and selected from all over India. Until 1971 the stamps were printed in single color, except stamp of 1962. From 1973 onwards India Post started issuing multicolor stamps.

In the years 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1979, 1988, 1989 and 2003 Stamps were not issued on the occasion of Children’s Day. 

However in 1988 and 1989 stamps were issued on Jawaharlal Nehru on 14th November to mark his Birth Centenary. The 60P stamp on the FDC is possibly the largest stamp issued since 1947.

Abul Kalam Muhiyuddin Ahmed Azad 11.11.1988

Abul Kalam Muhiyuddin Ahmed Azad (11 November 1888 – 22 February 1958) was an Indian scholar and a senior political leader of the Indian independence movement. Following India's independence, he became the first [Minister of Education] in the Indian government. 

In 1992 he was posthumously awarded India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. There is also a theory which suggests that earlier when he was offered Bharat Ratna he promptly declined it saying that it should not be given to those who have been on the selection committee. He is commonly remembered as Maulana Azad; the word Maulana is an honorific meaning 'learned man', and he had adopted Azad (Free) as his pen name. His contribution to establishing the education foundation in India is recognised by celebrating his birthday on 11th November as "National Education Day" across India.

150 Years of The Times of India 3.11.1988

150 Years of The Times of India. There are not many newspapers in the world that have survived for 150 years, and when one does, there is cause to celebrate. On the subsequentenary of the Times of India, the only national newspaper to have reached that landmark in India, the Department of Posts issued a golden commemorative stamp. 

One of the regular features of the ToI were cartoons by the world famous cartoonist and a favourite of middle-Class India was the inimitable Common Man featured on the cover as well as on the special postmark.

The reason for the longetivity of the Times of India, perhaps, is that long ago it became a veritable institution through which news and reports, opinion and analysis, concepts and comment passed.

Events shaped The Times of India, but The Times of India played an important role in shaping the memories of these events.

India-89 World Stamp Exhibition, Delhi in January 1989 (3rd Issue) - The special cancellation for World Post Day 9.10.1988

The 4.00 stamp depicts the Bangalore G.P.O. The 5.00 stamp shows the Bombay G.P.O. The first day cover carries an extract from the letter of the Court of Directors of the East India Company to the Council at Bombay dated 27th Aug., 1688. The special cancellation for World Post Day carries the logo of the Universal Postal Union.  

The present third set consisting of two stamps are on Postal buildings depicting Bombay G.P.O. and Bangalore G.P.O. as samples of early & the latest architecture herald India-89 World Stamp Exhibition, Delhi in January 1989.

The Jerdon's courser 7.10.1988

The Jerdon's courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) is a nocturnal bird belonging to the pratincole and courser family Glareolidae endemic to India. The bird was discovered by the surgeon-naturalist Thomas C. Jerdon in 1848 but not seen again until its rediscovery in 1986. This courser is a restricted-range endemic found locally in India in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. It is currently known only from the Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, where it inhabits sparse scrub forests withA patches of bare ground.

The stamp shows the Jerdon's Courser. The first day cover shows a well-known photograph of Dr. Salim Ali. WWF logo is on the FDC.  

Baba Kharak Singh 6.10.1988

Baba Kharak Singh (6 June 1867 - 6 October 1963) was born at Sialkot in British India. He was involved in the Indian independence movement and was president of the Central Sikh League.

The uncrowned King of the Sikhs. A politician who spurned positions, perks and privileges, Baba Kharak Singh (1867-1963) was often addressed by this title. Baba Kharak Singh's name is associated with the birth of political consciousness in Punjab, its maturing into a movement and the first triumph of the experiment of passive resistance to be carried out in India. He is the most important Sikh character of the Indo-British history.

An aristocratic lineage and his family's good relations with the British (Baba Kharak Singh's father and his elder brother held the titles of Rai Bahadur), did not prevent this well-educated man (the Baba was among the first graduates from Panjab University, Lahore, in 1899) from joining the freedom struggle.

SPORTS1988 - XXIXth Seoul Olympics 17.9.1988

SPORTS – 1988. The Department of Posts is issuing a set of two stamps on the theme of "Sports-1988" this year, it is appropriate that this set issues on the occasion of the Seoul Olympics. The two stamps depict the Glory of Sport and the logo of the Indian Olympic Association.  

The first stamp embraces twelve disciplines in which India has attained commendable success during forty years of free India. 

The second stamp carries the logo of the Indian Olympic Association.  

HINDI DAY 14.9.1988

The stamp depicts a lotus, the heart of which is Hindi touching all the petals which represent the major languages of India. The first day cover, portrays Article 343 (i) of the Constitution of India.

HINDI DAY. On attainment of freedon in 1947, it was natural that the Indian Government sought an alternative to English as the Official Language and as a medium for education. It was essential to ahve a link language to establish emotional integration within the nation. After deep consideration, both within and outide the Constituent Assembly, on 14th September, 1949 it was agreed, among other items, to adopt Hindi in the Devanagari script as the Official Language of the Union. Accordingly on 26th January, 1950, when the Indian Constitution came into force, provision was made for this under Article 343 (i). Thus today India celebrates Hindi Day on 14th September. It was provided under Article 345 that the States within the Union may by law adopt any one or more of the languages in use in the State or Hindi as their Official Language. The Official Language Act 1963 was passed to protect the sentiments and interests of the non-Hindi speaking States and their residents, accordingly these States will continue to correspond with the Centre in English till Hindi is adopted by a State for the purpose. 

Gopinath Kaviraj 7.9.1988

Gopinath Kaviraj (7 September 1887 – 12 June 1976) was a Sanskrit-Tantra scholar, Indologist and philosopher. Starting as a librarian in 1914, he later remained Principal of Government Sanskrit College, Varanasi from 1923 to 1937. He also remained the editors of Sarasvati Bhavana Granthamala (Sarasvati Bhavana Texts) during this period.

In 1964, he received the Sahitya Akademi Award, given by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, for his research treatise on Tantra, Tantrik Vangmaya Men Shaktadrishti. In the same years he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian honour given by Government of India. Then in 1971, he was conferred the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest literary honour awarded by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters.

Sarat Chandra Bose 6.9.1988

Sarat Chandra Bose (6 September 1889 – 20 February 1950) was a barrister and Indian independence activist. He was the son of Janakinath Bose and elder brother of Subhas Chandra Bose.

Prabhabati Devi was part of the famous Datta family of Hatkhola in north Kolkata. She gave birth to fourteen children, six daughters and eight sons, among whom were nationalist leader Sarat Chandra Bose, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and distinguished cardiologist Dr. Sunil Chandra Bose.

Sarat Bose was the brother of Subhas Chandra Bose and the maternal uncle of Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar. Sarat Bose studied in Presidency College, then affiliated with the University of Calcutta, and then went to England in 1911 to become a barrister. He began a successful legal practice upon his return to India, but later abandoned it to join the Indian independence movement. Later, he went to England to obtain a degree in law.

Durgadas Rathore 26.8.1988

Durgadas Rathore (Durga Das Rathore) (13 August 1638 – 22 November 1718) is credited with having preserved the rule of the Rathore dynasty over Marwar, India, following the death of Jaswant Singh in the 17th century. In doing so he had to defy Aurangzeb, a Mughal emperor.

Durgadas after completing his duties successfully he fulfilled the promise which he gave to Jaswant Singh, and left Jodhpur to live in Sadri, Udaipur, Rampura, Bhanpura for some time and then left to worship Mahakaal at Ujjain. On 22 November 1718, on the banks of the Shipra at Ujjain, Durgadas died at the age of 81 years, his canopy in red stone is still at the Chakratirtha, Ujjain, which is pilgrimage for all freedom fighters and Rajputs.

The Cambridge History of India says of Durgadas that he

... displayed a rare combination of the dash and reckless valour of a Rajput warrior with the tact, diplomatic cunning and organising power of the best Mughal ministers. But for his twenty-five years of unflagging exertion and skilful contrivance, Ajit Singh could not have secured his father's throne. Fighting against terrible odds, he kept the cause of his nation triumphant, without ever looking to his own gain.

FREEDOM FORTY- SWARAJ - 40 years of India's Independence 16.8.1988

This composite se-tenant stamp features a painting by M.F. Husain; the beginning of Tilak's historic proclamation “Swaraj (Freedom) is my birthright and I shall have it”, is written in Marathi at the top. The first day cover shows a line drawing of Bipin Chandra Pal, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai, prominent leaders of the National Movement.  The cancellation is a depiction of the first postage stamp of free India issued on 21-11-47 to commemorate India's Freedom.  

FREEDOM FORTY- SWARAJ 15 August, 1988 brings to a close the commemoration of 40 years of India's Independence. TO mark thes occasion the Department of Posts issued a composite se-tenant stamp commemorating the contribution of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, towards the cause of freedom and his famous call "Swaraj is my birthright" which inspired generations of Indians. At around the beginning of this century there was a certain disenchantment with the approach of the older and more moderate group of nationalists. The Partition of Bengal in 1905 catalysed the wave that carried our National Movement to its phase with its emphasis on Swaraj, Swadeshi and Boycott. Tilak's thundering proclamation on Swaraj and the cries of "Vande Mataram" rekindled national pride. For the first time the common man boldly stepped out into the National Movement. The youth of India responded enthusiastically to the call of independence from foreign rule. The charged mood of the times was later summed up by Jawaharlal Nahru, who wrote in his Autobiography- ..." For the first time since the Revolt of 1857 India was showing fight and not submitting tamely to foreign rule- Almost without an exception we were Tilakites....".  

Tilak spread the message of self-confidence and self-reliance. He helped to widen the social base of our National Movement. Upon the death of this great son of India, in 1920, Mahatma Gandhi wrote ".... The roar of the lion is hushed. For us he will go down to the generations yet unborn as a member of modern India....". His bravery, his simplicity, his wonderful industry and his love of his country inspire us even today.  

Dr.Yashwant Singh Parmar 4.8.1988

Dr.Yashwant Singh Parmar (4 August 1906 – 2 May 1981) was a politician. He was a leader of the Indian National Congress and the first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh state. He was also the founder of the state Himachal Pradesh. He was born at Chanhalag village near Bagthan in a rajput family in the erstwhile princely state of Sirmour. He studied in the Christian College in Lahore and later received his PhD from Lucknow University in 1944. Upon the formation of the constituent assembly of India in 1946, he represented Himachal Pradesh in the constituent assembly.

Acharya Shanti Dev 28.7.1988

Acharya Shanti Dev, was a Sanskrit poet and the author of 'Bodhicharyavatar' a classic of Mahayana Buddhism was born in 687 A.D. in the royal family of Gujarat. His father was king Kushala Varman and mother Vajrayogini. On his father's death Shanti Dev, who was then known as Shanti Varman, became heir to the throne. But a few days before his coronation, Bodhisatva Manjushri appeared before him in a dream and beckoned him to follow the path of Dharma. On waking up, Shanti Dev left the place quietly. After travelling for 21 days, he reached Nalanda and studied the Buddhist scriptures, mastering Sanskrit and Pali.

Not only was he a great saint and scholar, he was also a great benefactor of the poor and the lowly, and an apostle of peace and goodwill. At the time of a famine in Gujarat, he is said to have worked as a social worker and provided food to thousands of starving people. He passed away at the age of 78. 

Shiv Prasad Gupta 28.6.1988

Shiv Prasad Gupta (28 June 1883, Varanasi – 24 April 1944) was a visionary, philanthropist, a leader of the Indian Freedom Movement and the founder of the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth. Though belonging to a very wealthy industrialist and "Jamindar" family, he devoted his entire life to actively participate, assist and give financial aid to the various movements of the freedom struggle. He was a close associate and friend of Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya and all the other nationalist leaders, who often stayed with him on their visit to Varanasi and relied upon his advice and support.

Gandhi conferred upon Gupta the title of "Rashtra Ratna – Jewel of the Nation".

Rani Durgawati 24.6.1988

Rani Durgawati was the daughter of Raja Salivahan of Rath and Mahoba, a scion of the Chandela dynasty. She married Dalpat Shah, the ruler of Gondwana. He died in 1548 A.D. leaving a minor son. Durgawati took over the reins of Government.

Durgawati combined beauty and grace with courage and wisdom. She distinguished herself as a warrior and fought with unvarying success against Baz Bahadur, the Sultan of Malwa. Stories of her exploits as a warrior and hunter are still current in area.  

Her kingdom fell victim to aggression by the Mughals. Asaf Khan, the Governor of Kara-Manikpur attacked her domains, lured by tales of wealth and hoping for rich territorial gains.   Asaf Khan penetrated into Gondwana in 1564 catching Durgawati off guard. She gallantly opposed the invaders but the battle had been lost. It is said she stabbed herself choosing death to dishonour. She was cremated some 12 miles from Jabalpur.  

Kuladhor Chaliha 19.6.1988

Kuladhor Chaliha was born on 20th September, 1886 at Sibsagar. After the massacre at Jalianwala Bagh in 1919, he joined the Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. He was convicted and jailed for one ear in 1921. In 1920, he was elected the first President of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee. He joined Reverend C.P. Andrews and Horace Alexander in their opium prohibition campaign in 1928. When the Assam Legislative Council was formed in 1927, he was elected one of its Members. He was also elected to the Lesislative Assembly after the death of Nabin Chandra Bardoloi. He was a member of the Constituent Assembly of India. He passed away on 19th January, 1963.  

Dr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha 18.6.1988

Dr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha (Singh) (18 June 1887 – 5 July 1957), known as Bihar Vibhuti, was an Indian statesman who was the first Deputy Chief Minister cum Finance Minister of the Indian state of Bihar (1946–1957). He was also a Member of the Constituent Assembly of India, which was elected to write the Constitution of India and served in its first Parliament as an independent nation. He also held a range of portfolios including Labour, Local Self Government, Public Works, Supply & Price Control, Health and Agriculture. 

A.N. Sinha, affectionately called "Babu Saheb", was a very close associate of Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle movement and worked with Bihar Kesari Dr. Sri Krishna Sinha to lead the Gandhian movement in Bihar One of the leading nationalists in the Indian independence movement from Bihar after Dr Rajendra Prasad, he was elected as the Congress Party deputy leader in the state assembly to assume office as first Deputy Chief Minister cum Finance Minister of independent Bihar, and re-elected when the Congress Party won Bihar's first general election with a massive mandate in 1952.

KHEJRI TREE 5.6.1988

KHEJRI TREE The Khejri, (Prosopis Cineraria), is a small to moderate sized tree, evergreen or nearby so, with lighter foliage and rather slender branches armed with conical spines, found in dry and arid regions of India. Prosopis cineraria is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to arid portions of Western Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, including Afghanistan, Iran, India, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.  

The wood is suitable for interior construction work, such as columns, roofs, doors and windows and for wheels and hubs of carts, agricultural implements, tool handles, small turnery articles and well curbs. In dry and arid regions, it is a source of fuel and is used for making charcoal. The pods are used as fodder for livestock. The bark as well as galls formed onleaves are used for tanning. Leaves are lopped for fodder. The tree exudes a gum that resembles the mesquite gum. The Khejri tree has been traditionally protected by the Bishnois of Rajasthan, a remarkable phenomenon in the field of conservation, both of vegetation and soil.

The Khejri tree is appropriately being used as a theme for this stamp to be released on 5th June, 1988, World Environment Day, by the Department of Posts.  The first day cover shows an attractive tree design by Shri K.S. Radhakrishnan adapted from rural Rajasthani wall paintings.

The Lawrence School, Lovedale 31.5.1988

The first day cover and the cancellation, show the school emblem and motto.

The Lawrence School, Lovedale is an educational institution in Lovedale, located near Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu, India, and named for its founder, Sir Henry Montgomery Lawrence. Lawrence had mooted the idea about the establishment of a chain of schools with a view to provide education to the children of the deceased and serving soldiers and officers of the British army. Lawrence was himself killed in the Indian Mutiny, also called India's First War of Independence. His dream took shape and four such schools, known as Lawrence Asylum, were established in India: the first two during his lifetime in 1847 at Sanawar, the second at Mount Abu in 1856; the third at Ootacamund in 1858 and the fourth in Ghora Gali, Murree in 1860, in present-day Pakistan.

Centenary of Victoria Terminus (VT), Bombay 30.5.1988

Victoria Terminus (VT) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an historic railway station in Mumbai Maharashtra, India which serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways. Designed by Frederick William Stevens with influences from Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and traditional Mughal buildings, the station was built in 1887 in the Bori Bunder area of Mumbai to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. 

The new railway station was built on the location of the Bori Bunder Station and is one of the busiest railway stations in India, serving as a terminal for both long-distance trains and commuter trains of the Mumbai Suburban Railway. The station's name was changed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) in March 1996 and it is now known simply as CST.

Love and Care for Elders 24.5.1988

The stamp depicts a child extending its arms to embrace elders with affection and love. The first day cover complements this theme with a shloka from Samanyaniti which highlights the sentiment. The cancellation represents the sun, depicting the status of elders with regard to the younger generation. The denomination of this stamp at 60 P. acquires added significance as it marks the watershed age of 60 years.  

Himalayan Peaks 19.5.1988

Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil 9.5.1988

Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil (September 22, 1887 - May 9, 1959), born in Kumbhoj, Kolhapur, was a social activist and educator in Maharashtra, India. A strong advocate of mass education, he founded the Rayat Education Society. Bhaurao played an important role in educating backward castes and low income people by coining the philosophy earn and learn. He was a prominent member of Satyashodhak Samaj(Truth seeker's society), founded by Mahatma Jotirao Phule. 

The people of Maharashtra honoured him with the sobriquet Karmaveer (King of actions) and the Government of India awarded him with Padma Bhushan in 1959.

First War of Indian Independence -Homage to Martyrs 9.5.1988

First War of Indian Independence is a term predominantly used in India to describe the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The event challenged and ended the power and control of British East Indian Company in India to be replaced by nine decades of British colonial rule, known as the British Raj.

In India, the term First War of Independence was first popularized by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in his 1909 book The History of the War of Indian Independence, which was originally written in Marathi. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, insisted on using the term First War of Independence to refer to the event, and the terminology was adopted by the Government of India.

The 60P stamp has a painting of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi during the Battle with the British. Some freedom fighter’s names are also mentioned on the stamp, namely, Rani Laxmi Bai, Begum Hazrat Mahal, Tantia Tope, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Mangal Pandey and Nana Saheb.

Svāti Tirunāl Rāma Varma 2.5.1988

Svāti Tirunāl Rāma Varma (16 April 1813 – 27 December 1846) was the Maharaja of the Kingdom of Travancore, British India. He is also considered as a brilliant music composer and is credited with over 400 classical compositions in both Carntic and Hindusthani style.

A well-formulated code of laws, courts of Justice, introduction of English education, construction of an observatory, installation of the first Government printing press, establishment of the first manuscripts library were amongst the many initiatives taken by Svāti Tirunāḷ‍, as a King, to modernise Travancore. 'Efficiency was the key word and corruption a taboo', according to the article The Monarch Musician in The Hindu.

Ramdas 1.5.1988

Ramdas was a noted 17th-century saint and spiritual poet of Maharashtra. He is most remembered for his Advaita Vendatist text, theDasbodh. Ramdas was a devotee of Hanuman and Rama. His teaching of not losing patience and having faith in the face of adversities, and being fearless in difficult situations helped people deal with dangerous conditions.

He chose Hanuman, who was extremely strong, would valiantly face enemies and emerge victorious, as a role model for the common man to combat murderous opponents. Lord Ram, who killed Ravana and helped the Gods who were captured by him, was another role model he chose. He felt that their personalities and characteristics would be ideal for the masses to follow.

His most popular composition is the Marathi Aarti to Lord Ganesh Sukhakarta Dukhaharta. He also composed several other Aartis such as Satrane Uddane Hunkaar Vadani to Lord Hanuman and Panchanan haivahan surabhushan lila to Lord Khandoba. The most famous book written by Samarth Ramdas, "Dasbodh" has been translated into most of the prominent Indian languages, and available to readers all over the world. The original copy of Dasbodh which was written by his disciple is in the Domgaon Mutt.

He saw to it that people became fearless through the work of volunteers of his sect who in fact were staunch disciples of Shree Samarth. This was probably the only example of a saint leading a political movement and that too a winning one. He thus proved to be unique among a galaxy of saints India ever produced.

Sir Muhammad Iqbal 21.4.1988

Sir Muhammad Iqbal (9 November 1877 – 21 April 1938), widely known as Allama Iqbal,  was an academic, poet, barrister, philosopher, and politician in British India. He is considered one of the most important figures in Urdu literature, with literary work in both the Urdu and Persian languages.

In 1922, he was knighted by King George V, giving him the title "Sir". While studying law and philosophy in England, Iqbal became a member of the London branch of the All-India Muslim League. Later, in one of his most famous speeches, Iqbal pushed for the creation of a Muslim state in Northwest India. This took place in his presidential speech in the League's December 1930 session.

In much of Southern Asia and Urdu speaking world, Iqbal is regarded as the Shair-e-Mashriq ("Poet of the East"). In India he is also remembered as the author of the popular song Saare Jahaan Se Achcha.

Dadhichi 26.3.1988

Dadhichi, also known as Dadhyancha, is an important character in Hindu mythology. He is credited with giving up his life in order to allow the Gods (Devatas) to make weapons from his bones to defeat the Demons (Asurs), recapture Heaven (Svargalok) and release all the world's water for all living beings. His bones are used as a symbol on India's highest award for gallantry "Param Vir Chakra" as "vajra". He is revered amongst the greatest of sages and is portrayed as an example that no sacrifice is too great when the result is the good of the world.

He was the one of the greatest devotees of Lord Shiva. It is believed that after Shiva had been separated from Shakti, he had kept himself all alone in a jungle and on an annual festival of Maha Shivratri, Lord Shiva had first time appeared in front of his devotees as rishi Dadhichi and his disciples were offering him prayers. He was among one of the greatest among clan of bhrigus.

Malayala Manorama 23.3.1988

Malayala Manorama is a daily morning newspaper, in Malayalam language, published from Kottayam in the state of Kerala, India by Malayala Manorama Company Limited. It was first published as a weekly on 22 March 1890, and currently has a readership of over 20 million (with a circulation base of over 2.1 million copies). The Malayalam title "manorama" roughly translates to "entertainer". It is widely criticised for its tabloid journalism.

According to World Association of Newspapers, as of 2011, it holds a position as the fifth most circulating newspaper in the world. According to the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) 2013 figures, it is the third largest circulating newspapers in India (behind The Times of Inda and Dainik Jagran) and largest circulating newspaper in Kerala.

Rani Avantibai 20.3.1988

Rani Avantibai (or Avanit Bai Lodhi) was the wife of Vikramaditya Singh, the ruler of the Indian state of Ramgarh. She was a Lodhi-warrior-queen in the area now known as Madhya Pradesh. When he died, leaving his wife with no heir, the British refused to allow her to succeed the throne and placed Ramgarh under their administration. Avantibai vowed to fight the British to regain her land and her throne. She raised an army of four thousand and personally led it against the British in 1857. On March 20, 1858, facing imminent defeat, she killed herself with her own sword.

Narmada Valley Development Authority named the dam in Jabalpur district in the honour of freedom fighter Rani Avantibai Lodhi.  

Devanahalli Venkataramanaiah Gundappa 17.3.1988

Devanahalli Venkataramanaiah Gundappa, popularly known as DVG, was a Kannada writer and philosopher. His most notable work is the Manku Thimmana Kagga ("Dull Thimma's Rigmarole", 1943), which is similar to the wisdom poems of the late medieval poet Sarvajna.Gundappa. 

He was awarded Padma Hhushan by the Government of India in 1974. The State of Karnataka honored him for his services to Kannada literature in 1970 at Ravindra Kalkshetra, Bengaluru and awarded a purse of Rs 90,000. DVG donated the entire award money to the Gokhale Institute of Public Affairs (depicted on the stamp and the FDC).

Mohindra College Patiala 14.3.1988

Established in 1875, Mohindra College Patiala, Punjab, is the oldest institution of contemporary higher learning in Northern India.

Mohindra College was the first institution in Punjab to receive A+ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) of the Government of India. The college offers undergraduate and graduate level education in basic sciences, political science, languages, history, public administration, commerce, computer applications, agriculture science, biotechnology and clinical diagnostics.

Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant 7.3.1988

Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant (10 September 1887 – 7 March 1961) was a veteran Indian freedom fighter and politician who alongside Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru was a key figure in the movement for India's independence and subsequently was a pivotal figure in the independent Indian Government.  

Mr. Pant received India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna in 1957, an honour which has been shared with luminaries such as Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and various Indian Nobel Laureates.

Chandra Shekhar Azad 27.2.1988

Chandra Shekhar Azad  (23 July 1906 – 27 February 1931), popularly known asAzad ("The Free"), was an Indian revolutionary who reorganised the Hindustan Republican Association under the new name of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) after the death of its founder, Ram Prasad Bismil, and three other prominent party leaders, Roshan Singh, Rajendra Nath Lahiri and Ashfaqulla Khan. He is considered to be the mentor of Bhagat Singh and chief strategist of the HSRA.

 

Azad died at Alfred Park in Allahabad on 27 February 1931 when he went to the city to meet with a revolutionary colleague, Sukhdev Raj. Faced with armed police, Azad fired upon them. He was wounded in the process of killing three policemen and wounding some others. His actions made it possible for Sukhdev Raj to escape. After a long shootout, holding true to his pledge to never be captured alive, he shot himself dead with his last bullet.The file related to Azad is preserved in CID Headquarters, 1, Gokhale Marg, Lucknow. The Colt pistol of Chandra Shekhar Azad is displayed at the Allahabad Museum.

Sir Benegal Narsing Rau - Birth Centenary 26.2.1988

Sir Benegal Narsing Rau, CIE, (26 February 1887 – 30 November 1953) was an Indian civil servant, jurist, diplomat and statesman known for his key role in drafting the Constitution of India. He was also India's representative to the United Nations Security Council from 1950 to 1952. His brothers were Governor of the Reserve Bank of India Benegal Rama Rau and journalist and politician B. Shiva Rao.

 

One of the foremost Indian jurists of his time, Rau helped draft the constitutions of Burma in 1947 and India in 1950. As India's representative on the United Nations Security Council (1950–52), he was serving as president of the council when it recommended armed assistance to South Korea (June 1950). Later he was a member of the Korean War post Armistice United Nations Command Military Armistice Commission (UNCMAC).

A graduate of the Universities of Madras and Cambridge, Rau entered the Indian civil service in 1910. After revising the entire Indian statutory code (1935–37), he was knighted (1938) and made judge (1939) of the Bengal High Court at Calcutta (Kolkata). His writings on Indian law include a noted study on constitutional precedents as well as articles on human rights in India. He served briefly (1944–45) as Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir state. From February 1952 until his death, he was a judge of the Permanent Court of International Justice, The Hague. Before his election to the court, he was regarded as a candidate for secretary-general of the United Nations.