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.