6-July... The day of tribute to Babu Jagjivan Ram...

Today (6-jul), marks the death anniversary of Babu Jagjivan Ram, a prominent leader and social reformer in India...

Babu Jagjivan Ram was a key figure in the struggle for Dalit rights...  He rose to prominence as a champion for the marginalized, advocating for social justice and equality...  He served in various important governmental roles, including as the Deputy Prime Minister of India, and played a crucial part in shaping policies related to rural development, labor rights, and education...

In 1991, India Post released a 1-rupee postage stamp in honor of the great leader, recognizing his immense contributions to social reform and his legacy as a champion for Dalit rights and social justice...

 

This stamp can be collected under the following themes:

(a) Indian freedom fighters...

(b) Social Reformers...

(c) Parliamentarians...

(d) Optical instruments in Stamps...

(e) Headgears in Stamps...

3-July... Launch of construction of Vidyasagar Setu...

This day (3-Jul), the construction of the iconic Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the 2nd Hooghly Bridge, began in 1979... Spanning the River Hooghly in Kolkata, it stands as one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in India and is also recognized among the longest in Asia... The project was completed after more than a decade of work and the bridge was officially opened to the public in 1992...

The bridge is named after the renowned education reformer Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and in 2007, India Post honored its significance by issuing a 5-rupee postage stamp in its commemoration... 

The Vidyasagar Setu remains a vital link in Kolkata’s infrastructure and a symbol of engineering excellence in the region... Its design and scale continue to inspire awe, serving as a testament to both technological advancement and cultural heritage...

This stamp can be collected under the themes:

(a) Bridges and Engineering...

(b) Infrastructure and Development...

(c) Landmarks of India...

(d) Transport and Communication...

(e) Modern Architecture and Urban Planning...

(f) Indian cultural Heritages...

14-January... Founding of Food Corporation of India...

One of the largest Supply Chain Management in Asia, the Food Corporation of India was commemorated by India Post in the year 2014 to commemorate it's Golden Jubilee year... 

The Food Corporation of India (FCI) was founded on this day (14-Jan) in the year 1965 with it's Office at Thanjavur, the rice bowl of Tamilnadu, India...  It's a statutory body founded and run by the Government of India for ensuring food security across India...

This stamp can be collected under the themes:

(a) Agriculture...

(b) Food...

(c) Automobiles...

(d) Buildings...

(e) Men / Women...

(f) Anniversaries...

11-January... Inauguration of Mumbai Naval Dockyard...

A 2 rupees 50 paise postage stamp was released by India Post in the year 1986 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Bombay Dockyard also known as Naval Dockyard, an Indian ship building yard at Mumbai...

The stamp features Bombay dock in the front ; and the Duncan dock behind it near the Administrative building...

The dockyard was established on this day (11-Jan) in the year 1735 by the erstwhile East India Company...  The company brought-in shipwrights from their base at Surat in order to construct vessels...

This stamp can be collected under the themes:

(a) Ships...

(b) Navy / Military forces...

(c) Shipbuilding...

(d) Ports...

(e) Anniversaries...

9-January... Return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa / Parvasi Bharatiya Divas...

India Post commemorated the 100 years of Mahatma Gandhi's return from South Africa with release of two postage stamps valued at INR 5 and INR 25 in the year 2015... 

It was on this day (9-Jan) in the year 1915, Gandhi returned to India from South Africa to lead India's freedom struggle against British rule... Also, this day is celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian Community in the development of India...

These stamps can be collected under the themes:

(a) Mahatma Gandhi...

(b) Anniversaries...

(c) Freedom Fighters...

(d) Teachers...

28-December... Enactment of Central Reserve Police Force...

Established as Crown Representative's Police (CRP) in 1939 during British rule, it primarily served as a force tasked with assisting the British administration...  The force underwent a significant transformation and reorganization in 1949 with the enactment of CRPF Act on this day (28-dec)...

The largest paramilitary force in India, CRPF, plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security, counter-insurgency, and assisting law enforcement agencies across States and Union Territories...  

CRPF includes some specialized units such as Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), each with specific roles in handling different situations... 

The 50th anniversary of establishment of CRPF was commemorated by India Post with the release a 60-paise postage stamp in 1989...

The text in Hindi on the stamp translates to... 

          केंद्रीय रिजर्व पुलिस बल - Central Reserve Police Force

          भारत - India

This stamp can be collected under the following themes: 

(a) Police Force...

(b) Nation Security...

(c) Prime Minister...

(d) Head of Government...

(e) Men in Uniform...

(f) Anniversaries / Jubilees... 

27-December... First public singing of the Indian National anthem...

The song "Jana Gana Mana", Indian National anthem, composed by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, was resonated in public for the first time on this day (27-dec) in 1911... 

In 1911 Indian National Congress session in Calcutta session was a significant gathering during the Indian Independence movement... "Jana Gana Mana", the first stanza of the Bengali Brahmo hymn 'Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata' written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911, was first sung publicly at this event...

The occasion added a cultural and emotional dimension to the political discussions, emphasizing the unity and diversity of India...  

The song was later translated into Hindi and the Hindi version was adopted by Constituent Assembly as Indian National Anthem on 24-January-1950...

In 2011, India Post honored Rabindranath Tagore, who composed "Jana Gana Mana", the National anthem of India with the release of a 5-rupees postage stamp...  

The text in Hindi on the stamp translates to... 

          रवीन्द्रनाथ ठाकुर - Rabindranath Tagore

          भारत - India

This stamp can be collected under the following themes: 

(a) Poets / Writers / Authors...

(b) Literature...

(c) Literary works...

(d) Nobel Laureates...

(e) National Anthem...

(f) Beard...

26-December... Death anniversary of Keshav Shankar Pillai...

Keshav Shankar Pillai, a trailblazing Indian cartoonist, who left a lasting legacy with his insightful and humorous depictions of societal nuances was remembered on this day (26-dec)...

Considered the father of political cartooning in India, Keshav Shankar Pillai, was renowned for his wit and social commentary, Shankar's cartoons, which often featured in publications like "Shankar's Weekly", capturing the essence of post-independence India...

He skillfully blended humor with astute observations, addressing various societal and political issues...  He also played a key role in the founding of the Children's Book Trust, contributing to the promotion of literature for young readers... 

His work remains a timeless reflection of India's evolving cultural and political landscape...

In 1991, India Post honored Keshav Shankar Pillai, by issuing a 6-rupees 50-paise postage stamp which featured one of his famous cartoon...  

The text in Hindi on the stamp translates to... 

          के शंकर पिल्लई - कार्टून - व्यंग्य-चित्र - K Shankar Pillai - Cartoons

          भारत - India

This stamp can be collected under the following themes: 

(a) Cartoons...

(b) Cartoonists / Writers...

(c) Elephant...

25-December... Birth anniversary of Madan Mohan Malaviya...

 

On this day (25-dec), the birth anniversary of Madan Mohan Malaviya, the visionary founder of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), a prominent educational institution in India, is celebrated...

Madan Mohan Malaviya was a prominent Indian educationist and freedom fighter and was best known for his role in education and public service...  Born in 1861, he started his career as a teacher and became a prominent leader in the Indian Independence Movement...

His pivotal contribution was the establishment of Banaras Hindu University in 1916, envisioning an institution that combined traditional Indian education with modern sciences... Malaviya played a key role in various educational committees and institutions...  Malaviya's lifelong dedication to fostering learning and knowledge left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of India...

In 1991, India Post commemorated the 75th anniversary of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and its founder, Madan Mohan Malaviya, by issuing a 1-rupee postage stamp...  This gesture served as a tribute to the enduring legacy of both Malaviya and the esteemed institution he established...

The text in Hindi on the stamp translates to... 

          काशी हिंदू विश्वविद्यालय - Kasi Hindu Vishwavidyalaya (Banaras Hindu University)

          भारत - India

This stamp can be collected under the following themes: 

(a) Education...

(b) Educational Institutions / Universities...

(c) Indian Independence Freedom Fighters...

(d) Educationist...

(e) Architecture / Buildings...

(f) Headgear...

(g) Anniversaries / Jubilees...

20-December... Death anniversary of Maharaja Chhatrasal...

 

A formidable Bundeli warrior and a key figure in Indian history during the 17th century, Maharaja Chhatrasal was remembered on this day (20-dec)... 

Renowned for his valor and military prowess, Chhatrasal staunchly resisted the Mughal Empire's dominance, upholding an unwavering commitment to independence...  His strategic alliance with Maratha leaders and his steadfast resistance against the Mughals exemplified his resolute pursuit of regional autonomy...

Chhatrasal, the Maharaja of Bundelkhand was honored by India Post with the release of a 60 paise postage stamp in 1987, immortalizing his enduring legacy...  

The text in Hindi on the stamp translates to... 

              छत्रसाल - Chhatrasal

              भारत - India

This stamp can be collected under the following themes: 

(a) Maharajas / Kings...

(b) Animals / Mammals / Horse...

(c) Warriors...

(d) Sword...

(e) Horse riding / Equestrianism...

19-December... Goa Liberation Day...

The day (19-dec) marks the liberation of Goa, along with Daman and Diu, from Portuguese rule and its integration into the Indian Union... 

Goa Liberation Day, marks the historic moment when India successfully liberated Goa from Portuguese colonial rule in 1961...  The military operation, known as "Operation Vijay", resulted in the integration of Goa, Daman, and Diu into the Indian Union... 

The day holds immense cultural and patriotic significance, celebrating the restoration of Goan identity and the end of centuries-long foreign dominance...

The 50th anniversary (Golden Jubilee) of Goa Liberation Day was commemorated by India Post with the release of a 5 rupees postage stamp in 2011... 

The text in Hindi on the stamp translates to... 

              गोवा मुक्ति - स्वर्ण जयंती - Goa Liberation - Golden Jubilee

              भारत - India

This stamp can be collected under the following themes: 

(a) Flags...

(b) Lighthouses...

(c) Trees...

(d) Anniversaries / Jubilees...

(e) Forts...

9-December... First meeting of Constituent Assembly of India...

The first meeting of Constituent Assembly of India was held on this day (9-dec) in 1946...

Constituent Assembly of India was formed under the Cabinet Mission Plan  proposed by British Government to draft and adopt the Constitution of India, which would serve as the foundational document for the new Independent nation...

Led by Dr.B R Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and other leaders, the Constituent Assembly took approximately two years, eleven months and seventeen days to draft and adopt the Constitution...

Constitution of India framed by the Constituent Assembly of India was commemorated by India Post with the issuance of a 10-rupees postage stamp in 2020...

The text in Hindi on the stamp translates to... 

              भारत का संविधान - Constitution of India

              सत्यमेव जयते - Satyamev Jayate

              भारत - India

This stamp can be collected under the themes: 

(a) Constitution...

(b) National Emblem...

(c) Parliament building...

(d) National Motto... 

25-November... Death Anniversary of Yashwantrao Balwantrao Chavan...

On this day (25-nov), India commemorates the death anniversary of Yaswantrao Balwantrao Chavan, a key political stalwart in Indian politics...

Yashwantrao Chavan a prominent Indian politician, served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and later as a the Deputy Prime Minister of India...  He played a crucial role in the economic development of Maharashtra and was instrumental in implementing key agrarian reforms...

The resilient Indian leader, Yashwantrao Balwantrao Chavan received a tribute from India Post in 2010 with the issuance of a 5-rupees postage stamp...

The text in Hindi on the stamp translates to... 

              यशवंतराव बलवंतराव चव्हाण - Yashwantrao Balwantrao Chavan

              भारत - India

This stamp can be collected under the themes: 

(a) Chief Minister / Deputy Prime Minister...

(b) Politician...

(c) Headgear... 

24-November... Birth Anniversary of Sir Chhoturam

Birth anniversary of the Indian politician, Sir Chhoturam is celebrated on this day (24-nov)...

Sir Chhoturam was known for his efforts in championing the rights of the marginalized communities, particularly the Scheduled Castes...  His legacy is marked by a commitment to social justice, equality and inclusive progress...

Social reformer, Sir Chhoturam was commemorated by India Post with the release of a 1-rupee postage stamp in 1995... 

The text in Hindi on the stamp translates to... 

              छोटूराम - Chhoturam

              भारत - India

This stamp can be collected under the themes: 

(a) Social Reformer...

(b) Politician...

(c) Headgear... 

23-November... Birth Anniversary of Geeta Dutt...

Birth anniversary of the legendary playback singer in the Indian film industry, Geeta Dutt is celebrated on this day (23-nov)...

Geeta Dutt was a prominent playback singer of Bollywood music, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s...  Her versatile voice and emotive renditions made her a celebrated figure in the world of Hindi cinema music...

Geeta Dutt's collaboration with composers like S.D.Burman and O.P.Nayyar resulted in timeless classics that continue to captivate audiences...

Affectionately referred to as "Geetaji" among her admirers, Geeta Dutt received a tribute from India Post in 2016 with the issuance of a 5-rupees postage stamp as part of the Legendary Singers of India series...

The text in Hindi on the stamp translates to... 

              गीता दत्त - Geeta Dutt

              भारत - India

This stamp can be collected under the themes: 

(a) Music...

(b) Singers / Female Singers...

(c) Indian Film Industry...

21-November... Birth Anniversary of Dr Harekrushna Mahatab...

The birth anniversary of Indian politician, Dr Harekrushna Mahatab was celebrated on this day (21-nov)... 

Dr Harekrushna Mahatab, was a distinguished leader, who held various significant roles in the pre and post-independence era...  He served as the Chief Minister of Odisha for multiple terms, contributing to the State's industrial and agricultural growth...

Mahatab's legacy endures as a statesman who dedicated his life to the service of the people and the progress of his region...

India Post commemorated Dr Harekrushna Mahatab, who was affectionately referred to as "Utkal Keshari", with the release of a 3-rupees postage stamp in 2000...

The text in Hindi on the stamp translates to... 

              डॉ हरेकृष्ण महताब - Dr Harekrushna Mahatab

             भारत - India

This stamp can be collected under the themes: 

(a) Chief Minister / Politicians...

(b) Odisha State...

(c) Optical Instruments...

9-November... Opening of Kalka-Shimla Railway...

The Kalka-Shimla Railway, the narrow gauge railway in North India was opened for traffic on this day (9-nov) in 1903...

One of the marvel of engineering, which navigates through picturesque landscapes was initially built to connect Shimla, the summer capital of British India, with the Indian plains...

A Cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers 96 kilometers with 103 tunnels and 864 bridges, winds through the Shivalik Range, connecting Kalka in the plains to the charming hill station of Shimla...  The journey offers breathtaking views of forests, hills, and quaint villages, providing a nostalgic and scenic travel experience...

The Kalka-Shimla Railway stands as a testament to the architectural ingenuity of its time, making it a must-visit for history and nature enthusiasts alike...

India Post commemorated the centenary of the Kalka-Shimla Railway's inauguration by issuing a 5 Rupees postage stamp in 2003...  This symbolic gesture recognized a century of the railway's historical significance and its enduring impact on transportation and tourism...

The text in Hindi on the stamp translates to... 

                कालका - शिमला रेल के 100 वर्ष  - 100 Years of Kalka - Shimla Railway

This stamp can be collected under the themes: 

(a) Transport / Locomotives...

(b) Railway / Mountain Railway...

(c) Bridges...

(d) Snow...

(e) Anniversaries / Jubilees...

(f) UNESCO World Heritage Sites... 

(g) Tourism...