Dr. Martin Luther King
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | January 25, 1969 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 20 nP |
| Quantity | 3,500,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Dark brownish olive |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 470 Stamp Number IN 486 Yvert et Tellier IN 270 Stanley Gibbons IN 584 |
| Themes | Antiracism | Commemoration | Famous people | Human Rights | Men | Nobel Laureates | Politicians |
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an iconic figure in the civil rights movement of the United States, tragically met his untimely demise on April 4, 1968, when he was assassinated at the young age of 39. Born on January 15, 1929, into a family deeply rooted in the Baptist tradition, Dr. King was destined for a life of service and activism.
Inspired by the writings of Henry David Thoreau on “Civil Disobedience” and deeply moved by the principles of nonviolent resistance championed by Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. King embarked on a path of social change and equality. His leadership during the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955 marked his emergence as a prominent civil rights leader. The boycott, sparked by the arrest of a black woman who refused to yield her bus seat to a white passenger, lasted over a year and ultimately led to a landmark federal court ruling against racial segregation on buses.
Dr. King’s influence only grew stronger with time, as evidenced by his pivotal role in the Birmingham civil disobedience movement in 1963 and the historic protest march on Washington later that year, where he delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech to a crowd of 250,000 people. His commitment to nonviolent resistance earned him global recognition, culminating in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Despite facing opposition from both extremist factions within the African American community and white supremacist groups, Dr. King remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice and equality. Tragically, his life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet, but his legacy continues to inspire generations to fight against injustice.
Dr. King’s life and mission hold particular significance for India, given the parallels between his approach to activism and the principles espoused by Mahatma Gandhi. Both leaders shared a deep commitment to nonviolence and moral force in the struggle for civil rights.
In recognition of Dr. King’s enduring legacy, India posthumously honored him with the Nehru Award for International Understanding in 1966. The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department pays tribute to this remarkable son of America, and indeed the world, by issuing a commemorative stamp in his honor, coinciding with the formal presentation of the award to Mrs. King.