Birth Centenary of Sarat Chandra Chatterji
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | September 15, 1976 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 25 p |
| Quantity | 3,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Grey black |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 688 Stamp Number IN 732 Yvert et Tellier IN 491 Stanley Gibbons IN 822 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Authors | Faces | Famous people | Literary People (Poets and Writers) | Literature | Men | People |
Sarat Chandra Chatterji, one of India’s greatest writers, was born on September 15, 1876, in Debanandapur, Hooghly district. He spent his childhood and youth in Bhagalpur. In 1894, he passed the Entrance Examination but couldn’t proceed to higher education due to financial constraints. For a time, he lived as a ‘Sanyasi.’ In 1903, he moved to Burma, securing a clerk’s job in the office of the Examiner of Accounts.
Sarat Chandra began writing at the age of 19, although many of his early works were lost. Some early surviving works, first published in a manuscript magazine “Alo” (later “Chhaya”), later brought him fame. His serialized work ‘Baradidi’ in the magazine “Bharati” became immensely popular, as did ‘Ramer Sumati,’ written from Rangoon, which marked him as a new literary genius in Bengal.
As his reputation grew, friends urged him to resign his job in Rangoon and pursue literature full-time. He returned to Calcutta and, after some time in Baje-Shibpur, settled in Samta Ber, Howrah district, where he found peace and security. His prolific writing continued, making him one of India’s most distinguished writers. Notable works include ‘Palli Samaj,’ ‘Charitraheen,’ ‘Shesh Prashna,’ ‘Pather Dabi,’ ‘Devdas,’ and ‘Shrikanta’ in four parts. Many of his works were translated into various languages.
Sarat Chandra’s writing is known for its directness and intimacy, often drawn from his experiences in India and Burma. He excelled in portraying rural life, human joy, and suffering, particularly the plight of the downtrodden and the emotions of women. His language was sweet, lucid, and appealing to the human heart.
Beyond his literary contributions, Sarat Chandra was actively involved in societal issues. He supported the Swaraj Movement of the Indian National Congress and sympathized with revolutionaries. Sarat Chandra Chatterji passed away on January 16, 1938, after a prolonged illness, deeply mourned by his countrymen.
The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is privileged to issue a special postage stamp in honor of Sarat Chandra Chatterji, celebrating his significant contributions to Indian literature and society.