Ram Manohar Lohia (1910-1967) Commemoration
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | October 12, 1977 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 25 p |
| Quantity | 5,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Red Brown |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 731 Stamp Number IN 770 Yvert et Tellier IN 531 Stanley Gibbons IN 858 |
| Themes | Commemoration | Famous people | Men | Optical Instruments | Politicians |
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, born on March 2, 1910, in Akbarpur, Faizabad district, was a prominent figure in India’s struggle for independence and a staunch advocate of socialism. After completing his graduation from Vidyasagar College, Calcutta, in 1929, he pursued higher studies in England and Germany, eventually obtaining a Doctorate degree from Humboldt University in Berlin.
Upon returning to India in 1934, Lohia became a founding member of the Congress Socialist Party and served as the first Editor of the weekly “Congress Socialist”. He also held the position of secretary in the Foreign Department of the Indian National Congress. During World War II, he advocated for launching a Satyagraha for Indian independence, leading to his arrest by the British Government for obstructing the supply of materials for the war effort.
Lohia played an active role in the Quit India Movement in 1942 and was among the leaders who went underground. He established secret radio stations in Bombay and Calcutta and worked for “Azad Dasta” in Nepal territory. Arrested again in 1944, he was released from prison in 1946.
In 1948, Lohia, along with other socialist leaders, left the Congress and formed the Praja Socialist Party, merging with the Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party. He later resigned from the party’s Secretaryship in protest against the Chief Minister of Travancore-Cochin’s refusal to resign over police firing on language agitators in 1954.
In 1956, Lohia formed the Socialist Party in Hyderabad and served as its Chairman and Editor of its organ, “Mankind”. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1963 and in 1964, the Socialist Party merged with the Praja Socialist Party to form the Samyukta Socialist Party. However, differences persisted, particularly regarding Hindi as the national language, the rights of untouchables, and the principle of no compromise with the Congress or the Communists.
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia passed away on October 12, 1967, at Wellington Nursing Home, New Delhi, following an operation. He remained a crusader for social justice throughout his life, refusing to compromise on his principles for political expediency. The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department honors his legacy by issuing a commemorative postage stamp in his honor.