Mahatma Gandhi – Peasant’s Welfare (50th Death anniversary)

Mahatma Gandhi

Technical Data

Stamp Set Golden Jubliees Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
Date of Issue January 30, 1998
Denomination Rs. 2
Quantity 700,000
Perforation comb 14
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Multicolor
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 1611

Stamp Number IN 1671

Yvert et Tellier IN 1378

Stanley Gibbons IN 1775

Themes

Commemorative Stamp Set: 50th Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s Martyrdom

Design Elements:

  • Central Imagery: The set includes four stamps, each representing a significant aspect of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and contributions. These include his role in the Champaran movement, the socio-economic upliftment of villages, the Salt Satyagraha, and his efforts to maintain communal harmony.
  • Symbolic Representations:
  • Champaran Movement: Gandhi standing with peasants, symbolizing his first major non-violent protest in India.
  • Village Upliftment: An image of a rural village with spinning wheels, highlighting Gandhi’s focus on rural self-reliance.
  • Salt Satyagraha: Gandhi leading the march to Dandi, representing his protest against the British salt tax.
  • Communal Harmony: Gandhi walking through villages barefoot, symbolizing his efforts to prevent communal violence.
  • Color Palette: Earthy tones with deep greens, blues, and browns, reflecting Gandhi’s connection to the land and the common people.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

  • Gandhi’s Legacy: The stamps commemorate Gandhi’s pivotal role in India’s independence movement and his enduring impact on global peace and non-violence.
  • Turning Points: Each stamp highlights a turning point in India’s struggle for freedom, from the Champaran movement to the Salt Satyagraha, and Gandhi’s efforts to bring peace during the partition.
  • National Remembrance: Issued on the 50th anniversary of Gandhi’s martyrdom, these stamps serve as a reminder of his sacrifice and the values he championed.

Usage:

  • Commemorative Purpose: These stamps honor Gandhi’s legacy and mark the 50th anniversary of his assassination, offering a visual tribute to his contributions.
  • Educational Tool: They serve as a medium to educate the public about Gandhi’s life, the significance of non-violence, and the history of India’s freedom struggle.
  • Collectible Item: The stamps are valuable for philatelists and those interested in Indian history, representing key moments in Gandhi’s life.

Importance of the Commemorative Stamp Set:

  • National Homage: The set is a profound tribute to Gandhi, encapsulating his philosophy and key contributions to India’s independence.
  • Promotion of Non-Violence: The stamps reinforce Gandhi’s ideals of non-violence and communal harmony, promoting them as timeless principles.
  • Cultural Heritage: They are a celebration of India’s cultural and historical heritage, highlighting the country’s journey to independence under Gandhi’s leadership.

Example of the Stamp Design:

  • Stamp 1: Gandhi with peasants in Champaran, symbolizing his fight for justice against oppressive indigo planters.
  • Stamp 2: A rural Indian village, with a spinning wheel, symbolizing Gandhi’s vision of self-reliant villages as the backbone of India.
  • Stamp 3: Gandhi leading the Salt March, representing the power of peaceful resistance against colonial oppression.
  • Stamp 4: Gandhi walking barefoot through villages during the partition, symbolizing his efforts to restore communal harmony.

Significance:

  • Tribute to the Mahatma: The stamp set is a heartfelt tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, commemorating his life, his struggles, and his legacy on the 50th anniversary of his martyrdom.
  • Inspiration for Future Generations: It serves as an inspiration to future generations to uphold Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence, and justice.
  • Cultural Education: The stamps also play an important role in educating people about the pivotal moments in India’s history and the values that shaped its independence.