50th Anniversary of “Swatantra Bharat”
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | August 15, 1997 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 2 |
| Quantity | 700,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13½ x 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1562 Stamp Number IN 1614 Yvert et Tellier IN 1344 Stanley Gibbons IN 1726 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Newspapers |
Table of Contents
Special Postage Stamp: Commemorating ‘Swatantra Bharat’ – A Historic Hindi Daily
Background
The Hindi daily newspaper ‘Swatantra Bharat’ has a unique and symbolic history, as its first edition was published on 15th August 1947, coinciding with India’s independence. The newspaper was aptly named, signifying the birth of a new, independent nation. The first edition’s front page featured a photograph of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru with the National Flag, marking a significant moment in Indian history.
Founding and Significance
One of the founders of ‘Swatantra Bharat’ was Surendra Nath Ghosh, who dedicated himself to the success of the newspaper and its staff. The publication gave voice to the aspirations of a newly independent India, echoing the sentiments expressed by Pt. Nehru in his famous speech on the eve of independence. Nehru described the moment as one “which comes but rarely in history when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.”
Challenges and Achievements
Starting a Hindi daily newspaper in 1947 was no easy task. At that time, there were few daily newspapers in Hindi, and news-gathering infrastructure was underdeveloped. Despite these challenges, ‘Swatantra Bharat’ began as a six-page newspaper, and its circulation quickly grew from 5,000 to 8,000 within its first month.
The newspaper became known for covering important events from across Uttar Pradesh and was particularly popular for its column ‘Rajya ke kone-kone se’ (From All Corners of the State). It featured works by established writers in various fields, such as short stories, poetry, history, politics, economics, and archaeology, while also nurturing emerging talents.
Cultural Contribution
‘Swatantra Bharat’ also played a crucial role in promoting the cultural and historical heritage of Uttar Pradesh. The newspaper ran series on painters from the region and published detailed descriptions of the history and architecture of Avadh, making its pages valuable reference material.
Prominent writers and thinkers who started their careers with this newspaper, such as Pt. Ambika Prasad Bajpai, Dr. A.S. Altkar, Rai Kishan Das, and Amritlal Nagar, went on to become leading figures in their respective fields.
Stamp Design and Features
- Design: The commemorative stamp features a reproduction of the front page of the first edition of ‘Swatantra Bharat,’ including the iconic photograph of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru with the National Flag.
- Significance: The stamp marks the 50th anniversary of the newspaper’s publication and celebrates its contribution to Indian journalism, culture, and history.
Legacy
‘Swatantra Bharat’ stands as a testament to the spirit of India’s independence, reflecting the aspirations, challenges, and cultural heritage of a newly liberated nation. The issuance of this special postage stamp by the Department of Posts honors the newspaper’s legacy and its role in shaping the post-independence narrative of India.
This stamp not only commemorates the history of ‘Swatantra Bharat’ but also serves as a tribute to the pioneers of Hindi journalism and their enduring impact on Indian society.