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 |
| Printing Process | Photogravure |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1562 Stamp Number IN 1614 Yvert et Tellier IN 1344 Stanley Gibbons IN 1726 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Newspapers |
Introduction
Swatantra Bharat is a distinguished Hindi daily newspaper published from Lucknow. It holds a unique place in Indian journalism because its publication began on 15 August 1947, the very day India attained independence.
Historic Beginning
The first edition of Swatantra Bharat was issued simultaneously with the birth of independent India. Its name, meaning “Independent India,” reflected the spirit of freedom and national awakening. The front page carried a photograph of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru with the National Flag, symbolizing the dawn of a new era.
Founders and Vision
One of the founders of the newspaper was Surendra Nath Ghosh, who played a key role in nurturing the paper and its staff. The newspaper aimed to give voice to the hopes, aspirations, and challenges of a newly independent nation.
Growth of Hindi Journalism
Launching a Hindi daily in 1947 was not easy. There were very few Hindi newspapers at that time, and organized systems for news gathering were limited. Despite these challenges, Swatantra Bharat started as a six-page newspaper and quickly gained popularity, with circulation rising from five thousand to eight thousand copies in its first month.
Coverage and Contribution
The newspaper reported events from distant regions of Uttar Pradesh through its popular column “Rajya ke kone-kone se” (From all corners of the state). It also published works on:
- Short stories
- Poetry
- History
- Politics
- Economics
- Archaeology
It encouraged new writers and became a platform for literary and intellectual growth.
Literary Legacy
Many notable writers and thinkers were associated with Swatantra Bharat, including:
- Pt. Ambika Prasad Bajpai
- Dr. A. S. Altkar
- Rai Kishan Das
- Amritlal Nagar
The newspaper also published valuable articles on the painters of Uttar Pradesh and the history and architecture of Avadh.
Commemorative Stamp
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this historic newspaper, the Department of Posts issued a special postage stamp, honouring the legacy of Swatantra Bharat in Indian journalism and nation-building.
First Day Cover
