Balkrishna Sharma Navin

A portrait of the poet and “Lion of Kanpur”.

Technical data Notes Condition

Date of issue December 8, 1989

Denomination 60 p

Quantity printed 1000000

Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik

Perforation comb 13 x 13½

Watermark No Watermark

Colours Black

Printing process Photogravure

Catalogue codes Michel IN 1245 Stamp Number IN 1304 Yvert et Tellier IN 1047 Stanley Gibbons IN 1396

Themes Authors, Commemoration, Famous people, Headgear, Literary People (Poets and Writers), Literature, Optical Instruments, Politicians

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About this stamp

Balkrishna Sharma “Navin” Pandit: A Patriot and Literary Luminary

Early Life and Education:

Birth: Born on 8th December, 1897, in Bhyana village, Shajapur district, Madhya Pradesh, to Pandit Jamanadas Sharma and Radhabai.
Challenges: Started schooling at the age of 11 due to poverty, completing middle school in Shajapur and matriculation in 1917 from Ujjain.
Literary Influences: Came into contact with Makhanlal Chaturvedi and Pandit Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi in Kanpur, shaping his future in literature and politics.

Political and Freedom Movement Contributions:

Non-Cooperation Movement: Answered Mahatma Gandhi’s call and joined the non-cooperation movement while still in Christ Church College, Kanpur.
Imprisonments: Imprisoned six times between 1921 and 1944, recognized among the most dangerous prisoners for his activism.
Post-Independence: Contributed significantly to politics and literature. Nominated to the Constituent Assembly and elected to the Lok Sabha in the first General Elections.
Continued Service: Served in the Rajya Sabha from 1957 until his passing.

Achievements and Contributions:

Oratory Skills: Known as the ‘Lion of Kanpur’ for his powerful oratory.
Literary Works: Authored several esteemed works including ‘Kumkum’, ‘Rashmirekha’, ‘Apalak’, ‘Kwasi’, ‘Vinoba Stavan’, and ‘Urmila’.
Recognition: Awarded the Padma Bhushan for his literary contributions.
Editorship: Took over the editorship of ‘Pratap’ after Pandit Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi’s demise, handling it efficiently.

Legacy and Honors:

Posthumous Works: ‘Hum Vishpaee Janam Ke’ compiled and published by ‘Gyanpeeth’.
Padma Bhushan: Awarded for his literary services.
Death: Passed away on 29th April, 1960, leaving behind a legacy of patriotism, literature, and political activism.

Summary:

Pandit Balkrishna Sharma “Navin” Pandit was a multifaceted personality who dedicated his life to the freedom movement, literature, and political service. His oratory prowess, literary contributions, and unwavering commitment to India’s independence and cultural heritage continue to inspire generations.