C. Sankaran Nair (1857-1934)
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Personality Series |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | July 6, 2001 |
| Denomination | Rs. 4 |
| Quantity | 400,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Eagle Press Ltd. |
| Printing Process | Offset Lithography |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Smt. Alka Sharma |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1837 Stamp Number IN 1896 Yvert et Tellier IN 1603 Stanley Gibbons IN 2003 |
| Themes | Famous people | Lawyers-Advocates | Men | Politicians |
Nationalist Leader, Jurist, and Social Reformer
C. Sankaran Nair (1857–1934) was a distinguished lawyer, judge, and nationalist who played a significant role in India’s political and social awakening. Known for his integrity and courage, he combined legal brilliance with a deep commitment to the nation.
Early Life and Legal Career
C. Sankaran Nair was born into an aristocratic family in Kerala. He established himself early as an eminent lawyer and later rose to become a Judge of the Madras High Court, where he earned a reputation as one of the most capable and respected jurists of his time.
Role in Indian National Movement
Despite being recognized and honoured by the British Government, C. Sankaran Nair remained a committed nationalist. His belief in justice and democratic values inspired him to speak out against colonial policies.
In 1897, he was elected President of the Indian National Congress, marking a significant milestone in his political career.
Stand Against British Policies
In 1919, he was nominated to the Viceroy’s Executive Council. However, his tenure was marked by strong dissent against British actions, especially following the atrocities in Punjab.
His resignation from the Council in protest against these events created a powerful impact across the country and earned him widespread respect and admiration.
Contributions Beyond Politics
Apart from his political and legal achievements, C. Sankaran Nair was also:
- An educationist
- An author
- A social reformer
He consistently worked towards empowering Indians and advocated for greater participation of Indians in governance.
Legacy
C. Sankaran Nair is remembered as a fearless nationalist who stood firm against injustice. His efforts to promote democratic values and self-governance played an important role in India’s journey towards independence.
To honour his contributions, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp as part of the Personality Series: The Spirit of Nationalism, alongside leaders like Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Krishna Nath Sarmah, and U Kiang Nongbah.
First Day Cover
