About this stamp
Overview
- Title: Former Maharaja of Parlakhemundi
- Role: Founder of the modern state of Orissa (now Odisha)
Major Contributions
- Unification of Orissa:
- Dedicated to the unification of Oriya-speaking tracts distributed over four provinces for around three centuries.
- Played a pivotal role in the Oriya movement, investing millions from the royal treasury for Orissa’s development.
- Advocated for a separate province of Orissa at the Round Table Conferences of the British Government in 1930 and 1932.
- Achieved the goal with the establishment of Orissa as a separate province in 1936.
- Leadership and Development:
- Unanimously elected as the first premier of Orissa.
- Established key institutions such as Utkal University, Cuttack Medical College, and the Rice Research Institute at Cuttack.
- Promoted education by setting up schools, colleges, industrial institutions, modern farms, and irrigation projects.
- Awarded scholarships to poor and meritorious students for higher studies in various fields.
- Cultural Patronage:
- Patronized Oriya literature, art, music, sports, and culture.
- Extended the narrow gauge Light Railway from Parlakhemundi to Gunupur, aiding in regional development.
- Military and Civic Contributions:
- Honorary Captain in the First World War.
- Member of the Royal Agricultural Commission and the Madras Legislative Assembly.
- Honorary LL.D awarded by Utkal University.
- Conferred the prestigious title of K.C.I.E.
- National Involvement:
- Member of the Constituent Assembly of India.
- Other Contributions:
- Significant contributions to horse racing and horse breeding in India.
- Generous donations to institutions like the Pasteur Research Institute, Coonoor, Coimbatore Agricultural University, and the Indian Red Cross Society.
- His name appeared on the boards of several corporate institutions.
Legacy
- Krushna Chandra Gajapathi’s efforts in making Orissa a viable state in the Indian Union have left a lasting legacy. The people of present-day Orissa hold deep emotional attachment to him.
Commemorative Stamp and First Day Cover
Designs
- Stamp: Designed by India Security Press, Nashik.
- First Day Cover: Depicts the palace of the Maharaja of Parlakhemundi, designed by Sankh Samant.
- Cancellation: Designed by Alka Sharma.
For More Information
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