Mahatma Gandhi, 150th Birth Anniversary

Ahimsa Parmo Dharma – The Supreme Virtue of Non-Violence

The Department of Posts has been organising national-level stamp and photography design competitions since 2015 on various inspiring themes. Each year, the creativity and participation of citizens from across the country help produce meaningful philatelic issues that capture the essence of India’s values and heritage.

In commemoration of the 150ᵗʰ Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Department conducted a nationwide stamp design competition on the theme “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma”, a phrase that embodies the core philosophy of the Father of the Nation — non-violence as the highest form of duty. The competition received an overwhelming response from participants across all age groups, reflecting the timeless relevance of Gandhiji’s ideals.

National Stamp Design Competition

Entries were invited in two categories —

• Category I: Up to 18 years
• Category II: Above 18 years

Based on the selected designs, Stamps and a Miniature Sheet were developed to honour the theme.

Winners (Up to 18 years):

1. Ms. Prachi
2. Master Vikash
3. Master Rudley Roy

Consolation Winners: Master Tushar, Master Rajtan Dasgupta, Master Vaibhav Maurya, Master Hemant Kumar, and Master Ritik Kumar.

Winners (Above 18 years):

1. Shri Purushottam J. Pawar
2. Shri Ravindra Somanath
3. Shri P. Mutharas

Consolation Winners: Ms. Swarda Deshmukh, Shri Suraj Kumar Palo, Shri Prashant A. Maru, Shri Suresh Kumar Maharana, and Shri Amit Singh Kushwaha.

The Department of Posts extends heartfelt gratitude to all participants whose contributions made this initiative a success.

The Philosophy of Ahimsa

“Ahimsa Parmo Dharma” translates to “Non-violence is the highest duty”, a principle deeply rooted in Indian philosophy and central to Mahatma Gandhi’s way of life. Gandhiji believed that non-violence (Ahimsa) was the strongest weapon humanity possessed — capable of conquering hatred and transforming even the hardest hearts.

For Gandhiji, Ahimsa was not mere abstention from physical harm, but a complete way of living — promoting compassion, empathy, and peaceful coexistence. He believed that violence (Himsa) only breeds hatred and destruction, while peace leads to moral and social progress.

Ahimsa in India’s Freedom Struggle

Mahatma Gandhi applied the principle of Ahimsa throughout India’s struggle for independence. He led several landmark movements based entirely on peaceful resistance and moral strength, including:

• Champaran Satyagraha: Gandhiji stood up for oppressed peasants through non-violent protest, compelling the British authorities to act justly.
• Dandi March (1930): In a peaceful defiance of unjust salt taxes, Gandhiji and 78 followers marched to the sea to make their own salt, symbolizing the power of non-violent resistance.
• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): Indians united under Gandhiji’s call to boycott British institutions and goods, replacing them with indigenous products like Khadi, the hand-spun Indian cloth that became a symbol of self-reliance and dignity.

Despite immense hardships, Gandhiji remained steadfast in his belief that truth and non-violence (Satyagraha and Ahimsa) were the only legitimate means to achieve justice and freedom.

Relevance of Ahimsa in Today’s World

In the modern era of competition, conflict, and intolerance, Gandhiji’s message of Ahimsa holds even greater importance. Violence — whether in the form of terrorism, exploitation, or social discord — continues to threaten humanity’s peace and progress. Ahimsa reminds us that true strength lies not in aggression but in self-control, understanding, and compassion.

By embracing Ahimsa, individuals and societies can foster harmony, reduce conflict, and promote human values that transcend boundaries of caste, creed, and nationality.

Legacy of the Apostle of Peace

Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of Ahimsa Parmo Dharma has inspired global movements for civil rights and freedom, influencing world leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela. His life remains a timeless testament to the transformative power of peace, truth, and love.

Through the “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma” Commemorative Postage Stamps, the Department of Posts pays tribute to Gandhiji’s eternal message — that non-violence is not a sign of weakness, but the highest form of strength.