Mahatma Gandhi Khadi Stamp

World’s First Khadi Postage Stamp

On the occasion of INDIPEX-2011, India Post issued the world’s first postage stamp in Khadi, honouring Mahatma Gandhi. This unique stamp stands as a tribute to Gandhiji’s ideals and his lifelong association with Khadi as a symbol of self-reliance and national pride.

Significance of Khadi

Khadi is a hand-woven cloth, generally made of cotton, using hand-spun thread. It attained iconic status during India’s freedom struggle. Gandhiji strongly advocated the use of Khadi, describing it as “the thread of life.” He promoted it as a means of achieving self-sufficiency and economic independence.

Khadi and the Freedom Movement

Politically, Khadi was a powerful movement to counter the economic exploitation of the people of India, achieved through peaceful means. By boycotting foreign-made goods, Khadi became a tool of resistance and empowerment. Along with the Charkha (spinning wheel), it evolved into a potent symbol of Indian patriotism, self-reliance and national pride.

Gandhian Ideals and National Relevance

Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace, non-violence and harmony continues to be increasingly relevant in the modern world. Through the release of this special commemorative stamp and miniature sheet depicting Gandhiji in Khadi, India Post pays homage to the Father of the Nation and reaffirms the timeless values he stood for.