N.M.R. Subbaraman (1905-1983)

Technical Data

Stamp Set	Birth Centenary of N. M. R. Subbaraman (1905-1983)
Date of Issue	January 29, 2006
Denomination	Rs. 5
Quantity	600,000
Perforation	comb 13½ x 13¼
Printer	Security Printing Press, Nashik
Printing Process	Photogravure
Watermark	No Watermark
Colors	Multicolor
Credit (Designed By)	Sh. Sankha Samanta
Catalog Codes	Michel IN 2122 Stamp Number IN 2137 Yvert et Tellier IN 1887 Stanley Gibbons IN 2307 Phila-India IN IN026.05
Themes	Anniversaries and Jubilees \| Famous people \| Independency Activists \| Men \| Politicians

Birth: Born on August 14, 1905, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, N.M.R. Subbaraman, widely known as “Madurai Gandhi”, was influenced by Gandhian philosophy from an early age.
Turning Point: In 1922, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he declined the opportunity to study in London, dedicating himself instead to India’s freedom struggle.

Political Involvement: He joined the Madurai District Congress Committee in 1923 and became its President by 1925.
Participation in the Salt March: Subbaraman actively supported the 1930 Vedaranyam Salt March, selecting 27 youths from Madurai to join the march. He also protested at toddy shops with his wife, showing his steadfast commitment to Gandhian ideals.
Leadership Positions: He served as the Chairman of Madurai Municipality (1935-1942) and as a Madras Legislative Assembly member. Later, he represented Madurai in the Lok Sabha from 1962 to 1967.

Harijan Emancipation: Subbaraman worked for the upliftment of the Harijan (Dalit) community through the Tamil Nadu Harijan Sevak Sangh, a unit inspired by Gandhiji. His efforts established several hostels for Harijan students.
Bhoodan Movement: Deeply moved by Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan Movement, he donated 100 acres of land to support it.

Publication of Gandhiji’s Works: As Secretary of the Gandhi Works Publications Committee, he played a key role in translating 17 volumes of Gandhi’s works into Tamil.
Madurai University and Gandhian Studies: As a founding member of the Madurai University Senate, he introduced Gandhian Thoughts as a course, pioneering this academic field in India.
Establishment of Gandhi Museum: He was instrumental in establishing India’s first Gandhi Museum in Madurai and was also associated with the Gandhi Niketan Ashram in T. Kallupatti near Madurai.

Passing: N.M.R. Subbaraman passed away on January 25, 1983, but his contributions to India’s freedom, Harijan upliftment, and Gandhian philosophy endure.

Issued by India Post: To honor Shri N.M.R. Subbaraman’s lifelong dedication, India Post has issued a commemorative stamp celebrating his impact on India’s freedom movement and social reforms.