Nanak Singh (1897-1971)
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Birth Centenary |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | January 10, 1998 |
| Denomination | Rs. 2 |
| Quantity | 400,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Red |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1605 Stamp Number IN 1664 Yvert et Tellier IN 1372 Stanley Gibbons IN 1769 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Authors | Famous people | Headgear | Literary People (Poets and Writers) | Literature | Men | Optical Instruments |
Table of Contents
Commemorative Stamp: Nanak Singh – The Father of Punjabi Novel
Biographical Overview:
- Nanak Singh, born as Hans Raj on July 4, 1897, in Chak Hamid, Tehsil Dadan Khan, District Jhelum (now in Pakistan), was a luminary in modern Punjabi literature. Though born into a Hindu family, he later embraced Sikhism, reflecting his deep connection with the cultural and religious ethos of Punjab.
Literary Journey:
- Initially a poet, Nanak Singh was profoundly influenced by the legendary writer Prem Chand, which inspired him to transition into novel writing. His literary career spanned several decades from the 1920s to the 1960s, during which he authored 38 novels and numerous other works, establishing himself as a towering figure in Punjabi literature. His novels, driven by a reformist zeal, aimed to change society, and he quickly became a prominent voice in the literary world of Punjab.
Patriotic Contributions:
- The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 left a profound impact on Nanak Singh, leading him to write a long poem titled “Khooni Vaisakhi” (Blood-stained Baisakhi). The poem, due to its patriotic fervor and revolutionary appeal, was banned by the British government. His patriotic activities also saw him imprisoned in 1922, further solidifying his commitment to India’s freedom struggle.
Recognition and Legacy:
- Nanak Singh’s contributions to literature have been widely recognized. He was honored by the Government of Punjab in the early 1960s and received the prestigious National Sahitya Akademi Award in 1962 from the then President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. His work transcended linguistic boundaries, earning him accolades not only in Punjab but across India and beyond. His novels have been translated into multiple Indian languages, as well as foreign languages such as Russian and Tajik.
Impact and Influence:
- Nanak Singh’s writing has been praised by eminent personalities, including the renowned Hindi scholar, Dr. Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, who described him as “not just a writer in Punjabi, but a great writer of India.” His ability to communicate with the common reader, combined with his faith in the power of the pen, allowed him to reach a wide audience, making him a significant literary figure of the 20th century.
Commemorative Stamp:
- To honor Nanak Singh’s monumental contributions to Indian literature, the Department of Posts has issued a special commemorative stamp. This stamp not only celebrates his literary achievements but also serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy as the father of the modern Punjabi novel and a champion of social reform through literature.