Commemorative Postage Stamps on Diwali A Strong and Enduring Partnership India and Canada share a long-standing relationship rooted in the common values of democracy, pluralism, equality and rule of law. Strong people-to-people ties and the presence of a vibrant Indian diaspora in Canada—one of the largest Indian communities abroad—form a solid foundation of trust and […]
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Vulnerable Bird Species of India Recognized by IUCN The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global organization dedicated to nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. It evaluates the status of species worldwide and publishes the IUCN Red List, categorizing species into nine groups based on population trends, rate of decline, […]
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25 Years of Diplomatic Partnership India and Belarus have traditionally shared warm and friendly relations founded on mutual respect and cooperation. India was among the first nations to recognize Belarus as an independent country in 1991. Diplomatic relations were formally established soon thereafter, with India opening its mission in Minsk in 1992 and Belarus establishing […]
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Nature’s Subterranean Marvel Meghalaya, once a coral island formed after the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwanaland, is today one of India’s most spectacular geological treasures. The region is largely composed of the Shillong Plateau, a stable high structural block underlain by Precambrian granites, gneisses, and schists. Along its southern border, younger sedimentary formations rich in […]
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Photography Competition Commemorative Postage Stamps Since 2015, the Department of Posts has been organizing national-level stamp design competitions on the occasions of Republic Day, Independence Day, and Children’s Day. Based on the creative entries received from participants across the country, selected designs are transformed into postage stamps and philatelic products, while the top three winners […]
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The August Revolution of 1942 The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Movement, marked one of the most decisive and powerful mass uprisings in India’s struggle for independence. It reflected the collective resolve of millions of Indians determined to end British rule once and for all. Genesis of the Movement On 26 April […]
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250 Glorious Years of Mapping the Nation Introduction The Survey of India, the country’s principal mapping agency, completes 250 years of dedicated service in 2017. Established in 1767 with Major James Rennell as the first Surveyor General of Bengal, it is not only the oldest scientific department in India but also among the oldest survey […]
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On May 31, 2017, India Post released a beautiful and highly significant miniature sheet titled "Eminent Writers," serving as a grand philatelic tribute to extraordinary literary pioneers whose pens shaped the intellectual, social, and cultural contours of modern India. Rather than focusing on a single language, this collective issue celebrated the vast multilingual tapestry of Indian literature. It honored master storytellers, poets, and thinkers from various linguistic traditions who used their words as both a mirror to society and a powerful tool for social reform. The miniature sheet comprised individual commemorative stamps honoring four distinct literary giants. Among them was the Hindi writer Shrilal Shukla, celebrated for his sharp wit and satire. His masterpiece novel, Raag Darbari, brilliantly exposed the underbelly of rural administration and political opportunism in post-independence India. The collection also recognized Balwant Gargi, a towering Punjabi playwright, novelist, and theater director who brought Punjabi drama to the global stage while deeply chronicling the folklore, passions, and stark realities of rural Punjab. Representing Urdu literature was Krishna Chander, a prominent figure of the Progressive Writers' Movement. Through his prolific short stories and novels, Chander fiercely championed the causes of the working class, communal harmony, and human dignity. Finally, the sheet honored K.V. Puttappa, widely known as "Kuvempu." Regarded as the greatest Kannada poet of the twentieth century and the first to win the Jnanpith Award for Kannada, he was a visionary who ardently advocated for universal humanism.
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On May 13, 2017, India Post released this ₹40 miniature sheet to mark the centenary of the Champaran Satyagraha, the movement that introduced the world to Mahatma Gandhi’s power of non-violent resistance. In 1917, at the request of Raj Kumar Shukla, Gandhi arrived in Bihar to challenge the "Tinkathia" system, which forced farmers to grow indigo on their land for the benefit of British planters. The miniature sheet features evocative imagery of Gandhi’s arrival and his interactions with the exploited peasantry. It captures the transition of a local grievance into a national moral force, marking the first time Gandhi used Satyagraha (truth-force) on Indian soil. By featuring these historic scenes, the issue celebrates the moment when the Indian freedom struggle shifted from the boardrooms of the elite to the fields of the common man. It remains a deeply significant collectible, honoring the 100-year legacy of a movement that proved that peaceful defiance could shake the foundations of an empire.
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This souvenir sheet was released on April 23, 2017, to celebrate the rich heritage of Indian coffee as one of the world’s most significant beverage crops. Originally native to the highlands of Ethiopia, coffee cultivation spread globally to become a vital cultural and economic staple. This commemorative issue features intricate artwork by Smt. Alka Sharma and highlights the journey of the roasted bean from its ancient origins to modern global popularity.
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