On June 11, 1967, India Post issued a 15 paise commemorative stamp honoring Maharana Pratap, one of the most celebrated warriors in Indian history. Decades earlier, when facing the overwhelming imperial might of the Mughal Empire, the ruler of Mewar had taken a historically bold step: he flatly refused to acknowledge the emperor as his suzerain, choosing instead a life of intense hardship and nomadic warfare to preserve his people's liberty. His legendary defiance culminated in the famous Battle of Haldighati in 1576, where he and his fiercely loyal warrior horse, Chetak, fought with legendary bravery against impossible odds. The 1967 issue—which beautifully depicted the iconic image of the warrior king charging into battle on horseback—wasn’t just celebrating a royal title; it was looking back at a brilliant moment when a single leader’s unwavering self-respect proudly announced to the world that the spirit of Indian freedom would never bow to an empire.
On May 30, 1967, India Post issued a 15 paise commemorative stamp honoring Sant Narsinh Mehta (also known as Narsi Mehta), the legendary 15th-century poet-saint of Gujarat. Revered as the Adi Kavi (First Poet) of Gujarati literature, he was a pivotal pillar of the Bhakti movement whose profound spiritual legacy continues to shape the cultural and moral fabric of India.
The stamp recognizes Narsinh Mehta's immense contribution to devotional literature and social reform. Living a life of complete surrender to Lord Krishna, he channeled his mystical experiences into thousands of simple, emotionally charged, and philosophically deep poems known as Prabhatiya (morning hymns) and Bhajans. His poetry bypassed rigid scholastic language, making complex Vedantic truths easily accessible to the common person.
He is globally celebrated as the author of "Vaishnav Jan To", a timeless bhajan that defines the qualities of a true spiritually evolved human being—one who feels the pain of others, helps those in misery without letting pride enter their mind, and treats everyone with equal respect. This composition became a foundational cornerstone of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of truth and non-violence and was adopted as the daily prayer at his Sabarmati Ashram.
Beyond his literary genius, Narsinh Mehta was a radical social reformer. Defying the strict caste hierarchies and untouchability of his era, he visited the quarters of the marginalized communities to sing bhajans, eat with them, and preach absolute spiritual equality. For his unwavering stance against social discrimination, he faced severe ostracization from his own community, yet he remained steadfast in his vision of universal brotherhood.
For philatelists tracking literature, the Bhakti movement, or Gandhian philosophy, this 1967 issue is a highly significant collectible. It honors a visionary who used the power of the written word and unyielding compassion to bridge social divides, leaving behind a literary and ethical compass that still guides generations.
On May 11, 1967, India Post issued this 15-paise stamp to commemorate the 800th death anniversary of Basaveswara (Basavanna), the 12th-century philosopher and statesman who revolutionized the social fabric of Karnataka. As the founder of the Lingayat movement, he was a fierce advocate for a classless society, famously declaring that "Work is Worship" (Kayakave Kailasa).
The stamp portrays Basaveswara in a meditative and scholarly pose, reflecting his role as a spiritual leader and a pioneer of democratic thought. He is credited with establishing the Anubhava Mantapa (Hall of Spiritual Experience), often cited as one of the world's first parliaments, where men and women from all walks of life gathered to discuss social and spiritual issues.
By featuring his image, this issue honors a reformer who used his poetry, known as Vachanas, to spread messages of compassion and equality in the language of the common people. This stamp remains a significant piece for collectors, celebrating a visionary whose teachings on social justice and the dignity of labor remain deeply relevant eight centuries later.
India’s 1967 Survey of India bicentenary stamp (15 nP, issued 1 May) is a commemorative tribute to the country’s oldest scientific mapping organisation, founded in 1767, celebrating its 200‑year journey in geography, geodesy, and cartography. The purple‑coloured design surrounds the Survey of India’s emblem with images of surveyors measuring mountain terrain, an aeroplane for aerial survey, a globe, and a printing press, honouring the scientists and explorers who mapped the Indian subcontinent and first measured Mount Everest, all in a compact 15‑paise format.
Nandalal Bose, born on December 3, 1882, emerged as one of the foremost masters in the Bengal Renaissance, shaping the trajectory of Indian art in its journey from tradition to modernity. His leadership in the art movement bridged the gap between the conventional and the contemporary, laying the foundation for the flourishing state of Indian […]
The designation of 1967 as the International Tourist Year by the United Nations General Assembly during its XXIst session is a significant recognition of the importance of tourism worldwide. This resolution, proposed at the suggestion of the International Union of Official Travel Organizations, has been warmly welcomed by countries around the globe, including India, which […]
Guru Gobind Singh, despite his brief life span, holds a significant place in the history of India, not only for his military prowess but also for his contributions in social and ethical domains. He expressed a desire to unite his forces with the Rajputs and Marathas to confront the Mughals decisively. Tragically, it was at […]
The tradition of electing rulers and leaders in India dates back to ancient times and finds mention in epics and scriptures. References to popularly chosen rulers and king-makers can be found in texts such as the Brahmanas. Even Buddhist literature from the 4th century B.C. mentions republics like that of the Lichhavis, where leaders were […]
The inspiring slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” was bestowed upon our nation by the esteemed leader, the late Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri. Last year, on Republic Day, the Jai Jawan stamp was released as a tribute to our armed forces. In honor of Shastriji’s first death anniversary, the Post and Telegraphs Department will release the […]
India’s triumph over Pakistan in the Asian Games at Bangkok on December 19, 1966, once again showcased our dominance in the realm of hockey—a game that demands skill, courage, stamina, artistry, and teamwork. Spectators at the hockey final were captivated by the magnificent display of stick work by the Indian team, particularly their prowess in […]
