Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru

Commemorative Stamp: Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru

Design Elements:

• Central Image: A dignified portrait of Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru, depicting him in traditional Indian attire with a serene and thoughtful expression.
• Background: Elements symbolizing his contributions, such as the logo of the Indian Council of World Affairs, images of the institutions he was associated with (e.g., Universities of Allahabad and Delhi, Banaras Hindu University), and motifs representing his social and political work.
• Symbols: Iconography representing his fight against social evils, promotion of education, and involvement in foreign affairs, such as books, scrolls, and a globe.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru was born on 1st October 1887 in Agra, into a distinguished family. His father, Pandit Ajudhia Nath, was a prominent lawyer and a significant figure in the early Indian National Congress. Kunzru’s education spanned the University of Agra, Allahabad, and the London School of Economics.

Inspired by Gokhale, Kunzru joined the Servants of India Society and served as its President for 42 years. During his tenure, he fought against the caste system, untouchability, and other social evils. He supported progressive causes such as divorce and the succession rights of Hindu women.

Kunzru was deeply invested in education, being associated with several prestigious institutions, including the Universities of Allahabad and Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Kashi Vidyapeeth, and Aligarh Muslim University. He founded the Indian Council of World Affairs at Sapru House in New Delhi, which initially ran the School of International Studies before it was incorporated into Jawaharlal Nehru University.

In the realm of politics, Kunzru was a Liberal, advocating for self-government within the Commonwealth through constitutional means. He parted ways with the Indian National Congress in 1920 to form the National Liberal Federation with other moderates. As a distinguished parliamentarian, he focused on the Indianization of civil services and armed forces, the welfare of Indian settlers abroad, and pre-independence industrialization.

Post-independence, Kunzru was actively involved in foreign affairs, promoting genuine non-alignment and India’s integrity through cooperation among its states. He was a significant member of the States Reorganization Commission, making important suggestions to safeguard linguistic minorities. He was critical of appeasement policies towards China and advocated for strengthening India’s military capabilities to enhance its role in world affairs.

Kunzru’s contributions to social work were also notable. He served as General Secretary of Sewa Samiti, Allahabad, President of the U.P. Harijan Sewak Sangh, and Chairman of the Railway Enquiry Committee. Despite his numerous achievements, he remained humble, never seeking ministerial office or recognition, and even declined the Bharat Ratna.

He passed away on 3rd April 1978, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to public service, education, and social reform.

Usage:

The stamp serves to honor Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru’s multifaceted contributions to Indian society, politics, and education. It is a tribute to his tireless efforts for social justice, his advocacy for education, and his influential role in shaping India’s foreign policy and legislative framework.

Example of the Stamp Design:

• Main Stamp: Featuring Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru in a thoughtful pose, capturing his intellectual demeanor and commitment to public service.
• Supplementary Stamps:
• One stamp depicting the Indian Council of World Affairs, symbolizing his contributions to foreign affairs and international studies.
• Another showcasing the Universities of Allahabad and Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, and other educational institutions he was associated with.
• A third stamp illustrating his social work and involvement in organizations like the Servants of India Society and the U.P. Harijan Sewak Sangh.

Significance:

This commemorative stamp set highlights Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru’s enduring impact on Indian society, his advocacy for social and educational reforms, and his contributions to national and international politics. It aims to inspire future generations to uphold the values of integrity, service, and commitment to societal progress.