Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952) Commemoration
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | March 7, 1977 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 25 p |
| Quantity | 3,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Reddish orange |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 707 Stamp Number IN 750 Yvert et Tellier IN 507 Stanley Gibbons IN 840 |
| Themes | Authors | Commemoration | Famous people | Literary People (Poets and Writers) | Literature | Philosophers | Religion |
Paramahansa Yogananda embodied the ideal of love for God and service to humanity throughout his life. Born on January 5, 1893, in Gorakhpur, he dedicated himself to the goal of God-realization and sought to bridge the gap between East and West through spiritual understanding. His mission was to demonstrate the underlying unity of all religions and awaken divine yearning in every heart.
Education, especially of the youth, held a special place in Yogananda’s heart. In 1917, he founded the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India and established his first school in Ranchi. Over time, this initiative expanded to include four colleges and seventeen schools across different states in India.
In 1920, Yogananda embarked on his mission in the West. Representing India at the international Congress of Religions in Boston, he shared the ancient spiritual teachings of India and the sacred science of Kriya Yoga. His lectures attracted millions in America, where he spoke about attaining direct personal experience of God.
In 1925, Yogananda founded an International Math in Los Angeles, USA. Despite a brief visit to India in 1935, during which he engaged in fruitful discussions with Mahatma Gandhi, he continued his work in the West. He emphasized the spiritual and cultural heritage of India and conducted classes on finding God in everyday life, whether in the home or in an ashram.
Yogananda authored several books, with his “Autobiography of a Yogi” being recognized worldwide as a spiritual classic. His exemplary life came to an end in Los Angeles on March 7, 1952, moments after delivering a speech at a reception in honor of the Ambassador of India to the United States. His deep love for India resonated in his final words, expressing his affection for his native land and his love for God.
Despite spending much of his life outside India, Paramahansa Yogananda is revered as one of the country’s great saints. His work continues to inspire and attract people from all walks of life to embark on the spiritual journey. In recognition of his contributions, the Posts and Telegraphs Department is issuing a commemorative postage stamp honoring Paramahansa Yogananda.