Rashbehari Basu
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | December 26, 1967 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 15 nP |
| Quantity | 2,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 14 x 13¾ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Maroon |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 441 Stamp Number IN 459 Yvert et Tellier IN 242 Stanley Gibbons IN 557 |
| Themes | Commemoration | Famous people | Men | Optical Instruments | Politicians |
Rashbehari Basu stands as a towering figure in India’s struggle for independence, marked by his unwavering dedication and courageous actions aimed at overthrowing British rule through armed insurrection. Born on May 25, 1886, in Palara Bighati village, Hoogly district, West Bengal, he was instilled with the spirit of militant nationalism from a young age.
Basu’s revolutionary journey began at the age of fifteen, and he later worked at the Forest Research Institute in Dehra Dun, where he initiated his revolutionary activities. His adeptness in secret organization thwarted attempts by British Intelligence Police to apprehend him. Notably, he orchestrated the bombing of Lord Hardinge during his State entry in Delhi on December 23, 1912.
In May 1915, Basu fled to Japan in disguise, evading British pursuit for eight years until he obtained Japanese citizenship in 1923. During his time in Japan, he mastered the Japanese language and authored 16 voluminous books on various subjects.
Basu’s contributions extended beyond India, as he founded the Pan Asian League and the Indian Independence League in 1924, the latter becoming the parent body of the historic Indian National Army during World War II. As President of the Indian Independence League and the Indian National Army, Basu collaborated with Subhash Chandra Bose to safeguard the lives, properties, and honor of millions of Indians in South-East Asia during Japanese occupation.
He passed away in Japan on January 21, 1945, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to India’s freedom struggle. His life and achievements were aptly summarized by former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, who lauded Basu’s organizing ability, faith, and courage, likening him to renowned leaders and patriots of Bengal.
On December 26, 1941, Basu, as President of the Indian Independence League, declared war against the British from Tokyo, marking a turning point in India’s struggle for independence. In honor of his contributions, the Posts and Telegraphs Department issued a special postage stamp on December 26, 1967, commemorating Rasbehari Basu’s indelible mark on India’s freedom movement.