Sheel Bhadra Yajee (1906-1996)

Commemorative Stamp on Sheel Bhadra Yajee

Stamp Design:

• Main Image: A portrait of Sheel Bhadra Yajee, highlighting his resolute and determined demeanor as a freedom fighter. His image represents his deep involvement in both the revolutionary movement and the Gandhian stream of the freedom struggle.
• Background: The design subtly incorporates elements of the Indian National Army (INA) and the All India Forward Bloc, with a depiction of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the INA Martyrs Memorial in Moirang, Manipur, symbolizing Yajee’s efforts to keep alive the memory of INA martyrs.
• Artistic Style: A blend of revolutionary fervor and political dedication, the stamp includes symbolic elements like the spinning wheel (representing Gandhian ideals) and fire, symbolizing his revolutionary spirit.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

• Involvement in Both Streams of Freedom Struggle: Sheel Bhadra Yajee was unique in his association with both the non-violent Gandhian movement and the revolutionary stream led by Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, and later, Subhas Chandra Bose. His participation began in 1928 at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress, and his active role in the Congress Socialist Party and the Kisan movement showed his commitment to both social and political transformation.
• Close Association with Subhas Chandra Bose: Yajee’s close ties with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose were significant in shaping his revolutionary path. In 1939, he helped found the All India Forward Bloc with Bose, and after Bose’s departure from India, Yajee continued to support the INA. He played a crucial role in implementing instructions to assist the INA in Nagaland and Manipur, and post-independence, he was instrumental in constructing the INA Martyrs Memorial at Moirang, Manipur, to honor the martyrs who fought on the Kohima and Imphal fronts.
• Involvement in the Peasant Movement: As a leader of the Kisan Sabha, Yajee’s activism focused on peasants, workers, and the middle classes. He strongly believed in the participation of these groups in reshaping society, advocating for radical changes in the administrative system and the promotion of cottage industries.
• Political Career: Yajee served in several political roles, including General Secretary of the Patna District Congress Committee and the All India Kisan Sabha. In 1937, he became the youngest MLA in India as a member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, and later, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1957. His political career was marked by his commitment to social reform and political transformation.
• Literary Contributions: Apart from his political career, Yajee was a prolific writer and journalist. He served as Chairman of the editorial boards of various Hindi and English weeklies, including Azad Hind, Jhankar, Hansia Hathaura, and Labour Times. His books, such as A Glimpse of the Indian Labour Movement, Forward Bloc and Its Stand, and True Face of Monopolistic American Democracy, reflect his intellectual engagement with issues of socialism, labor rights, and anti-imperialism.

Commemorative Significance:

• Release Date: This commemorative stamp is being released in recognition of Sheel Bhadra Yajee’s contributions to both the revolutionary and Gandhian streams of the freedom movement and his post-independence efforts to honor INA martyrs and advocate for social reform.
• Honoring a Legacy: The stamp honors Yajee’s lifelong dedication to the freedom struggle, his fight against social injustice, and his commitment to uplifting peasants and workers. His contributions as a freedom fighter, political leader, and journalist are celebrated through this tribute.

First Day Cover:

• Design: The first day cover could feature scenes of Yajee’s involvement in the Kisan Sabha movement, his close association with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and his work in constructing the INA Martyrs Memorial in Moirang. It might also include imagery of his literary works and journalism, showcasing his multifaceted contributions.

Educational and Inspirational Value:

• Revolutionary Spirit and Socialism: Yajee’s life offers a unique blend of revolutionary zeal and socialist ideals, showing how these movements intersected during India’s fight for independence. His leadership in both radical activism and non-violent resistance makes him an important figure for understanding the diversity of India’s freedom struggle.
• Commitment to Peasant Rights and Social Reform: His focus on peasant movements and social reform highlights the need for inclusive development and political activism. Yajee’s vision for a society free from caste prejudices and inequality is relevant even today.

The commemorative stamp on Sheel Bhadra Yajee pays tribute to his enduring legacy as a freedom fighter, social reformer, and journalist, reflecting his dedication to India’s freedom and the upliftment of society.