Shivprasad Gupta
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | India's Struggle for Freedom |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | June 28, 1988 |
| Denomination | 60 p |
| Quantity | 1,000,000 |
| Perforation | Comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1171 Stamp Number IN 1231 Yvert et Tellier IN 982 Stanley Gibbons IN 1293 |
| Themes | Famous people | Independency Activists | Men | Optical Instruments |
Commemorative Stamp: Shivprasad Gupta
Design Elements:
- Main Theme: Honoring Shivprasad Gupta, a dedicated freedom fighter, philanthropist, and educationalist.
- Imagery: Features a portrait of Shivprasad Gupta, with elements representing his contributions to the Indian independence movement, education, and philanthropy.
Biography and Achievements:
- Early Life: Born on 28th June 1883 in Varanasi. Graduated from Allahabad University, where he was contemporaries with Acharya Narendra Deo and Pandit Govind Vallabh Pant.
- Political Involvement: Inspired by Lokmanya Tilak, joined the Indian National Congress. Became a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, serving as treasurer and member of the Congress Working Committee from 1924 to 1931.
- International Exposure: Visited the USA, England, Japan, and Europe in 1914 and 1930, meeting several Indian revolutionaries and freedom fighters abroad. Arrested and tortured by British police in Singapore on his way back to India.
- National Movement: Actively participated in various movements post-1920, enduring multiple imprisonments. A successful leader in Eastern U.P. and Varanasi, he earned the title “Rashtra-Ratna.”
- Seva Upvan: His residence in Varanasi, a sanctuary for freedom fighters, where Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement proposal was first discussed.
- Aj Newspaper: Founded the Hindi daily “Aj” to spread the national movement message, still published in multiple cities.
- Kashi Vidyapeeth: Established this educational institution to prepare youth for the freedom struggle. Inaugurated by Gandhi in 1921, it counts leaders like Lal Bahadur Shastri and Kamalpati Tripathi among its alumni.
- Bharatmata Temple: Founded the temple in Varanasi, inaugurated by Gandhi in 1936, serving as a source of national inspiration.
Legacy:
- Education and Philanthropy: His contributions to education through Kashi Vidyapeeth and philanthropy via the Bharatmata Temple are enduring legacies.
- Freedom Struggle: Remembered for his unwavering dedication to India’s independence and his efforts to inspire and support fellow freedom fighters.
Example of the Stamp Design:
- Portrait: A dignified portrait of Shivprasad Gupta.
- Freedom Movement Symbols: Visuals representing his involvement in the independence struggle, including the Congress Working Committee and the Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Educational Institutions: Elements highlighting Kashi Vidyapeeth and the Bharatmata Temple.
- National Inspiration: Icons symbolizing his role as a national leader and source of inspiration.
Significance:
- Historical Importance: A tribute to Shivprasad Gupta’s significant role in the Indian independence movement and his contributions to education and philanthropy.
- Cultural Legacy: Celebrates his enduring impact on the nation through his support for freedom fighters and his educational initiatives.
Description of Designs:
- Portrait Illustration: A detailed and respectful portrait of Shivprasad Gupta.
- Freedom Movement Imagery: Visuals depicting key moments of his participation in the independence struggle.
- Educational Symbols: Elements representing Kashi Vidyapeeth and its contributions to education.
- Philanthropic Icons: Symbols highlighting his philanthropic efforts, including the Bharatmata Temple.
The first day cover and cancellation design would include introductory lines about Shiv Prasad Gupta’s life and contributions, with a line drawing of significant symbols representing his role in the freedom movement, education, and philanthropy.