About this stamp
Margaret Noble, affectionately known as Sister Nivedita in India, was born on October 28, 1867, in a small town in Northern Ireland. Her encounter with Swami Vivekananda in London in 1895 proved to be a transformative moment in her life. Swami Vivekananda’s profound spirituality ignited a deep yearning within her for India and its ancient wisdom.
In January 1898, Margaret Noble arrived in India, where she became closely associated with Swami Vivekananda and the Ramakrishna Mission. She dedicated herself to running a school for girls and young women in Bagh Bazar, Calcutta, while immersing herself in the rich spiritual heritage of ancient India. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, she embraced Indian customs and traditions, truly making India her adopted home.
Following Swami Vivekananda’s passing in July 1902, Sister Nivedita’s association with the Ramakrishna Mission became less prominent, but her reverence for her mentor remained unwavering. Her restless spirit propelled her beyond the confines of her school in Bagh Bazar. Despite the political turmoil of the time, she fearlessly engaged with the Indian National Congress and even forged friendships with Indian revolutionaries.
Sister Nivedita’s passion for justice led her to align herself with causes she believed in, earning her the attention of the British Raj. She had to evade authorities for a time under an assumed name due to her activities. Unfortunately, her tumultuous career took a toll on her health, and she passed away in October 1911, at the age of forty-three.
A polymath, Sister Nivedita counted among her friends and associates renowned personalities such as Gokhale, Sri Aurobindo, Rabindranath Tagore, Jagdish Chandra Bose, and the artist Nandalal Bose. True to her name, Nivedita, meaning the dedicated one, she wholeheartedly contributed to the spiritual and political rejuvenation of India.
As the nation commemorates Sister Nivedita’s centenary year, the Department considers it an honor to issue a commemorative stamp in her honor, recognizing her invaluable contributions to India’s cultural and spiritual landscape.
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