Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, a symbol of peace and non-violence in the 20th century, was an Indian lawyer and an Indian leader who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule. He inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. The honorific Mahātmā first applied to him in South Africa in 1914, is now used throughout the world. Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most inspiring persons in the whole world. Nearly 150 countries all over the world, have released stamps. Picture Postcards, Special covers, First day covers, souvenir sheets, etc
dedicated to him.
In India, the world of philately has been enriched with Mahatma Gandhi through both Indian Stamps, Miniature sheets, Special covers and First Day covers. The 10 Rupees Postage stamp depicting Mahatma Gandhi, issued by India in 1948, is one of India’s most famous stamps. On August 15, 1948, on the occasion of the first anniversary of India’s Independence Day, Gandhi was honored as the first Indian to be depicted on stamps of India. Some of the important events such as Satyagraha, Civil Disobedience, Non Violence, Dandi March, Martyr’s Day have been highlighted through philately. There are several cancelations on Gandhi and also relevant postal stationary too.
Gandhi was biggest client of the Department of Posts, and might have written more than a lakh postcards to various people throughout his life. The Department of Posts, has reciprocated with several Postcards, stamps, cancelations and several philatelic materials on him especially during the 150th Birth Centenary celebrations.
A week-long 4 frame exhibit at the Philatelic Bureau, Opposite Head Post Office, Panjim based on the theme, ‘Mahatma Gandhi – A philatelic tribute’ ‘ was inaugurated by Mariama Thomas, Post Master General, Goa Postal Division, Goa.
