Complete Set of 2 nos of postage stamps on the 40^th Anniversary of the Independence of India : Swarajya :

Issued by India

Issued on Aug 16, 1988

Issued for : 15 August, 1988 brings to a close the commemoration of 40 years of India’s Independence. To mark this occasion the Department of Posts is issuing a stamp commemorating the contribution of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, towards the cause of freedom and his famous call “Swaraj is my birthright” which inspired generations of Indians.

Description of Designs : This composite setenant stamp features a painting by M.F. Husain; the beginning of the historical statement by Tilak in Marathi is printed over the stamp. The design of the stamp is done by Contract Advertising (India) Ltd.

First day cover is designed with a sketch of the frontline leaders of the Indian Independence Movement, Bipin Chandra Pal, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai. The design is done by K.S. Radhakrishnan.

The design of the Brochure is based on the first stamp of India after independence issued on 21.11.47. The design is done by Smt. Alka Sharma.

Type : Vertical se–tenant set of 2 Stamps (composite design), Mint Condition

Colour : Multicolour

Denomination : 60 & 60 Paise

Printed : India Security Press

About : 

• At around the beginning of this century there was a certain disenchantment with the approach of the older and more moderate group of nationalists. The Partition of Bengal in 1905 catalysed the wave that carried our National Movement to its new phase with its emphasis on Swaraj, Swadeshi and Boycott.
• Tilak’s thundering proclamation on Swaraj and the cries of “Vande Mataram” rekindled national pride. For the first time the common man boldly stepped out in the current of our National Movement. The youth of India responded enthusiastically to the call of independence from foreign rule. The charged mood of the times was later summed up by Jawaharlal Nehru, who wrote in his Autobiography – “……. For the first time since the Revolt of 1857 India was showing fight and not submitting tamely to foreign rule – Almost without an exception we were Tilakites…..”. On the economic front the emphasis on Swadeshi proved to be a boon; cottage industry prospered and large-scale enterprises were also set up. Tilak spread the message of self-confidence and self-reliance. He helped to widen the social base of our National Movement.
• Upon the death of this great son of India, in 1920, Mahatma Gandhi wrote “….The roar of the lion is hushed. For us he will go down to the generations yet unborn as a member of modern India….” His bravery, his simplicity, his wonderful industry and his love of his country inspire us even today.
• Text, Courtesy: Implementation Committee for Commemoration of 40^th Anniversary of India‘s Independence & Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Centenary.

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