Jagannath Shankarsheth
A commemorative postage stamp on the 125th Death Anniversary of Nana Sunkersett, an Indian Philanthropist and educationalist from Maharashtra :
Issued by India
Issued on Feb 15, 1991
Issued for : The Department of Posts feels privileged to issue a commemorative stamp in the memory of Jagannath Sunkersett.
Description of Design : The commemorative stamp and the first day cover are based on the art works provided by Shri Vasantrao R. Sunkersett and Daivadnya Samajonnati Parishad. The stamp depicts Jagannath Sunkersett along with the Headquarters of Central Railways symbolising his efforts in the establishment of the first railway line in Bombay. The First day Cover depicts the Bombay University with which he was intimately associated. Cancellation is designed by Mrs. Alka Sharma.
Type : Stamp, Postal Used
Colour : Two Colour
Denomination : 200 Paise
Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 cms.
Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 cms.
Perforation : 13 x 13
Paper : Indigenous Un W/M Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper
Number Printed : 6,00,000
Number per issue sheet :Â 35
Printing Process : Photogravure
Printed : India Security Press
Name : Jagannath Shankar Murkute
Born on Feb 10, 1803 at Murbad, Thane district, Maharashtra, India
Died on Jul 31, 1865 at Bombay, India
About :Â
- Jagannath Sunkersett was born on 10th February 1803 in a wealthy Murkute family of Daivadnya community. His father was a rich businessman and a landlord. Jagannath received his early education from private tutors and soon became fluent in Marathi, Gujarati, Sanskrit and English.
- A liberal to the core, Jagannath Sunkersett preached and practiced social justice. He was a crusader against all types of inequality. He worked towards providing equal opportunities to the children belonging to the poor and low caste families to receive as good an education as was available to the children of the affluent classes. As an educationist and reformist, he was well aware that to fight the British, Indians should be on par with the British. With this purpose in view, he formed the Native Educational Society and established the Elphinstone College. He was also instrumental in the setting up of Grant Medical College. He was a pioneer in spreading female education. He opened the first school for women in his own house.
- He also wanted to see an all-round development of Bombay. His initiative in this direction saw the setting up of the J. J. School of Art, The Prince Albert Museum and the Victoria Gardens. He was also instrumental in founding the Royal Asiatic Society.
- Visualising the importance and requirement of faster means of bulk transportation in the future, Jagannath Sunkersett formed the first Bombay Steam Navigation Company. He formed the first Inland Railway Association, which persuaded the British to lay tracks from Bombay’s Victoria Terminus to Thane. This later came to be known as Great Indian Peninsular Railway and subsequently as the Central Railways. Acknowledging his contribution towards the setting up the G.I.P. Railway, he was made one of its first Indian Directors.
- Nana Sunkersett formed the link between the rulers and the ruled. He inspired the confidence in both and directed them wisely for the progress of the country. He paved the way for Bombay’s civic and industrial development. His pioneering life came to an end on 31st July 1865.
