Laxmidas Borkar
A commemorative postage stamp on the Birth Centenary of Laxmidas Borkar, an Indian freedom fighter, journalist and writer from Goa :
Issued by India
Issued on Aug 17, 2025
Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to release a commemorative postage stamp celebrating Laxmidas Borkar, a visionary devoted to truth, freedom, and the enduring power of the written word. This stamp honours the memory and work of a man who lived for Goa and stood firmly for the greater ideals of India.
Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Sh. Jairaj T. G.
Type : Stamp, Mint Condition
Colour : Multi Colour
Denomination : 500 Paise
Stamps Printed : 303765
Printing Process : Wet Offset
Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad
Name : Dattaram Krishna Borkar
Born on 17 Aug, 1925 at Quepem, Goa, Portuguese India
Died on 4 Dec, 1999
About :
- Laxmidas Borkar, born as Dattaram Krishna Borkar on 17 August 1925 in Kusman (Quepem), Goa, was the son of Krishna Dattaram Borkar and Umabai Krishna Borkar. He was a distinguished freedom fighter, journalist, writer and social reformer. He began his academic journey with primary education in Marathi. He completed his Lyceum in seven years, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to service, literature and nation-building.
- Laxmidas Borkar spent 16 formative years as a freedom fighter. He joined the Goa Seva Sangh in 1943. Later, he became an executive committee member of the Goa Congress Committee (Bombay Branch). A close associate of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, he was arrested during the historic 18th June 1946 movement in Margao. He also participated in multiple Satyagraha protests across Goa, including in Shiroda, Ponda and Castle Rock. He often faced arrests, beatings and detentions. His dedication to civil liberties and the call for Goa’s freedom remained unwavering.
- He played a significant role as office secretary and later president of the National Congress of Goa (Bombay Branch). Representing Goan voices at national and international platforms, he interviewed Mahatma Gandhi on the “Goa Topic”. He was selected as the Goan People’s representative to sign the representation before the International Court of Justice at The Hague.
- Laxmidas Borkar’s journalistic journey spanned 51 years. He served at renowned publications including Loksatta, Indian Express, Financial Express, Screen, Navaprabha, Lincoln Star (USA), and Blitz. He also held key roles such as Vice President of Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh and played a foundational role in Goa Marathi Patrakar Sangh. He visited Rostock and Berlin in East Germany as well as Moscow in Russia, as part of a journalist delegation.
- An accomplished writer, Borkar authored 16 books covering political commentary, travelogues, fiction and biographies. His writings offered in-depth insights into freedom movements, social challenges, and cultural heritage. One of his notable works, published decades after it was written, was released at the hands of the Governor of Goa. The book presents a detailed three-year account of the freedom movement in Goa and has been translated into several Indian and foreign languages.
- His contributions include translations and original works in Marathi and Konkani. He also published writings that explored the lives of saints, revolutionaries and social reformers.
- Throughout his life, Borkar nurtured literary and professional communities through institutions such as The Goa Hindu Association, Sane Guruji Katha Mala, Mumbai Marathi Patrakar, and Goa Marathi Patrakar Sangh. His influence extended beyond journalism into public consciousness and youth education.
- His contributions have been honoured through awards, scholarships, exhibitions, documentary films, and a road named in his memory. His life has been celebrated through exhibitions, symposiums, digital book releases, and a memorial auditorium inaugurated in his honour. A commemorative quiz for students and a new Lifetime Achievement Award instituted by Goa Marathi Patrakar Sangh further reflect the enduring legacy of Laxmidas Borkar.
- Text : Based on information provided by the proponent.
