Prabodhankar Thackeray
A commemorative postage stamp on Keshav Thakre (pen-name Prabodhankar Thackeray), an Indian social reformer, father of Bal Thackeray, founder of Hindu nationalist party Shiv Sena :
Issued by India
Issued on May 19, 2002
Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to release a postage stamp in honour of Prabodhankar Thackeray.
Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Sankha Samanta
Cancellation : Alka Sharma
Type : First Day Cover
Colour : Two Colour
Denomination : 400 Paise
Overall size : 2.90 x 3.91 cms.
Printing size : 2.90 x 3.91 cms.
Perforation : 13.5 x 13.5 with elliptical hole on each 3.91 cm sides
Paper : Matt Chromo
Stamps Printed : 0.4 million
Number per issue sheet : 40
Printing Process : Photo Offset
Printer : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd.
Name : Keshav Sitaram Thackeray
Born on Sep 17, 1885 at Panvel, Bombay Presidency, British India
Died on Nov 20, 1973 at Bombay, Maharashtra, India [now Mumbai]
About :
- Keshav Sitaram alias Prabodhankar Thackeray made a mark in modern Maharashtra by virtue of his leadership in the social, political and intellectual spheres.
- Writings to Lokhitwadi, Agarkar and Mahatma Phule had a formative influence on Prabodhankar. He became a significant critic of religious conformism and launched an attack on malpractices like tonsuring widows, untouchability and practice of dowry. With a remarkable insight into the contemporary social processes, he concluded that professional priesthood was at the root of many of the injustices meted out to women and the under-privileged classes. He used any opportunity that came his way to propagate reformist ideas. He was quick to realise the potential of journalism for spreading social messages and used the press effectively to fight social evils.
- Prabodhankar Thackeray was a prolific writer, having penned many plays, biographies and booklets. His writing was focused on social causes and not just literary excellence. He was also accomplished as a historian and an artist. Through his spirited writings and enthusiastic socio-political movements he tried earnestly to spread the message of Mahatma Phule and Dr. Ambedkar.
- The Samyukta Maharashtra movement, in which he played an important role in the autumn of his life, was perhaps the most important struggle in his life. Its successful culmination, unifying several diverse parties, stands testimony to Prabodhankar‘s diplomacy and leadership qualities.
- Text : Based on material furnished by the sponsors.
