Ramgopal Maheshwari

November 20, 2012

A commemorative postage stamp on the Birth Anniversary of Babu ji Ram Gopal Maheshwari, founder of Hindi daily newspaper ‘Nava Bharat‘ :

Issued by India

Issued on Nov 20, 2012

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to mark the contribution of Ramgopal Maheshwari by issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp on him.

Credits:
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.4 Million (0.1 million for proponent)

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Ramgopal Maheshwari

Born on Nov 20, 1911 at Mandolai, Rajasthan, India

Died on Sep 13, 1999

About :

Ramgopal Maheshwari, popularly known as Babuji, was born on 20^th November, 1911 at Mandolai near Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Deeply influenced by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Ramgopal Maheshwari involved himself in the freedom movement, at a young age. He wore khadi throughout his life and believed in simple living. He was also inspired by Shri Krishnadas Jajoo, a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi. He started editing and publishing “Maheshwari”, the mouthpiece of the Maheshwari community, at the age of 22. This was the beginning of his career as a journalist. He also took the responsibility of a biweekly publication ‘Nav Rajasthan’ which had been started by Shri Brijlal Biyani at Akola.
Maheshwari started a biweekly paper ‘Nava Bharat’ from Nagpur on 8^th February, 1934. ‘Nava Bharat’ soon became a daily publication and also started editions from several other cities in due course. Babuji made ‘Nava Bharat’ a medium for the nation’s freedom movement. He was subjected to house arrest in the year 1939. During the Quit India movement, he was imprisoned in Nagpur Central Jail.
Ramgopal Maheshwari was a great patron of Hindi language. He was also actively involved in social work and worked towards the eradication of regressive customs. He was an ardent supporter of the cause of women’s emancipation. Along with his wife, Kaushalya Devi, he played an important role in the upliftment of women and protested against the ‘purdah’ system and the harsh rituals at the time of death.
Ramgopal Maheshwari was awarded the ‘Samaj Shiromani’ award in the year 1994 by the Maheshwari community. He also received the ‘Patrakar Shiromani’ award from Pt. Makhanlal University of Journalism, Bhopal for his contribution to ethical journalism.
Ramgopal Maheshwari passed away on 13^th September, 1999.
Text : Based on the material received from the proponent.