G. Sankara Kurup 2003 India Stamp

G. Sankara Kurup, Popularly known as Mahakavi G or "G" was born on 3 June 1901. Nellikkappilli Sankara Warrier was his father and Vadakkani Lakshmikutty Amma was his mother. Both belonged to respectable but low-income Hindu families in Nayathode village near Kalady, in Central Kerala, the birth place of Sri Sankaracharya, the renowned philosopher and religious reformer. G's uncle was a good Sanskrit scholar and astrologer. In 1931 G married Subhadra Amma from Purathu Veedu in Thiruvanchikulam, capital of the old Chera empire.

Losing his father at an early age, the boy Sankaran was extremely anxious about his education. His uncle Govinda Kurup and mother were, however, able to give him both home and school education in Sanskrit and Malayalam only. Subsequenly, he passed the Malayalam Pundits' examination which brought him a teacher's post. Later in 1926, he passed simultaneously the Preliminary and Final Vidwan examinations of Madras University, winning a first class and the first rank.

By self study he mastered English, Bengali and Hindu and so got direct access to the literature in these languages.

*Tolstoy's 'What is Art?' was an eye-opener for him*. Among his poetical compositions, some will suggest the influence of Mahakavi Vallathol, some other of Tagore. Some will show acquaintance with English poets like Shelley and Wordsworth, and also with Persian poets. The writings of Tagore and Gandhi shaped his ideas of comprehensive humanism, and at the same time fired his spirit of nationalism. Nevertheless, in everything that G said and wrote his individuality was clearly evident. 

His career began in 1921 as a Government School teacher. In 1936 he entered Collegiate serviced and retired as a Professor in 1956. Then for two years he was Producer in the All India Radio Station, Trivandrum. From 1958 to 1960 he was 'Sahitya Salak' in the same station. A member of the Samasta Kerala Sahitya Parishad, he was also editor of its journal from 1944 to 1959. 

He was its President from 1956 to 1957 and of the Kerala Sahitya Academy from 1966 to 1957 and of the Kerala Sahitya Academy from 1966 to 1968. He was editor of the Kairali and was founder-editor of the Thilakam. He was an honorary member of the PEN and of the National Book Trust of India, and was President of the Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad. 

During all those years, poems, dreams and essays-mostly poems-poured abundantly from his pen. There are about forty publications to his credit. Four phases, somewhat mixed, may be observed in the course of his poetic evolution, namely romanticism, mysticism or symbolism, nationalism, internationalism or humanism. All these stages are seen in 'Odakkuzhal' (The Flute), a collection of poems which won the Bharatiya Gnanapeetha Award. 

His interpretation of nature which is unique in Malayalam literature, may be seen in 'Sandhya Taram' (Twilight Star) or 'Suryakanti' (Sunflower).

Tagore's influence is seen in poemslike 'Ente Veli' (My Marriage) and 'Pushpa Geethi' (Song of Flower). 'Azhimukham' (Harbour Mouth), 'Rakta Bindu' (Drop of Blood) and the like express G's intense nationalist spirit. 'Eka Lokam' (One World) and the drama 'Irittinu Mumpa' (Before Darkness) show his international interest.

In 'Pathikante Pattu' (Song of the Wayfarer) his universal humanism finds expression. In 'Nimisham' (Moment) and 'Viswa Darshan' (Vision of the Universe) G has very felicitously interwoven the explanations of cosmic phenomena according to ancient Indian culture and modern science. Many poems are lyrics, while 'Moonnaruviyum Oru Puzhayum' (Three Streams and a River), his longest poem, is a balled, a simple story of the poor, in one hundred and seventy-two quatrains.

Besides original compositions, he has translated into Malayalam, 'Meghadoot', 'Rubayyat' and 'Gitanjali'. His 'Muthum Chippiyum' (Pearl and Oyster) is a collection of essays on the Persian poets. In the midst of all these G has given to children also books of simple verses like 'Ilam Chundukal' (Young Lips) and 'Katte Va Kadale Va' (Come Wind, Come Sea). G's speeches are famous for their fluency, substance and rich imagery, like his poetry.

Honours came to him in recognition of his talents and achievements. The Samskrita Sadas and the Maharaja of the erstwhile Cochin State awarded him the titles of Sahitya Nipunan and Kavithilakan respectively. He got the Krishna Kalyani Award from the Kerala Writers' Co-operative Society, and in 1963 the Sahitya Academy Award from the President of India.

In 1965, for the first time, the Bharateeya Gnanapeetha Prize was given to G. The President confered on him the title of Padmabhushan and nominated him as a member of the Rajya Sabha. The Soviet Land Nehru Award came to him in 1967. In 1968 he was invited to Russia by the Award Committee and the Soviet Writers' Association and to Germany by German writers. His poems have been translated into other Indian languages, English and Russian.

He believes in socialism, but by evolution. His attitude towards religious and social conventions is Gandhian and unorthodox. But he is no atheist, as is shown by the name Guruvayoorappan Trust which he gave to his endowment for encouraging young writers. He thinks that while our educational system closed the doors on our old culture and talents, it did not open adequately the way for us for the new scientific and technical progress. He has very simple habits and pleasant social manners.

With his words and deeds he had inspired many promising writers, and brought home to the public the beauties of nature, the joy and pride of being an Indian. He sang of the glory of freedom, of the sanctity of the struggle for it. In Malayalam poetry he experimented boldly and successfully with new forms and gave the lead to the rising generations.

He  breathed his last on 2 February 1978  Vappalassery, Angamaly, Ernakulam district, Kerala.
In the history of Malayalam poetry these years will be known as the Age of G. 

Department of Posts honoured him by releasing a commemorative postage stamp on him

Issued Date : 03.10.2003
Denomination :500 Paise

Durga Das 2003 India Stamp

Durga Das (1900-1974) was a legendary journalist of India who did signal service to the 'national cause through his vocation.

Hailing from the Jalandhar District of Punjab, he started taking interest in journalism from a relatively young age. His interest in news and news reporting also drew him towards the national movement.

His career, spread over fifty-five years, fell into four distinct phases. He was with the Associated Press of India, now known as the Press Trust of India, from 1919 to 1937 and was its Chief Parliamentary Correspondent, ace reporter  and  editor.  Thereafter, he  worked  as  a Special Representative (and in other capacities also) of The Statesman of Kolkata and Delhi from 1937 to 1943. He became Joint Editor and political columnist of the Hindustan Times in April 1944 and Chief Editor of the paper in 1957. He founded The India News and Feature Alliance, a feature agency devoted to the regional press, on 14 November,  1959 and was its Managing Director, Editor-in-Chief and political columnist.

As a journalist Durga Das was fair and objective in reporting, informative and analytical in writing, constructive in editorial comment, and a supporter of the voice of dissent as a political columnist.

For him, journalism was an opportunity to serve the motherland. Professional honours came  to him in various forms. These included positions like the Chairman of the Press Gallery Committee of the Indian Parliament, President of All India Newspaper Editors' Conference, founder President of the Press Club of India and member of the Press Council. Durga Das authored two important books, namely India and the World (1958), and India from Curzon to Nehru  & After (1969).

His love for the profession found culmination when he founded the Durga Das Ratan Devi Trust in 1969 to give five annual Durga Ratan Awards for excellence in journalism.

Durga Das, one of the most prominent journalists in India, breathed his last of a heart attack on 17th May  1974.  He was 73 years old.

The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Durga Das.

Issued  Date : 02.05.2003
Denomination : 500 Paise

Autism Awareness Day 2003 India Stamp

The World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD)  is on April, 02. Every year It was designated under by the United Nations General Assembly resolution "62/139. World Autism Awareness Day," adopted on December 18, 2007, proposed by Representatives of the State Qatar, and supported by all member states.

The World Autism Awareness Day Resolution had four main components:

(1) the establishment of April 2 as WAAD,

(2) participation of UN organizations, member states, NGOs and all private & public organizations in WAAD,

(3) raise awareness of Autism on all levels in society,

(4) Security-General should deliver this message to member states and all other UN organs.

Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. These signs all begin before a child is three years old.

Not many children with autism live independently after reaching adulthood, though some become successful. An autistic culture has developed, with some individuals seeking a cure and others believing autism should be accepted as a difference and not treated as a disorder.

Autism, in a wider perspective Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),is perhaps the most prolifically researched of all child psychiatric disorders. The greatest contributions to our understanding about the disease have come from individual clinician researchers like Leo Kanner and Hans Asperger. The concept and definition of the disorder have changed greatly over the years, even socio-political shifts as well as research findings have radically altered our understanding of the syndrome as well as the care and treatment offered to people with autism.

Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp during 7th International Conference  Autism held  in Europe Lisboa emphasising ‘our world of special children' 

Issued Date : 03.09.2003
Denomination : 500 Paise

Kusumagraj 2003 India Stamp

Shirwadkar’s original name was Gajanan Ranganath Shirwadkar. After he was adopted, his name changed to Vishnu Waman Shirwadkar.

He is born in Pune on 27th February 1912 . His primary education was in Pimpalgaon and high school education was in New English School, Nashik, which is now called as J.S. Rungtha High School of Nashik. He passed matriculation from Bombay University.

His poems and articles were published in "Balbodhmewa " magazine edited by the famous poet of Maharashtra D.N. Tilak way back in 1929, when he was hardly 17 years old. .

He joined H.P.T. College in 1930 and his poems were then published in "Ratnakar" magazine. In 1932, he participated in the "Satyagraha" for allowing untouchables to enter Kala Ram Temple. Since then the budding poet in him started soaring up in the sky of literature - by writing not only poems, but stories, plays, writing for the news papers like Weekly Prabha, Daily Prabhat, Sarathi, Dhanurdhari, Navyug etc.

In 1942 his collection of poems "Vishakha" was published and is till date being cherished by Marathi speaking people. Likewise his collections of poems named "Marathi Mati", "Swagat", "Himraesha", "Yayati Ani Devayani", "Veej Mhanali Dhartila" were published in 1960, 1962, 1964, 1966 and 1967 respectively .They all received Maharashtra State Awards. His first novel "Vaishnav" and his first drama "Doorche Dive" were published in 1946. His play "Natsamrat" is one of the mile stones in not only play writing, but also for the staging of the play.

Natsamrat is welcomed by the Marathi speaking population like anything. The theme of this play is very touching and an eye-opener for many old people. Many old people are said to have changed their will, after seeing this drama.

A detailed list of his awards will be very long. However, without a mention of the following awards, one would not appreciate why he is considered such a great poet and writer. His play "Natsamrat" received Sahitya Academy Award in 1974. He received Ram Ganesh Gadkari Award of All India Natya Parishad in 1985. Poona University conferred on him the honourable degree of D.Lit. in 1986. In 1988 he received Sangeet Natya Lekhan Award. Topping the list is the "Dnyanpeeth Award", which he received in 1988. Considering his great contribution to Marathi literature, he was selected for this award. Earlier his senior friend, well-known Marathi Writer - Mr V.S. Khandekar had received this award. He was the first Marathi person to receive it and the second one is Kusumagraj.

*Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar aka Kusumagraj birthday is celebrated today as World Marathi Day ...*

However when it comes to any celebration for him, he prefers to take a back seat. His favourite writer is P.G. Wodehouse and the favourite actor is Charli Chaplin.

Nashik city respects him as a "Rishi", because of his knowledge, his simple living,his deep understanding of humanity and his unparalleled urge to help the society. For Nashikites, he is the living God. His polite demeanour makes everybody comfortable to be with him. In nutshell one can say that "Kusumagraj is Nashik and Nashik is Kusumagraj".

Department of India Post issued commemorative postage Stamp on  Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar,

Issued Date: 14.03. 2003
Denomination: 500 Paise

Aero India 2003 Centenary of man first flight stamps

Man has always dreamt of flying in the sky. But he had to wait till the 20th century  for this dream to become a reality. The persistent efforts of scientists and inventors to build a machine that could fly appeared to be moving in the right direction by the 1880s. Finally in 1903 the Wright brothers, Wilbur and Orville (of USA), could successfully test fly a machine that was powered and manned. This landmark feat that changed the life of man on earth was achieved on 17th December 1903.

The history of Indian aeronautical   industry is inseparably interwoven with that of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The company that began as the rather modest Hindustan Aircraft Limited in Bangalore in 1940 is today a mammoth organisation spread over seven locations, fourteen production units and nine research and design centres. It has produced 12 types of aircraft from in-house development and 13 types by license production, over the years. The postage stamps appropriately depict four aircraft models of HAL, reflecting its growth and evolution.

The first stamp shows the ‘Hindustan Trainer No. 2’ (HT–2), the first aircraft  to be designed,  developed  and manufactured in India. The first flight of the prototype of this piston engined trainer aircraft was held in August 1951 and the first batch of six HT-2s flew out of HAL in January 1953. The HT-2 was the mainstay of flight training, both civilian and military, in the country for many years.

The second stamp carries a picture of the ‘Marut’, a twin engined transonic ground attack aircraft designed by a team of Indian and German Engineers. The first prototype flew in June 1961.

The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) figures on the third stamp. This is the world’s smallest lightweight, multi role combat aircraft. It was designed for the Indian Air Force as a multi mission tactical aircraft. It has many advanced features and its successful maiden flight was conducted in January 2001.

The  forth stamp Dhruv, the Advanced Light Helicopter is depicted on the fourth stamp. It is a unique multi role, state-of-the-art helicopter with different variants to suit the requirements of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard. A civil variant is currently undergoing test flights. Dhruv is the most exportable aerospace product of India and is noted for its advanced features as well as user-friendliness.

2003 is celebrated all over the world as the centenary year of man’s first flight.
The Department of Posts  joins the celebrations by issuing a set of commemorative  postage stamps that present glimpses of the Indian experience in aeronautics. The stamps have being released on the occasion of Aero India 2003,  Bangalore,  one among the top aero events of the world.

The Aero India is organised biennially by the  Department  of Defence Production and Supplies. Leading scientists and management personalities of the world aeronautical industry participate in this prestigious show.

Issued Date : 05.02.2003 
Denomination : 500, 500, 500 & 1500 Paise

The 11th edition of the Aero India is scheduled to be held from the 14to18 February 2017