India’s history is hidden in stamps. India-China war to Punjab, Savarkar to Naga peace

A lot of scholarship on key turning points since 1947 is available. But there's a storehouse of histories that resides in stamps—Longowal, IPKF to LTTE.

30 August, 2022 11:13 am IST

Image 8: The FDC of the commemorative stamp on family planning (1976) | Vikas Kumar

In India’s Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, in the 75^th year of Independence, citizens are revisiting the nation’s past. A lot of scholarship is available on key turning points in our history since 1947, but a wealth of hidden histories lies in materials beyond conventional archives such as postage stamps.

Independent India has issued about 3,000 commemorative and definitive (printed in large quantities for regular use) stamps. From inclusive nationalism to cultural nationalism, from public discourse centred around policies to personalities – these stamps tell a story of an India that captures changes and shifts in the nation’s priorities and narratives

Helen Mirren once said: Before you argue with someone, ask yourself.......

Helen Mirren once said: Before you argue with someone, ask yourself, is that person even mentally mature enough to grasp the concept of a different perspective. Because if not, there's absolutely no point. Not every argument is worth your energy. Sometimes, no matter how clearly you express yourself, the other person isn’t listening to understand—they’re listening to react. They’re stuck in their own perspective, unwilling to consider another viewpoint, and engaging with them only drains you. There’s a difference between a healthy discussion and a pointless debate. A conversation with someone who is open-minded, who values growth and understanding, can be enlightening—even if you don’t agree. But trying to reason with someone who refuses to see beyond their own beliefs? That’s like talking to a wall. No matter how much logic or truth you present, they will twist, deflect, or dismiss your words, not because you’re wrong, but because they’re unwilling to see another side. Maturity is...

Why BJP is opposing the Telangana caste census?

The BJP opposes the Telangana caste census primarily due to concerns about its political motivations, alleging that the Congress party is using it for electoral gain rather than genuine welfare of Backward Classes (BCs) 1 3 . BJP leaders argue that the census distracts from Congress's unfulfilled promises to BCs and could exacerbate social divisions 2 4 . Additionally, there are fears within the BJP that a detailed caste enumeration might reveal ongoing upper-caste dominance in politics and society, which could challenge their support base 7 8 . The BJP's main arguments against the caste census include: Political Manipulation : BJP leaders assert that the Congress party is using the caste census for political advantage rather than for the welfare of Backward Classes (BCs), claiming it distracts from unfulfilled promises made to these communities 2 4 . Threat to Hindutva Agenda : The party views the census as a potential challenge to its support base a...

JAI HIND: WHO DO WE OWE IT TO?

Though the origin of Jai Hind is usually ascribed to Chempakaraman Pillai in 1907, it didn’t have a popular usage till Netaji Bose made it the standard greeting of the INA. How this happened to be has a Hyderabad connection. It is believed by Netaji’s close followers that the slogan "Jai Hind" as coined by Abid Hasan Safrani. Abid Hasan Safrani was the son of the soil of Hyderabad in India. His real name was Zainul Abedin Hasan. He preferred to be called Abid Hasan. His parents expired during the British Raj. Before that they had sent him to Germany instead of England for higher studies in Engineering stream. During the that time, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose visited Germany and addressed Indian prisoners of war & also students and asked them to join Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj). Abid Hasan met him and got inspired by the charisma of Netaji. He told him that he would join him after finishing his studies. Netaji said tautingly t...

Notes of Nagesh

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