Rare Gandhi stamps from around the globe on display
LUCKNOW:
Mahatma Gandhi, as the global icon of peace, appears not just on Indian currency and postal stamps, but has also graced a number of stamps, special covers, miniature sheets, coins and notes issued around the world.
Now, philately exhibition AHIMSAPEX-2014 has brought the entire global collection of stamps featuring Bapu to the city.
The rare exhibits on Gandhi, as well as other freedom fighters, organised by the Lucknow Philatelic Society will remain on display at the State Archives building in Mahanagar till October 2.
Talking about the rich collection on Gandhi displayed by various collectors of the city, philatelist Ashok Kumar said, “Gandhi is the lone figure on whom many countries have issued stamps and currencies. Ten countries have issued coins on him.”
There is a stamp issued by Egypt in 1969 with Gandhi’’s saying: ‘Hate the sin, love the sinner’. On display is also the only embossed stamp on Gandhi released in Egypt, and another stamp of Gandhi on khadi.
There is another stamp issued by Uganda in 1998 that depicts Gandhi as a barrister and in his law office in Durban.
On display is also a South American stamp bearing the pictures of various paper currencies issued around the globe featuring the Mahatma. It was issued in 2000.
Then there is the rich collection issued on the 50th death anniversary of Gandhi in North America bearing pictures of Gandhi’s childhood. Young Gandhi going to Alfred School; Gandhi going to primary school at the age of seven in Rajkot; and Gandhi leaving for London in 1931, are some of the pictures that have been used in North American stamps.
The collection also includes rare stamps of the freedom movement, covers with handwritings of freedom fighters, currencies and coins that are rare to find.
Besides, a set of four stamps on Gandhi with change-makers of the world and a special cover with Mother Teresa, Vallabh Bhai Patel and Buddha with Gandhi were also released during the exhibition.