A commemorative postage stamp on the 75^th Anniversary of the Benaras Hindu University :

Issued by India

Issued on Jan 20, 1991

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud in bringing out a special stamp to commemorate this university on the occasion of its 75^th year of establishment.

Description of Design : The Stamp has been designed by ISP Nashik and is based on art work provided by BHU. FDC is designed by Sh. Sankha Samant and Cancellation is made by Ms. Alka Sharma.

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Colour : Single Colour

Denomination : 100 Paise

Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 cms.

Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Indigenous Un W/M Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper

Number printed : 10,00,000

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure Process

Printed : India Security Press

About : 

• The history of the establishment of Banaras Hindu University reads like a saga of romance and adventure. It also marks the culmination of a lofty ideal to help the re-birth of a new and vibrant India. While it represents the fulfillment of Mahamana Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya’s life’s mission, it also symbolises the vision of Dr. Annie Besant who gave up her idea of “University of India” for the sake of this university.
• The scheme for the establishment of Banaras Hindu University was formulated in consultation with eminent freedom fighters and nationalists like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Surendra Nath Banerjee and had the support of prominent educationists and other representatives from all over the country. It had the blessings of religious and spiritual leaders and guidance from notable members of the public and the media besides the support of enlightened princes like the Maharaja of Banaras and Maharaja of Darbhanga. The university owes its existence primarily to the toil of the Mahamana, “the prince among the beggars, who begged not for himself but for a cause dear to him”.
• It was in 1915 that the Bill for the establishment of the University was introduced in the Imperial Legislature and received the assent of the Governor General on the 1^st October. It was on the auspicious day of Vasant Panchami, the day dedicated to Saraswati, the Goddess of learning that this sapling was planted on the holy banks of river Ganga, 75 years ago [from the issuance of this stamp]. It was founded with the aim of promoting the study of Hindu Shastras and Sanskrit literature, promoting learning and research in Arts and Sciences imparting scientific, technical and professional knowledge to ensure promotion of indigenous industries and developing the material resources of the country.
• From its inception the university was assiduously nurtured by the untiring efforts of the Mahamana for nearly two decades. A galaxy of distinguished men such as Mahamana himself, Sunder Lal, S. Radhakrishnan, A. N. Jha, Pt. Govind Malaviya, Acharya Narendra Dev, etc. worked as its Vice Chancellors to provide stewardship in its formative years. Teachers, during the formative stages of the university, accepted low pay or no pay and yet worked with a sense of sacrifice for the country and the society to give it a national character. An equally dedicated community of students and other staff contributed in ample measure to build a distinct ethos of dedication to the cause of higher education specifically and the country in general. There are some noteworthy features of the history of this national university, born and nurtured in the cradle of freedom movement.
• Text : Courtesy BHU.

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