stamps issued in 2002

may

GOLDEN JUBILEE: PARLIAMENT OF INDIA 

13th May, 1952 marked the beginning of a new place in the history of Independent India. It was on this day that India's Parliament met for the first time after the General Elections. It was the beginning of a new phase in the journey of the nation as an independent, sovereign country.

While it was 'India's British connection that inspired the growth of Parliamentary Government and Legislative Institutions in the modern times, the Parliamentary Institutions of the country have not been transplanted from Britain, but had an organic growth on India soil. They grew through many relentless struggles against the colonial domination, starting with the Charter Act of 1833, which was the result of the sustained demand by the people for increased participation in the administration of the country.
The first meeting of the constituent Assembly on 9th December 1946, was a historic event as the Assembly was a fully sovereign body, independent of external authority. After the attainment of freedom on 15th August 1947 and the coming into force of the Constitution of India on 26th January 1950, the character of the Constituent Assembly (Legislative) underwent a change. It became the provisional Parliament of the country. 

The next phase in the history of the Indian democracy started when the first Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha met for the first time in the respective chambers to take up the agenda of the day. It also marked the setting of a fresh agenda for the newly independent nation. All in all, the democratic experiment which India launched on 13th May 1952, has consolidated the country's democratic credentials. Over the last 50 years, India has proved herself to be the largest working democracy in the world.

The stamp design shows the decorative inner view of the Central Hall of the Parliament, which is stated to be one of the most magnificent domes of the world. The Central Hall, which has witnessed the transfer of power on 15th August 1947, the long deliberations which led to the framing of the Constitution and the first session after each general elections to the Lok Sabha for the last 50 years, is a place of historic importance to India. The stamp design also incorporates one of the inscriptions from another dome inside the parliament, inscriptions that act as beacons to guide parliamentary discussions & debate. 

(Stamp, FDC, Cancellation, Brochure : Sankha Samanta)

Prabodhankar Thackeray Keshav Sitaram alias Prabodhankar Thackeray made a mark in modern Maharashtra by virtue of his leadership in the social, political and intellectual spheres. He became a stringent critic of religious conformism and launched an attack on malpractices like tonsuring widows, untouchability and practice of dowry. With a remarkable insight into the contemporary social processes, he concluded that professional priesthood was at the root of many of the injustices meted out to women and the under-privileged classes. He was quick to realise the potential of journalism for spreading social messages and used the press effectively to fight social evils. He was a prolific writer, having penned many plays, biographies and booklets. His writing was focused on social causes and not just literary excellence. He was also accomplished as a historian and an artist. The Samyukta Maharashtra movement, in which he played an important role in the autumn of his life, was perhaps the most important struggle in his life. Its successful culmination, unifying several diverse parties, stands testimony to  Prabodhankar's diplomacy and leadership qualities. 

(Stamp & FDC : Sankha Samanta Cancellation: Alka Sharma)

Cotton College was established in 1901 as a Government institution during the administration of Sir Henry Cotton, after whom it has been named. The history of the College is one of steady growth since its establishment, extending its sphere of usefulness in the field of higher education. In 1909, when Assam formed part of Eastern Bengal, B.A. and B.Sc Classes were first opened. Since 1912, when Assam was reconstituted as a separate province, the College has undergone further expansion. Honours classes in different branches of study were opened in 1914, and numerous structural additions made to meet increasing demands. 

Cotton College is the alma mater of practically all leading personalities of Assam. Six Chief Minister of Assam starting with Bharat Ratna Gopinath Bordoloi were proud products of Cotton College. Noted educationist Krishna Kanta Handique who was the first Vice-Chancellar of Guwahati University, litterateurs BirendraKumar Bhattacharya and Momoni Roisom Goswami who went on to win the Jnanpith award, musician Dr. Bhupen Hazarika who is a winner of the Dada Shaheb Phalke award and footballer Telimaran Ao, Captain of India's first Olympic team were a few noted alumni of the College. Assam owes to Cotton College for a significant contribution to its cultural renaissance. It took a leading part in moulding the literary and cultural activities of the people of the state. If presents a cosmopolitan ambience with students coming from all parts of the North East region to make the most of some of the best educational infrastructure available in the country. 

(Stamp India Security Press, FDC & Cancellation : Alka Sharrna)