stamps issued in 2000

march

Dr Burgula Ramakrishna Rao (1899-1967) was the first elected Chief Minister of erstwhile Hyderabad State and the leader of the Freedom Struggle in the state. Dr Rao led the struggle against the Nizam for the merger of Hyderabad with the Indian Union. He was a multi linguist, scholar and write several books and articles. 
 

Potti Sriramalu (1901-1952) was deeply influenced by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and joined the freedom struggle relinquishing all worldly ambitions. He courted imprisonment during the Salt Satyagraha and Individual Satyagraha Movement of 1940. He worked for the upliftment of Harijans and undertook fasting to send home his message. On October 19, 1952 he undertook a 58 day fast to get a separate Andra State from the composite Madras State. He lay down his life for the cause on the 58 day and a few days later the Central Government announced a separate Andra State. 
 

Basawon Sinha (1909-1989) came under the influence of revolutionary organizations like the Hindusthan Socialist Republican Army and went underground after the Lahore Conspiracy case. He organized trade union work and was behind bars for 16 years, on various occasions, during the freedom struggle. In 1967 he became the Minister for Labour, Planning and Industry. He passed away on April 7, 1989. 
 

Siroi Lily (Lilium Macklinae), an Iris species, is a beautiful lily found only in the upper reaches on Siroi hill ranges of Manipur. It starts flowering with the advent of spring and the blooms last for about 2 months. 
 

Sangai Deer (Cervus eldi eldi) is a sub species of deer found only in Manipur. It has a distinctive bow shaped antlers, unique body structure and movements described as dancing. Today the Keibul Lamjao National park has 150 Sangai as compared to the 14 numbers in 1974. 
 

Wild Guava (Psidium guineense) is a rare plant of India found only in Tripura. the fruits are edible. Constant depletion for firewood has endangered this plant and special protection is now being considered. 
 

Slow Loris (Nycticebus coucang) is a round headed lemur found in Tripura and the neighbouring regions. Slow Loris are nocturnal and sleep during the day.