stamps issued in 2000

october

The district of Madhubani in Bihar forms part of the broader geographical and cultural area called Mithila. Vibrant traditions of ritual paintings have been practiced by women in the region since centuries. This style of painting is known as Madhubani - Mithila paintings.

The women of the region traditionally drew geometrical diagrams called Aripan on mud and cow dung plastered floor. The decorated the nuptial chambers, kitchen walls and walls around the shrine in the house with paintings depicting scenes from mythology. With the introduction of paper in 1960s the Madhubani has emerged as one of the best known forms of folk painting in India.

The pigment for the painting is derived from natural substances like vermilion powder mixed with mustard for bright red, turmeric powder for yellow ochre, a mixture of cow dung, goat's milk and lamp black for greenish black and rice paste is used for white.

The "Flower Girls" has been painted by Smt Nirmala Devi, "Bali Sugriva" by Smt Sanjula Devi, "Krishna and Gopies" is by Smt Anmana Devi. The fourth stamp shows details of mural painted by late Smt Ganga Devi on the wall of a "Khobar Ghar".

In the story of India's Freedom Struggle "Champaran Satyagraha" marks a very important stage. Mahatma Gandhi was asked to come to Champaran by Raj Kumar Shukla in a letter which read "... the time has come for you to fulfil your promise. 19 lakhs of suffering people of Champaran are waiting to see you.."  On his arrival at Motihari the district headquarters accompanied by RK Shukla, he was ordered to leave and later arrested on his refusal. The peasants of Champaran were forced to cultivate indigo on 3/20 part of their holding and sell it to the planters at a price fixed by them. The government appointed Mahatma Gandhi to enquire into the system. The system was abolished. the contribution of Raj Kumar Shukla have been mentioned in the writings of Dr Rajendra Prasad, Mahatma Gandhi and Acharya Kriplani. this year marks the 125th birth anniversary of Raj Kumar Shukla and the Department of Posts pay its tribute to the freedom fighter.
 

Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, former President of India was one of the most distinguished and beloved sons of the country. Born in 1918 at Bhopal, he completed his studies in Law, History and Politics at Cambridge and Harvard Law School. The University of Cambridge honoured him with the degree of Doctor of Law. He was member of the 5th and 7th Lok Sabha and was elected the President of Indian Republic in July 1992. This veteran freedom fighter, distinguished parliamentarian and able administrator devoted his life to the service of the nation. 
 

Two definitives were released. On 30-10-2000 the Paradise Fly Catcher and on 31-10-2000 Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel the "Iron Man of India" was born on 31 October 1875 at Nadiad in Gujrat. In 1918 he came to the rescue of people affected by devastating famine and conducted the "no tax" campaign in Kheda district. In 1923 he became involved in the Flag Satyagraha. He joined the Quit India movement and after Independence he became the Minister for Home Affairs, Information and Broadcasting. He became the Deputy Prime Minister of Independent India and accomplished the integration of the Indian States with the Union.

The Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi) is an extraordinary bird. It is a small bird about 6 inches long but has a long tail. The bird catches insects during flight and thus gets its name. The wave like movement of its tail as it flies is a wonder to behold.