The Department of Posts on Monday released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the birth centenary of renowned painter, sculptor, architect, muralist and writer Satish Gujral.
The stamp was unveiled by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia at a special ceremony held at Bikaner House in New Delhi.
“Released a commemorative postage stamp marking the birth centenary of the legendary painter, sculptor and architect Padma Vibhushan Shri Satish Gujral, whose extraordinary artistic vision added a new dimension to @IndiaPostOffice philately through his iconic stamp designs. On the smallest of canvases, he captured the grandest of ideas, transforming every stamp into a timeless expression of India’s artistic spirit,” Scindia posted on X.
The commemorative stamp features a portrait of Gujral seated with a paintbrush in hand, symbolising his lifelong devotion to art and creativity. Depicted in a reflective pose, the design captures the depth and versatility of his artistic vision. Set against a vibrant backdrop inspired by his distinctive style and rendered in rich shades of purple and blue, the stamp conveys both dignity and creative expression.
Recalling Gujral’s long association with the Department of Posts, Scindia said the celebrated artist not only created remarkable works of art but also transformed ideas into powerful visual narratives through his stamp designs.
Referring to the commemorative stamp issued in 1996 to mark the 125th anniversary of Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL), which Gujral designed, Scindia said the artist had translated the idea of communication into striking visual metaphors.
Highlighting the enduring significance of postage stamps, Scindia said, “Postage stamps are very small in size, but they carry the soul of our country. They carry the passion of 140 crore people, travelling from city to city, village to village, taluk to taluk, carrying India’s history, culture and collective memories across generations.”
He expressed confidence that the commemorative stamp would preserve Gujral’s legacy and inspire future generations.
The event was attended by Director General, Postal Services, Jitendra Gupta; Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle, Col. Akhilesh Kumar Pandey; noted painter, sculptor and muralist Padma Bhushan Jatin Das; former Director General of the National Gallery of Modern Art Dr Rajeev Lochan; Gujral’s daughter Raseel Gujral Ansal; members of the Gujral family; and other distinguished guests.
Born on December 25, 1925 in Jhelum in pre-Partition West Punjab, Satish Gujral is regarded as one of the pivotal figures of modern Indian art. He moved to India in 1944 to study at the Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai. The trauma of Partition deeply influenced his celebrated Partition series, widely regarded as among his finest works.
Over a career spanning several decades, Gujral worked across multiple disciplines, including painting, sculpture, mural-making, graphic design, literature and architecture. In recognition of his exceptional contribution to the arts, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, in 1999.
Gujral passed away on March 26, 2020, in New Delhi at the age of 94.
(With inputs from PIB)
