Bhai Paramanand who was affectionately called "Devta Swarup", was born in 1876 at Karayala, near Chakwal, Distt. Jhelum (now in Pakistan) and had his early education at Chakwad. He graduated from the D.A.V. College at Lahore. He went to Clcutta for post-graduate studies in History at the Presidency College; but after some time he returned to Lahore and took his M.A. degree in 1902 from the Punjab University. Later on, he joined the staff of the D.A.V. Colege, Lahore, as a life-member (with a vow to serve at a fixed allowance of Rs. 75/-) and worked as a Lecturer in History and Political Economics for many years. Because of this vow he declined an offer of examinership from Punjab University since it would have raised his remuneration above the limit. Bhai Paramanand came under the influence of the Arya Samaj when he was a student; he was particularly attached to twoeminent contemporary leaders of the Samaj, Mahatma Hans raj and Lala Lajpat rai.

His association with Arya Samaj formed his outlook on social reforms. He became a staunch oppenum of the caste-system, and in 1922 he founded a new oragnisation, 'Jat Pat Torak Mandal', for breaking caste-barriers among the Hindus for which he practised what he preached. He believed in the remarriage of widows and stoutly opposed untouchability. He also advocated the use of Hindi as a medium of instruction. He travelled to far-flung countries of Africa as well as well as north and South America as a Vedic Missionary. At Johannesburg, he came in contact with Gandhiji who was so impressed by his nobality and intellect that he kept Bhaiji as his guest for one month. He wrote a History of India based on original research which was proscribed by the British Government and he was prosecuted for the same.

He was closely associated with Lala Hr Dayal whom he reclaimed from the life of a recluse for active social work. Because of his links with him and the Gadar party he was involved in Lahore Conspirecy Case and sentenced to be hanged. On the last day the sentence was commuted to transporation for life and he was in Cellular jail, Port Blair, from 1914to 1920. He was released after C.F. Andrews and Gandhiji wrote about his failing health and family conditions. At the insistence of Gandhiji and Lala Lajpat Rai he became Chancellor of the Quami vidyapeeth, Professor of History and Chairman, Board of Education, in which capacities he served honorably till the end. Bhagat sing and others were his students there. Apart from possesing the vision of historian, the scholarship of an educationist and the zeal of a social reformer, Bhai Paramanand was aprolific writer too, and was the author of a score of books in Hindi and Urdu written with the purpose of aakening national consciousness among the people.

His contribution in the field of journalism was also of great significance. when he was in England he wrote articles for the Punjabee, the Hitkari, the Hindustan, the Axzad, the India and the Inquilab. In Lahore he started the Akashwani, a Hindi weekly, and the Hindu in Urdu. Bhai Paramanand led a simple life; austerity was the key-note of his living. He is also remembered as an eminent leader of Hindu Mahasabha. He pleaded for complete independence of India from foreign domination and fought relentlessely against its partition. Bhai Paramanand epitomised sacrifice, selflessness, dedication, tenacity and fearlessness. He died at Jullundur on 8th December, 1947.

The Posts and Telegraphs Department is privileged to bring out a commemorative stamp in honour of Bhai Paramanand.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India