The post-independence era has seen the emergence of India as a modern nation, marching ahead in diverse fields of human activity, providing better quality of life to its citizens, upholding democratic values and ensuring social justice as well as development. Individuals of extraordinary vision, character and abilities gave leadership to this process, guiding the country in its march towards progress. The Department of Posts pays tribute to one such leader, namely, Dwarka Prasad Mishra, by issuing a postage stamp in his honour.


Dwarka Prasad Mishra (1901-1988), former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, joined the national movement at a young age heeding the call of Mahatma Gandhi. He was prominent in the erstwhile Central Provinces in organising the political struggle against the colonial rulers. He was in the forefront of the national movement from 1920 onwards and came into close association with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and other national leaders. He exposed the exploitative practices of the British as well as their policy of 'Divide and Rule'. He vehemently critised the British bureaucratic administration, to which he attributed the backwardness of the Indian people. He was jailed for a number of years for his role in the freedom struggle.


In post-independence India, he was a prominent figure in the national political scene. His tenure as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh saw the all­ round development of the state. He stood for industrialization and for India becoming self­ sufficient economically. He was a practitioner of truth and fairness in political life. He had the moral courage to stand up against the disease of defections which was the scourge of Indian political life in the 1960's and 70's, unmindful of the threat of his own political career being jeopardised.


Dwarka Prasad Mishra was a journalist of repute, having edited the Hindi journals Lokmat, Sharda and Saarthi and used them masterfully to put across his views and messages to the masses. His epic poem, Krishnayan, was highly acclaimed by the critics. In this book, his dream of a happy and free India in which the highest welfare of the people is served has been portrayed.


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