Saare Jahan Se Achha....

‘If I were to look over the whole world to find out the country most richly endowed with all the wealth, power and beauty that nature can bestow-in some parts a very paradise on earth-I should point to India’
-Max Mueller, German Scholar, 1883.

The seventh largest country in the world. Its fast growing economy. Home to the ancient civilization of the Indus Valley, The Taj Mahal, Mother Teresa, the philosophy of Gandhism, and myriad schools of art and architecture.

The symbols of Indias greatness are as numerous as they are diverse.

The opening shot:

1857. The year India rose to break its shackles. The year the first step was taken on the long road to freedom. The year that say the First War of Independence. In more ways than one, the rebellion of 1857 kick-started India’s struggle for Independence. It made people realize the importance of unity to overthrow an oppressive regime. It resulted in the dissolution of the East India Company and replacement by direct ruel within the British Empire. Rani Lakshmibai, revered heroine of the great rebellion, is an iconic figure for all the brave warriors who fought and died striking a blow, to free India. Their dream is our reality now.

‘Bundelay harbolo kee muhu humney suni kahani thee, Khoob ladi mardani, whoo tho Jansi wali rani thee’.

An Immortal Life:


The impact of Mahatma Gandhi on the world has been extraordinary. His use of non-violent resistance in leading India to freedom inspired future leaders like Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, and set an example for freedom movements throughout the world. As a pioneer of the philosophies of Satyagraha and Ahimsa, Gandhi’s life is an example of unfaltering commitment to non-violence, even in the most extreme situations. He had in him the sublime sense of simplicity, gentleness and inner strength that characterized his life.

‘Raghupathi raghava raja ram, pathitha pavana sita ram, ishwar allaha thero nam, sabkho sanmathi dee bhagavan’

The religion of nation:

To say that cricket is the religion of the nation is to acknowledge the fact that cricket, more than any other single activity or belief, profoundly affects the whole country as one. Cricketing stars are heores to all, and success and failure on the pitch brings universal euphoria or sadness in equal measure. Winning the world cup in 1983 was the highest honour ever achieved by an Indian sproting team. Captain Kapil Dev received the Cup at the Lords, watched by fans all around the world.

‘Kadham Dagmagathey nahi, sheesha juktha nahi, Jab chah hey mathrubhumi khee, najar jukthey nahi’

Epitome of Indian Beauty:

Madhubala, often called the Marilyn Monroe of Indian Cinema is possibly the most breath-takingly beautiful actress of India ever. Born as Mumtaz Begum Jehan Dehlavi, Madhubala, even today remains the most enduring and celebrated legend of Indian Cinema. Her acting prowess coupled with her exquisite looks made, not just India but also Hollywood take notice. Despite Hollywood beckoning, Madhubala decided to stick to Bollywood. With the release of Mughal-E-Azam, Madhubala soon became larger than life. In fact this was the film that marked what many consider to be her greatest and definitive characterization as the doomed courtesan Anarkali. It would be an understatement to say that Madhubala still lives in the hearts of millions.

‘Hajaro Kwaish aise khee har kwaish pe dum nikley, bahuth nikley mere aarman, lekin fhir bhi kum nikley’.

The Timeless Art:

In 1952, by sheer chance, a bundle of paintings, wrapped in cloth were found dumped in the corner of an old fort in Kishangarh.On inspection they turned out to be one of the great treasures of Indian art, the Kishangarh miniatures, inspired by the divine lovers Radha and Krishna, and lost to the world for over 200 years. Flawless artisty, spiritual yearning, and eternal love and devotion all combine in the sublime mysticism of the Kishangarh school of art. It is recognized as the very pinnacle of the vast scope of Indian art and acclaimed by connoisseurs around the world.

In 1778 the great exponent of the art of miniature paining, Nihal Chand, created the legendary face of the Kishangarh Radha, the quintessence of Indian womanhood and grace.

‘Dastan-E-Muhabat bhani tasveero main, jab payee koyee amanath deewaro main’

A love story and a legend:


The most beautiful monument of love. The international symbol of India. The finest example of Mughal architecture at its peak, and recently voted and re affirmed as one of the seven wonders of the world. Built as a white marble mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal, the favourite wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal has grown to be the universal symbol of true love. Millions of tourists visit every year from all over the world, and most of them leave a little of their heart behind.

‘Muhabat chees hey aise, jo pather kho mom khar dee, khore kagaz par sahee see nam likey ya Tajmahal bhene dhee’

Indeed we can be proud of our countrys rich history and accomplishments, and hope for a peaceful, prosperous and happy future.

Celebrating a Golden Era, Pride of India collection of 25 stamps where brought out by the Indian post office, selected from the archives of the National Philatelic Museum in New Delhi…And the above write up is with the help of excrepts from the book they brought out.