Prime Minister releases commemorative postage stamp on former Vice President Shri Krishan Kant
	20:55 IST

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has released the commemorative postage stamp on former Vice President Shri Krishan Kant, here today, in the presence of Shri I.K. Gujral, former Prime Minister and Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology. Recalling Shri Krishan Kant’s contribution to the freedom struggle, popularization of science and devotion to the highest traditions of the Parliamentary democracy, the Prime Minister said that the stamp “will be valued as a tribute to the memory of a great son of India, a great freedom fighter and committed Parliamentarian and a distinguished Vice President of our country”. The Commemorative Postage Stamp, in the denomination of five rupees, is brought out by the Department of Posts on the eve of the birth anniversary of Shri Krishan Kant, who empitomised Gandhian ideals of service and sacrifice. Known as one of the ‘Young Turks’, he was a versatile personality and a fine orator. In addition to this, he was a strong votary of integrating science with spirituality. He was the founding General Secretary of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties and Democratic Rights. Born on February 28, 1927 in a family of freedom fighters in the northern State of Punjab, his father had been a member of the Constituent Assembly, who was termed as a pillar of the Bhoodan Movement in Punjab. His mother, who is presently 100 years old, is among the oldest living freedom fighters. Shri Krishan Kant was also the President of the Servants of the People Society, established by Lala Lajpat Rai. Shri Krishan Kant who began his career as a Scientist with the Council of Scientific and Industrial research was educated at D.A.V. College, Lahore and Benaras Hindu University where he obtained his Master’s degree in Technology. A connoisseur of Urdu Poetry, Shri Krishan Kant was a prolific writer who contributed profusely to prominent dailies and periodicals. Shri Krishan Kant had been the Member of Rajya Sabha for 11 years from 1966 and thereafter a Member of the Lok Sabha till 1980. During his tenure as Governor of Andhra Pradesh, he espoused the cause of the Dalits, Women’s empowerment and prohibition. He became the Vice President of India in August, 1997 and held the highest office till his demise on 27th July, 2002. Home Minister, Shri Shiv Raj Patil and External Affairs Minister, Shri Natwar Singh were also present on the occasion. RM/AMA- 270205 Shri Krishan Kant Stamp