đź“® A Stamp of Respect: Honouring a Visionary Leader
In a proud moment for Uttar Pradesh, a commemorative postage stamp honouring Chandra Bhanu Gupta was released at National Post Graduate College (NPGC), Lucknow on 13th July, 2025.
The event was graced by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak, and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Singh remarked,
“The foundation of the administrative system that is functioning today in the country and in the state was significantly shaped by people like Chandrabhanu Gupta.”
🧱 The Man Who Shaped Modern Uttar Pradesh
Born in 1902 in Atrauli, Aligarh district, Chandra Bhanu Gupta was more than a political figure. He was a freedom fighter, reformer, and visionary administrator.
He served three terms as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, leaving behind a deep impact on governance, social development, and political transformation in India’s most populous state.
🧠A Political Strategist Ahead of His Time
Within the Indian National Congress, Gupta was known for his political sharpness and conflict management.
In 1967, his last term as CM lasted only 19 days, ended by Charan Singh’s dramatic defection of 16 MLAs.
This moment triggered the first major coalition government in Uttar Pradesh, led by the Samyukta Vidhayak Dal (SVD).
Gupta later joined Congress (O) and Janata Party, opposing Indira Gandhi’s centralisation of power.
He stayed relevant through India’s shifting political tides and worked behind the scenes to build alliances and support new leadership.
🏫 Architect of Educational and Cultural Lucknow
Gupta’s influence goes far beyond politics. He envisioned and built key public institutions in Lucknow that are active even today:
🏫 Bal Vidya Mandir
🎓 National PG College (NPGC) – fitting venue for today’s stamp release
🏥 Homeopathic hospitals
🏛️ Ravindralaya
🧒 Children’s Museum
Through the Motilal Nehru Memorial Society, he turned Lucknow into a hub of education and culture. He worked closely with leaders like Nirmal Chandra Chaturvedi, ensuring that public welfare was not just policy—but practice.
🖼️ Visual Showcase
🔚 Final Thoughts
The release of the commemorated stamp on Late Shree Chandra Bhanu Gupta at NPGC isn’t just a tribute. It’s a historical acknowledgement of a leader who combined political adaptability with developmental vision.
His life reminds us that leadership is not about holding power—it’s about building lasting systems, serving people, and leaving behind institutions that uplift future generations.
🗨️ Have memories, stamps, or stories about Chandra Bhanu Gupta? Drop them in the comments!
Courtesy:
- News – Philatelic Society of Uttar Pradesh
- Images – Twitter handle of IANS
