Ramayan has always been a part and parcel of Bharatiya civilization. It transcends time, and its reflection can be seen in poetry, music, drama, and all forms of our art and culture. In fact, the word Rama, in Sanskrit comes from “Ra,” which means “light/radiance,” and “Ma,” which means “myself.” In short, it means “The light within us is Rama.” Shri Rama, also known as “Maryada-Purushottam,” inspires all Bharatiyas. Even our constitution contains pictures of Shri Rama, Sita, and Lakshman. Thus indicating Rama Rajya as a part of the basic structure of our constitution. Such is the beauty of Shri Rama and the manner in which Ramayan is intricately woven into our lives.
The spirit of Rama and Ramayan is also embodied in the world of postal stamps. Recently, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, unveiled six unique commemorative postage stamps honouring the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple. He also released an album featuring Shri Ram-related stamps that have been released in various countries over time. This 50-page stamp album depicts the reverence and international appeal of Shri Rama. It showcases stamps issued by more than 20 countries, like Nepal, the U.S., Canada, Australia, and organizations like the UN.
Now, stamps, despite being tiny, have been used not just as a “Token of Postage” but also as “Paper Ambassadors.” They reflect history, culture, heritage and the important changes that a country has gone through or is going through. They also act as tiny windows through which people in different countries can get a glimpse of another country.
Symbolism-
The recently released commemorative stamps include six distinct stamps honouring Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. The six stamps within the collection depict important characters and scenes from the Ramayana. These six stamps include- The Ram Mandir, Shri Ganesh, Shri Hanuman, Ma Shabri, Jatayu and Kevatraj. The design also contains the Sun, Saryu River, scriptures and the Choupai “Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari.” It also beautifully depicts the Panchbhutas, i.e., ether, earth, fire, water and air which are considered the essence of life.
These six stamps, in my view, reflect the resurgence of the ethos of Shri Ram and of Ram Rajya. Shri Ganesh stands for “Wisdom” and “Discretion.” Shri Hanuman represents balance, for he had as much “Shakti”(power) as he had “Bhakti”(devotion). He’s an embodiment of balanced strength. He is powerful yet approachable, innocent and down to earth. The scenes of Shri Rama with Kevatraj and Ma Sabri symbolises “Good Governance,” which is inclusive and responsive to the needs of all. Jatayu symbolises the protection of women, their honour, and their safety. These are the messages that the stamps will convey to the world.
The biggest message being that Bharat is awakening and is going back to its Bharatiya civilisational values of Shri Rama.
Note- Those who are interested in the album can access it by clicking on the link below. https://www.narendramodi.in/a-tribute-to-prabhu-shri-ram-through-stamps-from-all-over-the-world–578276