SaoTome Philately honours Indian personalities and landmarks with special postage stamps

The Portuguese colony of Sao Tome and Principe gained independence on July 12, 1975. Since then, as a free Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, the island nation has been issuing postage stamps in large numbers and regularly so, on a variety of themes and countries.

It has also been issuing topically oriented, colourful and interesting stamps primarily for stamp collectors. The themes of the stamps have a mind boggling range - flora & fauna, butterflies to prehistoric creatures, space to battlefields, natural wonders to music, cultures and customs to Japanese nude paintings, world personalities, milestones and commemorative events.

The bilateral engagement between India and Saotome is growing. There is only a small Indian community (less than 30) in Sao Tome and Principe. Besides, India's resident Mission was opened just a year ago. And yet, far away Sao Tome has issued more than 50 stamps in celebration of India's culture, personalities, achievements and milestones.

It is no surprise that a universal personality like Mahatma Gandhi figures prominently in several special stamps issued by SaoTome. A stamp on the occasion of the International Year of Peace was issued in 1986 featuring Mahatma Gandhi.

On the occasion of the 60th and 70th anniversary of India's Independence, Sao Tome issued four stamps - one each on Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Gautama Buddha and Indira Gandhi.

In 2019 Mahatma Gandhi Charkha Khadi Stamp sheetlet was issued to coincide with the 150 anniversary of his birth anniversary.

In 2008, four special stamps were issued under the International Year of Reconciliation, which featured Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi along with Pope and Dalai Lama.

Mahatma is also included under their Humanities Series, along with Mother Teresa and other world figures.

It is clear that Sao Tome holds Mother Teresa in high esteem. In 2019, Saotome issued a special stamp to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Mother Teresa receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

A 2007 stamp shows Jawaharlal Nehru's positive role in India's freedom struggle.

A very interesting stamp series issued in 2014 portrays Jawaharlal Nehru with other important world personalities like Mother Teresa, Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi and Queen Elizabeth in separate stamp issues.

The life and achievements of Mrs Indira Gandhi have also been honoured by Saotome in their 2007 issues.

But one of the most heart-warming commemorative stamp series issued was the one recognising the success of the Indian space programme, especially INSAT 1C.

What is more, another stamp glorifies the achievements of noted Indian space scientists, including former President Abdul Kalam, Mahatma Gandhi, Vikram Sarabhai and Rakesh Sharma (Chandrayaan 2009).

A 2019 stamp has been dedicated to the Nobel Prize winners of 2019, which includes Abhijit Banerjee. Another 2019 stamp highlights achievements of Chess Grandmasters which include Anish Giri.

There is also a stamp commemorating the arrival of Vasco da Gama in Vasco and the Portuguese-Goa connection. Vasco da Gama, often shortened to Vasco, is a city in Goa named after the Portuguese explorer. Both Goa and SaoTome being former Portuguese colonies, it was expected that Saotome Philately would underline that connect.

It is also gratifying to note Saotome published two iconic stamps in 2013 to celebrate success of Bollywood cinema featuring Amitabh Bacchan, Asha Bhosle, Lata Mangeshkar, Aamir Khan and some actresses.

The stamp series on Indian Railways is also significant as it is an acknowledgement of its contribution to Indian economy

But two special stamps might evoke immense interest among most Indian readers. Perhaps an indication of international interest in the Indian festivals of Navratri and Durga Puja, Saotome issued a special stamp on 21 May, 2015 on Goddess Durga.

The limited edition collectors' stamp commemorates both Navratri and Durga Puja. The stamp depicts Goddess Durga sitting atop a tiger and includes special features such as a velvet effect and Swarovski crystals. Only 1,500 copies of this odd shaped miniature sheet with a round stamp were issued.

The other stamp of immense interest is about the commemoration of 390th Anniversary of Chattrapati Shivaji issued in 2011.

It is inexplicable that several obvious themes and ideals that exemplify India's soft power (Yoga, Ramayana, Diwali, Tea medicine etc) have been overlooked.

But SaoTome Philately has done well to publish some iconic stamp series that capture important milestones and achievements of Independent India.

(All photos taken from the stamp catalogue of SaoTome Dept of Philately. The catalogue is available in public domain)