Issue Date: January 26, 1961
City: Washington, D.C.
Quantity: 112,966,000
Printed by: Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Printing Method: Rotary Press
Perforations: 10 1/2 x 11 
Color: Red orange

 

The tenth issue in the Champions of Liberty Series, U.S. #1174 honors Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi’s portrait was based on a drawing by R.L. Lekhi. 

 

Mahatma Gandhi, or “Great Soul,” was the leading political and spiritual leader of India during that nation’s independence movement. He founded the idea of satyagraha, or “soul force,” which is a form of nonviolent resistance, which included civil disobedience. After taking leadership of the Indian National Congress in 1921, he initiated campaigns to reduce poverty, increase women’s rights, ease religious tensions, and raise economic self-reliance. His non-cooperation movements and civil disobedience led to several years in jail in India and South Africa. 

 

Not only did Gandhi’s ideas of nonviolent resistance help India get its independence, but it inspired civil rights movements around the world. 

 

India honors Gandhi as the Father of the Nation and his birthday, October 2, is celebrated around the globe as the International Day of Non-Violence.