Stamp on Samartha Ramdas The Dept. of Posts issued a stamp on Samarth Ramdas— this is the spelling used by the Department— on 1 May 1988. It is in the denomination of 60 P, perf. 13, and is in olive green colour. It is printed on indigenous un-watermarked PG Matt coated stamp paper by photogravure process in the India Security Press. Both the stamp and the First Day Cover depict Ramdas.

Life of Ramdas

Samartha Ramdas was born as the second son of Suiyajipant and Ranubai in Jamb, a small village in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, on Ramanavami day in 1608 AD. He was named Narayan; he was to be known as Ramdas only after three decades. He had an elder brother named Gangadhar.

He evinced no interest in family life and wanted to remain celibate, spending his time in seclusion and solitude, in contemplation and meditation. Legend has it that when his father arranged a marriage against his wish, he ran away from the wedding place, leaving every one aghast! It is believed that he spent several years in penance and followed it by a long pilgrimage to holy places. By the time he completed his pilgrimage, he was 36 years old and only thereafter Narayan came to be called Ramdas. The title 'Samartha' means efficient.