From early commemorative issues to definitive series releases, these stamps reflect how the nation continues to remember and celebrate his contributions over the decades.

Key Points

• Dr B R Ambedkar's first stamp marked on his 75th birth anniversary, establishing early national recognition through postal history.
• Subsequent issues reflect growing institutional acknowledgment of Dr Ambedkar's role in constitutional and social transformation.
• Definitive and commemorative stamps differ in scale, distribution and long-term public accessibility across India.
• Visual elements highlight key sites like Chaitya Bhoomi and Deekshabhoomi linked to Dr Ambedkar's life.
• Dr Ambedkar and his work has continuing relevance in governance, law, and India's democratic identity.

1. First Tribute Stamp 1966

Date: April 14, 1966

Denomination: 15 Paise

To mark Dr B R Ambedkar'S 75th birth anniversary on April 14, 1966, the Posts & Telegraphs Department issued a commemorative stamp in his honour, recognising his immense contribution to India.

2. 82nd Birth Anniversary 1973

Date: April 14, 1973

Denomination: 20 Paise

Issued on April 14, 1973, this commemorative stamp marked his 82nd birth anniversary and the 25th year of India's Independence, placing him among the nation's most celebrated leaders.

3. Birth Centenary Issue 1991

Date: April 14, 1991

Denomination: Re 1

Released on the occasion of Dr Ambedkar's birth centenary, this commemorative stamp pays tribute to his lasting legacy.

4. Social and Political Leaders Series 2000

Date: August 15, 2000

Denomination: Rs 3

The commemorative postage stamp featuring Rettamalai Srinivasan alongside Dr Ambedkar.

5. 110th Birth Anniversary 2001

Date: April 14, 2001

Denomination: Rs 3

The Department of Posts issued a special definitive stamp on Dr Ambedkar's 110th birth anniversary.

Special definitive stamps are printed in much larger quantities and sold through all the post offices of the country, whereas commemorative stamps are printed in smaller quantities and sold to the public through selected outlets.

6. Builders of Modern India 2009

Date: March 1, 2009

Denomination: Rs 2

Although issued as part of the 10th Definitive Series, this stamp also belongs to the 2009 personality definitive series.

7. Modern Tribute 2013

Date: April 14, 2013

Denomination: Rs 5

This commemorative stamp depicts the Chaitya Bhoomi memorial in Mumbai, where Dr Ambedkar's last rites were performed.

8. 125th Birth Anniversary 2015

Date: September 30, 2015

Denomination: Rs 5

Issued by the Government of India, the stamp links Dr Ambedkar and the Constitution in one frame and was released to mark his 125th birth anniversary.

9. Makers of India Series 2016

Date: May 25, 2016

Denomination: Rs 5

Part of the Makers of India definitive series celebrating nation-builders. Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle issued a Presentation Pack on Dr Ambedkar on his 125th birth anniversary on April 14, 2016 at the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad.

10. 126th Birth Anniversary 2017

Date: April 14, 2017

Denomination: Rs 5

Marking his 126th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a commemorative postage stamp depicting Deekshabhoomi, the site of his historic conversion to Buddhism, on October 14, 1956 in Nagpur.

11. Telecom Training Institute Jubilee Tribute 2017

Date: April 22, 2017

Denomination: Rs 15

The commemorative postage stamp related to the Bharat Ratna Bhimrao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training, Jabalpur, was released to mark the platinum jubilee or 75 years of the establishment of the institute in his name.

12. Constitution of India 2020

Date: January 26, 2020

Denomination: Rs 10

The commemorative stamp honours Dr Ambedkar during his 125th birth anniversary celebrations, depicting him as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution.

All photographs: Kind courtesy India Post, Government of India

Text and Presentation: Hemantkumar Shivsharan/Rediff