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Amritlal Vitthaldas Thakkar, known as Thakkar Bapa, was born on 20th November 1869. He was an Indian social worker. In 1914, Thakkar became a member of the Servants of India Society, founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1905. He founded the Bhil Seva Mandal in 1922. Later, he became the general secretary of the Harijan Seva Sangh, founded by Mahatma Gandhi. On his initiative, the Bharatiya Adimjati Sevak Sangh was founded on 24th October 1948. He visited the most remote parts of India, investigating the tribal and Harijan life. Thakkar was appointed as the chairman of a sub-committee of the constituent assembly, “Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas.” Gandhi would call him ‘Bapa’.

Thakkar Bapa visited Assam, Bengal, Orissa, Gujarat, Saurashtra, Maharashtra, Madaras, Chota Nagpur, Tharparkar, Himalayas and Travancore to undertake his aim of empowerment of Harijans. Thakkar Bapa dedicated 35 years of his life to the welfare and empowerment of Harijans. Thakkar Bapa died on 20th January 1951.

The above-given stamp is a commemorative stamp of Thakkar Bapa. This chocolate-coloured stamp was issued on 29th November 1969 by India. It has a face value of 20 Indian Paisa. This stamp portrays an image of Thakkar Bapa, the country is on the top, and the face value is in the top right corner. His name is at the bottom.

Image Courtesy:- Colnect.com