2018-02-17 Sat

Jiddu Krishnamurthi was born on 11th May 1895, in Madanapalle, a small town in South India. He and his brother were adopted in their youth by Dr Annie Besant, the then President of the Theosophical Society.

His life changed when he met Charles Leadbeater, who discovered the spiritual inclination and narrative power in Krishnamurti and predicted him to be the "world teacher" who will aid in the evolution of mankind. He was nurtured accordingly by the Theosophical Society, with proper secular as well as spiritual education. The Theosophical Society made him the head of the Order of the Star in East. He also wrote several articles for the booklets and magazines published by the Theosophical Society.

However, Krishnamurti later broke away from the Theosophical Society and travelled internationally as an independent speaker and writer on fundamental human issues. He held many dialogues with eminent physicist David Bohm, and several Buddhist and Jesuits scholars. Whether discussing politics with Indira Gandhi, debating philosophy with Rupert Sheldrake and Iris Murdoch, or challenging the audience to test the truth of his words, Krishnamurti engaged fully with every aspect of the human condition. He also addressed the United Nations on the subject of peace and awareness and was awarded the UN Peace Medal in 1984.

For almost sixty years until his death on 17 February 1986, Krishnamurthi travelled all over the world talking to the people about the need for a radical change in mankind.

In 1987 India Post has issued 60 paisa commemorative postage stamp to honor this great seer and philosopher, Shri Krishnamurti.