One of the most iconic figures of Indian political history, Shri Rafi Ahmed Kidwai was born on 18th February 1894.

He was a great scholar, socialist, and Indian Independence activist. A man of courage, he belonged to the Islamic family hailed from Barabanki District of United Provinces (Uttar Pradesh). After completing his education from Mohammadan Anglo Oriental College in Aligarh, he entered politics through Khilafat Movement.

He started his political career as Private Secretary to the Moti Lal Nehru. After independence, he became India’s first Minister for Communication in Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet. During this time, he launched night air mail service.

After the first general election in 1952, he was elected as Minister of Food and Agriculture. Kidwai died in Delhi on 24 October 1954. Today, he is no longer with us but he occupied a special place in the history and hearts of Indians.

In 1969 to honor him, India Post has issued 20 Paisa commemorative Postal Stamp. The design of the stamp is horizontal and it depicts portray of late Shri Rafi Ahmad Kidwai at the right side and the left corner depicts the aeroplane to indicate Night Air Mail Service.

Image Source: Mintage World

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