Stamp on Dineshnandini Dalima

A commemorative postage stamp honouring Dr Smt Dinesh Nandini Dalmia was issued by the Department of Posts, Government of India, on 11 October 2009. The issue recognised her as a leading Hindi poet, novelist, and an eminent advocate of women’s empowerment in modern Indian society. The stamp reflected her literary contribution and the inspiration she provided to subsequent generations of writers.

Overview and Description

The commemorative stamp carried a denomination of ₹5.00 and was printed in a total quantity of about 0.4 million pieces. The design features a finely rendered portrait of Dinesh Nandini Dalmia, accompanied by her name in both Hindi and English scripts. The composition symbolises her creative spirit, intellectual strength, and the cultural value of her work in twentieth-century Hindi literature.
The India Post issue was accompanied by a First Day Cover (FDC) and a special cancellation mark, both depicting motifs related to Indian literature. The FDC bore a short biographical note highlighting her literary achievements and her advocacy of gender equality.

Philatelic Details

• Date of issue: 11 October 2009
• Denomination: ₹5.00
• Theme: Hindi Literature and Women’s Empowerment
• Printing quantity: Approximately 0.4 million
• Form: Single stamp issue, also available in sheets and collector blocks
• Printer: India Security Press, Nasik
• Type: Multicolour offset print on unwatermarked stamp paper
• Perforation: Standard India Post gauge used for commemorative issues of the period

Significance of the Issue

The stamp was released to honour Dinesh Nandini Dalmia’s enduring contribution to Hindi poetry and fiction, as well as her pioneering efforts in promoting women’s participation in literary and cultural life. She was one of the first women writers to gain recognition in Hindi literature during the post-independence era, combining lyrical sensitivity with strong social awareness.
Through her poetry collections and novels, Dalmia addressed issues such as emotional freedom, human dignity, and women’s inner strength. The commemorative stamp thus serves as both a cultural tribute and a symbol of progressive thought in Indian literature.

Collectors’ Interest

For philatelists, the 2009 Dinesh Nandini Dalmia issue holds notable value within the Indian Literary Personalities Series. It is widely collected for its artistic portraiture, clean printing quality, and subject relevance. The stamp is also available in mint condition singles, blocks of four, and First Day Covers, all of which are prized by thematic collectors focusing on Indian writers, poets, and women achievers.
Properly preserved mint specimens retain their brightness and colour clarity, while officially cancelled First Day Covers offer historical authenticity. The issue remains a favoured item in modern Indian philately, representing the nation’s recognition of women’s contribution to language, art, and culture.