Madagascar to issue postal stamp on Mahatma Gandhi

This is not the first time Madagascar will issue a postal stamp on Mahatma Gandhi. It did for the first time way back in 1998. The Embassy of India in Madagascar is also organising an exhibition of paintings on its premises on Gandhi made by Malagasy artists to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Antananarivo: Madagascar is set to issue a postal stamp bearing the image of Mahatma Gandhi to celebrate his 150th birth anniversary.

Madagascar, the largest island in the Indian Ocean, has a significant Indian diaspora from Porbandar in Gujarat where the Mahatma was born.

The Indian diaspora in Madagascar, locally known as 'Karanas' arrived in the country in the 19th century and now plays a vital role in its economy. They keep close links with Gujarat and even speak Gujarati at home.

Adding to this, Indian festivals are celebrated with great ardour in major cities of Madagascar.

The island nation had issued a postal stamp on Mahatma Gandhi back in 1998.

India's Ambassador to Madagascar Abhay Kumar had recently unveiled a plaque of a road named after Mahatma Gandhi along with the Mayor of Antananarivo in the country's capital city.

As reported, the Embassy of India in Madagascar is also organising an exhibition of paintings at its premises on Mahatma Gandhi made by Malagasy artists to mark the occasion.