Acharya-ji on most Indian postal covers T he record for maximum special postal covers issued for a religious figure in a single day was set by Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj from Belagavi, Karnataka. A total count of 85 special postal covers were issued for Acharyaji Maharaj. Acharyaji says, “India nahi, Bharat bolo (let’s call Bharat, not India). Swadeshi pahno (wear indigenous clothes). Desh ko swavalambi banao (make the nation self-sufficient).” India Post (Department of Post, Govt of India) has a provision to both permit and release special cover and cancellations to commemorate historic events of the country which are important for society to learn and know. Country’s most Popular Digambar Jain Saint Acharya Vidyasagarji has completed 50 years of Sainthood in 2021. His worldwide disciples decided to commemorate the historical day through release of Special cover and cancellation from 101 different locations in Indian
16
India Book of Records | April 2022
Post Offices on Same Day. However, 85 special postal covers could be issued in a single day, which ultimately made a record. The covers were permitted and issued successfully thus making it a ‘Single Subject commemorated by Special Covers issued on Single Day from the highest number of different post offices’. Acharya Shri Vidyasagarji Maharaj is a Digambar Jain Acharya. He is recognized both for his scholarship and austerity. He is known for his long hours in meditation. While he was born in Karnataka and took deeksha (spiritual discipline) in Rajasthan, he generally spends much of his time in the Bundelkhand region where he is credited with having brought about a revival in educational and religious activities. He has written haiku poems and the epic Hindi poem Mukamati.
