Chaudhary Devi Lal (1914-2001), former Deputy Prime Minister of India, was a leader who will be remembered for his life-long championship of the cause of the farmers of the country.

Like many others of his generation, the Freedom Struggle inspired Devi Lal at a young age. He was only fifteen when he left studies at the call of Mahatma Gandhi and became an active member of the Indian National Congress. He participated in the Civil Disobedience and Quit India Movements and was imprisoned several times. He also took part in Kisan movements. After the attainment of freedom , he played an important role in the political arena of Punjab, where he  was elected to the Legislative  assembly  many  times . After  the formation of Haryana, the fledgling State became hi s field of activity. He was elected Chief Minister of the State twice and his tenures saw the all-round development of Haryana, particularly the farm sector.

The late eighties saw Devi Lal emerging as a major force in the national political scene. He was Deputy Prime Minister of the country twice. Affectionately called 'Tau' (elder uncle) by the common people and titled 'King Maker' by the media, the real strength of Devi La! was the support of the masses from the rural areas of North India. Even after crossing the age of seventy, he had the energy to traverse the countryside and listen to the problems of the villagers, thus striking a chord with them.

Resilience, struggle and action had marked Devi Lal's political career. He fought relentlessly to safeguard the interests of farmers, the downtrodden and weaker sections of the society and those who had no means for survival. He strove to enable them to earn respect in the society.

The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Chaudhary Devi Lal.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India