A true Gandhian and an eminent parliamentarian, Shri Krishan Kant was born on February 28, 1927 in the northern State of Punjab in a family of freedom fighters. His father, Lala Achint Ram was a member of the Constituent Assembly and a Member of Parliament. He was also a prominent Congress leader and a pillar of the Bhoodan Movement in Punjab. His mother Smt. Satya Vati, now hundred years of age, is among the oldest living freedom fighters.

Shri Krishan Kant was educated at D.AV College, Lahore and Benaras Hindu University where he obtained his Master's degree in Technology. He began his career as a scientist with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. He was a strong votary of integrating science with spirituality.

Inspired by his parents, he joined the freedom struggle at the tender age of 15, when he was jailed by the British for his active participation in the Quit India Movement. After independence Shri Krishan Kant was first elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1966 and remained a Member of the Rajya Sabha for 11 years, and subsequently, a Member  oftheLok  Sabha till1980.

A versatile personality and a fine orator, he was known popularly as one of the 'Young Turks'.

Shri Krishan Kant's distinctive contribution lay in his consistent endeavour to evolve a consensus within the country on various divisive issues. He also organized 'Sanjh Samagams' in Punjab, focussing on the state's rich commonality of culture.

On 7th February, 1990 Shri Krishan Kant was appointed the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, where he espoused the cause of the Dalits, Women's empowerment and prohibition. He initiated bold socio­ spiritual experiments by founding Satya Mandirs where people could assemble and solve their problems in the overarching edifice of Truth and Love.

Shri Krishan Kant held the office of the Vice­ President of lndia and Ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha from 21st August, 1997 until his demise on 27ili July, 2002.As the Chairman, his unique style of defusing tense moments in the house with his witty remarks and his complete sense of fairness and impartibility became legendary.

Shri Krishan Kant was very sensitive towards social, political and cultural issues. He was the Founding General Secretary of the People's Union for Civil Liberties and Democratic Rights. He was also the President of the Servants of the People Society, established by Lala Lajpat Rai.

A connoisseur of Urdu Poetry, Shri Krishan Kant was a prolific writer who contributed profusely to prominent dailies and periodicals on issues relating to national and international politics, culture, science, defence and foreign policy.

The Department of Posts is proud to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Shri Krishan Kant who epitomized Gandhian ideals of service and sacrifice.

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