A dynamic and foresighted leader who was a bright political figure, Shri Madhavrao Scindia blazed a trail on the Indian political canvas. In his political career spanning 30 years, Shri Madhavrao Scindia showed excellence in whichever field he chose, and left shining examples for others to follow.

The only son of Jiwajirao and Vijayaraje Scindia, Madhavrao Scindia was born on March 10, 1945. He was educated at Scindia School in Gwalior before going on to complete his higher studies at Winchester College, UK and New College, Oxford (UK).

Madhavrao Scindia entered public life at the relatively young age of25. He easily won his first election from the Guna Parliamentary Constituency. It is remarkable that he is one of the few parliamentarians to have won each of the nine parliamentary elections he contested.

His contributions to the country's development are varied, and invaluable. He was an epitome of positive approach, hard work and efficiency. Shri Madhavrao Scindia served in the Union Council of Ministers holding various important portfolios, such as Railways, Civil Aviation and Tourism and Human Resource Development and displayed his administrative acumen. An active parliamentarian, Shri Scindia served as Chairman, Committee on Science and Technology during 1990-91 and as member of various other parliamentary and consultative committees. He was Deputy Leader of Opposition in Parliament. His contribution to parliamentary proceedings was monumental. As Minister of Railways, he introduced super fast short distance passenger trains, i.e. the Shatabdi Express and also undertook  a massive drive to computerize reservations and bookings, which were hitherto being done manually. His tenure is aptly referred to as the 'golden era' of the Railways.

As Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, he opened up Indian skies for the private airlines and provided new destinations for the Indian tourists.

His tenure as Minister of Human Resource Development was brief but he outlined bold proposals to increase budget allocations for primary education and to set up the National Cultural Fund. He was deeply committed to the cause of education, in particular the education of girls. He was also the chairperson of quite a few educational institutions.

His special area of interest apart from education, was wildlife preservation and development of sports, cricket and golf in particular. An avid cricket fan, Madhavrao Scindia presided over the destinies of lndian Cricket as President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India during  1990-93.

He was widely acknowledged as one of the most promising leaders of his time. His popularity cut across party lines and he was admired by one and all.

His untimely death at the age of 56 years in a plane crash near Kanpur was indeed a great loss to the nation.

The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Shri Madhavrao Scindia

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