Shri Jawaharlal Darda was a veteran freedom fighter and a committed journalist who laid the foundation of people-oriented journalism in Maharashtra.

Shri Jawaharlal Darda was born to Shri Amolchand and Smt. Kusumba in Babhulgaon village of Yawatmal district in Maharashtra on July 2, 1923.At the tender age of 17, he joined the freedom struggle. He also undertook a 400-mile long 'padyatra'. He actively participated in the 'Quit India' Movement in 1942 and was imprisoned by the colonial rulers.

In 1947 Shri Jawaharlal Darda Launched 'Nave Jag', a weekly newspaper from Yawatmal to foster the spirit of nationalism. Later he launched 'Lokmat', a Marathi weekly in 1952 which was transformed into a daily in 1971. Now this newspaper is published from 13 cities of Maharashtra besides editions in English and Hindi.

Shri Jawaharlal Darda was elected as the President of the Yawatmal District Congress Committee from 1944 to 1956. A large area of land was donated in Yawatmal district during Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan Movement. He was elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Council between 1972 and 1995. He made a mark in the governance in Maharashtra by his admirable handling of the portfolios of energy, industry, irrigation, health, food and civil supplies, sports, youth affairs, textiles and environment as a minister.

Shri Jawaharlal Darda was actively involved in co­operative and agricultural movements in the state. He set up the Amolchand Darda Mahavidyalaya, which runs several colleges and other educational institutions in the Vidarbha region. He was also the Chairman of Maharastra State Housing Finance Corporation.

Shri Jawaharlal Darda, popularly known as 'Babuji', took effective steps for upliftment of the poor and the oppressed. To expedite the development in the energy sector, he launched the expansion of the Koradi Thermal Power station near Nagpur. A new industrial policy came into force due to his keen interest during his period. His efforts put Maharashtra on the forefront of Indian economy, earning him the title 'Vikas Purush'.

He breathed his last on 25th November, 1997 at Mumbai. His ideals of constructive social service will inspire the generations to come.

The Department of Posts is proud to issue a commemorative postage stamp in  honour  of Shri Jawaharlal Darda.

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