The Department of Posts has released a set of two stamps today, thus marking another milestone in India-Iran relations. Both the stamps are in the denomination of Rs. 15. The set portrays the famous Indian poet Kabir and the famous Persian Litterateur Shamsuddin Muhammad of Shiraz, popularly known as Hafiz Shirazi.
India and Iran share centuries of close cultural and civilizational affinities, influencing each other in the fields of culture, art, architecture and language.
Hafiz Shirazi is a luminous star of Persian Literature. Recognised internationally, his poetic heritage includes 4000-5000 verses, ghazals, elegies, couplets and inscriptions. Drawing on the grace and message of the Holy Quran, Hafiz expressed himself through refining the verse form of the ghazal. His ‘Diwan-I-Hafiz’ finds a place of dignity and respect in Iranian homes. This great 14th century poet and mystic had his final resting place at Shiraz where the tomb, Hafizieh, is a centre for tourists and pilgrims.
Kabir, a weaver by profession, ranks among the world’s greatest mystic poets. Kabir’s poetry is relevant even today and the manner of expression is unequalled in simplicity and style. The beauty of Kabir’s poetry is that his philosophy is rooted in situations that surround our daily lives. Kabir openly criticised the evil practices in society and gave a new direction to the Indian philosophy. The Holy Guru Granth Sahib of the Sikhs contains over 500 verses by Kabir.
(Release ID :3138)