President releases commemorative postal stamp on Rani Chennabhairadevi | Mangaluru News

Mangaluru: A historic ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on Thursday, to mark the release of a commemorative postal stamp in honour of Rani Chennabhairadevi, 16th-century Vijayanagara Empire Jain queen of Nagire province, who ruled for a remarkable 54 years from 1552 to 1606—the longest reign by any Indian queen. The special stamp, issued by the department of posts, govt of India, was formally released by President Droupadi Murmu.The President paid tributes to the legendary queen, stating that Rani Chennabhairadevi’s courage, determination, and achievements should not only be written in golden letters, but also etched in diamond. She praised the queen’s unwavering fight to protect her kingdom, her inclusive and secular values, her deep sense of social responsibility, and her progressive administrative policies aimed at uplifting the marginalised. The President also congratulated the department of posts and Excellent Educational Institutions, Moodbidri, for organising and sponsoring the event.Rajya Sabha member D Veerendra Heggade, in his address, recalled Rani Chennabhairadevi’s fearless resistance against the Portuguese, and lauded her leadership as a symbol of national pride. He emphasised her keen interest in trade and maritime activities, and noted her contributions to the welfare of farmers and fishermen through various social reforms. He stated that issuing a postal stamp in memory of such a legendary woman was a matter of honour for the country.Rashmita Jain, secretary of Excellent Educational Institutions, highlighted the queen’s remarkable legacy of bravery, governance, and public service, and said that the postal stamp and the day’s event were sponsored by the institution.Union minister Pralhad Joshi described the queen as a visionary leader whose primary objective was not territorial expansion, but the welfare and prosperity of her people. He emphasised that Rani Chennabhairadevi was a skilled trader who exported pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, sandalwood, rice, jaggery, and arecanut to various parts of the world, thereby earning valuable foreign exchange for her kingdom. Despite political rivalry, she maintained diplomatic ties with the Portuguese and was honoured with the title ‘Raina Da Pimenta’ (Queen of Pepper).