Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Description: The ancestral home of Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, Maharashtra, is an important historical landmark associated with the life of Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar (1889–1940), physician, nationalist, and founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Born here on 1 April 1889, he displayed a strong sense of patriotism from an early age. After completing his medical education at the National Medical College in Calcutta, he returned to Nagpur and dedicated his life to public service and national awakening instead of pursuing a full-time medical career. This historic residence became the centre of his social and organisational activities. On Vijayadashami in 1925, Dr. Hedgewar founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) here with the objective of promoting discipline, character building, national unity, and selfless service through organised volunteer work. During its formative years, the house served as the venue for meetings and discussions that shaped the organisation’s early development. 

Today, the building is preserved as the Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir (Dr. Hedgewar Memorial Museum). Visitors can explore restored rooms, personal belongings, handwritten letters, rare photographs, books, and historical documents that provide valuable insights into his life, ideals, and work. The exhibits trace his journey from a young medical student to an influential organizer whose legacy continues to be studied and discussed. Following his death in 1940, the house was converted into a memorial. Recognizing its historical significance, the Department of Posts, Maharashtra Circle, has issued a Permanent Pictorial Cancellation (PPC) and a Special Cover dedicated to the Dr. Hedgewar Smruti Mandir as his Memorial Museum, commemorating this landmark and its place in the history of modern India.