Stamp commemorating 'Kuka Movement' of Namdhari Sikhs released

Union minister for Communication and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday released a commemorative stamp to highlight heroic deeds of those engaged in 1857 Kuka movement of the Namdhari Sikhs against the British.

The Kuka Movement marked the first major reaction of the people in the Punjab to the new political order initiated by the British after 1849. The Namdhari Movement, of which the Kuka Movement was the most important phase, aimed at overthrowing the British rule.

Speaking at the occasion, Prasad said that the sacrifices made by people of Punjab will be always remembered. He also said that members of the Kuka Movement raised voice against foreign rule at a time when most people feared barbaric approach of the rulers.

The Kuka Movement evoked the feelings of self respect and sacrifice for the country. They called for boycott of educational institutions of British and argued against laws established by them. They were rigid in their clothing and wore only hand-spun white attire. The Kuka followers actively propagated the civil disobedience.