Uttarakhand Governor Krishna Kant Paul today released a commemorative stamp on renowned Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant.
The stamp is designed by the Governor himself and synthesises mountain landscape that inspired Pant's poetry, with picture of the poet.
Pant became the first literary figure from the hill state to have been bestowed the honour.
DescribingPant as a great poet and philosopher of the 20th century, Paul saidit was society's responsibility to honour "tapasya" (dedicated hard work) of writers and poets.
Releasing commemorative stamp is a step in that direction, he said.
He also announced his plans to develop Kausani, the poet's birthplace, as a retreat for writers and poets.
"I have been thinking about various steps that need to be taken to develop Kausani, the birthplace of Pant ji, as a retreat for writers and poets. The stamp is first step towards preserving and honouring his memory," he said.
The Governor said Pant was one of the pioneers of the 'Chhayawad' movement in the Hindi poetry.
Quoting from his famous poem "Almore ka Vasant", Paul said 'Chhayawad' was deeply linked to nature and environment.
"I call upon all the people to get closer to their natural surroundings and protect nature. The poetry of Sumitranandan Pant is an eternal inspiration for every generation,"he said.
Speaking on the occasion,Vidhan Sabha speaker Govind Singh Kunjwal said Pant ji's contribution to Hindi literature is memorable and the literary world would always remain indebted to him.
Sumita Pant, the adopted daughter of Sumitranandan Pant, expressed her gratitude at the honour given to her father.
She quoted from the poem "Meri Beti Sumita", an emotional poem of Pant ji, whom she called "Daddu".
