In 2013, activists Ravi and Ranju Batra garnered over 400,000 online signatures advocating for the stamp.
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, October 24, 2025: There is very interesting story of how the Diwali Stamp came into existence. From the process, to the people, the marketing campaign was undertaken that helped Americans understand the importance of Diwali to the Indian American community, and the process that led to the Diwali Stamp going into circulation.
According to Indiaspora Executive Director Sanjeev Joshipura, back in 2001, senior leaders of the Indian community kick-started the initiative. In 2009, President Barack Obama illuminated the symbolic Diya, or Diwali Lamp, at the White House. In 2013, activists Ravi and Ranju Batra garnered over 400,000 online signatures advocating for the stamp.
Indiaspora’s community engagement was robust, with over 10,000 letters and postcards sent to the United States Postal Service. In partnership with organizations like the Hindu American Foundation, Indiaspora volunteers walked the halls of Congress, meeting with elected officials and staff members at several hundred congressional offices, and convinced dozens of them to sign on to the congressional resolutions supporting the Diwali Stamp.
A special mention to Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA) who introduced the resolution in the House, and Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) in the Senate.
In 2016, we catalyzed a successful campaign urging the US Postal Service to issue a commemorative “Forever USA – Diwali” stamp, honoring the >4 million strong Indian American community, states Sanjeev Joshipura.
The stamp, envisioned by artist Greg Breeding, showcased a traditional Diya lamp against a vibrant backdrop, with the words “Forever USA – Diwali” inscribed. Its official unveiling on October 5, 2016, at the Indian Consulate in New York, was a moment of immense pride.
It reinforced Indiaspora’s role as a connector and amplifier of voices within the community.
