France Honours Noor Inayat Khan With Commemorative Stamp

France has issued a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Noor Inayat Khan, the only Indian-origin woman to be recognised in this year’s tribute to the French Resistance during World War II. The stamp, released by the French postal service La Poste, marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Only Indian-Origin Woman Honoured

• Noor Inayat Khan, a descendant of Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of Mysore, has been included among the select “Figures of the Resistance”.
• She is the only Indian-origin woman to receive this distinction.

Part of 80th Anniversary Commemoration

• La Poste issued a special set of stamps dedicated to a dozen war heroes and heroines who fought Nazi Germany.
• The series marks 80 years since the end of World War II.

Stamp Design and Artwork

• Each commemorative stamp is created as an etching based on a historical photograph.
• Noor’s stamp features her wearing the uniform of the British Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF).

Role in the French Resistance

• Noor served as an undercover British agent in Nazi-occupied France.
• She worked with the Special Operations Executive (SOE), transmitting crucial intelligence to support the Resistance.
• Her bravery and sacrifice have made her a prominent symbol of resistance against fascism.

Source: TH