A unique collection of stamps on Gandhi and Jainism (non-violence) is to be exhibited The Nehru Centre in London later this month.

In the 60th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi?s death, more than 300 individual stamps of Mahatma Gandhi, from over 60 countries, highlight how the world has honoured the father of India through philately.

The first ever stamps depicting Gandhi were issued in 1948 to mark the first anniversary of Indian independence and in 1961 the USA issued stamps with the great leader under the theme of ?Champions of Liberty?.

Over 100 countries throughout the world have followed suit with commemorative stamps and coins.

In association with the Hindu Forum of Britain and organised by Amu Shah, a keen philatelist as well as chairman Hindu Council of Tanzania and the founder Chairman of Tanzania Philatelic Association, the display of all Gandhi philatelic items will form part of a wider programme of non-violence being run by the Nehru Centre.

Amu Shah said: ?I have been passionately collecting stamps ever since I was a child. My collection include various topical issues, specifically on non-violence and Gandhi for 40 years and my entire collection will be on show at the exhibition.

"The theme of non violence has a relevance to Jainism as Gandhi adopted the principle from Srimad Ramchand, a Jain saint and philosopher."

Ramesh Kallidai, secretary general of the Hindu Forum of Britain, added: "Most of finest and great statesmen and women of the 19th and 20th Century have been honoured through the issue of commemorative stamps and coins and Gandhi is no exception.

"This exhibition offers a fascinating insight into how the world has not only celebrated his achievements but also used his and Jainism?s teachings of non-violence to promote peace and liberty.?

The free exhibition will be open from 10 am to 7.30 pm. on 30 September and 1st October and from, 10 am to 1 pm on 3 October 2008 at the Nehru Centre, 8 South Audley Street, London, W1K 1HF.