In a significant historical recognition, France has unveiled a postage stamp dedicated to Noor Inayat Khan, an extraordinary woman of Indian heritage and a descendant of Tipu Sultan. Khan’s legacy as a courageous undercover British agent during World War II, dedicated to aiding the French Resistance against Nazi forces, is now etched onto a French stamp. This honor marks a unique moment, as she is the sole woman of Indian origin to receive such a distinction on a French commemorative issue.
The esteemed French postal service, La Poste, features Khan within its ‘Figures of the Resistance’ stamp series. This collection pays homage to those who bravely opposed Nazi occupation. The issuance of these stamps is particularly timely, aligning with the 80th anniversary marking the conclusion of World War II.
Shrabani Basu, the author of ‘Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan,’ shared her enthusiasm: “I am thrilled that France has honoured Noor with a postage stamp, especially on this important 80th anniversary. She sacrificed her life in the fight against fascism. Seeing her face on a stamp, representing her bravery in Paris, is truly moving.” This sentiment underscores the profound impact of Khan’s story.
Born in Moscow to an Indian Sufi father and an American mother, Noor spent her early life in London and Paris. Following the Nazi occupation of France, she relocated to England and enlisted in the WAAF. Her unique skills led to her recruitment by the British SOE in 1943, where she bravely served as a radio operator in occupied France. Despite her vital contributions, she was captured by the Gestapo and tragically perished in the Dachau concentration camp in 1944. Her posthumous awards, including the George Cross and French accolades, attest to her unparalleled bravery.