Kolkata, February 08, 2026: The Bengal Tuberculosis Association (BTA) officially launched ‘From Seals to Survival: Echoes of the Unspoken Crusade Against TB in India’ by Dr. Bhaskar Mitra at the Kolkata Press Club, offering a rare and compelling perspective on India’s long and evolving fight against tuberculosis.
The book presents India’s TB awareness journey through medical philately, documenting the government-issued postal seals and stamps released annually on October 2 to promote tuberculosis awareness. Spanning an extraordinary timeline from 1940 to 2025, the publication curates an extensive collection of TB seals that once served as powerful public health tools, carrying messages of prevention, responsibility, and hope to millions across the country.
Authored by Dr. Bhaskar Mitra, Consultant Pathologist and noted medical philatelist, the book goes beyond archival documentation. It explores the stories behind the designs — including the artists, creative concepts, annual themes, and national campaigns that reflected India’s public health priorities over different decades. Several renowned artists contributed to these designs, making the seals both medical and cultural artifacts.
The publication also captures India’s historic struggle with tuberculosis, a disease that once posed a major public health challenge, and traces the nation’s progress toward improved control and near-safe-zone status today. Through visuals and narratives, the book highlights the evolution, history, and legacy of India’s TB eradication efforts.
Dr. Ranjan Das, Chairman, West Bengal Tuberculosis Association, said, “This book is not just a collection of postal seals but a powerful reminder of India’s decades-long commitment to combating tuberculosis. It beautifully documents how awareness, art, and public health came together to inspire communities and save lives. Such initiatives help preserve our medical heritage while motivating future generations to continue the fight against TB.”
Founded in 1929, the Bengal Tuberculosis Association has played a pioneering role in TB diagnosis and care, particularly for underserved communities. The book launch underscored BTA’s enduring commitment to public health and positioned the publication as a significant contribution to India’s medical, social, and public health history — making it a story of national relevance and enduring impact.
