News : March 2016

Special Cover on 100 Years of Drumond Government Inter College Building, Pilibhit - 29th March 2016.

Drumond Govt. Inter College is one of the premier educational institutions of Pilibhit district. Drumond Govt. Inter College was established in 1915 by Mr. Drumond. Now this is a Government College for Class VI to XII and for boys only.

On the occasion of 100 years celebration of Drumond Government Inter College Building a Special Cover was released at Pilibhit on 29th March 2016. (Special Cover approval no. UP/05/2016).

Courtesy: Ashwani Kumar Dubey, Gorakhpur

Special Cover on 40th Year Celebration of Lioness Club - 28th March 2016.

Lioness Clubs are part of Lions Clubs International, the largest service organisation in the world. With over 1.4 million members in 44,000 communities around the globe, we take a ‘hands on role’ in improving the quality of life in the local community and the wider world. Lioness Clubs began in America as a result of the success of the auxiliary clubs which were started for the wives of the all-male Lions Clubs. The Lioness emblem and name were approved in 1975 and membership was open to any lady over the age of 18, whether or not she was married to a Lion. The first Club to be formed was the Mount Pleasant Club, North Carolina on 24 December 1975.

A Special Cover was released to commemorate 40th Year Celebration of Lioness Club, Nandamnakkam on 28th March 2016 at Chennai.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Diamond Jubilee of A. V. C. College, Mannampandal - 23rd March 2016.

The history of A.V.C. College is part of the history of the Anbanathapuram Vahaira Charities (A.V.C.), Mayiladuthurai. The illustrious Thiru. S. Ramalingam Pillai, whose descendants settled down at the villages Anbanathapuram, Enathimangalam, Pallavarayanpet, Karugudy and Kanganamputhur, set apart the sixth share of his deceased son, Thiru. Velayutham Pillai, for charitable purposes. The property endowed for charitable purposes was managed by the eldest male member of the five families in 1948, at the initiative of some of the elder members of these families. The Anbanathapuram Vahaira Charities did yeoman service to society. Inn 1955 the trust started the A.V.C. College. The Syndicate of the Madras University granted affiliation to the College on 20th May, 1955. The college was inaugurated on 29th June 1955 by His Holiness, the 25th Guru Maha Sannidhanam of Dharmapuram Adheenam and started functioning from 5th July 1955 at the Municipal Elementary School building in Dr. Varadachariar Park, Mayiladuturai. The student strength in the inaugural year was 120, in the first year of intermediate class. Presently it offers 17 Under Graduate, 19 Post Graduate and 17 Research programmes with a student strength of about 5600, faculty strength of 263 and non-teaching staff of 105 members. The College is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year.

A Special Cover was released to mark diamond jubilee of A. V. C. College on 23rd March 2016 at Mannampandal.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Centenary of University of Mysore – 22nd March 2016.

The University of Mysore was established on 27th July, 1916 during the benevolent reign of the Maharaja of Mysore, His Highness Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar (1884-1940). The genesis of the University of Mysore stems from a five year long in-depth reading and analysis on higher education across the globe. The mission of the University of Mysore, laid down in the 1916 regulations published in the Mysore Gazette Extraordinary, aims at ‘promoting teaching and research in conventional and traditional domains of Arts, Humanities, Pure and Applied Sciences and Professional disciplines’. Sir M. Visvesvaraya played a decisive role in the launch of the University. Today the University has 42 Postgraduate Departments at the Main Campus, Manasagangotri, 2 Postgraduate Centres, viz., Tubinakere, Mandya, Hemagangotri, Hassan with 5 Postgraduate Departments each and one Satellite Centre at Chamarajanagar with 3 Postgraduate Departments.

A special cover was released to mark Centenary celebration of University of Mysore on 22nd March 2016 at Mysuru (Special Cover approval no. KTK/04/2016).

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Customised My Stamp on Avila Convent Matriculation Higher Secondary School – 22nd March 2016.

The India Post released 4th issue of Customised My Stamp on Avila Convent Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Coimbatore on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee celebration. A customized ‘My Stamp’ was released jointly by Manju P. Pillai, Postmaster General, Western Region, Tamilnadu Circle and Shri Jagat Shah, advisor to the Prime Minister for international visits and Mentor on Road on 22nd March 2016 in presence of Mother Superior Rev. Sr. Soona, General Convener Anup Antony, Joint General Convener Lijo Chungath, and Finance Convener Maruti and other guests. Avila Convent Matriculation Higher Secondary School has become the first private institution in the country to get customised My Stamp.

This is the fourth issue of Customised My Stamp printed at Security Printing Press, Hyderabad. The stamp design depicts the school building and ‘My Stamp’ words have been incorporated in the design. Beside the stamp design in blank space logo of Golden Jubilee celebration has been printed.

Customised My Stamp on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) – 21st March 2016.

The India Post released a customized My Stamp on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in recognition of the Company’s 75 years services to the nation. The stamp was released jointly by Ms. Usha Chandrasekhar, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle and Mr. V.M. Chamola, Director (HR), HAL in the presence of senior officials from both the organizations at a function held at Bangalore on 21st March 2016.

It is for the first time India Post issued Customised ‘My Stamp’ with images pre-printed on blank space provided on My Stamp sheet. Earlier two Customised My Stamps have been released by India Post for International Fleet Review and Allahabad High Court but in both the issues My Stamp sheets were printed along with blank space beside the stamp design. The stamp design depicts the Platinum Jubilee logo of HAL and the tag line ‘HAL: the force behind the forces’. Beside the stamp design in one column image of HAL’s first indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) – Tejas and in second column image of HAL’s star performer Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) – Dhruv have been printed. In earlier two customize My Stamps word ‘My Stamp’ have been incorporated in stamp design but in this issue it has been omitted.

HAL My Stamp with presentation pack is available at ePost Office portal at Rs. 700.

Special Cover on World Sparrow Day – 20th March 2016.

The diminutive house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is perhaps one of the earliest birds you can remember from your childhood. Their nests dotted almost every house in the neighbourhood as well as public places like bus bays and railway stations, where they lived in colonies and survived on food grains and tiny worms. The association between humans and the house sparrow dates back to several centuries and no other bird has been associated with humans on a daily basis like the house sparrow. Unfortunately, the house sparrow is now a disappearing species. But like all other plants and animals which were once abundant and are now facing an uncertain future, their numbers are also declining across their natural range.

World sparrow day is observed every year on 20th March. World Sparrow Day events is being held all across the globe to inspire people to join the conservation of house sparrows and their habitat across the planet. The rationale for celebrating World Sparrow Day is not only to commemorate the event for a day but to use it as a platform to underscore the need to conserve sparrows as well as the urban biodiversity.

The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department organised a function on World Sparrow Day on 20th March 2016 at Lucknow to take forward the message of sparrow conservation. On the occasion a Special Cover on World Sparrow Day was released by U. P. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav (Special Cover approval no. UP/05/2016).

Courtesy: Ashwani Kumar Dubey, Gorakhpur

Special Cover on 50 years of Spiritual Journey of H. H. Swami Sundara Chaitanyanandaji Maharaj – 19th March 2016.

Andhra Pradesh is home to Hindu saints of all castes. Several important Hindu modern-day saint are from Andhra Pradesh. Swami Sundara Chaitanyanandaji Maharaj is one of the cultural revivalists and religious teachers from Andhra Pradesh. He was born on 25th December 1947 in Kattubadipalem village, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh. Swami Sundara Chaitanyanandaji is the eighth child of Sri Perumbuduru Seshacharyulu and Smt. Ranganayakamma, a devout couple of an orthodox Vaishnava family whose forefathers hailed from Sri Perumbuduru of Chengalpat district, Tamilnadu.

Swami Sundara Chaitanyanandaji’s Gita Gyana Yagnas have marked a new epoch in the history of Hindu culture. His writings and speeches have succeeded in convincingly presenting the scientific conclusions of the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and Itihasas bringing about a change of heart in those who have no faith at all.

To commemorate 50 years of Spiritual Journey of H. H. Swami Sundara Chaitanyanandaji Maharaj a Special Cover was released on 19th March 2016 at Visakhapatnam.

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Special Cover on the Everlasting Flame International Programme 2016 – 19th March 2016.

The International Everlasting Flame Programme was held at New Delhi from 19th to 29th March 2016, by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, MOMA under its scheme “Hamari Dharohar”, in collaboration with PARZOR (Parsi-Zoroastrian Foundation for Preservation of Vulnerable Human Heritage) Foundation and the Ministry of Culture. It was the largest ever Festival of the Zoroastrians in the world. UNESCO had also endorsed the project. It was a celebration of the history, beliefs, practices, and contribution of Parsis, the micro-minority community whose contribution surpasses its numbers. It encompassed all the elements of the contribution of Zoroastrians and Parsis to the world culture, philosophy and art. Shri Arun Jaitley, the Minister of Finance and Information & Broadcasting inaugurated the months long cultural spectacle The Everlasting Flame International Programme on 19th March 2016.

A Special Cover commemorating the event was issued by Delhi Postal Circle on 19th March 2016 (Special Cover approval no. DEL/10/2016).

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Deopex-2016, District Level Philatelic Exhibition at Deoghar – 18th – 19th March 2016.

A District Level Philatelic Exhibition Deopex-2016 was held on 18th and 19th March 2016 at R. N. Bose Bangla Library, Station Road, Deoghar, Jharkhand. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Anil Kumar, Postmaster General, Ranchi on 18th March 2016. On the occasion two special covers were released on 18th March 2016.

Special Cover on Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar - 18th March 2016.

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (b. 26 September, 1820 – d. 29 July, 1890) is considered as one of the pillars of Bengal renaissance. In other words, he managed to continue the reforms movement that was started by Raja Rammohan Roy. Vidyasagar was a well-known writer, intellectual and above all a staunch follower of humanity. He brought a revolution in the education system of Bengal. In his book, "Barno-Porichoy" (Introduction to the letter), Vidyasagar refined the Bengali language and made it accessible to the common strata of the society. The title 'Vidyasagar' (ocean of knowledge) was given to him due to his vast knowledge in almost all the subjects. Poet Michael Madhusudan Dutta while writing about Ishwar Chandra said: "The genius and wisdom of an ancient sage, the energy of an Englishman and the heart of a Bengali mother".

Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar spent the last 18 to 20 years of his life among the Santhals at 'Nandan Kanan', Karmatar in the District of Jamtara, Jharkhand. The station Karmatar has been renamed as 'Vidysagar' railway station in his honour. A Special Cover was released in memory of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

Special Cover on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Jharkhand – 18th March 2016.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (b. 23 January 1897 – 18 August 1945), was India's one of the most prominent freedom fighters. He revived the Indian National Army, popularly known as ‘Azad Hind Fauj’ in 1943 which was initially formed in 1942 by Rash Behari Bose.

Subhash Chandra Bose traveled most places in Jharkhand between 1930 to 1941. Netaji had special attachment with this area. Gomoh railway station (now known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Gomoh railway station) of Dhanbad district in Jharkhand has a historic connection with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose'. In 1931 on his great escape to Berlin, Bose boarded the then Howrah-Kalka mail (now known as Howrah passenger Express) from Gomoh. Many organisations and institutions have been named after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in Jharkhand. A Special Cover was released in memory of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s connection with Jharkhand.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Batesara Group of Temples – 18th March 2016.

Bateshwar, 25 km from Morena town, is an archaeological site comprising about 200 ancient shrines in Morena district in Madhya Pradesh. This site is located on the north-western slope of a range of hills near Padavali, a village about 30 km from Gwalior. The cluster of about 200 temples is spread over an area of twenty-five acres and built across sloping hills near the village of Padavali. The temples dedicated to Shiv and Vishnu were built in 8th to 10th century AD possibly during the dynasty of Kannauj based Gurjar-Pratihars (6th to 11th century AD) 300 years before Khajuraho temples were built. The Pratihars considered themselves Suryavanshis who were descendents of Lakshman. The temples are made of sandstone and belong to the 8-10th century CE.

A Special Cover on Batesara Group of Temples of Morena district (Madhya Pradesh) was released on 18th March 2016 at Morena.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Samrat Ashoka - Minor Rock Edict of Gujarra - 18th March 2016.

The Mauryan Empire was the first major empire in the history of India, ruled by Maurya dynasty from 321 BC to 185 BCE. Important rulers of this dynasty were Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara, and King Ashoka. This empire reached its peak under King Ashoka. However, this mighty empire crumbled rapidly, under its own weight, soon after the death of Ashoka. The Arthashastra and the Edicts of Ashoka are primary sources of written records of the Mauryan times. The Mauryan Empire is considered one of the most significant periods in Indian history. The Lion Capital of Asoka at Sarnath, is the emblem of India.

The Edicts of Ashoka are a collection of 33 inscriptions on the Pillars of Ashoka as well as boulders and cave walls made by the Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire during his reign from 269 BCE to 232 BCE. These inscriptions were dispersed throughout the areas of modern-day Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Afghanistan and Pakistan and represent the first tangible evidence of Buddhism. The edicts describe in detail the Ashoka's view about dhamma, an earnest attempt to solve some of problems that a complex society faced. According to the edicts, the extent of Buddhist proselytism during this period reached as far as the Mediterranean, and many Buddhist monuments were created. The Edicts are divided into pillar edicts, major rock edicts and major rock inscriptions. Minor rock edict found at the village Gujarra in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh also shows the name "Ashoka" in addition to usual "Devanampiyadasi". Gujarra is located near Jhansi in the Datia district.

A Special Cover on Samrat Ashoka - Minor Rock Edict of Gujarra District, Datia (MP) was released on 18th March 2016 at Datia. Background image of cover shows the Great Stupa at Sanchi, in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh which is the oldest stone structure in India originally commissioned by Samrat Ashok in the 3rd Century BCE. The cancellation depicts the Lion Capital Emblem of Samrat Ashok and is titled “Devanam Priyadasi” (a reference to Emperor Ashok himself meaning “Beloved of the Gods”).

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Centenary of College Square Swimming Club – 17th March 2016.

College Square Swimming Club (CSSC) was founded on 17th March 1917 by a group of seventeen people headed by Late Pramotho Nath Ghosh, at the north-east corner of the present college square tank, with the objective of imparting scientific training of swimming and development and promotion art of life-saving in water for the society. The present Club building with the tower clock was constructed in 1924 under the supervision of General Hathway, the then Chief Architect of Calcutta Municipal Corporation. College Square Swimming Club had produced the first Indian swimmer to participate in the Olympic Games – Late Dwarka Das Mulji in the year 1928 at Amsterdam. Apart from him many more Olympians and other International figures have been shaped by the Club.

On the occasion of Centenary Celebration of College Square Swimming Club a Special Cover was released on 17th March 2016 at Kolkata (Special Cover approval no. WB/08/2016).

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram | Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Judipex -2016 – Philatelic Exhibition at Allahabad High Court.

As part of the Sesquicentennial Celebrations of the High Court of Allahabad, Judipex-2016 philatelic exhibition was organised by Department of Posta in co-operation with Phila Foundation, Allahabad at the premises of the High Court. The exhibition was inaugurated by Hon'ble Justice Shri T. S. Thakur, Chief Justice of India on 13th March 2016 in the afternoon. The Exhibition will remain open for the public on 14th and 15th March 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Exhibits of Hon'ble Justice Pankaj Mittal, Prof. Gopal Krishna Agarwal, Dr. Maneeshi Bansal, M. Gulrej, Manju Rastogi, Anil Rastogi, Umendra Jain, Anil Gupta, Dr. Hari Om Agarwal, Reeshadul Islam, Rahul Ganguli and other philatelists were displayed in 38 frames. A Special Cover was released to mark the occasion.

Courtesy: Rahul Ganguli, Allahabad

Commemorative stamps on Allahabad High Court - 13th March 2016.

The Allahabad High Court or the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad is a high court based in Allahabad that has jurisdiction over the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It was established in 1869, making it one of the first high courts to be established in India.

In the year 1866, the High Court of Judicature for the North-Western Provinces came into existence at Agra under Letters Patent of the 17th March, 1866, replacing the old Sudder Diwanny Adawlat. Sir Walter Morgan, Barrister-at-Law and Mr. Simpson were appointed the first Chief Justice and the first Registrar respectively of High Court of North-Western Provinces. The seat of the High Court for the North-Western Provinces was shifted from Agra to Allahabad in 1869 and its designation was altered to ‘the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad’ by a supplementary Letters patent issued on March 11, 1919. On the eve of the Republic Day celebrations on the 26th January, 1950 the date of commencement of the Constitution of India, the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad came to have jurisdiction throughout the entire length and breadth of the State of Uttar Pradesh. Functioning from two locations, the High Court has its main seat at Allahabad and a Bench at Lucknow.

The Allahabad High Court is celebrating 150 years of its establishment. President Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the celebrations marking 150 years of Allahabad High Court on 13th March 2016 at Allahabad. On the occasion set of two stamps (Se-tenant) in denomination of Rs. 15 and Rs. 5 and Miniature Sheet depicting Allahabad High Court and Allahabad High Court - Lucknow Bench were released by President Pranab Mukherjee. Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, Chief Justice of India, Justice T S Thakur, Law Minister D V Sadananda Gowda and UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav were present on the occasion. In limited quantity First Day Covers with Special cancellation in Golden Colour were also made available. My Stamp on Allahabad High Court was also released on the occasion.

Earlier commemorative stamp on Allahabad High Court was released to commemorate the Centenary of the Allahabad High Court on 25th November 1966.

Courtesy: Rahul Ganguli, Allahabad

Darpex-2016 philatelic exhibition at Darbhanga - 11th and 12th March 2016.

A two days philatelic exhibition Darpex-2016 was held at Darbhanga on 11th and 12th March 2016. To commemorate the event one special cover was released featuring Ahilya Asthan on 11th March 2016.

In Hindu mythology, Ahalya, also known as Ahilya, is the wife of the sage Gautama Maharishi. Many Hindu scriptures say that she was seduced by Indra (the king of gods), cursed by her husband for infidelity, and liberated from the curse by Rama (an avatar of the god Vishnu). According to Ramayan when Lord Ram was his way to Janakpur his feet touched a stone and it turned into a woman who was non-else but Ahilya.

Ahilya Asthan is famous historical temple, situated about 3 Kms. South of Kamtaul Railway Station in Jale Block in Darbhanga district. This place is known as Ahilya gram. It is a famous pilgrim center and fairs are held every year on the occasion of Ramnavami in the Hindi month of Chaitra and Vivah Panchami in Agrahayan.

Courtesy: Lalit K Mishra, Patna | Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Commemorative Stamp on National Archives of India – 11th March 2016.

The National Archives of India (NAI) is a repository of the non-current records of the Government of India and holds them in trust for the use of administrators and scholars. Originally established as the Imperial Record Department in 1891, in Calcutta, then capital of British India, the NAI is situated at the intersection of Janpath and Rajpath, in Delhi. It functions as an Attached Office of the Department of Culture under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.The Imperial Record Department was set up on 11 March 1891 in Calcutta (Kolkata). In 1911 it was transferred to the new capital, New Delhi, and in 1926 it was shifted into its new building. It is a building in late neo-classical style, and originally known as the Imperial Record Office. The holdings in the National Archives are in a regular series starting from the year 1748. The languages of the records include English, Arabic, Hindi, Persian, Sanskrit, Modi and Urdu, and their materials include paper, palm leaf, birch bark and parchment. The records are in four categories: Public Records, Oriental Records, Manuscripts and Private Papers.

On the occasion of 125th Foundation Year of National Archives of India (NAI) commemorative stamp was released by the Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge), Tourism (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma at the closing ceremony of the 125th Foundation Year Celebrations of the National Archives of India, in New Delhi on 11th March, 2016.

Image Courtesy: Stamps of India | PIB

India – UN Joint issue, Women HeForShe – 8th March 2016.

Gender inequality is one of the most persistent human rights violations of our time. Despite many years of promoting gender equality, inequalities among women/girls and men/boys continue to manifest in egregious ways around the world. HeForShe is a solidarity movement for gender equality developed by UN Women (the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women). Its goal is to engage men and boys as advocates and agents of change for the achievement of gender equality and women’s rights. The campaign encourages them to speak out and take action against inequalities faced by women and girls. Grounded in the idea that gender equality is an issue that affects all people—socially, economically and politically—it seeks to actively involve men and boys in a movement that was originally conceived as “a struggle for women by women”. Since its launch on 20 September 2014, at the United Nations by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, hundreds of thousands of men from around the world including Heads of State, CEOs and global luminaries, from all walks of life have committed to gender equality. HeForShe has been the subject of more than two billion conversations on social media, with off-line activities reaching every corner of the globe.

To celebrate gender equality and International Women’s Day India Post and the United Nations Postal Administration jointly issued HeForShe postage stamps that promote gender equality and showcase UN Women’s campaign to engage men and boys as agents of change for women’s rights.

India Post issued Se-tenant Stamps and Miniature Sheet on the theme "India-UN Women HeforShe" at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi on 8th March 2016. Stamps were jointly released by Shri S. K. Sinha, Member (Planning) and Rebecca Tavares, UN Women representative for India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka in presence of other officials of India Post. The se-tenant stamps depict half a face of man and half face of woman in denomination of Rs. 5 and Rs. 25. The images portray girls and women as fully half of humanity and exactly equal to the other – male – half. Together, they make a whole world.

The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) has issued stamps in three different currencies in the denominations of 49¢, $1.20, CHF 1,00, CHF 2,00, € 0,68 and € 0,80. (Issuing offices New York, Geneva and Vienna). The stamps (Indian and UN Issues) have been designed by famous artist Mirko Ilic.

Photo Courtesy: India Post

Special Cover on Silver Jubilee of Indian Coast Guard Air Station – 7th March 2016.

The Coast Guard Air Station, Chennai, completed 25 years of glorious service to the nation. The Air Station was commissioned this day in April 1991, to provide aerial surveillance on the Eastern sea-board and at Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Since its inception, the Air Station has ensured safety and security of our seas through dedicated aerial surveillance. The Coast Guard Dorniers and Helicopters, based at Air Station have been providing surveillance to extremities of the Eastern Region and areas adjoining Andaman and NicobarIslands. The Air Station has been discharging mandated duties, as per Coast Guard charter on the eastern seaboard in a commendable manner, ensuring 24x7 vigil all-round the year. Since its inception, it has recorded over 45,000 hours of flying, saving over 2,000 lives during its operations. Apart from being a huge support during the December floods in 2015, the city's station has also successfully implemented the duties of the Coast Guard charter, playing a key role in the relief operations post the Odisha super cyclone in 2002, the devastating tsunami in 2004, cyclone Nilam in the Tamil Nadu coast in 2012, and the Hudhud cyclone off the Andhra coast in 2013.

A Special Cover was released to mark Silver Jubilee of Indian Coast Guard Air Station on 7th March 2016 at Chennai.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

E-Bulletin of Anathapuri Philatelic Association launched – 6th March 2016.

Anathapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram completed 4 years of its existence in March 2016. On this occasion association launched its first issue of e-bulletin ‘Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin’ on 6th March 2016.

Contact Shri Mohanachandran Nair, Secretary, Anathapuri Philatelic Association to get copy of e-bulletin. Email: apa.tvpm@gmail.com

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan | Anathapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover featuring sea buckthorn – 5th March 2016.

The two-day annual festival Vasantotsav (Spring Festival), was inaugurated by Uttarakhand Governor Dr. K. K. Paul on 5th March 2016 at Raj Bhavan, Dehradun. On the occasion a Special Cover featuring sea buckthorn, a plant found in the hills of Uttarakhand which is rich in medicinal qualities was released on 5th March 2016.

Hippophae, the sea buckthorns, are deciduous shrubs in the family Elaeagnaceae. It is also referred to as sandthorn, sallowthorn, or seaberry. In ancient times, leaves and young branches from sea buckthorn were supposedly fed as a remedy to horses to support weight gain and appearance of the coat, thus leading to the name of the genus, Hippophae derived from hippo (horse), and phaos (shining).

Willow-Leaved Sea Buckthorn is a small deciduous shrub or small tree with a narrow canopy and a well-developed root system. Fruits are orange-yellow to greenish brown or yellow to deep red, globose, terete, 5-7 × 5-7 mm. The fruit is edible, rich in vitamins, often made into jam and has medicinal properties. This sea buckthorn can be found in the Himalayas at elevations of 2000-3700 m.

Sea buckthorn leaves and flowers are used for treating arthritis, gastrointestinal ulcers, gout, and skin rashes caused by infectious diseases such as measles. A tea containing sea buckthorn leaves is used as a source of vitamins, antioxidants, protein building blocks (amino acids), fatty acids and minerals; for improving blood pressure and lowering cholesterol; preventing and controlling blood vessel diseases; and boosting immunity. Sea buckthorn berries are used for preventing infections, improving sight, and slowing the aging process.

Its scientific name being Hippophae rhamnoides, it is a somewhat larger sibling of Hypophae salicifolia. The local people, however, do not differentiate between the two species and call them both by the same regional names like chharma, tsarama, dharchuk, tarwa, tirku, Amesh, Amees, Cuk and Leh berry.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Purnpex -2016 philatelic exhibition at Purnea – 4th – 5th March 2016.

A two-days philatelic exhibition Purnpex-2016 was held at Purnea, Bihar on 4th and 5th March 2016. To commemorate this exhibition, one special cover was released honoring famous writer Phanishwar Nath ‘Renu’ on 4th March 2016 (Special Cover approval no. BH-11/MARCH – 2016).

Shri Phanishwar Nath was born on 4th March 1921 at village Aurahi Himgna near Forbesgunj, in Araria district (then Purnea district) in Bihar. He was one of the most successful and influential writers of modern Hindi literature in the post-Premchand era. He is the author of Maila Anchal, which after Premchand's Godaan, is regarded as the most significant Hindi novel. He has written a number of stories like Parati Parikatha, Thumri, Maare Gaye Gulpham, Lal Pan Ki Begum and Tabe Ekla Chalo Re, etc. Famous showman Raj Kapoor made a film named ‘Teesari Kasam’ on Renu’s story Maare Gaye Gulpham. Phanishwar Nath 'Renu' is best known for promoting the voice of the contemporary rural India through the genre of 'Aanchalik Upanyas' (Regional Story), and is placed amongst the pioneering Hindi writers who brought regional voices into the mainstream Hindi literature. He was awarded with Padma Shri in 1970 for his excellent contribution in the field of literature. Shri Phanishwar Nath died on 11th April, 1977.

Courtesy: Lalit K Mishra, Patna

Army Covers to commemorate President’s Standard and Colours to 119 Helicopter Unit and 28 Equipment Depot – 4th March 2016.

Air Force Station Jamnagar is one of the oldest and premier air bases of the Indian Air Force. No. 119 Helicopter Unit is a Helicopter Unit and is equipped with Mil Mi-17 V5 and based at Jamnagar Air Force Station. It is one of the premier flying units of the Indian Air Force and also known as "The Stallions". 119 Helicopter Unit was raised in Guwahati in Mar 1972 as ‘Angels of Mercy’ with Mi-8 helicopters. 119 Helicopter Unit was moved to its present location at Air Force Station Jamnagar on 20th May 1990.

The unit has been part of many operations including, the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks; relief and rescue after the 2004 tsunami; Operation Cactus in 1988 to stop the attempted coup in Maldives; Operation Pawan - the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) operation in Sri Lanka's Jaffna in 1987; counter insurgency operations in Nagaland; and Operation Falcon along China's border in Arunachal Pradesh. The recent Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Operations undertaken by the Unit in Gujarat and Nepal stand testimony to this fact. The commendable performance of the personnel of the Unit during various operations has been recognised and appreciated in the form of gallantry awards.

The 28 Equipment Depot maintains explosive ordnance stores. It was established at Amla, on 24th September 1953. This is the only kind of unit in the Indian Air Force which deals with all facets of air armament stores. The depot is a one stop solution provider for all Russian origin guided weapons and ammunitions, and carried out the maintenance and warranty resting, modification and repairs. The Depot played a significant role in the operations of 1965, 1971 and 1999 by providing huge quantity of explosive stores in serviceable condition to the units engaged in the operations. 28 Equipment Depot has completed 62 glorious years in service of the Nation.

The Honourable President of India and the Supreme Commander of Indian Armed Forces, Shri Pranab Mukherjee awarded the prestigious Presidential Colours to 28 Equipment Depot and Presidential Standard to 119 Helicopter Unit at a ceremonial parade, held at Air Force Station Jamnagar on 4th March 2016. The award of President's colours and standard is one of the greatest honours bestowed upon an Air Force Unit or Squadron in recognition of exceptional service rendered by it to the nation, both during war and in peace.

On this occasion the President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee released two Army Postal Covers to commemorate the prestigious President’s Standard and Colours to 119 Helicopter Unit on its 45th raising day and 28 Equipment Depot, at Air Force Station, Jamnagar on 4th March, 2016 in presence of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha.

Image Courtesy: Shri Mukesh Kapila | PIB

Commemorative Stamp on Vasantrao Shrinivas Sinai Dempo – 4th March 2016.

Vasantrao Shrinivas Dempo was an industrialist and philanthropist from Goa, who founded the Dempo Group of Industries. The mining business he founded in 1941 has now grown to include interests in shipbuilding, minerals, foods, iron and steel, education, travels and construction. He was the founder of the Dempo S.C., a popular football club based in Goa, which he nurtured after acquiring the local club, Bicholim SC. Vasantrao Dempo Reflective Chair, an endowment professorship at the Tepper School of Business of the Carnegie Mellon University is named after him and is funded by the endowment of Dempo Group. Dempo Charities Trust, the philanthropic arm of the Group runs several educational institutions in Goa. The Government of India awarded him the fourth highest civilian honour of the Padma Shri in 1991.

A commemorative stamp on Late Shri Vasantrao Shrinivas Sinai Dempo was released by Hon’ble Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister off Goa Shri Laxmikant Parsekar, Shri A. K. Dash, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra & Goa Circle and other dignitaries at Panaji.

Image Courtesy: Kaushik Dessai, Goa | Madhukar Jhingan, New Delhi

Special Cover on Birth Centenary of Biju Patnaik – 3rd March 2016.

Bijayananda Patnaik (b. 5 March 1916 – d. 17 April 1997) is commonly known as Biju Patnaik. He was a heroic personality and he achieved his name and fame through hard work alone. Apart from being a politician, he was an aeronautical engineer, navigator, industrialist, an ace pilot, popular freedom fighter and above all a renowned and outstanding personality. He was born in Cuttack. His father Shri Laksminarayan Patnaik was a notable nationalist and a leading member of the Oriya movement. Patnaik studied at the Ravenshaw College but discontinued his higher education as he was more interested in flying planes. Biju Patnaik was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, who fought for freedom. He took part in the Quit India Movement and was sent to jail in 1943 for two years since he was found guilty of taking freedom fighters to secret places in his plane. When the Second World War started he joined the Royal Indian Air Force where he gelled with the British and became friends with them. In 1941, when Japan stepped into the war and attacked Myanmar, he rescued the British. He played a very important role in the freedom movement of Indonesia. He, under the guidance of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, rescued the Indonesian people from the clutches of the Dutch rulers.

In 1946, Biju Patnaik was elected to the Orissa Assembly from the North Cuttack Constituency. As a two time Chief Minister of Odisha (1961-63 & 1990-95), he had visualized and pioneered a bigger picture of Odisha which became an important instrument in making of modern Odisha. He was also a member of the Lok Sabha as well as a member of the Rajya Sabha. He became Union Minister for Steel and Mines in the Morarji Desai and the Charan Singh cabinets.

On the occasion of Birth Centenary celebrations of Shri Biju Patnaik, a special cover was released by the Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik in a function organised at Hotel Mayfair, Bhubaneshwar on 3rd March 2016 in presence of Shri Tilak Dey, Chief Postmaster General, Odisha Circle and other dignitaries. (Special Cover approval no. OD/01/2016).

Courtesy: Ajit Kumar Raut, Bhubaneshwar