News : April 2014

New Publication: Rabindranath Tagore and The Post Office a Philatelic Tribute, Edited by Dipok Dey

Dipok Dey, born in 1938 in Bangladesh, Graduated from Art College in 1965, is a renowned artist, philatelist and journalist from Kolkata. He started collecting stamps since late 50s. He has designed number of stamps, special covers, booklet and greeting cards issued by India Post. He is the first Indian to design UN Stamp in 1985. He has edited ‘Stamp World’ and ‘Indian Revenuer’ philatelic journals and has written several articles on Philately. He is an author of Philatelic Geography, The Bridge and A Hand Book of Unfamiliar Stamps. His knowledge about printing technology of stamps is marvelous. His collections on Cinema, Printing Technology of Stamps, Women and Second World War etc. have been exhibited in many Philatelic Exhibitions.

Shri Dipok Dey’s edited new publication “Rabindranath Tagore and the Post Office a Philatelic Tribute” has been published by Rammohun Library & Free Reading Room, Kolkata. This book is homage to Rabindranath Tagore and the post office.

Rabindranath Tagore is the first cultural ambassador of modern India. The post office always fascinated Rabindranath Tagore. Tagore’s play ‘The Post Office (Dak Ghar) and a short story ‘The Postmaster’ well known contributions related to post office.

This book contains Chronicle section, details about stamps and other philatelic material, issued by various countries on Rabindranath Tagore in alphabetical order with illustrations. Special Covers and Postmarks, Booklets etc. issued in Indian and Picture Post Cards published on Tagore. This book will be liked by all Tagore lovers and philatelists.

Book can be purchased from Rammohun Library & Free Reading Room, 267, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata- 700 009, Phone: +91-33-23502811 (2 pm to 6 pm except Saturday and Sunday) E-mail: rammohunlibraryafrr@gmail.com

Two Sets of Picture Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle.

Karnataka Postal Circle has issued two Sets of Picture Post Cards. The first set 'Heritage Bangalore' has 10 nostalgic post cards housed in a small boxed folder. These are reproductions of old post cards brought out by different publishing houses and have pictures of the Museum, St. Marks Church, The Ulsoor Temple, Cubbon Park, St. Patrick's Church, Mayo Hall, British Residency, South Parade, Lalbagh and Tippu Palace. They are priced at Rs 35/- (price not printed).

The second set is on 100 years of Indian Cinema which contains 6 post cards which are the reproduction of the 6 miniature sheets on 100 years of Indian Cinema, housed in a small envelope, priced at Rs. 30/- (price not printed).

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bangalore | Sushil Mehra, Bangalore

Commemorative Stamp on Chattampi Swamikal - 30th April 2014.

Sree Vidyadhiraja Parama Bhattaraka Chattampi Swamikal (1853-1924) was a Hindu sage and social reformer. His thoughts and work influenced the launching of many social, religious, literary and political organizations and movements in Kerala and for the first time gave voice to those who were marginalized. Chattampi Swamikal denounced the orthodox interpretation of Hindu texts citing sources from the Vedas. Swamikal along with his contemporary, Narayana Guru, strived to reform the heavily ritualistic and caste-ridden Hindu society of the late 19th century Kerala. Swamikal also worked for the emancipation of women and encouraged them to come to the forefront of society. Swamikal promoted vegetarianism and professed non-violence (Ahimsa). Chattampi Swamikal throughout his intellectually and spiritually enriched life maintained a large number of friends from different regions of Kerala. He authored several books on spirituality, history, and language staying with these friends.

India Posts issued a commemorative stamp to commemorate the 90th Samadhi anniversary of Srimad Vidhyadhiraja Chattambi Swami, on 30th April 2014. The Stamp was released by Sheila Dikshit, Governor of Kerala at a function held at Panmana Ashramam, Chavara, 18 km from Kollam District and handed over to Shri T.K.A Nair, Secretary of Prime Minister. The stamp is issued in recognition of the services rendered by Chattambi Swami who attained Samadhi in 1924.

First Day Cover with Place Cancellation of Chavara - 691 583, where stamp release function was held.

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Commemorative Stamp on 50 Years of Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital, Delhi - 30th April 2014.

The Foundation stone of Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital was laid in October 1961 and was commissioned by the then Prime Minister late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru on 30th April 1964. From a very humble beginning with 229 beds, it has expended to currently over 600 beds. Today it is a internationally recognized tertiary care institution for Heart, Brain and Gastrointestinal and Psychiatic disorders. It offers super specialty treatment to about 3 lac patients in the OPD and almost 15,000 patients in General and Private wards every year. It is one of the reputed centre for post-doctoral teaching and training and is recognized for many path breaking research. The Institution has a unique recognition by both Medical Council of India and University Grants Commission as an independent post graduate College affiliated to Delhi University.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee released the commemorative stamp on the occasion of the 50 years of Excellence of Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on April 30, 2014. The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Shri Najeeb Jung and the Secretary, Department of Posts, Smt. Padmini Gopinath were also present at the stamp release function.

Photo Courtesy: PIB

Special Cover on 450th Birth Anniversary of William Shakespeare issued at Bangalore - 23rd April 2014.

William Shakespeare (b. 1564 - d. 1616) was an English poet, playwright and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including some collaborations, consist of about 38 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses, the authorship of some of which is uncertain. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.

23 April 2014 mark the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth and was celebrated world wide. A special cover was issued at Bangalore on 23rd April 2014 to mark 450th Birth Anniversary of William Shakespeare with pictorial cancellation of Bangalore Philatelic Bureau. Total quantity issued were 1000 Covers. Out of 1000 covers, 100 each covers cancelled at Mangalore, Myore and Belgaum with cancellations of respective philatelic bureau. Remaining 700 were distributed through Bangalore Philatelic Bureau.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Philatelic Exhibition on Indian Cinema at Bangalore - 26th - 27th April 2014.

Suchitra Film Society & Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy organised a small philatelic exhibition on Indian Cinema and a photographs exhibition on actor Sri S. Shivaram on the occasion of felicitation to the actor Sri S. Shivaram for his contribution to Kannada Cinema on 26th and 27th April 2014 at Suchitra Film Society, No. 36, 9th main, B V Karanth Road, Banashankari II Stage, Bangalore.

Courtesy: Jagannath Mani, Bangalore

Commemorative Stamp on National Council of Churches in India - 25th April 2014.

The National Council of Churches in India is the united expression of the Protestant and Orthodox churches in India. It is a common platform for thought and action by bringing together the Churches and other Christian organizations for mutual consultation, assistance and action in all matters related to life and witness.

It represents Christian community through out the country. It is an Inter confessional autonomous Council which embraces, promotes and coordinates the various forms of the church's ministry for the people including the churches and Christian organizations such as National Council of YMCAs, YWCA of India, Henry Martyn Institute, International Centre for Research, Interfaith Relations and Reconciliation, Churches Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA), Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI), Bible Society of India (BSI).

To mark the centenary of National Council of Churches in India, India Post issued a commemorative stamp. The stamp was released by Shri Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India at the function held in New Delhi 5:00 pm on 25th April 2014.

Photo Courtesy: PIB

Special Cover on 150 Glorious Years of Western Railway (erstwhile BB&CI) in Mumbai - 21st April 2014.

Western Railway (erstwhile Bombay, Baroda & Central India Railway) reached Mumbai (Grant Road Terminus) on 28th November 1864. It ushered a new era in the city and has been a harbinger of progress of Mumbai and the Western region. This year Western Railway is celebrating the 150th year of Western Railway.

India Post, Maharashtra and Goa Postal Circle issued a Special Cover to mark 150 Glorious Years of Western Railway (erstwhile BB&CI) in Mumbai on 21st April 2014 at Mumbai. (Sp. Cover approval no. MH/09/2014). Shri Hemant Kumar GM Western Railway and Shri H. C. Agrawal Postmaster General Mumbai Region released the special cover at the function held at Y.B.Chavan Auditorium, Churchgate, Mumbai.

Cost of Special Cover Rs. 15/- with stamp. Please contact Mumbai Philatelic Bureau for requirement.

Cover Courtesy: Kapil Gogri, Mumbai | Jigar Desai, Mumbai | Photo Courtesy: http://ipaspmhandgoa.blogspot.com

Special Cover on Mahavir Jayanti Celebration 2014 - 19th April 2014.

India Post, Maharashtra and Goa Postal Circle issued a Special Cover on Mahavir Jayanti Celebration 2014 on 19th April 2014 at World Trade Center, Mumbai. (Sp. Cover approval no. MH/10/2014). The Special Cover was jointly released by Shri Harish Agrawal, Postmaster General, Mumbai Region, Shri Kapil Gogri, President, Jain Philately Group, Mumbai and Shri Vijay Kalantri, President, All India Industries Federation and Vice President, World Trade Center. Jain Philately Group, Mumbai has also prepared a presentation pack containing one special cover and 4 picture postcards on Jainism which is available at Rs. 100.

Courtesy: Kapil Gogri, Mumbai

Special Cover on Adopt homeless pet - 19th April 2014.

India Post, Maharashtra and Goa Postal Circle issued a Special Cover on Adopt homeless pet at Mumbai on 19th April 2014. (Sp. Cover approval no. MH/11/2014)

Courtesy: Kapil Gogri, Mumbai

'Stamp booklet' and 'My Stamp' Brochure released at Patna - 12th April 2014.

India Post, Patna GPO organised a release function of 8 page booklet and 'My Stamp' brochure at Philatelic Bureay, Patna on 12th April 2014. Dr R. S. Gandhi, noted philatelist of Patna released the booklet/brochure. Anil K. Saxena, philatelist from Gaya and others also accompanied Dr R. S. Gandhi in release function.

India Post has started 'My Stamp' facility on permanent basis at Various Philatelic Bureux in India to market and popularise this product of India Post. Sheet of 12 stamps is available at cost of Rs. 300. Currently four flower stamp designs are available for My Stamps.

More Reading: Prabhat Khabar | Dainik Bhaskar

Courtesy: Anil K Saxena, Gaya

Special Cover released on World Homeopathy Day (259th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, Father of Homeopathy) at Vadodara - 10th April 2014.

A special cover and cancellation on World Homeopathy Day (259th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, Father of Homeopathy) released at Vadodara on 10th April 2014. The Special Cover and Cancellation was proposed and sponsored by Mahagujarat Homeopathic Medical Association of Vadodara. The Release function was organised in the Premises of Vadodara Head Post Office.

Sr. Postmaster, Vadodara H. O. welcomed the guests. Shri B. B. Dave, Postmaster General, Vadodara Region released the special cover and cancellation. Shri Rajesh Shah, President of Mahagujarat Homeopathic Medical Association of Vadodara presented the album of Special Cover to Shri B. B. Dave, Postmaster General of Vadodara Region. Later Shri Dave presented album of Special Cover to Shri Rajesh Shah. Shri Rajesh Shah informed that H. H. Sir Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda passed a Homeopathy Act in 1932 and Baroda was the first state in India to recognize Homeopathy. A beautiful bronze statue of Dr. Hahnemann at Fatehgunj, Vadodara and Dr. Hahnemann Road are pride of Vadodara. Ms. Meeta Shah, Sr. Supdt. of Post Offices, Vadodara East Division conveyed vote of thanks.

[Download digital copy of April 2014 newsletter]