News : April 2016

Commemorative Stamp on Govardhanram Tripathi – 27th April 2016.

Govardhanram Tripathi was born in Nadiad, Gujarat on 20th October 1855 on the day of the Dashera festival. In 1875, he completed his BA degree and decided to pursue an LLB as well, however, he vowed never to work under anyone else and started his own practice in Mumbai. In 1883, he completed his LLB and began working at his practice in 1884. At the age of 43, he retired early and settled in his hometown to contribute to the world of Gujarati literature and also to take part in selfless service, working and offering this work to God, in keeping with the traditions of many Indian religions.

Govardhanram Madhavram Tripathi was a Gujarati novelist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is the author of numerous acclaimed works, including Saraswatichandra, this well-known novel has become one of the most widely read books of all time in Gujarati Literature till date. In 1887, the first volume of Saraswatichandra was published, and was followed by volumes 2, 3 and 4 in 1892, 1898, and 1901, respectively. He also wrote various articles and essays in the papers 'Vasant' and 'Samalochak', which were later published as books. He was the first president of Gujarati Sahitya Parishad. The period from 1885 to 1915 is called "Govardhan-Yug" or "Govardhan-Era" in Gujarati literature. Govardhanram Tripathi’s other publications are SnehMudra, Leelavati Jeevankala, Navalram Nu Kavi Jeevan, Dayaram No Akshardeh, Samalochak, Sadavastu Vichar, Classical Poets of Gujarat and Scrap Book. Shri Tripathi died on 4th January 1907 at Mumbai.

India Post issued a Commemorative Stamp on Govardhanram Tripathi on 27th April 2016. The stamp was released by Lt. Col. D. K. S. Chauhan, Chief Postmaster General, Gujarat Circle in the gracious presence of Smt. Anandiben Patel, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Gujarat at Gandhinagar.

Special Cover on 10th Anniversary of installation of Ahimsa Ball – 26th April 2016.

A beautiful ‘Ahimsa Ball’ made of granite weighting around 1.5 tonnes with a diameter of 90 cm was installed by hand of Dr. Sahib Singh Verma, former Chief Minister of Delhi at Shri Parshva Padmavati Jinalaya Mahabalipuram Tirth Nyas located at Village Bhati, Chhatarpur Bhati Mines Road, Mehrauli, New Delhi on 26th April 2006. This ball was installed at by the renowned family of Late Harakh Chand Ji Nahata.

10th Anniversary of installation of this Ahimsa Ball was celebrated on 26th April 2016 at the campus of Shri Parshva Padmavati Jinalaya. On the occasion a Special Cover was on 26th April 2016 at New Delhi (Special Cover approval no. DEL/11/2016).

Courtesy: Sudhir Jain, Satna

Customised My Stamp and Special Cover on Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel – 25th April 2016.

Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort (b. 31 January 1673 – d. 28 April 1716) was a French Roman Catholic priest and Confessor. He was born in a small town called Montfort in France. He was known in his time as a preacher and was made a missionary apostolic by Pope Clement XI. He loved the young and looked upon them as 'angels' irrespective of caste and religion. He worked ceaselessly for the sick, marginalized and the differently abled. He preached the Wisdom of God manifested in Jesus Christ and advocated a sure path to God through Mary, the Mother of Christ. As well as preaching, Montfort found time to write a number of books which went on to become classic Catholic titles and influenced several popes. Montfort is considered as one of the early writers in the field of Mariology. His most notable works regarding Marian devotions are contained in The Secret of Mary and the True Devotion to Mary. With four Brothers, on 9th June 1715, he founded 'Brothers of St. Gabriel' to carry on his mission on earth. He was canonized as 'Saint' on 20th July 1947. He died on 28th April 1716. The flame lit by this holy man continues to glow and shine with greater intensity even after 300 years.

Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel - Province of Yercaud celebrated 300th death anniversary of St. Louis Grignion de Montfort at Yercaud. Province of Yercaud is the "Mother Province" among the 7 Provinces in India. It came into existence on 28th April, 1998, along with the provinces of Trichy and North East India.

To mark Tercentenary of St. Louis Grignion de Montfort 's Death a Customised My Stamp and a Special Cover were released by Mr. Mervin Alexander, Postmaster General, Chennai City Region on 25th April 2016 at Yercaud. (Special Cover approval no. TN/15/2016). My Stamp sheet is printed at Security Printing Press, Hyderabad and ‘My Stamp’ words are incorporated in stamp design. Stamp design depicts St. Louis Villa, Yercaud. Beside the stamp design in blank space logo of Tercentenary celebration has been printed. St. Louis Villa is the province Headquarters of the province as well as home for the retired Brothers since 1961. This is also the retreat and seminar center especially for the junior Brothers of the Province of India. On this occasion St. Louis Spirituality Centre was also inaugurated at Yercaud.

Photo Courtesy: Bro. George Kalangod, Yercaud

Special Cover on Magh Mela – 23rd April 2016.

The Magh Mela is an important annual Hindu ritual held on the banks of Triveni Sangam (the confluence of the three great rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) in Prayag (modern day Allahabad). Hindu mythology considers the origin of the Magh Mela to be the beginning of the Universe. In accordance with the traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India, this holy fair is organised every year during the Hindu month of Magh; hence the name. The Magh Mela is, however, not confined only to the month of Magh and the important bathing dates are spread over a period of 45 days. The Magh Mela is actually a smaller version of Kumbh Mela. Hence it is also known as mini Kumbh Mela. It is widely believed that taking a holy dip at the Sangam on the auspicious days during the period will wash away the sins and will lead to Moksha (merging with the Supreme Soul) – the ultimate aim of Hindus. This year Magh Mela began on 14th January and ended on 7th March 2016.

A Special Cover was released on the Magh Mela at Allahabad on 23rd April 2016. (Special Cover Approval No. UP/10/2016).

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Indian Skimmer – 23rd April 2016.

The Indian skimmer or Indian scissors-bill (Rynchops albicollis) is one of the three species that belong to the skimmer family. They are somewhat tern-like but like other skimmers, have a short upper mandible and the longer lower mandible that is ploughed along the surface of water as the bird flies over the water to pick aquatic prey. They are mainly found in rivers or estuaries. They are very brightly marked in black, white and orange, making them difficult to miss. This bird has a black cap and orange bill that contrasts with the white body. With its long wings it looks tern-like and is about 40–43 cm long with a wingspan of 108 cm. The upper parts of the body are dark black and the underparts are white. The black cap on the head leaves the forehead and nape white. The wings are long and pointed with a white trailing edge.

They are found in northern and central India along the Ganges. They are more widespread in winter and are found in coastal estuaries of western and eastern India as far south as Karwar on the western coast and; Chennai and Pondicherry on the eastern coast exist. Breeding colonies are known from the Chambal river area, an area that is of importance for the gharial. Sand banks are important for the nesting of Gharials. This species is listed as Vulnerable because its population is undergoing a rapid decline as a result of widespread degradation and disturbance of lowland rivers and lakes and facing the threat of extinction because of rising pollution, illegal sand mining and encroachment on its habitat.

A Special Cover was released on Indian Skimmer to create awareness to save migratory birds on 23rd April 2016 at Allahabad (Special Cover Approval No. UP/10/2016).

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on ATEETA-2016 – 23rd April 2016.

Shivamogga, popularly known as the gateway of "Malenadu" is well known for its blend of hospitality and unique way of conducting events. Karnataka Government Medical Officer's Association, Shivamogga organized 'Ateeta-2016', 28th Annual State level conference at Shimoga Institute of Medical Science, SIMS Campus, Shivamogga on 23rd and 24th April 2016. Karnataka Government Medical Officer's Association (KGMOA) is registered organization of around 6000 Government doctors working from villages to the corporations. The conference ATEETA-2016 aimed recent advances in various specialties of Healthcare and the theme of the conference was "Quality Healthcare to the Remotest".

A Special Cover was released to commemorate ‘ATEETA-2016’, 28th Annual State level conference of Karnataka Government Medical Officer's Association on 23rd April 2016 at Shivamogga (Special Cover approval no. KTK/06/2016).

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Special Cover on 25th Shukla Day Coin and Philately Fair – 22nd April 2016.

25th Annual Shukla Day Coin & Philately Fair was held at World Trade Centre, Mumbai from 22th to 24th April 2016. The first Shukla Day was organised in April 1991 to commemorate the memory of the legendary Shri S. M. Shukla’s life and his contribution to the world of Indian numismatics by Mr. Farokh S. Todywalla. Shuklaji, during his lifetime inspired generations of collectors and academicians in numismatics. "S. M. Shukla Memorial Coin Day" popularly called the "Bombay Coin Fair", regarded as the country's largest Numismatic Trade fair. Shukla Day is observed every year and Bombay Coin Fair is organized by Todywalla Auctions every year on Shukla Day.

On the occasion of 25th Annual Shukla Day Coin & Philately Fair a Special Cover was released On 22nd April 2016 by E.V. Rao, Director Postal Services, Mumbai Region at Mumbai. (Special Cover approval no. MH/17/2016).

My Stamp on Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv – 22nd April 2016.

India Post launched new My Stamp on Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv 2016 with the picture of the theme of Kumbh Mahaparv at Ujjain on 22nd April 2016. My Stamp sheets are printed at Security Printing Press, Hyderabad without serial numbers and ‘My Stamp’ words are incorporated in stamp design.

Special Cover on Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv 2016, Pratham Shahi Snan - 22nd April 2016.

The Simhastha Kumbh is an unrivalled celebration in India. The most popular legend regarding the origin of Kumbh Melas is the Samudra Manthan or 'churning of the ocean'. Gods and demons competed ¬ercely in the churning in search of the divine nectar of immortality. During this epic battle to capture the Urn (Kumbh) containing the nectar, drops of the precious liquid fell on four places – Haridwar, Prayag (Allahabad), Nashik and Ujjain. Hence, river Kshipra became the enhancer of life and to celebrate this event since then the grand festival came in vogue. Kumbh Mela, is held once every twelve years at these four places and attracts millions of devotees.

The Ujjain Kumbh is celebrated when Jupiter ascends into sun sign Leo's quarter or the Simha constellation of zodiac, which is why it is called 'Simhastha'. The Simhastha is special in Ujjain as it is the seat of divine Mahakal - the Lord of all times. The ritual of bathing in the holy waters of Kshipra begins on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April) and continues on various dates until the full moon shows up in the following month of Vaishakha.

“Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv – 2016 began at Ujjain on 22nd April and will continue till 21 May 2016. It is a great bathing festival which is expected to have over 50 million persons from all walks of life coming from across the world. Bathing in the Shipra River on Shahi Snan dates is one special element of 'Simhastha Parva'. The custom of Pratham Shahi Snan (First Royal bath) held on 22nd April 2016, a day of full moon (Poornima) according to lunar timetable.

On the occasion of Pratham Shahi Snam of Simhastha Kumbh Mahaparv 2016 a Special Cover was released on 22nd April 2016 at Ujjain.

Special Cover on Garh of Raja Vishal – 19th April 2016.

The Garh of Raja Vishal is situated at the distance of 60 Kms. north from Patna and 35 Kms. north west from Hajipur. It is an ancient rectangular brick made large "Tilla". It is 10 feet higher than the adjacent land level. There is a moat around it. It is nearly 20 feet deep. In ancient days it was constructed for the safety of the fort. It is said to be the reminiscences of Garh of Raja Vishal. In the reminiscences of King’s palace, Gold ornaments, old coins of clays have been found. First of all, in 1881 AD Dr. Alexander Canningham with the help of Mr. Garick did excavation work but did not achieve any particular success.

Kolhua is a famous Buddhist excavation site situated approximately 65 km North-West of Patna, not far away from the other excavations at Vaishali. The excavations has revealed the famous Ashoka pillar containing life size statue of lion on the top, besides many other things. Kolhua was under the rule of Licchavis during the time of Buddha whose capital was at Vaishali. Buddha is said to have delivered his last sermon at Kolhua.

A Special Cover was released on the Garh of Raja Vishal at Vaishali on 19th April 2016 (Special Cover approval no. BH/3-APRIL2016). Special Cancellation depicts Kolhua's Ashoka Pillar.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on 50 Glorious Years of INHS Jeevanti – 15th April 2016.

Indian Naval Hospital Ships are committed to provide preventive, promotive and curative care to their clientele through modern technology, constant upgradation of knowledge and humanised empathetic care to patients' entire satisfaction. Indian Navy has eight Naval Hospital Ships. Asvini in Mumbai, Sanjivani in Kochi, Kalyani in Vizag, Kasturi in Shivaji, Nivarini in Chilka, Dhanvantri in Port Blair, Patanjali in Karwar, Navjivani in Ezhimala Jeevanti in Goa. INHS Asvini is the first of amongst all the Naval hospitals which, in 1756, started functioning in barracks as King’s Seamen Hospital for in- patients.

Indian Naval Hospital Ship (INHS) Jeevanti at Vasco-da-Gama celebrated its Golden Jubilee year. The hospital was raised on 18 Apr 1966, soon after the liberation of Goa. Over the years, the hospital has done yeoman service in treating the sick and also conducted various medical outreach camps reaching out it’s healing hands to the furthermost corners in the civil community.

A Special Cover was released on the momentous occasion of 50 Glorious Years of service of INHS Jeevanti in Patient Care at AP Dabolim on 15th April 2016.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Commemorative Stamp on Fire Services of India – 14th April 2016.

Fire Services Day is observed in India on 14th April every year since 1968 to pay homage to those brave Fire Fighters, who sacrificed their live in line to their duty on 14th April, 1944 during the devastating fire on SS Fort Strikine ship in Mumbai Dock. Industries observe this day / week as Fire Service day / Week and conducts Training, Drills and Rehearsals to demonstrate the Preparedness to combat emergencies.

The motto of Fire Services asserts “We serve to Save”, a translated idea of original motto in Sanskrit that is “Tranay Seva Mahe”. Based on this motto there are three priority wise objective concepts: primary objective is Saving Life, secondary objective is Save National and Public property and tertiary objective is salvage and preservation.

Department of Posts issued a Commemorative Stamp on Fire Services of India on the occasion of Fire Services Day at the National Workshop on ''An Integrated Approach to Fire Safety'' on 14th April 2016. This stamp was released by Shri T. Murthy, Member (Operations) in the gracious presence of Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home Affairs at New Delhi. The day long workshop was held to deliberate upon the integrated approaches to fire safety. The theme of this year’s Fire Services Day was “Prevent Fire Accident, Promote Nations Development".

Photo Courtesy: PIB

Presentation Pack on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar – 14th April 2016.

Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle issued a Presentation Pack on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on his 125th Birth Anniversary on 14th April 2016 at Salarjung Museum, Hyderabad. Printing Quantity of Presentation Pack is 200 nos. and it is priced at Rs. 100. The pack includes block of 4 stamps, 1 First Day Cover and 1 Brochure of Stamp issued on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar on 30.09.2015.

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Special Cover on BRICS 2016 – 14th April 2016.

BRICS brings together five major emerging economies, comprising 43% of the world population, having 37% of the world GDP and 17% share in the world trade. The acronym BRIC was first used in 2001 by Goldman Sachs in their Global Economics Paper, "The World Needs Better Economic BRICs" on the basis of econometric analyses projecting that the economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China would individually and collectively occupy far greater economic space and would be amongst the world’s largest economies in the next 50 years or so. As a formal grouping, BRIC started after the meeting of the Leaders of Russia, India and China in St. Petersburg on the margins of G8 Outreach Summit in July 2006. The grouping was formalized during the 1st meeting of BRIC Foreign Ministers on the margins of UNGA in New York in September 2006. The 1st BRIC Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on 16 June 2009. It was agreed to expand BRIC into BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa at the BRIC foreign Ministers’ meeting in New York in September 2010. Accordingly, South Africa attended the 3rd BRICS Summit in Sanya, China on 14 April 2011. Seven BRICS Summits have taken place so far.

The 8th BRICS Summit will be hosted by India during its Chairmanship in 2016. The theme of India’s BRICS Chairmanship is Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions. The three-day event BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave was hosted by Mumbai First, a Mumbai based think tank with the support of the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra involving top urban policy makers and planners from BRICS nations from 14th to 16th April 2016 at Mumbai.

On this occasion a Special Cover capturing the bonding of the five BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa was released by Shri CH Vidyasagar Rao, Governor of Maharashtra in presence of Union Urban Development Minister Shri Venkaiah Naidu, Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Shri AK Dash, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle and other dignitaries at the inaugural function of the BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 2016, held at Mumbai on 14th April 2016.

Courtesy: Jigar Desai, Mumbai

Special Cover on Dr Shivarama Karantha Pilikula Nisargadhama – 13th April 2016.

Established in 1990, Pilikula Nisargadhama, Mangaluru’s favorite spot located at Vamanjoor which is located 10 km away from Mangaluru, is known as Dr Shivaram Karantha Pilikula Nisargadhama. It is a major Eco-Education and Tourism Development Project promoted by the district Administration of Dakshina Kanada in the beautiful city of Mangalore in Karnataka State. Pilikula is an integrated theme park with wide variety of features; it has many attractions of cultural and scientific interest. Pilikula extends over an area of 400 acres along the banks of Gurupura river. The Pilikula Biological Park is one of the major attractions of Pilikula Nisarga Dhama. The park has an area of 150 acres. In accordance with prevailing laws, the Central Zoo Authority of India has recognized the park as a major zoo. As per modern zoological practices, the animals are kept in spacious enclosures closely resembling their natural habitat. The park has well equipped veterinary hospital complex with quarantine, post treatment ward and post-mortem block, X-ray and ultrasound scanning facilities. Central Zoo Authority has funded the construction of hospital complex.

To promote eco-tourism, and to create awareness about environment and traditional cultural practices a Special Cover was released on Dr Shivarama Karantha Pilikula Nisarga Dhama, Mangaluru on 13th April 2016 (Special Cover approval no. KTK/05/2016).

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Special Cover on 15 Years of Collaboration of Western Union and India Post - 13th April 2016.

The Western Union Company is an American financial services and communications company. Its North American headquarters is in Meridian, Colorado. Western Union has several divisions, with products such as person-to-person money transfer, money orders, business payments and commercial services transacting in more than 130 currencies in over 200 countries and territories.

As a result of the collaboration of the Department of Posts with the Western Union Financial Services and MoneyGram International, a state of the art International Money transfer Service is available through the Post Offices in India, which enables instantaneous remittance of money from around 195 countries and territories to India. The recipients can in fact collect the money in minutes after the sender has made the remittance. Western Union and India Post complete 15 years of a successful public private collaboration this year and this has developed a conducive financial eco-system in India.

Western Union India and South Asia MD and regional vice president Kiran Shetty and India Post Member (Banking and HRD) MS Ramanujan released a special postal cover during a programme organised to celebrate 15 years of collaboration between Western Union and India Post on 13th April, 2016 at New Delhi.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on World Homoeopath Day 2016 - 9th April 2016.

The Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), an autonomous research organization of Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India and an international organisation Liga Medicorum Homeopathica Internationalis (LMHI) jointly organized the International Convention on World Homoeopathy Day, with the support of Ministry of AYUSH on 9th and 10 April, 2016 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event was organized to commemorate the 261st birth anniversary of the founder of Homoeopathy, Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician, who was a great scholar, linguist and acclaimed scientist.

On the occasion a Special Cover on Dr. Hahnemann was released to commemorate his 261st birthday on World Homoeopathy Day and International Convention on World Homoeopath Day, New Delhi on 9th April 2016 at New Delhi.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover Green Planet - Mission Save the mother earth – 8th April 2016.

The Green Planet Group, Jalandhar creates awareness among farming and non-farming communities about safe and nutritious food to reduce the problem of Hidden Hunger syndrome caused by nutrient deficient food. Continuous use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and lack of organic manure in the soil causes degradation of soil. Keeping tune with our corporate mission of 'Save the Mother Earth', The Green Planet Group manufacture and market a line of advanced products and technologies that enhances crop growth in an environmentally friendly way, in turn delivering measurable and sustainable environmental benefits.

A Special Cover was released on to highlight the Mission Save the Mother Earth by Green Planet group on 8th April 2016 at Jalandhar City (Special Cover approval no. PB/13/2016).

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Special Cover on Death Anniversary Centenary year of Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnath ji Maharaj - 5th April 2016.

Yogiraj Gambhir Nath is a legend from the nineteenth century. He was the most powerful yogi during his lifetime. He belonged to the ancient Gorakh Nath Sect of Aghori Yogis. He came from an affluent landlord family in his teenage and indulged in great penance for decades till he attained liberation. He became the head of the Gorakh Nath institution but often preferred to spend long days in the peaceful environment of Gaya hills.

A Special Cover was released to commemorate the death anniversary centenary year of Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnath ji Maharaj on 5th April 2016 at Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur. Special Cover was released by Cabinet Ministers Uma Bharti, General V.K.Singh and MP Yogi Adityanath in presence of Sanjay Singh, Postmaster General, Gorakhpur and other guests (Special Cover approval no. UP/08/2016).

Courtesy: Ashwani Kumar Dubey, Gorakhpur | Sandip Chaurasia, Gorakhpur

Special Cover on Tercentennial Celebration of C.S.I. St. Paul's Higher Secondary School – 1st April 2016.

C.S.I. St. Paul's Higher Secondary School in Vepery is one of the oldest Schools in Chennai. Ziengenbalg, the first Protestant Missionary and 2 others of Vepery Mission connected with the Church of England, started the ‘Malabar Charity School’ in Vepery for the natives in the year 1716. Governors of the Madras Presidency were Patrons of this school. Since then this school underwent many changes to cope with the changing pace and demands of the society. In 1978 it was upgraded as Saint Paul’s Higher Secondary School.

DR.K.Rosaiah, Governor of Tamil Nadu inaugurated the Tercentennial Celebrations of CSI St.Paul's Higher Secondary School at Chennai on 1st April 2016. On the occasion a Special Cover was released in presence of Shri Mervin Alexander, Postmaster General, Chennai City Region.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram