News : May 2016

Special Cover on the Bhawanipur Education Society College (BESC) – 26th May 2016.

Bhawanipur Education Society College (BESC) is an undergraduate college affiliated with the University of Calcutta in Kolkata. It is a private co-educational college located at Lala Lajpat Rai Sarani (Elgin Road) of Bhowanipore area of Kolkata. The Bhawanipur Educational Society College was founded in 1966 through the Bhawanipur Gujarati Education Society, which was established with “Education for Excellence” as its motto. In 1966 it was started with less than a hundred students. BESC is having NAAC accreditation and it is now a leading college in the city. Today there are over 10000 students and 130 faculty members.

Golden Jubilee Celebration of the Bhawanipur Education Society College was held on 26th May 2016 at Kolkata. On the occasion a Special Cover was released to commemorate the completion of fifty years of the Bhawanipur Education Society College’s golden journey towards excellence by Shri Surinder Kumar, Director, Kolkata G.P.O. (Special Cover Approval No. WB/10/2016).

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Commemorative folder on Simhastha Kumbh.

Dainik Bhaskar has brought out a limited edition, numbered commemorative folder on Simhastha Kumbh. The folder contains all Seven Special Covers issued on the occasion of Simhastha Kumbh at Ujjain a My stamp sheet released during this festival. The folder also has visuals of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela post offices and details on the Kumbh. Only 50 folders have been printed.

Courtesy: Vikas Singh, Bhopal

Special Cover on Main Snan Ghats of Simhastha Mahaparv – 21st May 2016.

Lakhs of devotees, including mahants and sadhus of various akharas along with other pilgrims, took the holy dip in the Kshipra river on 21st May 2016 on the occasion of third and last 'Shahi Snan (royal bath)' as a part of the century’s second 'Simhastha Mahakumbh'. Sadhus from Shree Panchdanshnam Juna Akhara were the first to take the royal bath at Dutt Akhara Ghat. They were followed by Agni, Avahan, Nirmohi and other akharas.

Every 12 years, during the Kumbh Mela, along the Ujjain city’s elaborate riverside ghats, Goddess Kshipra, which symbolizes purity, clarity and chastity, is worshipped by thousands and thousands of devotees. Along the banks of River Kshipra, many bathing ghats are located. The Shri Ram Ghat, also known as Ram Ghat is the most ancient bathing ghat and is very popularly visited during the Kumbh Mela. It is located near the Harsiddhi Temple. Other important Ghats are Triveni Ghat, Gau Ghat, Mangalnath Ghat, Siddhwat Ghat, Kabir Ghat, Rinmukteshwar Ghat, Bhukimata Ghat, Datt Akhada Ghat, Chintaman Ghat, Prashanti Dham Ghat, Sunheri Ghat and Narsingh Ghat

A Special Cover was released on Main Snan Ghats of Simhastha Mahaparv on 21st May 2016 at Ujjain.

Courtesy: Vikas Singh, Bhopal

Independence Day 2016 - Stamp Design Competition.

India Post has organized Stamp Design Competition on the theme of ‘Tourism in India’ for the stamp(s) to be released on Independence Day 2016.

Terms and Conditions to participate in “Independence Day 2016- Stamp Design Competition” are as follows:

1. Entries are invited for ‘Independence Day 2016- Stamp Design Competition’. The theme of the competition is ‘Tourism in India’. The participants are to make an original design on this subject (should not be copy of picture painted by someone else).
2. Any citizen of India can participate in this contest. The design could be in ink, water, colour, oil colour or any other medium (Computer printed/ printout will not be allowed). The design submitted should be such that can be depicted on the stamps in a visually appealing manner so as to be of interest to philatelic collectors.
3. Participants are free to use drawing paper, art paper or any other type of white paper of A4 size.
4. The following particulars should be written legibly on the reverse of the design:
   1. Name of the Participant*
   2. Age*
   3. Gender
   4. Nationality*
   5. Full and complete residential address with Pin Code*
   6. Phone / Mobile Number*
   7. Email ID (If available)
   * The fields are mandatory.
5. An undertaking stating that ‘The artwork submitted is original and no copyright issues are involved’ should be sent along with the entry. In case of any legal dispute related to copyright issue, Department of Posts will not be liable for the same.
6. The design should be sent through “Speed Post” only, in A4 size envelope. The participants should mention “Independence Day 2016 - Stamp Design Competition” on the envelope in which the drawing is sent.
7. The prize winning designs will be considered for use on stamps and other philatelic material. The prize money will be as follows:-
   • First prize: Rs. 10,000
   • Second prize: Rs. 6,000
   • Third prize: Rs. 4,000

The entries should reach on following address by 31.05.2016. The entries received after last date of receipt will not be entertained.

To, ADG (Philately)
Room No. 108(B),
Dak Bhawan,
Parliament Street,
New Delhi-110001

Commemorative Stamp on Swami Chidananda – 21st May 2016.

Chidananda Saraswati (b. September 24, 1916 – d. August 28, 2008) was President of the Divine Life Society, Rishikesh. Chidananda's birth name was Sridhar Rao. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola College, Chennai. He took to a life of renunciation in 1936, and joined the Sivananda Ashram run by Sivananda Saraswati in Rishikesh in 1943. He was appointed General Secretary of the Divine Life Society in 1948. Swami Chidananda took over as the President of the society after Swami Sivanand’s death in 1963. Swami Chidananda is well known in India as a yogi, jnani and spiritual leader. He was also a great patriot and would always express his blessedness to be born in Bharatavarsha. Swami Chidananda served as the President of the society for 45 years and accompanied Swami Sivananda (in 1950) in his all India tour and proclaimed the glory of sublime culture of India and Vedic Sanatana Dharma through his soul-stirring lectures. In 1959, Sivananda sent him to the West as his spiritual representative. Swami Chidananda was chosen President of the delegation for the Parliament of the World’s Religions convened at Chicago in 1993 to commemorate the centenary of the epochal event of The Parliament of the World’s Religions organized at Chicago in 1893.

Commemorative Stamp on Swami Chidananda was released on the occasion of his birth centenary year at Divine Life Society (Sivanand Ashram), Rishikesh on 21st May 2016 by The Governor of Uttarakhand Dr. KK Paul in presence of Shri Udai Krishna, Chief Postmaster General, Uttarakhand, President of Divine Life Society and other dignitaries. So far three Special Covers has been released on Swami Chidananda on 24th September 2014 from Bangalore, 13th January 2015 from Chennai, 25th March 2015 from Ahmedabad respectively.

Special Cover on 2560th Birth Anniversary of Gautama Buddha - 21st May 2016.

Buddha Jayanti or also known as Buddha Purnima is the most sacred festivals of Buddhist. The Buddha’s birthday known as the Buddha Purnima is celebrated on the full moon of the fourth lunar month (month of Vaisakh) i.e. April or May. This day commemorates three important events of Buddha's life. (1) His birth in 623 BC, (2) His enlightment i.e. attainment of supreme wisdom, in 588 BC and (3) His attainment of Nirvana i.e. the complete extinction of his self at the age of 80. This day is a thrice blessed day.

2560th Buddha Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the Gautam Buddha was celebrated on 21st May 2016 to pay immense respect to the epitome of peace and non-violence. On the occasion of 2560th Birth Anniversary of Gautama Buddha a Special Cover was released at Hyderabad on 21st May 2016. (Special Cover approval no. AP/06/2016). The Buddha Statue having height of 58 feet in Hyderabad is the world's tallest monolith of Gautama Buddha.

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Special Cover on Kaliadeh Palace, Ujjain – 20th May 2016.

The Kaliadeh Palace is located on the banks of the River Shipra. The Avanti-mahatmya of Skanda Purana has recorded a description of the Sun temple and two tanks here- Surya Kund and Brahma Kund. A fragmented inscription recovered from this place records building of the palace in 1458 AD, by Sultan of Malwa, Mahmud Khilji. The palace is built over a mound and gives a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The central dome of the palace is a beautiful example of Persian architecture. There are several underground chambers some of which once served as royal kitchen. Colonel Stewart records in his book “History of Central India” that later Sultan Naseeruddin Khilji diverted the flow of Shipra River through 52 tanks so that water cooled down considerably. Addicted to mercury, the Sultan used to lie down intoxicated in the tanks. He is later believed to have drowned in one of these tanks while lying down intoxicated. Two Persian inscriptions found in one of the long corridors of the palace record the visits of Emperor Akbar and Jahangir to this palace According to Abul Fazal’s Akbarnama, Mughal emperor Akbar rested at this the palace on 25 Jan, 1599 during his Deccan military campaign. Later in 1616, Jahangir stayed with Sir Thomas Roe in this palace. During his stay here, Jahangir used to visit regularly saint Jadrup who had his hut in the jungles nearby. He used to travel by boat to listen to holy discourses. The palace was destroyed in the time of the Pindaris. In 1886 Sir Michale Filose partially restored the palace and used it as his residence. After his death the palace again fell into ruins. It was then restored by Madho Rao Scindia in 1920. He added many buildings such as the court, guest house and other state offices. The Sun Temple was also restored by the family.

On the occasion of Narsingh Jayanti a Special Cover was released on Kaliadeh Palace in Ujjain on 20th May2016. This was the sixth Special Cover released during this Simhastha Kumbh in Ujjain. The folder of Special Cover was also presented to Shankracharya Swaroopanand ji.

Courtesy: Vikas Singh, Bhopal

Karnataka Postcrossers meet - 15th May 2016.

Karnataka Postcrossers meet was organized by Postcrossing enthusiasts of Karnataka State on 15th May 2016 at Metro Rangoli Art Centre, Bengaluru. Several Postcrosssers from all over Karnataka participated in the event. Exhibition of Postcards on UNESCO World Heritage Centre was also organized during the event. On the occasion a set of Picture Postcards on Heritage was also released by the youngest member Sanvi Suresh and was presented to Senior Philatelist Mr. Ramamkrishna.

Summer Exhibition and Philatelic Workshop at Manipal University – 14th May 2016.

Manipal University Philatelic and Numismatics Club organized Summer Exhibition and Philatelic Workshop at Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal University Campus on 14th May 2016 with an aim to promote philately as a hobby among youngsters. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri N. Udupa, Director of Research (Health Sciences), Manipal University. Shri Abdul Razzak, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University, Shri Jaspal Singh Sahota, Dean, MMMC, Melaka, Shri Ullas Kamath, Dean, MMMC, Manipal, were present during the inauguration function. There were 55 collections, totaling 105 frames exhibited by members of Dakshina Kannada Philatelic and Numismatic Association (DAKPANA) and Manipal University Philatelic and Numismatics Club.

A workshop was conducted by Shri Joseph Thomas, Professor, Department of Urology, Kasturba Medical College, and Shri Jayaprakash Rao, Secretary, DAKAPANA. Dr. Thomas gave a talk on ‘Story of the Rupee’ and Mr. Rao gave a talk and demonstration on ‘Introduction to Stamps’.

Special Cover on 100 years of the Indian Institute of Architects – 12th May 2016.

The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) is the national body of Architects in India with more than 20,000 members. The Indian Institute of Architects was established on 12th May 1917, by George Wittet, the then Consulting Architect to the Government of Bombay, who was unanimously elected the first President of the Indian Institute of Architects, which was primarily an association made of the past students of Architecture of J. J. School of Art, then known as “The Architectural Students Association”. On 3rd August 1922, it was renamed as the “Bombay Architectural Association” and in 1926, the Association got its present name “The Indian Institute of Architects” and became a National Body. It is associated with the International Union of Architects (UIA) Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) and South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation of Architects (SAARCH).

To commemorate 100 years of the Indian Institute of Architects a Special Cover was released at Sir J. J. College of Architecture, Mumbai by Shri V. V. S. Reddy, Director Mumbai GPO and was presented to Shri Divya Kush, President of IIA and Vilas Avachat, Vice President, IIA (Special Cover approval no. MH/19/2016).

Cover Courtesy: Jigar Desai, Mumbai

Special Cover on Mahamati Shri Prannath Ji – 12th May 2016.

The real name of Mahamati Prannath was Mehraj Thakur. Shri Mehraj Thakur was born on the 26th of October 1618 (the fouteenth day of the dark half of Ashwin, the seventh month of the Hindu year Samvat 1675). His father, Keshav Thakur, was a Diwan in the state of Jamnagar. Mehraj's mother Smt. Dhanbai, was a pious lady. He was the fourth amongst their five sons. At an early age, he had good aptitude for spiritual knowledge. Shri Mehraj became Diwan of Dharol and where he worked very efficiently and the king left everything to him. His guru Shri Devchandraji wanted his work of awakening the souls -Jagani Lila- to be continued by Shri Mehraj. While fulfilling this assigned job, Shri Mehraj - Lord Prannath - brought many changes into the Hindu society. In his task of promulgating the faith, Mahamati Prannath travelled to every corner of India, and travelled, too, the Arab lands: Muscat, Basra, and to Bandar Abbas in Iran. In India he went to Junagarh, Thatthanagar, Naliya, Khambhaliya. In Surat he established the holy shrine of Shri Mahamangalpuri Dham. He emphasized the oneness of the Muslim and Hindu faith and established a universal religion - a religion for all mankind and called it "Nijanand Dharma" or the blissful religion for the souls.

A Special Cover was released on Mahamati Shri Prannath Ji during the Simhastha 2016 at Ujjain on 12th May 2016 by Shri Chhatrashal Pranami Navyuvak Seva Samiti, Ujjain.

Courtesy: Vikas Singh, Bhopal

Post Office Extension Counters at Simhastha Kumbh, Ujjain.

Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv is one of the four “Kumbh Melas” celebrated by largest spiritual gathering and rejoiced by holy dip in the sacred river Kshipra in ancient and religious city Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh). Simhasth Kumbh Maha Parva is based on the celestial line-up of Planets and the Signs of the Zodiac, which occurs every 12 years. The name derives from the fact that it is held when the Jupiter is in Leo (Simha in Hindu astrology). Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv which began on 22nd April 2016 will conclude on 21st May 2016.

India Post has set up three extension counters of the Ujjain City PO-456006 at the Simhastha Kumbh, Ujjain. Extension counters are opened at Dutt Akhada, Mangalnath and Rudra Sagar. No special post mark is provided at any of these extension counters. Mostly they are receiving normal mails for onward dispatch. The main business of these extension counters is to print and sell Simhastha My stamp. There is a fourth post office in the meal area but it is an existing post office only.

Name of Post Offices are as follows:
Ujjain Dutt Akhada Simhastha Mela Post Office – 456 006
Ujjain Mangalnath Simhastha Mela Post Office – 456 006
Ujjain Rudra Sagar Simhastha Mela Post Office – 456 006
Ujjain Bherugarh S.O. 456 003

Ujjain Dutt Akhada Simhastha Mela Post Office – 456 006

Ujjain Mangalnath Simhastha Mela Post Office – 456 006

Ujjain Rudra Sagar Simhastha Mela Post Office – 456 006

Ujjain Bherugarh S.O. 456 003

Simhastha My Stamp Pamphlet

Courtesy: Vikas Singh, Bhopal

Special Cover on Indian Naval Air Squadron 300 – 11th May 2016.

The INAS 300 is an Indian naval air squadron based at INS Hansa. The White Tigers or INAS 300 who stand for excellence, determination and aggressive spirit, heralded the era of carrier borne aviation into the Indian Navy. The White Tigers were commissioned on 7 July 1960 at RNAS Brawdy, United Kingdom. The, then, Indian High Commissioner to UK, Mrs Vijay Laxmi Pandit, graced the occasion. The Commissioning Warrant was read out by Lt Cdr B D Law, the first Squadron Commander. The squadron was initially equipped with the Hawker Sea Hawk aircraft.

After providing yeoman service for over two decades, the squadron was subsequently reincarnated with Sea Harriers in 1983. This premier carrier borne fighter squadron achieved iconic status in the Indian Navy with its distinguished service, receiving numerous gallantry awards which include one Maha Vir Chakra, four Vir Chakras and one Nau Sena Medal.

To continue the proud 'White Tiger' legacy, the squadron has been re-equipped with the new and more lethal MiG 29Ks. The Sea Harriers were retired on 11th May, 2016. The illustrious and unique Sea Harriers of Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS 300) were given a befitting farewell in a function organised at INS Hansa, Goa on 11th May 2016. A Special Cover was released to mark De-Induction of Sea Harrier and Induction of MIG-29K Fighter Aircraft in INAS 300 by Admiral RK Dhowan on 11th May 2016 at Goa (Special Cover approval no. MH/18/2016).

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on 15 years of Partnership of India Post and Western Union – 11th May 2016.

The Western Union is a global leader in money transfer services. Western Union and India Post together enables consumers in remote parts of India to receive remittances seamlessly via Western Union services. The collaboration has resulted in fast, convenient and reliable financial access to people across India.

To commemorate 15 years of partnership between India Post and Western Union, the money transfers service provider a Special Cover was released at Lucknow on 11th May 2016 (Special Cover approval no. UP/11/2016).

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Customised My Stamp on Western Union – 10th May 2016.

The Western Union is a global leader in money transfer services. Western Union and India Post together enables consumers in remote parts of India to receive remittances seamlessly via Western Union services. The collaboration has resulted in fast, convenient and reliable financial access to people across India.

To mark 15 years of collaboration between Western Union, the money transfers service provider and India Post a Customised My Stamp was released by Ms. Achla Bhatnagar, Chief Post Master General, Chandigarh, Punjab Circle in presence of Mr. Kiran Shetty, Managing Director and Regional Vice President, Western Union India and South Asia and other India Post dignitaries at Chandigarh on 10th May 2016.

My Stamp sheet is printed at Security Printing Press, Hyderabad and ‘My Stamp’ words are incorporated in stamp design. Stamp design depicts the bold Western Union logo. Beside the stamp design in blank space the flow of remittances is depicted and alongside on the sheet the 15-year Western Union and India Post collaboration logo is printed. This is sixth issue of Customised My Stamp released by India Post.

Courtesy: UNI

Special Cover on Ujjain Darshan – 9th May 2016.

The second Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) of month-long Simhastha Kumbh mela began on 9th May 2016 (Shukla/Akshey Tritya). Traditions vis-à-vis Shahi Snan during Simhastha at Ujjain are still intact. Observing the same traditions, Shaivite Akharas had the first opportunity to take the holy dip in Kshipra river. The holy dip taken by Naga Sadhus chanting Har Har Mahadev brought to light the unique and unparalleled culture of India. According to myth, holy dip in Kshipra river is very important during this festival.

On the occasion of second Shahi Snan at Simhastha Kumbh mela, Ujjain a Special Cover was released by Shri T. Murty, Member (Operations), Department of Posts, Shri M. E. Haque, Chief Postmaster General, M. P. Circle and other dignitaries on ‘Ujjain Darshan’ on 9th May 2016 at Ujjain.

Courtesy: Vikas Singh, Bhopal

Special Cover on Narvir Shivaji Kashid – 5th May 2016.

After defeating Afzal Khan and the rout of the Bijapur Army at Pratapgarh, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj continued to capture vast territories of the Bijapur kingdom. Panhala Fort was captured under this initiative by his forces in 1659.

Shiva Kashid (b. 1630 – d. 1660) of Nabhik community is remembered as a braveheart who volunteered to disguise as Shivaji Maharaj to help his escape. It is said that Shivaji Maharaj was stuck at Panhala as Siddi Jauhar's army had laid the siege. Shiva Kashid, who resembled Shivaji Maharaj, volunteered to act as the leader and help him break the siege and move towards Vishalgad fort. Shiva Kashid was killed by Jauhar when he came to know about the trick. Shivaji Kashid’s “Samadhi” is in Nevapur village at the foothills of Panhala.

A Special Cover was released to commemorate Narvir Shivaji Kashid on 5th May 2016 at Panhala (Special Cover approval no. MH/15/2016). The special cover depicts the famous statue of Shivaji Kashid at Panhala Fort, Kolhapur.

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on DGOF Employees’ Welfare Board – 4th May 2016.

Director General of Ordnance Factories (DGOF) Employees’ Welfare Board founded in the year 1967 for the philanthropic work and welfare activities to serve the employees and their families of Ordnance Factory Board. The organization has projected an excellent image of itself as a voluntary Organization for a noble cause after hard work spanned over 50 Years. The Organization has been rendering commendable service for this dignified cause.

A Special Cover was released on the occasion of Golden Jubilee year celebrations of DGOF Employees’ Welfare Board, Kolkata on 4th May 2016 at Kolkata. (Special Cover approval no. WB/09/2016).

Courtesy: Soumyajit Kundu, Kolkata

Special Cover on Shantheyanda Okkada Hockey Namme 2016 – 3rd May 2016.

Believed to be the descendants of Palegara Cheiftain with the Coorg Haleri King more than 150 years ago, the Shantheyanda family hails from Badigeri village, presently known as Mukkodlu. The family was named after Shanthaiah, the Guru Karona of the family. The members of the Shantheyanda family are well represented in the fields of sports, politics, business, education and sciences. The Shantheyanda family continues the 20 year old tradition of the Kodava Hockey Tournament with dignity and pride. Shantheyanda Okkada Hockey Namme 2016 (20th Edition of Kodagu Hockey Namme) was organized at Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa College Ground in Madikeri from 10th April to 8th May 2016.

A Special Cover was released on the occasion of 20th Edition of Kodagu Hockey Namme on 3rd May 2016 at Madikeri (Karnataka).

Courtesy: Viswas Menon, Madikeri

New Governing Council of The Calicut Philatelic Club.

The Annual General Body Meeting of The Calicut Philatelic Club was held on 1st May 2016 at The Bullion Arcade, Calicut. Newly elected Governing Council of the Club is as follow:

President: UB Nayak
Vice President: T. Raghavan
Secretary: Ashwin Ramesh
Jt. Secretary: KP Mohammed
Treasurer: MS Balakrishnan
Auditor: Balakrishnan N
Executive Members: Adv.Abdul Salam KV, Abraham NA, Rajesh D Nair, Jamaaludheen T, Dr. Shibu Varghese, Mujeeb Rahman.

Courtesy: Ashwin Ramesh, Calicut

Special Cover on Panchkroshi Yatra, Ujjain – 1st May 2016.

Panchkroshi Yatra, also known as Panchkrosi Parikrama, has a long history and is annually held for five days in Vaishakh month (April – May). The Panchkroshi Yatra is an integral part of the folk life, religion and culture. Panchkroshi Yatra in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh attracts thousands of devotees. The Yatra has found mention in the Avantikhand of Skandpuran according to which, there are four dwars (gates) around Mahakal Van – Pingleshwar in the east, Vilvakeshwar in west, Uttareshwar in north and Kayavarohan eshwar in south. The journey is essentially a visit to temples and sacred places associated with Hindu God Shiva in Ujjain. The yatra lasts for five days. It covers a distance of 122 km. and passes through the four sacred corners in Ujjain. Panchkroshi Yatra commences on Vaishakh Krishana Paksha Dashmi and culminates on Amavasya. This year, the Amavasya fell on Monday (Somvati Amavasya), which multiplied its importance. With the Parikrama of Ujjain city, devotees perform the Parikrama of all the 84 Mahadevas. It is said that Ujjain has 84 Mahadevas and Darshan of which get rid the pilgrims of 84 lakh Yonis. This year the number of pilgrims of the Yatra increased due to Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv.

A Special Cover was released to commemorate Panchkroshi Yatra of Ujjain on 1st May 2016, the first day of Panchkroshi Yatra at Ujjain. Special Cover was sponsored by Dainik Bhaskar. Brochure containing information about Panchkroshi Yatra, Ujjain is provided with the Special Cover.

Images Courtesy: Vikas Singh, Bhopal