News : August 2016

Special Cover on Golden Jubilee of Goa Industrial Development Corporation - 31st August 2016.

The Goa Daman and Diu Industrial Development Corporation (GDDIDC) was established by the Government of Goa, Daman & Diu in February 1966 under the provisions of Goa, Daman and Diu Industrial Development Act, 1965 with the aims and objectives of securing and assisting in the rapid and orderly establishment of industries in Industrial Areas and Industrial Estates in Goa. One of the important activities of the Corporation is setting up of Industrial Estates and offer developed plots to industrial units. The GDDIDC (now renamed Goa IDC) has so far established twenty Industrial Estates in Goa, Daman and Diu, viz Corlim, Margao, Sancoale, Daman, Mapusa, Tivim, Bicholim, Kakoda, Honda, Bethora, Canacona, Kundaim, Diu, Tuem, Verna, Cuncolim, Pilerne, Marcaim, Pissurlem and Colvale.

A Special Cover was released to mark Golden Jubilee of Goa Industrial Development Corporation on 31st August 2016 at Panaji.

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2016 Awardees – 31st August 2016.

The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, officially known as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in Sports and Games is the highest sporting honour of the Republic of India. The award is named after Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India. It is awarded annually by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The recipient(s) is/are selected by a committee constituted by the Ministry and is honoured for their "spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports over a period of four years" at international level. As of 2016, the award comprises a medallion, a certificate, and a cash prize of Rs. 7.5 lakh.

Usually conferred upon only one sportsperson in a year, a few exceptions have been made when multiple recipients were awarded in a year. As of 2016, thirty-two recipients from fourteen sport disciplines have been awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award. In 2016 for the first time in the history of National Sports Awards, four athletes were chosen for the Khel Ratna honour including Olympic silver medalist P.V. Sindhu, gymnast Dipa Karmakar, shooter Jitu Rai and Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik who received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award from the President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on 29th August 2016.

Karnataka Postal Circle issued a Special Cover in honour of four Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2016 Awardees on 31st August 2016 at Bengaluru. (Special Cover approval no. KTK/14/2016). Special Cover is priced at Rs. 20 and can be purchased from Bengaluru Philatelic Bureau.

Special Cover on 50 years of Sightsavers in India - 30th August 2016.

Sightsavers, a development organisation started by Sir John Wilson, works to prevent avoidable blindness, restore sight and advocate for social inclusion and equal rights for people with disabilities recently completed their 50 years of operations in India. The organisation had started its programmatic operations in India in 1966 and since then it has successfully reached out to millions of people living in the deprived regions of the country.

On the occasion of Golden Jubilee of Sightsavers a Special Cover was released at New Delhi on 30th August 2016 in presence of internationally acclaimed actor and director, Shri Kabir Bedi, Secretary Tribal Affairs, Dr Shyam Agarwal, Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle India Post, Shri LN Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Sightsavers International, Dr Caroline Harper (CBE), Chief Executive Officer, Sightsavers India, RN Mohanty, Honorary Chair of Sightsavers India, Dr. S Y Quraishi along with other dignitaries.

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on 125th Anniversary of Sacred Heart Latin Church, Thrissur - 30th August 2016.

The Sacred Heart Latin Church is a centre of worship which has played an intimate role in the history of Trichur - a city endowed with a rich cultural heritage and a reputation for communal harmony. This Church has a commendable record of standing up in strong resistance for the preservation of the true faith.

Intimidating challenge confronted the history of this church when a major section of the Catholic population of Trichur decided to accept the authority of Bishop Melus who was in schism. But there were some Catholic families,which remained steadfast in their allegiance to the Holy see. with the approval and blessing of the Arch Bishop of Veapoly , Fr. Kappil Mathai Mariam Vicar of the Elthuruth monastery purchased in 1875 a plot of land close to the old Big Church "Pazhaya Valia Palli" from bread maker [baker] Bappu and constructed a chapel for these loyal Catholic families. In 1885 this Sacred Hearts Chapel [Bethlehem capela] was elevated to the stature of a parish for the syrian catholics of Trichur. In 1885 Albert Gunther, a PWD Supervisor, constructed a church dedicated to virgin Mary of Lourdes in East Fort, Trichur. This church was handed over to the Arch Bishop of Verapoly in 1887. In 1891 as per a Papal Directive, Bishop Medleycott performed the official exchange of these two catholic churches - the Lourdes church to the Syrian catholics and the Sacred Heart chael to the Latin Catholics.

This church has been elevated to the status of diocessian shrine by lx. Rt. Rev Dr. Joseph Kakassery, Bishop of Kottapuram on 15th of December 2015. To mark 125th Anniversary of Sacred Heart Latin Church a Special Cover was released at Thrissur on 30th August 2016. (Special Cover approval no. KL-15/2016).

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Magrapex-2016, First Ajmer District Level Philatelic Exhibition - 26th to 28th August 2016.

First Ajmer District Level Philatelic Exhibition Magrapex-2016 was held from 26th to 28th August 2016 at Adarsh Vidya Mandir, Sr. Secondary School, Udaipur Road, Beawar. During the exhibition two special covers were released. On Special Cover on Sethji ki Nasiya and another on Kalpa Vriksha.

Special Cover on Sethji Ki Nasiya – 26th August 2016.

Nasiyan Digambar Jain Temple or Sethji ki Nasiya or Sidhhkut Chaitalaya is located at Prithviraj Marg in Ajmer. The temple was built in the 18th century is dedicated to first jain tirthankar, lord Adinath. Sethji ki Nasiya is regarded as one of the best Jain temples in Rajasthan. The temple was built by Seth Moolchand Soni in 1865. This temple is also known as Lal Mandir (Red Temple). The temple has a two-storied structure divided into two parts, where one is the worship area comprising the idol of Lord Adinath and the second is the museum including a hall. The museum hall gets the major attention due to its mind blowing interiors made up in gold. This exquisite museum depicts the five stages (Panch Kalyanak) in the life of Lord Adinath, in the stature of statues. With the dimensions of 40 x 80 feet, the hall is adorned with Belgium stain glass, mineral color paintings and stain glasswork.

The cancellation depicts Pragya Shikhar of Todgarh. When the British Colonel James Tod came here, he was so enchanted by the aura of this place that he founded this small village and build many buildings. One of his residence buildings is now converted into a Jain temple known as Pragya Shikhar.

Special Cover on Kalpa Vriksha – 28th August 2016.

A Special Cover on Kalpa Vriksha was released by Shri B. R. Suthar (SSPo, Ajmer), Shri R.L. Balotia (SPo, Beawar), Shri Shankar Singh Rawat (MLA Beawar), Smt. Babita Chouhan (Chairman Nagarparisad, Beawar), Shri N. M. Mali (Asst. Director, RO Ajmer) and Shri Virendra Sharma (Jury Member) was released on 28th August 2016.

Mangliyawas, 26kms from Ajmer is famous for two 800 years old trees of a rare species, popularly known as 'Kalpa-Vriksha'. People visit this place throughout the year but on dark moon day of 'Sravana' (Shravana) thousands of people come to worship the trees. The Special Cancellation depicts Ashapura Mata temple of Beawar dedicated to the family deity of the Rajput ruler, Prithviraj Chauhan.

Courtesy: Virendra Sharma, Udaipur

Commemorative stamp on Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Swamy – 27th August 2016.

Suttur Simhasana Mahasansthana Math is about one thousand years old in the ancient cultural and religious history of Karnataka. In the 10th Century Sri Shivarathri seer did penance for a very long time in Siddhagiri hills and came to the south and engaged in penance again at Suttur. Dr. Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji was the 23rd pontiff of the Suttur Mutt.

Born on 29th August 1916, Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji did his primary education at Suttur itself with his previous name as Sri Puttaswamy. His parents’ Sri Mallikarjunaswami and Shrimathi Marammanni were the residents of Srikshetra. Sri Shivarathreeshwara took the blessed one into his fold and officially named him as Sri Shivarathri Rajendraswamy. Sri Swamiji took to studying Sanskrit at the tender age of 8 in Mysuru as a disciple of the great Sanskrit scholar Basavaraja Shastri. On 24th February 1928 when Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Swamy was only twelve years old, he was anointed with the responsibilities of the Sri Math. After taking on the responsibilities of the Sri Math, Sri Rajendraswamy got engaged in social services. With the intention of supporting poor students who would otherwise drop out from education, Swamiji started free hostels. The student hostels have grown in number in several places and have provided boarding and lodging facility to thousands of children and have supported in their education. Sri Rajendra Swamiji who succeeded the Math with a great religious legacy, did not limit himself only to religious activities, but responded to the inequality, poverty and misery in the society. The services of the Math were extended very appropriately to the society. Much before India attained independence, the seer had identified that it is lack of education which was the root cause of problems faced by the masses and started the JSS Mahavidyapeetha in 1954 for providing education. Under the aegis of JSS Mahavidyapeetha, he started schools and colleges, hostels and hospitals that led to social development.

On the occasion of valedictory ceremony of the Birth Centenary Celebrations of Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Swamy a commemorative Stamp in denomination of Rs. 5 was released on Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Swamy by Minister for State (Independent Charge) Communications Shri Manoj Sinha in presences of Saints and other dignitaries on 27th August 2016 at the function held at Suttur Mutt in Mysore District.

Commemorative Stamps on Indian Metal Crafts – 26th August 2016.

Indian artisans knew the art of metalworking since 3000 B.C. The beautiful figurine of the dancing girl belonging to the Indus valley civilization bears testimony of this fact. This indicates the high level of workmanship attained by ancient craftsmen. In India craftsmen use different metals like iron, copper, silver and alloys like bronze, bell metal, white metal etc. to make a variety of items such as pots, pans, utensils, photo frames, sculptures of deities, mythological figures and animals etc. Items like doorknobs, taps, key chains, boxes etc. are also made, using different metals.

A variety of metalwork can be seen from different parts of the country. The Ladakh region of Kashmir is known for traditional vessels made out of iron and brass. The craftsmen of Kashmir are known for richly engraved traditional household items like bowls, samovars, plates and trays. Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh is world famous for its range of brass items. A wide range of household items like pots, trays, bowls and decorative pieces are made here. Making of bronze sculptures is common in Palitana in Gujarat. The sculptures made here depict themes from Jain religion. In Rajasthan Jaipur is the main center for brass engraving and lacquering. Items such as photo frames, bowls, plates, boxes etc. Ethnic designs and floral patterns, hunting scenes etc are hammered or embossed on the surface. Madhya Pradesh has its own traditional metal ware tradition. Andhra Pradesh has a rich tradition of metal craft. Andhra Pradesh is also famous for Bidri ware. Silver filigree work from Andhra and Orissa is famous for its intricate designs made out thin silver wires. Brassware from Tamil Nadu comprises of decorated traditional lamps, used in religious functions, while Kerala is famous for its polished bronze mirrors.

Department of Posts released a set of six commemorative stamps, Miniature Sheet and Sheetlet on Indian Metal Crafts on 26th August 2016. Set of six stamps depicts Iron Surahi (pitcher), Bronze Nataraja (depiction of the God Shiva performing divine dance), Copper Pandan (container used to store betel leaf, betel nut, dry tobacco, lime etc.), Brass Incense Burner, Silver Spouted Lota (spherical water vessel) and Gold Gajalakshmi Lamp (lamp with motif of Lakshmi, the deity of wealth).

Special Cover on 100 Years Bharat Sevashram Sangha - 24th August 2016.

Bharat Sevashram Sangha is a philanthropic and charitable organization with a firm and enduring commitment to improving the lives of the underprivileged. This guiding principle of concern for the weak and deprived citizens has been the force empowering our members to dedicate their lives to serving humanity. In 1917, Acharya Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj opened the first Bharat Sevashram Ashram in Bangladesh. Bharat Sevashram Sangha opened Ashram in Kolkata in 1919.

A Special Cover was released to mark 100 Years of Bharat Sevashram Sangha on 24th August 2016 at Kolkata. (Special Cover approval no. WB/19/2016).

Courtesy: Moloy Sarkar, Kolkata

Special Cover on Bapu Museum, Vijayawada – 23rd August 2016.

Bapu Museum, earlier known as Victoria Jubilee Museum is located on M. G. Road in Vijayawada City. It was constructed in ashlar masonry and is a classic example of the Indo European architectural style. The foundation stone of the building was laid by Robert Sewell, the then District Collector, Krishna on 27th June 1887, to mark the occasion of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Queen Victoria’s coronation. Sri Pingali Venkayya presented a tri-colour flag to Mahatma Gandhi at this location in 1921. In the year 1962 the Department of Archaeology & Museums, Government of Andhra Pradesh took over the building and established an Archaeological Museum. It has large collection of sculptures, paintings and artifacts of Buddhist and Hindu relics, with some of them as old as 2nd and 3rd Centuries.

In 2015 Andhra Pradesh government renamed the museum as Bapu Museum in honour of the legendary artist and filmmaker Sattiraju Lakshmi Narayana popularly known as ‘Bapu’, who won international acclaim for his cartoons on Telugu women (Bapu Bommalu). Sattiraju Lakshmi Narayana (b. 15 December 1933 – d. 31 August 2014), known professionally as Bapu, was a film director, and screenwriter known for his works in Telugu cinema. He was also a music artist, painter, illustrator, cartoonist, and designer. In 2013, he was awarded the Padma Shri, for his contribution to Indian art and cinema.

During the Krishna Pushkaralu dozens of paintings and photographs highlighting the heritage of Andhra Pradesh and the history of river Krishna were showcased by the Department of Archaeology and Museums and Artist Associations’ Guild at Bapu Museum. To commemorate the ‘Bapu Museum’ a Special Cover was released at Vijayawada on 23rd August 2016.

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Special Cover on The Legacy to Humanity: Celebrating 150 years of Homeopathy - 22nd August 2016.

Homeopathy as a system of medicine is about two hundred years old. It was started in Germany by Samuel Christian Friedrich Hahnemann. It came to India in 1810. Of these two hundred years, the Banerji family of Bengal has been associated with it for over hundred and fifty years.

The story began with Pandit Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar (Banerji), Sanskrit scholar, educator and reformer who once suffered from intense migraine headaches and was treated in Kolkata by homeopathic medicines prescribed by Babu Rajen Dutta. Vidyasagar was so impressed by the results that he persuaded his brother, Ishan Chandra, to take an interest in this treatment form, and take up the learning of homeopathy and treat the very poor of their village as a charitable enterprise. It was taken forward by Pareshnath, Ishanchandra’s son who is better known as Dr. P. Banerji of Mihijam. Pareshnath’s son Prasanta, and his son, Pratip are still carrying on the legacy.

The Prasanta Banerji Homeopathic Research Foundation (PBHRF) was set up by Banerji family in 1993 with the aim to include Homeopathy as a scientific and effective mode of Alternative Medicine. PBHRF is an accredited Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO) by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India.

To celebrate magnificent journey of the Banerji family influencing and contributing to the world of Homeopathy a function was organized at Kolkata on 22nd August 2016. On this occasion a Special Cover on 150 years of Homeopathy into the Banerji family was released by Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Hon'ble President of India and Hon'ble Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi, The Governor of West Bengal in presence of Ms. Arundhati Ghosh, Chief Postmaster General, West Bengal Circle.

Special Cover on Golden Girls of India - Pride of Nation - 22nd August 2016.

The Rio Olympics concluded on 21st August, after a 16-day spectacle of hard work, dedication and sportsmanship. Three Indian women athletes made history and became the redeemers for India at the Rio Olympics. Dipa Karmakar, Sakshi Malik and P. V. Sindhu became the Golden Girls of India and saved the country's pride.

India's female gymnast Dipa Karmakar missed a bronze by 0.15 points but her clean finish in the high-risk Produnova vault won the hearts of a nation. Dipa Karmakar is India’s first female gymnast to qualify for the quadrennial mega event after 52 years from India and the first Indian female gymnast ever to compete in the Olympics. She attained 4th position in Women's Vault Gymnastics event of Rio Olympics 2016 with an overall score of 15.066. Dipa Karmakar, hailing from Agartala in Tripura started practicing gymnastics when she was 6 years old.

Wrestler Sakshi Malik, won the bronze medal in the 58 kg category, becoming the first Indian female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics and the fourth female Olympic medalist from India. Hailing from Rohtak district in Haryana, took up wrestling in 2002 and since then has won several tournaments including gold medals in national tournaments. She also won Bronze in Asian Championships 2015 and Silver in Commonwealth Games 2014.

P. V. Sindhu or Pusarla Venkata Sindhu secured a silver medal after losing to Carolina Marin in the women’s singles final. Sindhu is from Andhra Pradesh was born to volleyball players P. V. Ramana and P. Vijaya in the year 1995. Her father was honoured with Arjuna Award for having displayed excellence in his sport. One of the youngest and talented badminton players of the contemporary times, Sindhu has featured in top 10 in the world badminton rankings for the most part of 2014. She received Arjuna Award in 2013 and Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India in 2015.

The Government of India has conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award 2016, highest sporting honour of India to the trio a day after the Olympic Games came to an end in Rio de Janerio.

To commemorate the outstanding performance of the three great daughters of India Dipa Karmakaar, Sakshi Malik and P. V. Sindhu at Rio Olympics, a Special Cover was issued by Jharkhand Postal Circle. Special Cover was released by H. E. Governor of Jharkhand Droupadi Murmu and Chief Postmaster General, Jharkhand Circle Shri Anil Kumar at the function held at Ranchi on 22nd August 2016. Shri Ram Bhupal, Director Postal Services, Shri Arun Kumar Jha, Assistant Postmaster General, Ranchi and other officials of the Department of Posts were present on the occasion. (Special Cover approval no. JH/08/2016).

Cover Courtesy: Kasinath Rajasekaran, Thanjavur

Special Cover on First Madras Exchange Light House – 22nd August 2016.

It is believed that on 22nd August 1639 a small piece of land where Fort St. George stands today was acquired by the British East India Company from the local ruler. 22nd August 1639 being the widely agreed date for the deal, every year 22nd August is celebrated as founding day of Madras (now Chennai) and celebrated as ‘Madras Day’. In order to enlarge participation, the Madras Day has been expanded to create the Madras Week. This year Madras Week is being celebrated from 21st to 28th August.

On the occasion of 377th founding day of Madras a Special Cover to mark 220 years of first Madras Exchange Light House was released at a function held at ASI Building, Fort St. George, Chennai on 22nd August 2016. The Special Cover was released by Dr. Charles Lobo, Chief Postmaster General, Tamilnadu Circle and the first cover was received by Dr. Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetti, in presence of Shri Amarnath Ramakrishna, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI (Chennai), Shri D. Hemachandra Rao and other dignitaries. (Special Cover approval no. TN/31/2016). The cancellation shows octagonal shape of the Light House.

The first lighthouse was built on the roof of the Exchange Building (present day Fort Museum) in 1796. Situated at 99 feet above sea level, the beam was made in octagonal shape and built of wooden frame work and wooden plank covering. It had twelve oil wick lamps which were fueled by coconut oil. The three rear sides of glass windows were made opaque so no light is seen on the land side. This lighthouse functioned until 1841 when the British government erected a 120-ft Doric column in the High Court compound as a replacement that used argand lamps. In 1894, Madras’s third lighthouse was established as part of the new High Court building, 175-ft above sea level.

Cover Courtesy: Mahesh Parekh, Chennai

Special Cover on Vijayawada Book Festival Society - 22nd August 2016.

Vijayawada City is famous as the hub of Andhra Culture. Apart from festivals, the city of Vijayawada hosts many cultural programs. Vijayawada Book Festival is one among them. Vijayawada Book Festival is organised by the Vijayawada Book Festival Society. The first ever festival was held in 1989.

The journey of Vijayawada Book Festival Society started in September-October 1989 when the first ever Book Festival in Coastal Andhra was organized. The Society was found with Shri A. Ram Mohan Rao as President, Shri I. Akkeswar Rao as Vice-President, Shri Ashok Kumar as Secretary and Shri P. R. Koteswar Rao as Treasurer and other 9 members as working committee members. Another 40 as members from the book trade from all over India joined the Society. Vijayawada Book Festival Society has also started Literary Forum which undertakes book reading, reviews, launches etc., from time to time. Since its inception then it has become customary to hold the Vijayawada Book Festival on regular basis in the city. Society also conducts various competitions for students time to time. The Vijayawada Book Festival is the second biggest in the country after Kolkata Book Festival and so far, 27 Book festivals have been organized by the society.

On the occasion of Krishna Pushkaralu 2016, a Special Cover was released on Vijayawada Book Festival Society on 22nd August 2016 at Vijayawada.

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

76 Years of Last Visit to Mungpoo by Rabindranath Tagore - 21st August 2016.

Mungpoo is a small town in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It is about 33 kilometres from Darjeeling & about 52 kilometres from Siliguri. The land in the place is controlled by the Directorate of Cinchona & Other Medicinal Plants. Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore visited Mungpoo on 21st May in 1938, 24th May in 1939, 12th September in 1939 and 21st August in 1940. He wrote his famous poem “Janmadin” at Mungpoo.

To commemorate last visit of Rabindranath Tagore to Mungpoo a special cover was released at Mungpoo by Chief Post Master General North Bengal Circle on 21st August 2016 at Mungpoo.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on ISKCON Golden Jubilee Celebrations - 19th August 2016.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), otherwise known as the Hare Krishna movement, includes five hundred major centers, temples and rural communities, nearly one hundred affiliated vegetarian restaurants, thousands of namahattas or local meeting groups, a wide variety of community projects, and millions of congregational members worldwide. ISKCON was incorporated on 13th of July, 1966 by Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda in New York City. The fiftieth anniversary of ISKCON is being celebrated in India and worldwide.

To commemorate Golden Jubilee of ISKCON, a Special Cover was released in presence of Shri K. Somasundaram, Director of Postal Services, Vijayawada Region, Shri S. V. Siva Prasad, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Vijayawada Division, Shri K. Siva Venkateswara Rao, Superintendent of Post Offices, Postal Stores Depot, Malladi Hari Prasad Sharma, Senior Postmaster, Vijayawada H.O, Shri G. Siva Naga Raju and Shri S. S. V. A. K. Kumar, Assistant Superintendents of Post Offices, Shri Revati Raman Dasa, ISKCON Andhra Pradesh Zonal Secretary, Shri Ram Murari Dasa, ISKCON in-charge of Krishna and Guntur districts at Head Post Office, Vijayawada on 19th August 2016. (Special Cover approval no. AP/12/2016).

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Special Cover on Srisaila Devasthanam - 19th August 2016.

Srisailam is a holy town and mandal, situated in Nallamala Hills of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. It is on the banks of River Krishna, about 212 km south of Hyderabad. The Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple located in Srisailam is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Earlier, it was called Srigiri. The Bhramarambha Temple is also located in the same complex. It is considered as one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas in India. Bhramarambha is a very ferocious deity. Originally, she was worshipped by the Chenchu people.

On the occasion of Krishan Pushkaralu a Special Cover was released on Srisaila Devasthanam on 19th August 2016 at Sri Sailam.

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Srisailam Right Bank Hydro Electric Station - 19th August 2016.

Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Limited is one of the pivotal organizations of Andhra Pradesh, engaged in the business of Power generation. Apart from operation & Maintenance of the power plants it has undertaken the execution of the ongoing & new power projects scheduled under capacity addition programme and is taking up renovation & modernization works of the old power stations.

Srisailam Right Bank Hydro Power Plant located at Srisailam in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is operated by Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Limited. This Hydro Power Plant has a capacity of 770 MW. It has 7 unit(s). The first unit was commissioned in 1982 and the last in 1987. On the occasion of Krishan Pushkaralu a Special Cover was released on Srisailam Right Bank Hydro Electric Station on 19th August 2016 at S.S. Dam East P. O.

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Olymphilex India 2016 – 19th August 2016.

On the occasion of 2016 Rio Olympic Games philatelic exhibition on Sports and Olympic through philately was organized at Bengaluru GPO with the support of Department of Posts from 5th to 21st August 2016. Collections of Shri T. N. Prahlada Rao, Shri Jagannath Mani, Shri Vijay Kumar, Master Vineeth and Master Harpith were showcased in 20 frames. The exhibition was a tribute to Shri T. N. Prahalad Rao a Senior Olympic Stamp Collector.

Late Shri T. N. Prahlada Rao was a noted Philatelist of Bangalore who specialized in Olympic Philately. He was an active member of Karnataka Philatelic Society and the first Olympic philatelist from Karnataka who won awards in 1996, 2000, 2004 & 2008 at various events. He was instrumental in organizing first National Sport's and Games Philately exhibition ‘NGPEx-97’ and ‘Olymphilex India 2012’. He won medals for his exhibits in Sydney and Beijing Olympics. He was very active in philately till his last breathe. At the age of 82 he won award at Olympex 2008 at Beijing.

To commemorate the Olymphilex India 2016 exhibition and to pay a tribute to Veteran Philatelist Late Shri T. N. Prahlada Rao a Special Cover was released at the function held at Bengaluru GPO Auditorium on 19th August 2016. Special Cover was released by Mrs. Veena Srinivas, Postmaster General (BD), Karnataka Postal Circle in presence of Shri S. Rajendra Kumar, Postmaster General, SK Region, Bangalore, Shri M. P. Ganesh (Mullera Poovayya Ganesh), former hockey player, captain and coach of the Indian Hockey team and a Senior Philatelist Dr. Sita Bhateja. (Special Cover approval no. KTK/13/2016). The special cover is embedded with a QR code, the cover when scanned on smartphone directs the user to the link in pdf format where details about Shri T. N. Prahlada Rao and his collection is provided.
http://karnatakapost.gov.in/PHILATLY%20GALLERY/olympic/OLYMPHILEX%20INDIA%202016.pdf

Images Courtesy: Jagannath Mani, Bengaluru

Special Cover on Suvarna Chathurmasa Vratha of Vidyadhiraj Teerth Shripad Swamiji – 18th August 2016.

Chaturmasya is an auspicious four holy month period in Hindu tradition and the Vrata is followed throughout India by many Vaishnava communities. The months of Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashvina and Kartika fall under this period. These four months are said to be very pleasing to Bhagavan Vishnu.

Shree Gokarna Math of Mangaluru is a branch of Partagali Jeevotham Sri Gokarna Mutt, Partagali, Goa. Established in 1475 A.D. The Vaishnava Saraswats of Northern Karnataka are the followers of the Math. Shrimat Vidyadhiraj Teerth Shripad Vader Swamiji is 23rd pontiff of the Math.

Abhivandana Divas was observed to mark ‘Suvarna Chaturmasa’, the 50th Chaturmasya Vrata of Parthagali Gokarna Mutt seer Vidyadhiraj Theerth Sri Pad Vader Swamiji at the math premises on Car Street, Mangaluru. On this occasion a Special Cover and My Stamp were released on 18th August 2016 by Ms. Usha Chandrasekhar, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle and Swamiji in presence of Union Minister for Railways Shri Suresh Prabhu and other dignitaries at Mangaluru.

Special Cover on Martyrs of 18th August 1942 at Mohammadabad tehsil, Ghazipur – 18th August 2016.

On 8th August 1942, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement for freedom from British rule in Mumbai (then Bombay). The All-India Congress Committee launched a mass protest demanding what British Withdrawal from India. Large protests took place all across the country following this.

On the 18th August 1942, people from Mohammadabad tehsil in Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh declared their Independence from British Rule and hoisted the tricolour atop the tehsil building in Mohammadabad. The tehsildar of Mohammadabad opened fire on a crowd, killing eight persons from Sherpur village of Mohammadabad tehsil. These were mostly Congressmen led by Shiv Pujan Rai. Original flag of the protestors is carefully preserved at the Shaheed Smarak memorial at tehsil office.

A Special Cover was released at Ghazipur on 18th August 2016 to commemorate the Martyrs of 18th August 1942 who sacrificed their life for nation.

Courtesy: Rahul Ganguli, Allahabad

Special Cover on Srikakula Andhra Mahavishnu temple, Srikakulam – 16th August 2016.

Srikakula Andhra Mahavishnu temple is located at Srikakulam village in Ghantasala Mandal in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh. The presiding deity is Lord Vishnu who holds Shanka in right hand and a Chakra in left hand which symbolizes peace. Srikakula Andhra Mahavishnu Temple was built in 1081 as per the inscriptions on the pillar of the Rajagopuram. It is one among the few rare temples where we can see Lord as Lord Vishnu. In all the other temples we can see His other incarnations as Lord Venketeswara Swamy, Lord Narasimha Swamy, and Lord Krishna and Lord Rama. It is 57th one among the 108 divya desams of Lord Vishnu. The temple has beautiful Rajagopuram which was built by Anantha Dhandapaaludu. The pillars of Ragagopuram are carved with temple information. On the walls of this temple there are more than 30 inscriptions of 12th and 13th century. The temple was built by King Andhra Vishnu and named after himself.

On the occasion of Krishan Pushkaralu a Special Cover was released on Srikakula Andhra Mahavishnu temple on 16th August 2016 at Vijayawada H. O. (Special Cover approval no. AP/10/2016).

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Special Cover on 70th Independence Day of India – 15th August 2016.

15th August is the most historic day in Indian history as the nation celebrates its Independence Day to commemorate the birth of a free and democratic nation. 15th August, 1947 is the historic day that marks India’s freedom from the stranglehold of the British Raj. Independence Day is a deeply inspiring day and a day to revel in the freedom and glory regained by our freedom fighters.

The nation celebrated its 70th Independence Day on 15th August, 2016. On this occasion a Special Cover was released by Shri S. Rajendra Kumar, Postmaster General, SK Region, Bangalore on 15th August 2016 at Bengaluru GPO. (Special Cover approval no. KTK/11/2016).

Courtesy: Jagannath Mani, Bengaluru

Miniature Sheet on Tourism in India – 15th August 2016.

India is a vast South Asian country with diverse terrain – from Himalayan peaks to Indian Ocean coastline – and history reaching back 5 millennia. Tourism is fast emerging as one of the major sectors of the economy and generating huge employment opportunity across the country. The World Travel & Tourism Council calculated that tourism generated ₹8.31 lakh crore (US$120 billion) or 6.3% of the nation's GDP in 2015 and supported 37.315 million jobs, 8.7% of its total employment.

In the month of May 2016, Department of Posts had organized a Stamp Design Competition on the theme of ‘Tourism in India’ for the stamp to be released on Independence Day 2016. The theme tourism was selected on account of tourism sector being an economically important and rapidly growing industry in the country.

On the occasion of 70th Independence Day of India, Minister of Communication Shri Manoj Sinha released a commemorative stamp in form of Miniature Sheet in denomination of Rs. 25, on Tourism in India. Shri B. V. Sudhakar, Secretary, Department of Posts, Shri Ashutosh Tripathi, Director General, Postal Services, Ms. Meera Handa, Member (Planning), Postal Services Board and Shri A. N. Nanda, Member (Banking & HRD), Postal Serice Board were also present on the occasion.

Special Cover on National Electoral Roll Purification Programme – 13th August 2016.

The Election Commission of India (ECI)gives utmost importance to enrolment of all eligible citizens and to assist voters to reach and cast their votes in a hassle freeway by establishing Polling stations at a convenient location. “No voter to be left behind” is the motto of ECI for year 2016. National Electoral Roll Purification” (NERP) programme has been launched across the country with intensive verification by the Commissions’ field functionaries and stakeholders interaction, to enhance the purity and fidelity of Electoral Rolls (ERs) and to standardization of PS for electors convenience and facilitate voters’ reach his Polling Station with ease.

As a special initiative, Meghalaya State Election Department launched two colourful and attractive mascots, Mark and Markor based on the state animal the Clouded Leopard, who are poised to play a key role in effectively encouraging and motivating young people to participate and enroll as electors, with a view to further deepen the democratic process in the state. To mark this occasion, the "Point to the Future Gala Evening" was organised on 13th August, 2016 at State Central Library, Shillong.

On this occasion a Special Cover was released National Electoral Roll Purification Programme with My stamp on 13th August 2016 by Shri Som Kamei, Director, Postal Service (HQ), North Eastern Circle, Shillong and Shri Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Chief Electoral Officer of the State.

Courtesy: Joy Justin Bongcher, Shillong

Special Cover on World’s biggest Shirdi Sai Baba idol of Machilipatnam – 13th August 2016.

Machilipatnam is a city with a rich history of foreign conquests, business and trade. Sree Sai Maharaj Devalayam at the district court centre of Machilipatnam is the main attraction of the town. The world's biggest statue of Shirdi Sai Baba measuring 16.45 m (54 ft) height x 10.97 m (36 ft) wide is located near the temple. The statue was built by Lakshmipuram Vittal Rao, founder of Sree Sai Maharaj Devalayam and it was unveiled on 18th October 2007. The statue was created by sculptor A. Manikyaa Rao and his son Venkateswara Rao of Tenali and it took them three years to complete the statue. Sai Baba sitting on stone posture with Nagabarana (5 headed Snake) above the head is designed in front of the 3 storey temple of Sai Baba. The statue is so big that anybody who goes near the temple can only touch his feet. The statue appears as if Baba is sitting on the first storey of the building. To view the statue completely, one has to stand away from the building and lift their heads. Naga Sai Baba idol is entered the India Book of Records as the biggest Baba idol in the world.

To mark the Krishna Pushkaralu a Special Cover was released on the World’s biggest Shirdi Sai Baba idol known as Naga Sai Baba idol of Machilipatnam at Vijayawada Head Post Office on 13th August 2016 by Shri K. Somasundaram, Director of Postal Services, Vijayawada region. Shri Y. Ramakrishna, Superintendent of Post Offices, Machilipatnam Division, Shri S. V. Siva Prasad, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Vijayawada Division and Shri Lakshmipuram of Naga Sai Baba temple were present on the occasion.

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Book on 1st Mumbai Seminar on Philately: Proceedings

On the occasion of Platinum Jubilee Celebration of Mumbai Philatelic Bureau a Philately Seminar was organized at Mumbai on 21st June 2016.

Mumbai Philatelic Bureau has published proceedings of the 1st Mumbai Seminar in book form which includes papers presented at seminar on ‘Kaira District Postal History under British Administration’ by Dr. Punit S. Dixit, ‘Philatelic Bureaux in India’ by Shri Ashok Kumar Bayanwala, ‘Journey of Stamp Collector to Philatelist’ by Shri Rajan Jaykar, ‘Devotional Post’ by Shri Prashant H. Pandya, Summary of talk on ‘Contribution of the Mumbai GPO in the Development of Postal Communication of Various Countries in Africa and Asia’ delivered by Shri Vispi S. Dastur, ‘Open Philately: A template for the future of philately’, Concept note presented by Shri P. N. Ranjit Kumar, Postmaster General, Mumbai Region and Shri Ganesh V. Sawaleshwarkar, Postmaster General, Pune Region. The booklet is well designed and printed in multi colour.

This book is available for sale at Philatelic Bureau, Mumbai at Rs. 150. Special Cover issued to commemorate Platinum Jubilee Celebration of Mumbai Philatelic Bureau issued on 21st June 2016 is mounted on inner cover of the book and new pictorial cancellation of Mumbai Philatelic Bureau is also applied on first page of book. Please contact Philatelic Bureau, Mumbai GPO, Mumbai for requirement of book. Email: mumbaigpophilately@gmail.com

Picture Postcards on Temples situated on the banks of river Krishna - 12th August 2016.

Krishna pushkaralu is a festival of river Krishna which lasts for 12 days. A large number of devotees gather near the holy river of Krishna to have the holy dip. Krishna Pushkaralu happens due to the time of entry of Jupiter into Virgo (Kanya rasi). The auspicious occasion of Krishna pushkaralu began in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh from 12th August 2016 with people taking holy dips at several pushkar ghats constructed along the river Krishna.

The river Krishna took it birth at Near Mahabaleswar, Jor village, Satara district which is located in Maharashtra state. It flows along the various regions of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and finally flows into the Bay of Bengal at Hamasaladeevi in Andhra Pradesh. The 1300 Kilometers long Krishna River or Krishnaveni is one of the longest rivers in Peninsular India. It is the fourth largest river in India after the Ganga, Godavari and the Narmada.

On the occasion of Krishna Pushkaralu Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle has issue a pack of 18 Picture Postcards on Temples situated on the banks of river Krishna from originating point i.e., Mahabaleswaram in Maharashtra to ending point i.e., Hamsaladeevi in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh. 18 temples depicted on picture postcards are (1) Mahalingeswara Swamy Temple, (Mahabaleshwar S.O. - 412806), Maharashatra (2) Ganapathi Temple, (Sangli H.O. - 416416), Maharashtra (3) Dattatreya Swamy Temple, (Narsobawadi S.O. - 416104), Maharashtra (4) Sri Basaveshwara Swami Temple, (Sangam B.O. - 587115), Karnataka (5) Veerabhadra Swamy Temple, (Deosugur B.O. - 584170), Karnataka (6) Sripada Vallabha Swamy Temple, Panchadevapahad, (Makthal S.O. - 509208), Telangana (7) Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple, Malleswaram, (Pentlavally S.O. - 509105) Telangana (8) Sri Sangameswara Swami Temple, (Gundimalla B.O. - 509152), Telangana (9) Sri Jogulamba Temple, (Alampur S.O. - 509152), Telangana (10) Sri Anjaneyaswamy Temple, Krishnanagar, (Beechpally B.O. - 509133), Telangana (11) Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Matapally (Huzurnagar S.O. – 508204), Telangana (12) Sri Meenakshi Agateswara Swamy Temple, (Wadapally S.O. - 508355), Telangana (13) Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, (Srisailam Dam S.O. - 509326), Andhra Pradesh (14) Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, (Vedadri B.O. – 521457), Andhra Pradesh Telangana (15) Sri Amaralingeshwara Swamy Temple, (Amaravati S.O. - 522020), Andhra Pradesh (16) Kanakadurga Temple, (Vijayawada H.O. - 520001), Andhra Pradesh (17) Sri Subramanyeswara Swamy Temple, (Mopidevi S.O. - 521125), Andhra Pradesh and (18) Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple, (Hamsaladeevi B.O. - 521328) Andhra Pradesh. The postcards are available with Cancellations of all 18 post offices connected with each temple. Cancellations from the State of Maharashtra and Karnataka are circular date stamsp while A. P. and Telangana Cancellations are pictorial cancellations. Set of 18 Picture Postcards is priced at Rs. 350.

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Special Cover on Krishna Pushkaralu 2016 - 12th August 2016.

Krishna pushkaralu occurs once in twelve years. It is a festival of river Krishna which lasts for 12 days. A large number of devotees gather near the holy river of Krishna to have the holy dip. It is considered that Krishna pushkaralu water washes away the sins of the devotees. The auspicious occasion of Krishna pushkaralu began in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on 12th August 2016 with people taking holy dips at several pushkar ghats constructed along the river Krishna.

Alampur is a temple-town on banks of River Tungabhadra, situated in Mahbubnagar district, in the state of Telangana. Alampur is the meeting point of the sacred rivers Tungabhadra and Krishna and is referred to as Dakshina Kashi (also known as Navabrahmeshwara Theertha). The Sacredness of Alampur Temple is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. The principal deities at Alampur are Brahmeshwara and Jogulamba or Jagulamba.

The Jagulamba (Jogulamba) temple is regarded as a Shakti Peetha. According to Hindu mythology, "Oordhva Danta Pankthi" (upper jaw with tooth) of Devi fell here and the place formed as a Sakthi Peetham. During 1390 AD, the original temple was demolished by the Muslim invaders, led by Bahamani Sultans and the main idol along with the consorts was damaged by them. But some devotees resisted the invasions and protected the disfigured idols of Jogulamba with other consorts; repaired and kept them in the Bala Brahma temple. Later the temple was rebuilt after 615 years.

On the occasion of Krishna Pushkaralu a Special Cover was released at Alampur (Mahabubnagar district) on 12th August 2016. The cover depicts Jagulamba Temple of Alampur. This is the first ever Special Cover issued by Telangana Postal Circle after formation of new postal circle. (Special Cover approval no. TS/01/2016).

Image Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Presentation Pack on Gautam Buddha.

Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle has issued a presentation pack comprising a special cover released on the occasion of Buddha Poornima (2560th Birth Anniversary of Buddha) on 21st May, 2016. The Special Cover bears a commemorative stamp of Rs. 5 denomination on Drukpa Lineage of Buddhism with Special and place Cancellation at famous Buddha Statue, Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad dated 21.05.16. This pack also consists 6 Commemorative Stamps released in the year 2007 on 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of Buddha. The presentation pack is priced at Rs. 500.

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Special Cover on Amaravati – 10th August 2016.

Amaravati is the riverfront capital city of the Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the southern banks of the Krishna river in Guntur district, within the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region.The foundation stone for the planned city was laid on 22nd October 2015, at Uddandarayunipalem area by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. The cities of Guntur and Vijayawada are the major nearby cities to the state capital. As per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act (2014), Hyderabad became the capital of the newly formed state of Telangana, post bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. However, Hyderabad would remain as the joint capital of both states for a period of time not exceeding ten years. Hence, Amaravati is thus being built to serve as the capital of Andhra Pradesh. The new capital is named after the historic site of Amaravati, known as the center of Buddhist culture.

Amaravati was the capital of the Satavahanas, the first great dynasty of the Andhra kings who ruled between 2nd century BCE to 3rd century CE. At that point of time, it was known as Dhanyakataka. Satavahanas also contributed to Buddhist art and architecture after Ashoka the Great, the Satavahanas were the ones who built imposing stupas in the country, particularly in the Krishna river valley. Amaravati was a seat of Buddhism prior to the rise of Satavahanas, and a stupa and monastery were built there during the reign of Emperor Ashoka (269-232 BC) under Mauryan empire. The great stupa or Mahachaitya at Amaravati was one of the biggest in Andhra Pradesh with a probable diameter of 50 meters and a height of 27 meters.

On the occasion of Krishna Pushkaram a Special Cover was released on the new Capital Amaravati on 10th August 2016 at Amaravati (Special Cover approval no. AP/11/2016).

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Special Cover on Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam – 10th August 2016.

Goddess Kanaka Durga temple is situated on the hillock known as Indrakeeladri on the left Bank of River Krishna at Vijayawada. Goddess Kanaka Durga manifested herself (Swayambhu) at this place and it is one of the largest temples in India and second largest temple in Andhra Pradesh one of the popular pilgrimage centre. The origin of this shrine is known to be of 8th century. The temple was constructed during the Regime of Mogalaya rulers. It is said that in the Krithayuga goddess Durga killed Mahishasura who was a disaster for World. Then goddess Durga shined on the Keela mountain with eight arms in the form of Mahishasura Mardini as she had given boon to keela. On this mountain, goddess Durga had been glowing with the lighting of crores of suns, with golden colour. Since then, Indra and all the deities praised her chanting “Kanaka Durga” and they had been worshipping her daily. The temple is also called as Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple or Durga Temple Vijayawada and it is managed by Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam trust board, Vijayawada.

A Special Cover was issued on Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Varla Devasthanam on the occasion of Krishna Pushkaram on 10th August 2016 at Vijayawada. (Special Cover approval no. AP/08/2016).

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Special Cover on Rio Olympics 2016 – 10th August 2016.

The 2016 Summer Olympics officially known as the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, and commonly known as Rio 2016 is being held at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 5th to 21st August, 2016. Opening rounds in certain events began on 3rd August 2016—two days before the opening ceremony.

To commemorate Rio Olympics 2016 a Special Cover was released by Tamilnadu Postal Circle on 10th August 2016. Shri Charles Lobo, Chief Postmaster General, Tamilnadu Circle released the special cover and the first copy was presented to Shri. V. Bhaskaran, Indian Hockey Player and Captain of the Gold Medal Winning Indian Hockey Team (1980). Ms. V. Jayalakshmi, Olympian Athlete was also present on the occasion. (Special Cover approval no. TN/30/2016).

The Special Cover has a QR Code printed on rear side which can be read using QR Code reader on Smart Phones. On scanning QR Code it leads to the link http://tamilnadupost.nic.in/phil/olympics.htm which provides information on India at the Olympics after Independence and photographs of medal winners with short information about event, medals won etc.

Maxim Cards on Orchids released by Karnataka Postal Circle at Bengaluru - 8th August 2016.

Karnataka Postal Circle has issued a set of Six Maxim Cards on Orchids viz. Esmeralda cathcartii (Lindl.) Rchb.f., Dendrobium gibsoni Lindl., Cypripedium himalaicum Rolfe, Paphiopedilum villosum (Lindl.) Stein, Esmeralda clarkei Rchb.f. and Dendrobium falconeri Hook. The set of six cards is priced at Rs. 150 (Inclusive of Postage Stamp, Shipping Cost extra). Orders can be placed to Bengaluru Philatelic Bureau, Bengaluru GPO. Contact: cpmbggpo@gmail.com for orders and more information.

Commemorative Stamps on Orchids – 8th August 2016.

Department of Posts has issued a set of 6 Stamps, Miniature Sheet and Sheetlets on six species of Orchids found in India. Two each stamps are in denomination of Rs. 5, Rs. 15 and RS. 25 respectively. Species depicted on stamps are Esmeralda cathcartii (Lindl.) Rchb.f., Dendrobium gibsoni Lindl., Cypripedium himalaicum Rolfe, Paphiopedilum villosum (Lindl.) Stein, Esmeralda clarkei Rchb.f. and Dendrobium falconeri Hook.

Esmeralda cathcartii (Lindl.) Rchb.f.
Common Name is Cathcart's Arachnanthe. Flower Size is 7.5 to 8.75 cm. It is found in the northeastern India, Sikkim, eastern Himalayas, Nepal, Bhutan in tropical broadleaf forests near streams in cool shade at elevations of 600 to 2000 meters this genus was formerly known as Esmeralda cathcartii. It is a giant sized, warm to cool growing, vandanaceous, epiphytic plant with an elongate stem carrying alternate, oblong, coriaceous leaves that blooms in the spring and summer on a stout, axillary, 18 cm long, pendulous or horizontal, 3 to 6 flowered inflorescence with waxy, very fragrant, long-lived.

Dendrobium gibsonii Lindl.
Common Name is Gibson's Dendrobium. Flower Size is 3 to 5 cm. It is found in Himalaya, Assam (India), Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, China and Vietnam at elevations of 650 to 1650 meters as a large sized, warm to cool growing epiphyte or lithophyte on mossy limestone cliffs with centrally swollen, tapering towards the apex, pendulous, ribbed stems carrying 6 to 10, ovate to lanceolate, acute, deciduous leaves that bloom in the spring and summer on a slightly fractiflex, nodding to pendulous, 15 to 20 cm long, loosely 6 to 15 flowered inflorescence arising on older leafless canes.

Cypripedium himalaicum Rolfe
Common Name is the Himalayan Cypripedium. Flower Size is 7.5 cm. It is found from the Chinese Himalayas, eastern Himalayas, western Himalayas, Jammu-Kashmir, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh (India), Nepal and Bhutan as a small sized, cold to cool growing terrestrial in thin stony soils in open woodland clearings, under small shrubs on steep hillsides, among grass-clad limestone boulders in crevasses at elevations of 2000 to 5000 meters with a short, erect, sparsely pubescent stem carrying 3 to 4, deciduous, ovate-elliptic to oblong, acute, slightly pubescent on upper surface, glabrous underneath leaves that blooms in the late spring and summer on a erect, pubescent, single flowered, to 20 cm long inflorescence with waxy, brittle, very fragrant flowers and no subtending leafy bract.

Paphiopedilum villosum (Lindl.) Stein
Common Name is the Hirsute Paphiopedilum. Flower Size is 12.5 to 15 cm. This large sized, cool to cold growing, clump forming humus epiphytic species or rare lithophyte with clear yellow green leaves is found in Assam (India), Myanmar, Thailand; Southern China, Laos and Vietnam in primary, evergreen, wet, closed, mixed and broadleafed, highland cloud forests on tree forks or clumps of ferns 10 to 15 meters above the ground or rarely on cliff faces as a lithophyte at altitudes of 1100 to 2100 meters in areas with abundant rainfall. This species is characterized by having 4 to 5 narrowly lanceolate to linear-ligulate, suberect, dark yellow green, purple spotted beneath near the base of the leaves and is unequally, acutely bilobed apically. It blooms on a suberect to arcuate, terminal, to 30 cm long, dark green with purple, pubescent inflorescence with an elliptic, glabrous, green spotted maroon floral bract that is as long as the ovary and a single, glossy flower in the fall. In India it is found in Assam.

Esmeralda clarkei Rchb.f.
Common Name is Clark's Arachnanthe. Flower size is 5.5 to 7.5 cm. It is found in Assam, eastern Himalayas (India), Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Myanmar, Thailand and southern China on rocks along valleys or on tree trunks in open forests at elevations 1500 to 2000 meters as a large to giant sized, cool growing, monopodial epiphyte or lithophyte with an elongate pendant stem carrying oblong-lorate, coriaceous leaves that blooms in the fall to late winter on a 20 cm long, 3 to 4 flowered inflorescence with slightly fragrant flowers.

Dendrobium falconeri Hook
Common Name is Falconer's Dendrobium. Flower Size is 5 to 10 cm. It is found in India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Sikkim), Chinese Himalayas, eastern Himalayas, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand and Taiwan as a large sized, cool to warm growing epiphyte on lightly shaded branches or tree trunks in dense forests or on rocks along valleys at elevations of 800 to 1900 meters with pendant, branching, knotty, soft, slender stems that frequently form roots at the nodes and grow into a tangled mess. The few, linear, grass-like, quickly deciduous leaves arise on new growth at the apex and blooms on a very short, single flowered inflorescence that arises all along the old and new canes with a single, fragrant flower that lasts about 2 weeks occurring in the spring.

Special Cover on 95 Years of Gandhiji's visit to Belur Math - 8th August 2016

Belūr Maṭh or Belur Mutt is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, a chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. It is located on the west bank of Hooghly River, Belur, West Bengal and is one of the significant institutions in Calcutta. In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi visited Belur Math on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s Birthday Celebrations, where he spoke of Swami Vivekananda’s deep impact on his understanding of India.

A special cover was released to commemorate 95 Years of Gandhiji's visit to Belur Math at Kolkata on 8th August 2016.

Note: In the year 1901, Gandhiji visited Calcutta to attend the session of the Indian National Congress on 27th December as a quite unknown delegate. In great anticipation, he walked all the way to Belur Math to try and meet the most respected Swami Vivekananda. However, he could not meet Swami Vivekananda who was seriously ill at the time.

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on 86 Years of Salt Satyagrah by Gandhiji - 8th August 2016.

The Salt March, also known as the Dandi Yatra and the Dandi Satyagraha, was an act of nonviolent civil disobedience in colonial India initiated by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to produce salt from the seawater in the coastal village of Dandi, as was the practice of the local populace until British officials introduced taxation on salt production, deemed their sea-salt reclamation activities illegal, and then repeatedly used force to stop it. The 24-day march began on 12 March 1930 as a direct action campaign of tax resistance and nonviolent protest against the British salt monopoly, and it gained worldwide attention which gave impetus to the Indian independence movement and started the nationwide Civil Disobedience Movement. Gandhiji led the Dandi March from his base, Sabarmati Ashram, near the city of Ahmedabad. 78 people began the march with Gandhi, who intended to walk 240 miles (390 km) to the coastal village of Dandi, which was located at a small town called Navsari in the state of Gujarat.

A special cover was released to commemorate 86 years of Salt Satyagrah by Gandhiji at Kolkata on 8th August 2016.

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on 75th Death Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore - 7th August 2016.

Rabindranath Tagore, also known as Gurudev, was a renowned Bengali poet and a person of immense knowledge and learning. He reshaped Bengali literature and music and Indian art in the late 19th and early 20th century. Born on May 7, 1861, Tagore became the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 mainly for his famous work Gitanjali a collection of 157 poems, the original Bengali version of which was published on Aug 14, 1910. The English translation by Tagore called the Song Offerings consists of 103 poems that was first published in November 1912 by the India Society of London. Tagore passed away on 7th August, 1941 in Kolkata, which also happens to be his birthplace.

75th death anniversary of poet Rabindranath Tagore was celebrated on 7th August 2016 at various part of the country. A Special Cover was released at Jorsanko, Kolkata on 7th August 2016 to commemorate 75th Death Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore (Special Cover approval no. WB/16/2016).

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Maxim Cards on Olympics Events - 5th August 2016.

Karnataka Postal Circle has issued a set of four Maxim Cards on Olympics events viz. Badminton, Boxing, Wrestling and Shooting. The set of four cards is priced at Rs. 100. (Postage extra). Orders can be placed to Bengaluru Philatelic Bureau, Bengaluru GPO. Contact: cpmbggpo@gmail.com for more information.

Olymphilex India 2016 Philatelic Exhibition, Bengaluru – 5th – 21st August 2016.

Olympics is the greatest sporting festival in the world and the world's largest hobby is stamp collection. On the occasion of XXXI Olympiad or 2016 Rio Olympic Games to demonstrate these two great activities an exhibition on Sports and Olympic through philately is organized at Bengaluru GPO with the support of Department of Posts. Collections of Shri TN Prahlada Rao, Shri Jagannath Mani, Shri Vijay Kumar, Master Vineeth and Master Harpith have been exhibited in 20 frames which includes Stamps on Olympic Games from 1896 to 2012. The exhibition is a tribute to Shri TN Prahalad Rao a Senior Olympic Stamp Collector. Exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Shivaram, Chief Postmaster, Bengaluru GPO on 5th August 2016. On the occasion local philatelists, Shri B. D. Chari, ASP, Bengaluru, Shri Prasad, Shri Murali, Philately Councilor and other staff members of Department of Posts were present.

Exhibition will remain open from 5th to 21st August 2016 between 10 AM to 5 PM.

Courtesy: Jagannath Mani, Bengaluru

Commemorative Stamps on Olympic Games Rio - 5th August 2016.

The 2016 Summer Olympics officially known as the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, and commonly known as Rio 2016, is a major international multi-sport event in the tradition of the Olympic Games as governed by the International Olympic Committee, being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The host city of Rio de Janeiro was announced at the 121st IOC Session held in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 2 October 2009. Rio will become the first South American city to host the Summer Olympics. Opening rounds in certain events began on 3rd August 2016—two days before the opening ceremony, and the Games will formally run from 5th August to 21st August 2016.

Vinicius and Tom are the official mascots for the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics respectively in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Vinicius, named after Brazilian lyricist Vinicius de Moraes, is the Olympic mascot. Vinicius's design represents Brazilian wildlife, combining "the agility of cats, sway of monkeys and grace of birds." The character's arms and legs can stretch unlimited distances. Tom, named after the musician Tom Jobim, is the Paralympic mascot. Tom's design represents the plants of Brazilian forests; any object can be pulled out of the leaves on Tom's head.

A record number of countries are participating in a record number of sports. More than 11,000 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), including first time entrants Kosovo and South Sudan, are scheduled to take part. With 306 sets of medals, the games will feature 28 Olympic sports—including rugby sevens and golf, which were added by the International Olympic Committee in 2009. These sporting events will take place at 33 venues in the host city and at five venues in the cities of São Paulo (Brazil's largest city), Belo Horizonte, Salvador, Brasília (Brazil's capital), and Manaus.

More than 120 athletes from India are participating in Rio Olympic Games. The men's hockey teams have given a shine to India's Olympic campaigns, with eight gold medals won between Amsterdam 1928 and Moscow 1980. In all, India has 24 medals (nine golds, four silvers and 11 bronzes) from 23 editions since Paris 1900.

A Set of four Commemorative Stamps and Miniature Sheet on Rio Olympic Games were released by Minister of Communications Shri Manoj Sinha and MoS Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Vijay Goel on 5th August 2016 at the function held at Banquet Hall of Ashok Hotel in New Delhi. Shri B. V. Sudhakar, Secretary (Posts), Ministry of Communications and Rajiv Yadav, Secretary, (Sports), Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports were also present on the occasion.

6 Sheetlets are also issued which will only be available at ePost Office Portal in a Pack priced Rs 2200. The pack contains 6 sheetlets, 1 Miniature sheet, 1 FDC and 1 brochure. Face value of the material in the pack is Rs 1570.

Special Cover on Centenary Celebration on Railway Mixed School, Erode - 3rd August 2016.

The Railway Mixed High School, Erode, located near Erode Railway Station was established as Primary School in 1916. Spread over nearly 23000 sq. mts. within the Railway Colony is under the administrative control of Salem Division of Southern Railway. The school was upgraded as High School in 1997. Originally, the school was affiliated to Anglo Indian Syllabus, and now has adopted CBSE stream from 2015-16. The school has the distinction of providing education to the highest number of railway employees’ wards. The school provides a holistic education such as training in Hindi, Yoga, Dance, Karate, drawing, over and above their academic curriculam.

Railway Mixed High School, Erode completed 100 years of educational services, this year. The Valedictory Function of the Centenary Celebrations of this School was held on 3rd August 2016. On the occasion a Special Cover was released by Ms. Sharda Sampath, Postmaster General, Tamilnadu Western Region, in the presence of General Manager of Southern Railway Vashistha Johri, Chief Personnel Officer of Southern Railway N. Swaminathan, Divisional Railway Manager of Salem Division Hari Shankar Verma and other senior officials.

Special Cover on 97th Foundation Day of East Bengal Club – 1st August 2016.

East Bengal Club is a professional football club, based in Kolkata and it is the most consistent football club of India. It was founded on 1st August 1920 by Suresh Chandra Chaudhuri, Raja Manmatha Nath Chaudhuri, Ramesh Chandra Sen and Aurobinda Ghosh. East Bengal started the successful journey on the very first month of their establishment when they won the seven-a-side Hercules Cup. East Bengal is the only Club to win twice Triple Crown in the History of Indian Football. First was in the year 1972 when the club won IFA Shield, Durand Cup and Rovers Cup. The same feat was repeated in the year 1990. The club has won 3 National Football League (India) (later named as I league) titles, 8 Federation Cups, 3 Indian Super Cups and many more. The club is the current holder of the Calcutta Football League. The club has represented India the most number of times in the Asian competitions, with its best performance being a semi-final berth in the AFC Cup 2013. East Bengal had also won ASEAN Club Championship in 2003. East Bengal Club also has a multi-collaborative tie-in with Leicester City FC, UK for an exchange program with junior footballers, in respect to coaching techniques, sports science, and other developmental programs. In 1998, club signed with Vijay Mallya's United Breweries Group which then formed a new Private Limited Company called "United East Bengal Football Team Private Limited". The club also renamed itself as Kingfisher East Bengal FC from then on.

On the 97th Foundation Day celebration, Hon'ble Chief Minister of West Bengal Ms. Mamata Banerjee and Chief Postmaster General, West Bengal Circle, Ms. Arundhaty Ghosh released a Special Cover in presence of on 1st August 2016 at Kolkata. Ms. Banerjee also handed over Life Time Achievement Awards to two former footballers: Shyam Thapa and Shyamal Ghosh.

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

“KRISHNA JAL”, Sale of Krishna Pushkar Jal through Post Offices

Krishna pushkaralu occurs once in twelve years. It is a festival of river Krishna which lasts for 12 days. A large number of devotees gather near the holy river of Krishna to have the holy dip. It is considered that Krishna pushkaralu water washes away the sins of the devotees. The auspicious occasion of Krishna pushkaralu is going to begin from 12th August 2016.

After the successful distribution of ‘GOD-JAL’ during Godavari Pushkaram last year, Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle is now set to supply 500 ml. bottles of water filled with water from Krishna river for Rs 30 during this festival. The water that will be collected during the Krishna Pushkarams will go through various stages of purification before getting bottled. However, the water is not meant for drinking purpose and is useful for puja and bathing purpose only.

The department of posts has already begun bookings of ‘KRISH-JAL’ through the post offices in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana state. Customers can also book the order on line through the AP post website www.appost.in/eshop from 19th July to 8th August 2016. Cost of Rs. 50 is fixed for online sale of ‘KRISH-JAL’ bottle and delivery charges are Rs. 75 (up to 200 km), Rs. 104 (201 – 1000 kms), Rs. 138 (1001 – 2000 kms) and Rs. 161 (2000 kms above). Delivery of the water will commence from 19th August 2016.

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad