News : November 2015

Special Cover on Sahitya Vachaspati Mahopadhyay Shri Vinaysagar – 30th November 2015.

Mahopadhyay Vinaysagar (b. 1st July 1929 – d. 30th Nov. 2014) was a great Jain scholar. He had several scholarly works in his account. He had especially mastered Sanskrit and Prakrit, ancient oriental languages and Jain history. He had been awarded with several academic awards and prizes viz. Sahitya Vachaspati, Khartar Ratna Sanman etc. Hindi translation of old Prakrit literature "Kuvalaymala" has been published by Prakrit Bharati academy and Hindi translation of Jain canon "Acharang Sutra" published by Nakoda Teerth.

A Special cover was released on a famous Jain personality Sahitya Vachaspati Mahopaddhya Shri Vinay Sagarji on his first death Anniversary on 30th November 2015 by Devarshi Kala Nath Shastri and Acharya Narain Shastriji at a function jointly organized by Jaipur Philatelic Society and Prakrit Bharti Academy Jaipur at Prakrit Bharti Academy, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur.

Cover Courtesy: J. M. Dhor, Jaipur

Special Cover on ‘The Kangla’ released at Sangai Festival 2015 – 30th November 2015.

‘Manipur Sangai Festival’, named after the State animal, Sangai, the brow antlered deer found only in Manipur in the whole world, is an important annual event organized by the Tourism Department, Government of Manipur from 21st to 30th November every year. The Festival strives to showcase and promote the best of what the state has to offer to the world in terms of art and culture, handloom, handicrafts & fine arts, indigenous sports, cuisines & music, eco & adventure sports as well as the scenic natural beauty of the land. This is the biggest and grandest festival of Manipur where all the tribes and communities meet and celebrate the uniqueness of Manipur.

The closing ceremony of 10-day annual Manipur Sangai Festival 2015 was held at the Bhagyachandra open air theatre, Imphal. On the occasion a Special Cover was released on “The Kangla” by Chief Minister of Manipur Shri Okram Ibobi Singh in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and Shri Vinod Kumar, Director Postal Services, Manipur Division.

Kangla is the most important historical and archeological site of Manipur. Kangla was the ancient capital of Manipur from the ancient times down to the year 1891 AD. It is located at the heart of the Imphal city. It is situated on the western bank of the Imphal River. In ancient times, 'Kangla' was the royal palace since the reign of Pakhangba who ascended the throne in 33 AD, according to "Cheitharol Kummaba", the royal Chronicle of Manipur. According to the legend believed that the area was ruled by Khaba before the reign of Pakhangba. In pre-Pakhangba period, a ruling clan named Khaba ruled from 'Kangla'. 'Kangla' is not only the seat of political power but also a holy place for religious worship and ceremonies.

Courtesy: Joy Justin Bongcher, Shillong

New addition to 11th Definitive Series on ‘Makers of India’.

Department of Posts has issued two more definitive stamps in new 11th Definitive Series on ‘Makers of India’ in denomination of Rs. 5 on Swami Vivekananda and Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Both Stamps are printed at India Security Press, Nashik Road.

New definitive stamps on other eminent personalities like Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shivaji, Maulana Azad, Bhagat Singh, Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia, Maharana Pratap, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Srinivasa Ramanujan, Rabindranath Tagore, Subramania Bharati, Bhimsen Joshi, M.S. Subbulakshmi and Bismillah Khan has also been planned.

Courtesy: Dheeraj Agarwal, Pune | Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Special Cover on 50 years of Completion of International Indian Ocean Expedition and Golden Jubilee of CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa - 30th November 2015.

International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE) (1959-65), sponsored by SCOR and IOC, was the first true multinational large scale experiment in the world ocean, in which 20 countries with over 40 ships and hundreds of researchers participated. This expedition generated a wealth of information that was documented in several atlases, books, conference proceedings, special reports besides numerous research papers. In addition to scientific advancement, IIOE also contributed immensely to the development of human resources in ocean sciences in countries bordering the Indian Ocean. India was a very active participant in IIOE and was given, among other things, the responsibility of sorting, identification and maintenance of zooplankton collections. For this purpose, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) established the Indian Ocean Biological Centre (IOBC, 1962-66) at Cochin in cooperation with UNESCO. One of the most important outcomes of IIOE was the transformation of the IOBC into the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) as a CSIR National Laboratory, on the 1st of January 1966. This Institute has since contributed greatly to understanding of oceanographic processes of the North Indian Ocean.

In order to celebrate the linked events of 50 years of completion of IIOE and the Golden Jubilee of NIO, an International Symposium is organized from 30th November to 4th December 2015 at Goa. On this occasion a Special Cover was released by Mrs. Alina Saldanha, Minister of Science & Technology, Museums and Rural Development, Goa in presence of Mr. G. R. Patil, Dy. Superintendent Post Office, Goa Division and other dignitaries on 30th November 2015 at Panaji (Special Cover approval no. MH/36/2015).

Courtesy: Prasad Barde, Goa | CSIR-NIO

Special Cover on Golden Jubilee of Thane Division Postal Employees' Co. Op. Credit Society Limited, Thane - 29th November 2015.

A Special Cover to commemorate 50 years of the Thane Division Postal Employees' Co. Op. Credit Society Limited was released at Thane on 29th November 2015 (Special Cover approval no. MH/35/2015).

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Hockey India, Raipur – 27th November 2015.

Hockey India League (HIL) is a professional league for field hockey competition in India. It is organised by Hockey India. The tournament was originally contested in the first season among five franchisee-based teams consisting of players from India and around the world. In 2014, Kalinga Lancers joined as the sixth franchise, based in Bhubaneswar. It is currently sponsored by two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp, and is therefore officially known as Hero Hockey India League or HHIL.

The Hero Hockey World League 2015 Final was held from 27th November to 6th December 2015 at the newly inaugurated Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel International Hockey Stadium, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The top eight teams of Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Great Britain, India and Netherlands participated at the year’s biggest global hockey event. The tournament also marked the city’s first ever exposure to a multi-nation international tournament. The Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium with a capacity of 4000 spectators is the second International Hockey Stadium with a blue Astroturf after the International Hockey Stadium in Rajnandgaon.

A Special Cover on Hockey India was released on 27th November 2015 at Raipur to commemorate The Hero Hockey World League 2015 by Dr. Raman Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. My Stamp on Indian Hockey Captain Sardar Singh was also launched, honouring his contribution to Indian hockey by Chief Minister.

Cover Courtesy: Vijay Kumar Jain, Jaipur

Special Cover on 3rd International Congress on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine 2015 - 27th November 2015.

Third International Congress on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine 2015 (ICGGM 2015) and 1st Congress of the International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse were held at India International Centre, New Delhi from 27th to 29th November 2015. The conference was jointly organized by AIIMS, Indian Army, UCMS, IAG & University of Delhi to sensitize and reorient medical practitioners and other health care professionals from all over the world to improve old age care. Main themes of this conference were Clinical Geriatrics, Social Gerontology, Bio-gerontology.

On the occasion as Special Cover was released on 3rd International Congress on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine 2015 by Communications and Information Technology Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad in presence of Shri Vasu Mitra, Chief Postmaster General, Delhi and other dignitaries.

Cover Courtesy: Vijay Kumar Jain, Jaipur | Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Centenary Celebration of Municipal Higher Primary School, Mahadevpet, Madikeri – 27th November 2015.

The Municipal Higher Primary School was established in 1914 and has since been doing a yeomen service in the field of education. It is located at Mahadevpet just near the Raja’s Tomb at Madikeri, Kodagu in Karnataka. The school has been providing value based education to the needy and deserving students of the society. It is popularly known in Madikeri as A.V. School (Anglo Vernacular School).

On the occasion of Centenary celebrations of the school a Special Cover was issued featuring school’s heritage building on 27th November 2015 at Madikeri by past students as the chief guests in the presence of the officials of department of posts and the Municipal Higher Primary School (Special Cover approval no. KTK/51/2015).

Courtesy: Viswas Menon, Madikeri

Roake Trophy awarded to Col. (Dr.) Jayanta Dutta and Dr. Anjali Dutta.

Well known philatelist couple of Pune Col. (Dr.) Jayanta Dutta and Dr. Anjali Dutta has been awarded the Roake Trophy for philatelic research by the India Study Circle for Philately, UK. In the last 45 years, they are the eighth and ninth Indians to be awarded the same and they are the first ever to be so honoured for Fiscal Philately. This is the highest award in philatelic research awarded by India Study Circle for Philately. Col. (Dr.) Jayant Dutta and Dr. Anjali Dutta have several international awards to their credit for their philatelic exhibits on Fiscal Philately. Our heartiest Congratulations to Col. Jayanta Dutta and Dr. Anjali Dutta.

Pradip Jain honoured with Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society, London (FRPSL).

Well known philatelist and stamp dealer Shri Pradip Jain of Patna has been honoured with distinction of Fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society, London (FRPSL) with effect from 21st October 2015. Our heartiest congratulations to Shri Pradip Jain.

 

 

Commemorative Stamp on Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India) – 24th November 2015.

Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India) is the premier trade and investment promotion organization in India. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India and caters to the Indian engineering sector. As an advisory body it actively contributes to the policies of Government of India and acts as an interface between the engineering industry and the Government. Set up in 1955, EEPC India now has a membership base of over 13,000 out of whom 60% are SMEs. EEPC India organizes a large number of promotional activities such as buyer-seller meets (BSM) – both in India and abroad, overseas trade fairs/exhibitions, and India pavilion/information booths in selected overseas exhibitions to demonstrate the capabilities of Indian engineering industry and to provide the overseas buyers with true value as propagated by Brand India. India Engineering Exhibition (INDEE) is EEPC India’s own brand and is one of the largest expositions of engineering in the world. This has been happening for the last few decades and is established as the largest and most important showcase for Indian engineering. EEPC India facilitates sourcing from India and boosts the SMEs to raise their standard at par with the international best practices. It also encourages the SMEs to integrate their business to the global value chain.

EEPC India is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. To mark the Diamond Jubilee of Engineering Export Promotion Council of India, a commemorative stamp was released by Shri Ravi Capoor, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry at India Engineering Sourcing Show – 2015 held at Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai on 24th November 2015. India Engineering Sourcing Show – 2015 (IESS15) is India’s largest international engineering sourcing show organised by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, with EEPC India as the lead agency.

Photo Courtesy: PIB, Mumbai

India – Singapore Commemorative Joint Issue – 24th November 2015.

On the occasion of 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong jointly released India - Singapore Joint issue commemorative stamps depicting official residence of the President of India (Rashtrapati Bhavan) and President of Singapore (Istana), at Istana, Singapore on 24th November 2015.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Residence) is the official residence of the President of India, located in Raisina Hill, New Delhi. The present day Rashtrapati Bhavan was the erstwhile residence of the British Viceroy. The decision to build a residence in New Delhi for the British Viceroy was taken after it was decided in the Delhi Durbar of 1911 that the capital of India would be shifted from Calcutta to Delhi in the same year. It was transformed in to the permanent institution of democracy on 26th January 1950 when Dr. Rajendra Prasad became the first President of India and occupied this building to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of India. It was from that day that this building was renamed as Rashtrapati Bhavan - the President's House.

It is interesting to note that the building which was scheduled to be completed in four years took seventeen years and on the eighteenth year of its completion India became independent. Apart from architect Edwin Landseer Lutyens, the Chief architect and Chief Engineer Hugh Keeling there were many Indian contractors who were involved in the construction of this building. This vast mansion has got four floors and 340 rooms. With a floor area of 200,000 square feet it is built by using 700 million bricks and three million cubic feet of stone. Rashtrapati Bhavan is the largest head of state residence in the world however in terms of area Presidential Complex of Turkey is largest in the world which was opened on 29th October 2014.

The Istana is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Singapore. It occupies over 40 hectares of land along Orchard Road. It is a precious and important part of Singapore's history and heritage, and has borne witness to Singapore's many historical milestones. Meaning "palace" in Malay, it is where the President receives and entertains state guests. The Istana is also the working office of the Prime Minister of Singapore. It is in a large open compound in the otherwise urbanised setting of the Orchard Road area.

The Istana building was built by the British Colonial government to house its governors. Completed in 1869, it was then known as the Government House. The building was handed over to the Singapore Government when Singapore attained self government in 1959, and renamed Istana (“Palace” in Malay). The Istana building underwent extensive renovation between 1996 and 1998, to add more space and modern day conveniences.

Photo Courtesy: ANI

Special Cover on 25th Anniversary of Indian Naval Air Squadron 339 - 23rd November 2015.

Indian Naval Air Squadron 339 (INAS 339 – The Falcons) is an Indian naval air squadron based at INS Hansa, Goa. INAS 339 was commissioned by V Adm SK Jain PVSM, AVSM, NM on 23 Nov 90 at INS Kunjali, Mumbai. Cdr SV Purohit was the commissioning Squadron Commander of the squadron. The squadron initially operated Sea King helicopters but changed over to Kamov 28s in Mar 93. The squadron, thereafter, shifted base to INS Hansa, Goa.

On the momentous occasion of 25 glorious years of service to the nation a Special Cover was released on Indian Naval Air Squadron 339 on 23rd November 2015 at A P Dabolim (Special Cover approval no. MH/33/2015).

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

New Definitive Series – the 11th Definitive Series on ‘Makers of India’ launched by India Post.

Department of Posts has issued first stamp of new definitive series – the 11th Definitive Series on ‘Makers of India’ in denomination of Rs. 5 on Deendayal Upadhyaya. It has been reported that Stamps are available Chennai and Hyderabad from 23rd November 2015. Stamp is printed at India Security Press, Nashik Road.

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (b. 25 September 1916 – d. 11 February 1968) was a philosopher, economist, sociologist, historian, journalist, and political scientist. He was one of the most important leaders of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the forerunner Bharatiya Janata Party. A revered icon of Integral Humanism, he was an ideologue and a guiding force for an alternative model of governance and politics.

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Special Cover on inaugural run of Electric Train from Gorakhpur Station – 22nd November 2015.

The North Eastern Railway is one of the seventeen railway zones in India. It is headquartered at Gorakhpur and comprises Lucknow and Varanasi divisions as well as reorganized Izzatnagar division. The North Eastern Railway was formed on 14th April 1952 by combining two Railway systems (Oudh and Tirhut Railway and Assam Railway) and Cawnpore-Achnera section of the BB&CIR. It was bifurcated into two Railway Zones on 15th January 1958 – North Eastern Railway and North East Frontier Railway. The Gorakhpur Railway Station one of the headquarters of the North Eastern Railway is known for the world's longest railway platform, after inauguration of the remodeled Gorakhpur Yard, with a stretch of around 1.35 KM.

To enhance the passenger facilities, the North Eastern Railway inaugurated an electric engine train for the first time from Gorakhpur junction on 22nd November 2015. Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu flagged off inaugural run of an electric train on Gorakhpur-Bhatni section from Gorakhpur Railway Station. On the occasion a Special Cover was released by Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu, Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha and MP Yogi Adityanath on 22nd November 2015 at Gorakhpur (Special Cover approval no. UP/16/2015).

Note: As per instructions and rules mentioned in Hand Book of Philately, Special Cancellation should incorporate the name and the PIN of the post office where the special cancellation is to be provided or in case of the special cancellation provided at venue, it should incorporate the Name and PIN of the post office in whose delivery jurisdiction the venue is located. In the special cancellation provided on above special cover, name and PIN of the post office is not included.

Courtesy: Ashwani Kumar Dubey, Gorakhpur

Special Cover on Sangai Festival and Loktak Lake – 21st November 2015.

‘Manipur Sangai Festival’, named after the State animal, Sangai, the brow antlered deer found only in Manipur in the whole world, is an important annual event organized by the Tourism Department, Government of Manipur from 21st to 30th November every year. The Festival strives to showcase and promote the best of what the state has to offer to the world in terms of art and culture, handloom, handicrafts & fine arts, indigenous sports, cuisines & music, eco & adventure sports as well as the scenic natural beauty of the land. This is the biggest and grandest festival of Manipur where all the tribes and communities meet and celebrate the uniqueness of Manipur.

On the inaugural day of 10-day annual Manipur Sangai Festival 2015 a Special Cover was released on Loktak Lake at Imphal.

Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in North -East India is famous for the phumdis (heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil, and organic matters at various stages of decomposition) floating over it. Keibul Lamjao the only floating national park in the world. It is located near Moirang in Manipur state. The etymology of Loktak is Lok = "stream" and tak = "the end". The largest of all the phumdis covers an area of 40 km2 and is situated on the southeastern shore of the lake. The Keibul Lamjao National Park is the last natural refuge of the endangered sangai or Manipur brow-antlered deer (Cervus eldi eldi), one of three subspecies of Eld's deer. This ancient lake plays an important role in the economy of Manipur. It serves as a source of water for hydropower generation, irrigation and drinking water supply. The lake is also a source of livelihood for the rural fishermen who live in the surrounding areas and on phumdis, also known as “phumshongs”.

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Special Cover on Befrienders India Suicide Prevention Conference - 20th November 2015.

Suicide is the tragic and untimely loss of human life, all the more devastating and perplexing because it is a conscious and volitional act. Death is a tragedy and suicide is the ultimate tragedy. There is no reason why a person commits suicide. For many it is a response to loss, separation and despair. Suicide can be response to disordered thinking, a toxic state or cognitive distortion. It is also difficult to explain why certain people take this decision while other in similar or even worse situations do not. Suicidal behavior is considered as a major public health problem in all countries.

As a part of a movement against suicide various organizations are formed under the broad umbrella of Befrienders India in Kerala. Thanal Foundation Trust - Suicide prevention Center, Calicut a project of IMA, Kozhikode is the Calicut Chapter of Befrienders India the national unit of Befrienders Worldwide, an international organisation engaged in suicide prevention activities globally.

17th Annual Conference of Befrienders’ India and South Asia Training workshop on suicide prevention was held at Hotel Marina Residency, YMCA Cross Road, Calicut from 20th to 22nd November 2015. Minister for Social Welfare and Panchayat Mr M K Muneer inaugurated the event. On the occasion a Special Cover was released by Shri P. Jayadevan, Superintendent of Post Offices, Kozhikode Division in the presence of other dignitaries present at the function on 20th November 2015 at Calicut.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on 31 Glorious Years of Metro railway in Kolkata – 20th November 2015.

Kolkata Metro is the first underground Metro railway in India. It extends from Noapara near Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Air Port, Kolkata to Kavi Subhash station near Patuli, the busy North-South axis of Kolkata over a length of 27.223 kms. It was the first such form of transport in India, opened for commercial services in 1984. The Metro railway, Kolkata was constructed progressively from 1972 to 2013. Phase-I a length of 16.450 kms from DumDum to Tollygunge (Mahanayak Uttam Kumar) having been completed in 1995 and in Phase-II a length of 5.834 kms from Mahanayak Uttam Kumar to Kavi Nazrul station is completed in August-2009. The last leg upto Kavi Subhash a length of 2.851 kms has been opened in October8, 2010 for commercial operation. On 10th July 2013, Metro services further extended from Dum Dum to Noapara (2.091 kms).

Metro Railway, Kolkata, celebrated its 31 years of service to “The City of Joy” on 20th November 2015. As part of this programme, a philatelic exhibition on Global Railways was organized at Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Railway station. On the occasion, a special cover on 31 Glorious Years of Metro railway in Kolkata was released today jointly by Ms. Arundhaty Ghosh, Chief Postmaster General, West Bengal Circle and Shri A.K. Kapoor, General Manager, Metro Railway, Kolkata inside a running Metro Train on 20th November 2015 (Special Cover approval No. WB/16/2015). It is for the first time that a Special Cover is released on a running Metro train. Stamps on railways were also displayed inside a running AC Metro train to enable commuters to view the stamps on display.

Courtesy: Eeshita Basu, Kolkata | Metro Railways, Kolkata

Boudhpex-2015, Boudh District Level Philatelic Exhibition at Boudh, Odisha – 18th – 19th November 2015.

Boudhpex-2015, first Boudh district level Philatelic Exhibition was organized by Phulbani Postal Division at the Town Hall, Boudh on 18th and 19th November, 2015. The exhibition was inaugurated by Col. Jaleshwar Kanhar, Postmaster General, Sambalpur Region on 18th November 2015. Shri Madhusudan Mishra, Collector, Boudh and Smt. Kalpana Rajsinghot, Postmaster General, Berhampur region were among the other distinguished guests present. One special cover on Chari Sambhu Temple (Special Cover approval no. OD/06/2015) and two Stamp Booklets on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and Women Empowerment were released during the inaugural function. A Stamp Designing and Quiz competitions were also held on 18th November, 2015.

Special Cover on Chari Sambhu Temple – 18th November 2015.

Chari Sambhu Temple or Gandharadi Temple is located at the bank of river Mahanadi in Gandharadi village (Janhapank area) of Boudh district. It is famous for twin temples of Nilamadhava and Sidheswar. These temples were constructed under the patronage of Bhanja Rulers of Khinjali Mandala in 9th century A.D. These two temples were built on one platform which is exactly similar to each other. The one on the left hand is dedicated to Lord Siva and named as Siddheswar. The second one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and named as Nilamadhab. These temples display high quality architectural work. These temples attracts visitor throughout the year.

Special Cover on Traditional Art and Culture of Kandhamal – 19th November 2015.

On 19th November 2015 one Special Cover on Traditional Art and Culture of Kandhamal was released by the Shri Tilak De, Chief Postmaster General, Odisha Circle (Special Cover approval no. OD/07/2015). One more Booklet on Valour of Sacrifice-1965 War and a Picture Postcard on Konark Temple were also released on concluding day. Smt. Kalpana Rajsinghot, Postmaster General, Berhampur region was also present during the concluding function.

Culture of Kandhamal District is constituted by the arts, crafts, fairs, festivals, traditions and lifestyle of the native people. The culture of Kandhamal District is unique and diverse. The major inhabitants of Kandhamal District are Kond Tribes. This tribal group is also known as Kandha Tribes. Krahenda is a hunting and warrior dance popular among this tribal group. Drums and flutes are the instruments used. Danda Nata and Dangda-Dhangedi dance also known as Loar-Enda are performed by the ‘Kutia and ‘Kandha’ Tribes of the district. Silver coin chains, bangles and a musical instrument known as Dheka are used for performances.

Courtesy: Ajit Kumar Das, Bhubaneswar

Special Cover on Golden Jubilee of Mobile Science Museum – 17th November 2015.

Mobile Science Museum (MSE) program started in 1965 is an attempt of National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) to communicate science and technology in the rural India. This program was started with a motto: If the people do not visit the museum, let the museum visit the people at their doorstep. First MSE (then MSM), on the theme ‘Our Familiar Electricity’ was inaugurated by Shri Praffula Chandra Sen, then Chief Minister of West Bengal at Ram Krishna Mission School, Narendrapur on 17th November 1965. However, the first MSE Bus was flagged off in 1966 from Birla Industrial and Technological Museum, Kolkata.

At Present, 23 MSE buses attached with different Science centres of NCSM spread across India, travel to unreached rural part of India and help develop scientific temper in the society. Besides exhibits, there are programmes like, Taramandal Show, Science show, Open house quizzes, sky observation programmes, film shows and science demonstrations to enrich the minds of students and the general public. This is the largest and longest running non-formal science education programme in the country.

National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) functioning under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India celebrated Golden Jubilee of Mobile Science Exhibition (MSE) program at Science City, Kolkata from 17th – 19th November 2015. To mark the Golden Jubilee of Mobile Science Museum a Special Cover was released by Shri Manish Gupta, Minister in Charge, Dept. of Power and Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Govt. of West Bengal in presence of Ms. Arundhaty Ghose, Chief Post Master General, West Bengal Circle on 17th November 2015.

Commemorative Stamp on Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) - 16th November 2015.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) was established in 1964. Heavy Electricals (India) Limited was merged with BHEL in 1974. BHEL is engaged in the design, engineering, manufacturing, construction, testing, commissioning and servicing of a wide range of products, systems and services for the core sectors of the economy, viz. power, transmission, industry, transportation, renewable energy, oil & gas and defence. It has a network of 17 manufacturing units, 2 repair units, 4 regional offices, 8 service centers, 8 overseas offices, 15 regional centers, 7 joint ventures, and infrastructure allowing it to execute more than 150 projects at sites across India and abroad. The company has established the capability to deliver 20,000 MW p.a. of power equipment to address the growing demand for power generation equipment. Consistent performance in a highly competitive environment enabled BHEL attain the coveted 'Maharatna' status in 2013.

To commemorate Golden Jubilee of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Department of Posts issued a commemorative stamp on 16th November 2015.

Presentation of Indian Philatelic material and literature at II AIBIBRIA, Zörbig, Germany – 14th – 15th November 2015.

Mr. Wolfgang Beyer a philatelist from Germany and a Vice Chairman of the German philatelic collector group ArGe ZOOLOGIE is known to many Indian Philatelists and he is a serious collector of Indian Stamps.

II AIBIBRIA a philatelic exhibition was held at Zörbig, a town in the district of Anhalt-Bitterfeld in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany on 14th and 15th November 2015 jointly by five philatelic collector clubs of this region. The exhibition presented 35 exhibits in all classes, two exhibits about philatelic literature, ten exhibits in the open class and nine exhibits in the class of honor (including FIP-exhibit ROLLERBIRDS of Mr. Wolfgang Beyer). Mr. Beyer also organized a presentation about Indian Philatelic material and publications from India and on Indian Philately at the exhibition. His presentation attracted many visitors and philatelists.

Courtesy: Wolfgang Beyer, Germany

Commemorative Stamps on Children's Day - 14th November 2015.

In India, Children's Day is celebrated on 14th November, the birthday of the country's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Jawaharlal Nehru, who was fondly called Chacha Nehru (Uncle Nehru) or Chachaji (Uncle) by the kids, emphasized the importance of giving love and affection to children, whom he saw as the bright future of India.

India Post issued two commemorative stamps in denomination of Rs. 25 and Rs.5 and a miniature sheet to mark Children's day on 14th November 2015. Department of Posts had organized Children’s Day 2015 Stamp Design Competition on the theme “A Day in the Rains” for selecting designs for the stamps to be released on the occasion of Children’s Day this year. From all over India about 38,200 entries were received. The designs on the stamps and miniature sheet are based on the prize-winning entries of Yamini K. (Student of St. Joseph Secondary School, Thalassery, Dist. Kannur, Kerala), Kimaya Gupta and Rohit Gupta have been selected for two stamps and miniature sheet. Designs of V. Hemchandran and Binita Vishwajita have been selected for First Day Cover and Brochure respectively.

Special cover on dedication of Boeing P 8 I in the service of the nation – 13th November 2015.

Giving a boost to the firepower and arsenal of the Indian Armed Forces, the Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar dedicated the Boeing P 8 I (Poseidon Eight India) Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft to the nation this morning, at a ceremony held at INS Rajali, Arakkonam Naval Air Station.

The P-8I aircraft is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon aircraft that Boeing developed as a replacement for the US Navy’s ageing P-3 fleet. Indian Navy became the first international customer for the P-8 aircraft with the conclusion of the nearly US $ 2.1 billion contract on 1st January 2009 for a total of eight aircraft. The first aircraft arrived in India on the 15th May 2013 and as of date; all eight aircraft have been inducted into the Indian Navy and are fully integrated into its operations. The aircraft are based at INS Rajali, and are operated by Indian Naval Air Squadron 312A.

The P-8I aircraft is equipped for long range anti submarine warfare, anti -surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of broad area, maritime and littoral operations. Its communication and sensor suite includes indigenous equipment developed by defence PSUs and private manufacturers. With its high speed and high endurance of about 10 hours, the aircraft is capable of thrusting a punitive response and maintaining a watch over India’s immediate and extended areas of interest.

On the occasion of dedication of Boeing P 8 I in the service of the nation a Special Cover was released by the Defence Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar in presence of Shri Charles Lobo, Chief Postmaster General, Tamilnadu Postal Circle at INS Rajali Naval base, Arakkonam on 13th November 2015 (Special Cover approval no. TN/34/2015).

Courtesy: Kasinath Rajasekaran, Thanjavur | Dinamalar

Special Cover on National Eucharistic Congress, Mumbai - 12th November 2015.

The Eucharistic Congresses first made their appearance in 1881 as 'pilgrimages' centered on the Eucharist. During the pontificate of Pope Pius XI, the Eucharistic Congresses spread for the first time to countries outside Europe (the United States, Australia, Latin America, Asia), combining Eucharistic piety with an emphasis on the missionary dimension of the Church.

The National Eucharistic Congress was held at St. Pius X College, Archdiocesan Seminary Complex, Goregaon (East), Mumbai from 12th to 15th November 2015. It was hosted by the Archdiocese of Bombay in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee of the 38th International Eucharistic Congress held in this Archdiocese in 1964. On the occasion as special cover was released by Shri Hameed Patel, Senior Superintendent of Posts, Mumbai (South) (Special Cover approval no. MH/32/2015). Theme of the congress was ‘Nourished by Christ to Nourish others’.

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Second Anniversary of Satellite Tagging of Amur Falcons – 7th November 2015.

The ministry of environment and forests, the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and other environment agencies along with the Nagaland Forest Department has taken up the joint scientific mission to satellite tag the raptors to provide new insights into the ecology of the Amur Falcon, particularly during its short stay in Nagaland and subsequent traverse across India. Tagging the birds with satellite devise has enabled the scientific community to understand the migratory behaviour of the raptors. Upto 2012, thousands of Amur falcons were massacred in the valley for meat and feathers but with the effort of all stake holder there was a turnaround and people of Pangti village in the valley took a pledge to protect the birds when they arrived. Now Nagaland has become "Falcon Capital of the World".

Migratory Amur Falcons in Nagaland are fitted with satellite tags to monitor their movement for their conservation. It also provides the Nagaland people with knowledge about the origins of their annual falcon visitors which spend about one month at Doyang every autumn and feast on insects to gain fitness for their immense onward journey to Africa. On 7th November 2013, three Amur Falcon birds named as Naga, Wokha and Pangti were satellite tagged and released. The three birds were fitted with satellite tag with antenna and solar panel weighing 5 gram on their back. All three birds have completed two cycles of migration covering a distance of approximately 44000 km to reach Doyang valley in Nagaland on 29th October, 2015. Male ‘Naga´ has Color Ring number KAM, Ring Number C56801; female ‘Wokha´ Color Ring Number KCM, Ring Number C56802 and another female ‘Pangti´ has Color Ring Number KFM, Ring Number C56803. Apart from these three, another 28 birds were tagged with rings and released. The satellite tagged birds’ migration will be monitored through satellite with a website in Hungary recording every detail about their movement.

To commemorate the second anniversary of satellite tagging of Amur Falcons in Nagaland a Special Cover was released by Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, Minister for Forests in presence of Shri I. Pangernungsang, Postmaster General, Shillong and other guests at a function held function organized at the Office of the PCCF & HoFF, Kohima, Nagaland on 7th November 2015. The function was attended by officials of the forest department, scientists from Wildlife Institute of India, representatives from Pangti village and Amur Falcon Roosting Association.

Courtesy: Joy Justin Bongcher, Shillong | nagalandpost.com

'Republic Day 2016' Stamp Design Competition.

Department of Posts is holding Stamp design competition for Republic Day 2016 and the theme of the competition is “Vibrant India”.

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

1. Entries are invited for ‘Republic Day 2016 - Stamp Design Competition’. The theme of the competition is “Vibrant 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. E-mail ID (if Available)
   *It is compulsory to provide the information.

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 “Republic Day 2016-Stamp Design Contest”on the envelope in which the drawing is sent.
7. Selected 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
8. The entries should reach on following address by 30.11.2015. 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

Source: Notification at India Post Website

Special Cover on Vigilance Awareness Week 2015 – 3rd November 2015.

The Vigilance Awareness Week is being observed through the country since 2000 for launching a systematic campaign against corruption by involving all members of civil society. Under the directives of Central Vigilance Commission this year the Vigilance Awareness was observed from 26th October to 31st October, 2015. This Year the theme of the occasion is “Preventive Vigilance as a Tool of Good Governance”. On the occasion, Odisha State level meeting was held at Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar on 3rd November 2015. Shri Naveen Patnaik, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Dr. Prasanna Ku. Patasani, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Gokul Chandra Pati, IAS, Chief Secretary, Odisha, Shri K.B. Singh, IPS, Director-cum-D.G & I.G of Police, Vigilance, Odisha, Cuttack, Shri Y.B. Khurania, IPS, Special Director, Odisha Vigilance along with other dignitaries of the State attended the meeting. Hon’ble Chief Minister administered the pledge to the gathering to maintain absolute honesty, integrity the public life and to strive here to eradicate corruption from all spheres.

On the occasion a Special Cover on Vigilance Awareness Week 2015 was released by the Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha at Rabindra Mandap, Bhubaneswar on 3rd November 2015 in presence of Shri Tilak De, Chief Postmaster General, Odisha Circle and other dignitaries (Special Cover approval no. OD-05/2015). This is the first time a special cover is issued by a Vigilance Organisation in India. Special Cover and cancellation are designed by well known philatelist and DSP (Odisha Police), Shri Ajit Kumar Dash of Bhubaneswar. Special covers can be bought from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar Philatelic Bureaux.

Courtesy: Ajit Kumar Dash, Bhubaneswar

Uttarpex - 2015, First Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand Zonal Level Philatelic Exhibition - 30th October - 2nd November 2015.

Uttarpex - 2015, First Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand Zonal Level Philatelic Exhibition held at Lalit Kala Academy Regional Center, 1- Ekta Vihar, Aliganj, Kapoorthala Road, Sector E, Lucknow – 226024 from 30th October 2015 to 2nd November 2015. Exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Ram Naik, HE Governor of UP on 30th October 2015.

Day 1 - 30th October 2015.

On the occasion a Special Cover on Sukanya Samridhi was released jointly by Shri Ram Naik, Smt Sarita Singh Chief Postmaster General, UP Circle, Shri Vivek kr. Daksh, Director Postal Services (HQ), Lucknow and other dignitaries on dais.

Sukanya Samriddhi is a scheme launched by the Government of India as a part of its “Beti Bachao - Beti Padhao” initiative and was launched on 22nd January 2015. It is a small savings scheme account, which can be opened by the parents or a legal guardian of a girl child in any post office or authorized branches of some of the commercial banks. Parents or a legal guardian can open an account in the name of a girl child right from the birth of a girl child till she attains the age of ten years.

Ganga and Yamuna rivers are common thread touching and joining the two states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. To commemorate the shared heritage of both the states and also tocommemorate the First Zonal Philatelic Exhibition of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Postal Circle, a unique event 'Sarit Pravah' was conceived by the organisers of Uttarpex-2015. As a part of this event limited number of picture postcards (500 nos.) depicting important places of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand on the bank of the two rivers Ganga and Yamuna were posted from the post offices located at those places starting at Gangotri and Yamunotri and culminating at the confluence of the rivers at Sangam at Allahabad. Picture Postcards were posted in serial manner along the course of the rivers and are affixed with the special cancellation, apart from the date stamp of the post office of posting. The entire series of postcards traversing the journey has been collated as a set and each set has been numbered to make it unique. The set of 14 Picture Postcards also included a card showing details of posting and a certificate of authenticity signed by Postmaster General, Allahabad. Set of 14 Picture Postcards depicting the journey of River Ganga and Yamuna was also released at the inaugural function.

The Ganges or Ganga is a trans-boundary river of Asia which flows through the nations of India and Bangladesh. The Ganges begins at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers at Devprayag. The Bhagirathi rises at the foot of Gangotri Glacier, at Gaumukh. The 2,525 km river rises in the western Himalayas in the Uttarakhand, and flows south and east through the Gangetic Plain of North India. The Ganges joins the Yamuna at the Triveni Sangam at Allahabad, a holy confluence in Hinduism.

The Yamuna sometimes called Jamuna is the longest and the second largest tributary river of the Ganga in northern India. Originating from the Yamunotri in Uttarakhand, it travels a total length of 1,376 kilometers merging with the Ganga at Triveni Sangam, Allahabad.

Details of Posting of Postcards

River: Yamuna
Sr. No.	Office of Posting	Date of Posting	Office of Posting of Special Picture Postcards
1.	Yamunotri	18.10.2015	Kharsali B. O. - 249 141
2.	Saharanpur	19.10.2015	PTC S.O. - 247 002
3.	Mathura	20.10.2015	Mathura - 281 001
River: Ganga
4.	Gangotri	18.10.2015	Gangotri B. O. - 249 135
5.	Rishikesh	19.10.2015	Rishikesh S. O. - 249 201
6.	Shukratal	20.10.2015	Shukratal B. O. - 251 316
7.	Ahar	21.10.2015	Ahar B. O. - 203 398
8.	Rajghat	23.10.2015	Rajghat B. O. - 203 393
9.	Kakoda	24.10.2015	Kakoda B. O. - 243 601
10.	Kannauj	26.10.2015	Kannauj MDG - 209 725
11.	Bithoor	27.10.2015	Bithoor B. O. - 209 217
Sangam
12.	Allahabad	28.10.2015	Allahabad Fort S. O.  - 211 005
13.	Certificate	29.10.2015	Certificate of Authenticity by PMG Allahabad
14.	Card showing details of Posting of Picture Postcards.

Day 2: 31st October 2015

On the second day of exhibition a Special Cover on ‘Digital India’ was released by Prof. Vinay Kumar Pathak, Vice Chancellor of A.P. J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow, Dr. Sarita Singh CPMG, UP Circle and other dignitaries.

Digital India is an initiative by the Government of India to transform the entire ecosystem of public services through the use of information technology. Government of India has launched the Digital India programme with the vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy and to ensure that Government services are made available to citizens electronically by improving online infrastructure and by increasing Internet connectivity. It was launched on 1st July, 2015 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The initiative includes plans to connect rural areas with high-speed internet networks. Digital India has three core components. These include the creation of digital infrastructure, delivering services digitally and digital literacy.

Day 3: 1st November 2015

On the third day of Exhibition a Special Cover on Clean Gomti was released by Shri Dinesh Sharma, Mayor of Lucknow, Dr. Sarita Singh, CPMG UP Circle and other dignitaries.

The Gomti, Gumti or Gomati River is a tributary of the Ganga River. According to Hindu mythology the river is the daughter of Sage Vashist, and bathing in the waters of the Gomati on Ekadashi (the eleventh day of the Sanatana Dharma-Hindu calendar) can wash away one's sins. According to the major religious work, Srimad Bhagavatam, the Gomati is one of the many transcendental rivers in India. The cities of Lucknow, Lakhimpur Kheri, Sultanpur and Jaunpur are located on the banks of the Gomti and are the most prominent of the 15 towns in its catchment area. Over the years, Gomti has become the most polluted river in Uttar Pradesh. Monitoring by the state pollution control board reveals the water is unfit for consumption. The extent of pollution is such that the river's biodiversity is being affected. Lucknow district administration has initiated ‘The Clean Gomti campaign’ to clean the Gomti River in Uttar Pradesh.

Day 4: 2nd November 2015

On the last day of exhibition a Special Cover on Swamp Deer and Musk Deer, rare wild animals of Uttar Pradesh and Uttrakhand was released by Shri Asutosh Tripathi Member (Personnel), Postal Service Board, India Post, Dr. Sarita Singh, CPMG UP Circle and other dignitaries.

Swamp deer or the barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii syn. Cervus duvaucelii) is a deer species distributed in the Indian subcontinent. Populations in northern and central India are fragmented, and two isolated populations occur in southwestern Nepal. The specific name commemorates the French naturalist Alfred Duvaucel. The swamp deer differs from all the Indian deer species in that the antlers carry more than three tines. Because of this distinctive character it is designated barasingha, meaning "twelve-tined". Mature stags have 10 to 14 tines, and some have been known to have up to 20. Swamp deer are found in only 6 localities in Uttar Pradesh.

Musk deer can refer to any one or all seven, of the species that make up Moschus, the only extant genus of the family Moschidae. Musk deer are more primitive than cervids, or true deer, because they lack antlers and facial glands, and possess only a single pair of teats, a gall bladder, a caudal gland, a pair of tusk-like teeth and—of particular economic importance to humans—a musk gland. Musk deer live mainly in forested and alpine scrub habitats in the mountains of southern Asia, notably the Himalayas. Moschids, the proper term when referring to this type of deer rather than one/multiple species of musk deer, are entirely Asian in their present distribution, being extinct in Europe where the earliest musk deer are known to have existed from Oligocene deposits. Musk deer is a state animal of Uttarakhand State.

Exhibition was well attended by philatelists of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and other parts of country and local citizens. Valedictory function was held in presence of Shri Asutosh Tripathi Member (Personnel), Postal Service Board, India Post and other dignitaries. Dr. S. P. Gupta, Mr. Dinesh Chandra Sharma, Mr. Ambesh Upmanyu (Postmaster General, Mails & BD, Gujarat Circle, Ahmedabad) and Dr. Sarita Singh (Chief Postmaster General, UP Circle, Lucknow served as members of Jury. Mr. Abhai Mishra of Dehradun won best exhibit Award in Senior Category and Master Arpit Chaurasia of Gorakhpur won best junior exhibit award.

Courtesy: Sandeep Chaurasia, Gorkahpur, Ashwani Kumar Dubey, Gorakhpur, Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, Dehradun, Maneeshi Bansal, Allahabad

Commemorative Stamps on First Gorkha Rifles and Third Gorkha Rifles – 2nd November 2015.

The First Gorkha Rifles is a Gorkha infantry regiment of the Indian Army comprising Gurkha soldiers of Nepalese origin. The Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army is known for their Khukris, their ‘Aayo Gorkhali’ battle cry and their motto being ‘Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro’ (Better to die than live like a coward). The Gorkhas were first recruited by the East India Company and later fought under the British in several battles including World War I and II and continued in the Indian Army after Independence. The first regiment of Gorkhas was raised by Sir Robert Colquhuon on 24th April, 1815 in Uttaranchal with men from Gorkhas, Kumaon and Garhwal regions.

The Third Gorkha Rifles is also an Indian Army infantry regiment. It was originally a Kumaon Battalion of the British Indian Army formed on 24th April 1815. It did not consist entirely of Gurkhas but of men from Kumaon and Garhwal. In 1907, the Regiment was re-designated as 3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gorkha Rifles. They were present at a number of actions and wars including the Siege of Delhi in 1857 to the First and Second World Wars. After Independence in 1947 the regiment was one of the six Gorkha regiments transferred to the Indian Army as part of the Tripartite Agreement signed between India, Nepal and Britain at the time of Indian independence. In 1950 the regiment's title was changed to Third Gorkha Rifles. Since 1947 the regiment has participated in a number of conflicts including the 1947 and 1971 wars against Pakistan.

The First Gorkha Rifles and Third Gorkha Rifles completed 200 years of their raising and to mark the Bicentenary of both the regiments two commemorative stamps in denomination of Rs. 5 each were released on 2nd November 2015 by Comdt. 1 GTC and Shri Nirmal Singh, Director Postal Service, Himachal Pradesh Circle at Subathu, Himachal Pradesh.

Col. S. F. Rizvi, Postmaster General, Allahabad also released the stamp of the Third Gorkha Rifles at 39 Gorkha Training Centre, Varanasi.

Courtesy: Shri Mukesh Kapila