News : December 2014

Special Cover on Golden Jubilee of Newman College, Thodupuzha - 31st December 2014.

Newman College is an institution of higher education, established, owned and administered by the diocese of Kothamangalam. It is named after John Henry Cardinal Newman, one of the greatest luminaries of all times in the field of higher education. Realising the great necessity of a central institution of higher studies for the thousands of students stepping each year out of the numerous high schools in Thodupuzha area. His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Mathew Pothanamuzhy, the Bishop of Kothamangalam decided to establish a college at Thodupuzha. The foundation stone for the college building was laid on 9th May, 1964. As permanent buildings could not be got ready by the beginning of the academic year, the college gratefully accepted the hospitality of the Thenamkunnu Church that offered the new town-church building and presbytery as temporary site for the college. The college was inaugurated on 10th July 1964 by His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Mathew Pothanamuzhy, the Patron and Proprietor.

On the occasion of Golden Jubilee Celebration of Newman College, Thodupuzha as Special Cover was released on 31st December 2014. (Special Cover approval no. KL-20/2014)

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Datta Padukalu released at Vijayawada - 31st December 2014.

Paduka is a compound word made up of two words namely, "pada" and "ka". In Sanskrit language, 'Pâda' means: "foot" (masculine noun) and ‘ka’ is a diminutive ending with literal meaning of "small". This terminology was coined to define India's ancient archetypal footwear. Scriptures have well documented the importance, significance, prevalence and power of Padukas. It is believed that Pada Puja and Paduka Puja are as powerful as worshipping the real Guru in person.

Devotees of Lord Dattatreya worship the Dutta Paduka and perform Paduka Puja. A temple dedicated to Padukas has been built by Sri Ganapati Sachchidananada Swamiji of Mysore Datta Peetham in Gannavaram near Vijayawada.

A Special Cover was released on Datta Paduka (Datta Padukalu) by Sri Ganapati Sachchidananada Swamiji of Mysore Datta Peetham at the function held at Vijayawada Ashram on 31st December 2014. Sri B. V. Sudhakar, Chief Postmaster General, AP Postal Circle and Shri M. Sampath, Postmaster General, Vijayawada Region were present on the occasion. Sri B. V. Sudhakar, CPMG also presented My Stamps of Sri Ganapati Sachchidananada Swamiji's photo to Swamiji. My Stamps bearing logo of ‘SGS’ were also launched and used on the special covers.

Cover Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Commemorative Stamp on Baba Amte - 30th December 2014.

Murlidhar Devidas Amte (b. 26 December 1914, d. 9 February 2008) popularly known as Baba Amte, was a social worker and social activist known particularly for his work for the rehabilitation and empowerment of poor people suffering from leprosy. He was born to Mr. Devilal Singh and Mrs. Laxmibai Amte in the city of Hinganghat in Wardha District of Maharashtra. It was a wealthy family. His father was a British government official with responsibilities for district administration and revenue collection. Murlidhar had acquired his nickname Baba in his childhood.

Trained in law, he developed a successful legal practice at Wardha. He soon got involved in the Indian struggle for freedom from the British Raj, and started acting as a defence lawyer for leaders of the Indian freedom movement whom the British authorities had imprisoned in the 1942 Quit India movement. He spent some time at Sevagram ashram of Mahatma Gandhi and became a follower of Gandhism for the rest of his life. He followed Gandhism, including yarn spinning using a charkha and wearing khadi. When Gandhi got to know that he has saved a girl from British soldiers who were trying to rape her, Gandhi gave him the name – Abhay Sadhak (Fearless Follower). In those days, leprosy was associated with social stigma and the society disowned people suffering from leprosy. There was also a widespread misbelief that leprosy was contagious. Baba Amte strove to dispel the misbelief and once allowed bacilli from a leprosy patient to be injected into him while participating in an experimental test aimed at proving that leprosy was not contagious.

Baba Amte was awarded Padma Shri in 1971, Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1985, Padma Vibhushan in 1986, United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 1988 and Gandhi Peace Prize in 1999. He has been awarded many other awards too.

India Post issued a commemorative stamp in honour of Baba Amte on 30th December 2014.

Special Cover on Coral Paradise, Union Territory of Lakshadweep - 29th December 2014.

The enchanting group of coral islands in the Arabian Sea forms the Union Territory of Lakshadweep. This archipelago consists of 12 atolls, three reefs and five submerged banks. Of its 36 islands only ten are inhabited. The islands earlier known as Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi, are irregularly scattered between 8° and 12°.30’ North latitude and between 71° and 74° East longitude, away from Kozhikode by about 200 to 400 kms. The islands which were administered at various places were grouped into a Union Territory in 1956 and the name of this Union Territory was changed to Lakshadweep with effect from November 1, 1973. In 1964 the administration was shifted from Kozhikode to Kavaratti Island.

The islands are described as Coral Paradise because of scenic beauty. These present a breath-taking spectacle of sparkling coral reefs encircling a placid and tranquil lagoon and palm covered tiny islands. These Islands not only have their wealth of natural beauty, but also present spectacular variety of animal and bird life. Lakshadweep is India’s only Coral Paradise.

A Special Cover was released on Coral Paradise at Kavaratti on 29th December 2014. (Special Cover approval no. KL-19/2014)

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

“Independence Day 2015” - Stamp Design Competition by India Post.

Department of Posts is holding a “Independence Day 2015 – Stamp Design Competition”. The theme of the competition is Women Empowerment.

The Terms and Conditions to participate in the competition are as follows:

i. Entries are invited for ‘Independence Day 2015 – Stamp Design Competition’ . The participants are to make an original design on this subject (should not be copy of picture painted by someone else).

ii. 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.

iii. Participants are free to use drawing paper, art paper or any other type of white paper of A4 Size.

iv. 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.

v. 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.

vi. The design should be sent without being folded, through “Speed Post” only, in A4 size envelope. The participants should mention “Independence Day 2015 – Stamp Design Contest” on the envelope in which the drawing is sent.

vii. The prize winning designs will be considered for use on stamps and other philatelic material. The prize money will be as follows:

First prize: Rs. 10,000/-
Second prize: Rs. 6,000/-
Third prize: Rs. 4,000/-

viii. The entries should reach on the following address by 31.03.2015.The entries received after the last date of receipt will not be entertained.

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

Source: India Post

Andpex-2014, Anand District Philatelic Exhibition - 26th - 28th December 2014.

Andpex-2014, Anand District Philatelic Exhibition was organised by Anand Philatelic Association at Ipcowala - Santram College of Fine Arts, Vallabh Vidyanagar (Gujarat) from 26th - 28th December 2014. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Vineet Mathur, Postmaster General, Vadodara Region on 26th December. Dr. Punit Dixit, Senior Philatelist and Retire ISRO Space Scientist, Shri Mainak Kathiara, Past President, Gujarat Philatelists' Association, Shri Rakesh M. Shah, Superintendent of Post Offices, Anand Division, Anand were also present on dais at the inaugural function. Function was well attended by local philatelists, students, staff members of India Post and Philatelists of Ahmedabad and Vadodara.

About 20 frames were exhibited in Competitive and non competitive class. Also there was a display of bank notes and coins in non competitive class. My stamp facility and philatelic counter were made available at the exhibition venue by India Post.

On the occasion a Special Cover on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was released by Shri Vineet Mathur, Postmaster General, Vadodara Region and was presented to Dr. Punit Dixit. Special Cover depicts the house of Karamsad where he grew up and the Cancellation depicts Sardar memorial of Karamsad.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of India's greatest leaders in the Indian Independence Movement grew up in Karamsad. It was also the home of his elder brother Vithalbhai Patel, who was also an important political leader. The Patel brothers lived with their two elder brothers and one younger brother and sister, and parents Jhaverbhai and Ladba Patel in a mud-brick house adjacent to his family's farm holdings. This house is preserved to date as a memorial to Patel. With the ideals of Sardar Patel and Vithalbhai Patel as its nucleus, a magnificent Memorial is developed on Anand-Sojitra Road at Karamasad which is spread across seven acres of land. The site also includes a library and a garden. Regular cultural programs are held in the Bhavan of the Memorial. There is also a photo gallery featuring paintings, photographs and banners on the lives of Sardar Patel and Veer Vithalbhai.

Special Cover on Centenary Celebration of Vani Vilasa Sabha - 26th December 2014.

The Vani Vilasa Sabha is a pride of the temple city, Kumbakonam. Vani Vilasa Sabha has produced many prominent actors, vidwans, dancers and orators for the last hundered years. The eminent cine directors like K. Balachandar, A. P. Nagarajan and actors like M. G. Ramachandran, Sivaji Ganesan, Kamalahasan and many more are the admireres and patrons of this Sabha.

A Special Cover was issued on 26th December 2014 at Kumbakonam to mark Centenary of Vani Vilasa Sabha, Kumbakonam. (Special Cover approval no. TN/26/2014)

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Shop@Post: Weaves of Varanasi

Department of Posts and online marketplace Snapdeal has partnered to provide a platform for weavers and artisans of Varanasi to enable them to sell their products online.

A "pilot" initiative was launched by India Post and Snapdeal on 25th December 2014 in Varanasi. Under this pilot scheme, the weavers and domestic manufacturers of Varanasi silk products will be able to showcase their products through the Snapdeal portal with the help of Department of Posts and they would be helped in the end to end transaction of their products i.e. from registration to receipt of the money from the customer. The customers would also benefit by reaching out to the weavers directly.

The post offices will act as a dropping point for sellers, and India Post will deliver the goods to the buyers. Snapdeal has created an 'India Post' store to feature the associated sellers exclusively at their shopping portal. Weaves of Varanasi can be viewed @ http://www.snapdeal.com/offers/india-post-varanasi

Previously, India Post had partnered with Snapdeal to reach out to the philatelists to offer stamps priced between Rs 300 and Rs 5,500.

Commemorative Stamp on Kuka Movement - 24th December 2014.

Union Minister for Communication & IT, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad released a commemorative stamp to highlight heroic deeds of those engaged in Kuka Movement on the occasion of 150 years of Kuka Movement on 24th December 2014 at the function held at New Delhi.

The Kuka Movement marked the first major reaction of the people in the Punjab to the new political order initiated by the British after 1849. The Namdhari Movement, of which the Kuka Movement was the most important phase, aimed at overthrowing the British rule. The Namdharis were also known as “Kukas” because of their trademark style of reciting the “Gurbani” (Sayings/Teachings of the Guru). This style was in a high-pitched voice called “Kook” in Punjabi. Thus, the Namdharis were also called “Kukas”. The Kuka Movement made the people aware of their serfdom and bondage. It evoked the feelings of self respect and sacrifice for the country. Within a few years, the followers of the Kuka Movement increased manifold. They called for boycott of educational institutions of British and laws established by them. They were rigid in their clothing and wore only hand-spun white attire. The Kuka followers actively propagated the civil disobedience.

Courtesy: PIB

Special Cover on Centenary celebrations of Swami Satchidananda – 22nd December 2014.

Satchidananda Saraswati (b. 22 December 1914 – d. 19 August 2002), born as C. K. Ramaswamy Gounder and known as Swami Satchidananda, was a religious teacher, spiritual master and yoga adept, who gained fame and following in the West. The name Satchidananda is a compound of three Sanskrit words, Sat, Chit, and Ānanda, meaning essence, consciousness, and bliss, respectively. The expression is used in yoga and other schools of Indian philosophy to describe the nature of Brahman as experienced by a fully liberated yogi.

LOTUS - The Light Of Truth Universal Shrine is a unique temple dedicated to interfaith understanding and the Light within all faiths was first built in 1986 at Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville, Virginia, USA by Swami Satchidananda. Swami Satchidananda Foundation, Coimbatore dedicated the second LOTUS Shrine to mark the 100th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Swamiji at his birth place Chettipalayam, near Coimbatore. Hon’ble Governor of Tamilnadu Shri K. Rosaiah inaugurated a replica of LOTUS on 22nd December 2014.

To mark the Centenary celebrations of Swami Satchidananda Maharaj, a Special Cover and My Stamp were on 22nd December 2014 at Coimbatore. (Special Cover approval no. TN/27/2014). Manju Pillai, Post Master General, Western Region, released the My Stamp and Cover and former CBI Director D R Karthikeyan and Chairman of Swami Satchidananda Centenary Celebrations, received the first copies. Swami Karunananda, Yogaville, USA, K Ramasamy, Managing Trustee, Swami Satchidananda Foundation and O A Balasubramaniam, Director, Integral Yoga Institute, were also present on the occasion.

Courtesy: Ankit Agrawal, Pune

Special Cover on Quasquibicentennial Celebration of St. Thomas School, Kolkata - 21st December 2014.

St. Thomas' founded in the year 1789 for the English Speaking community of Calcutta, is the oldest School in West Bengal and the second oldest in India. St. Thomas' School, although Christian in character, provides education for girls and boys of other religion denomination, caste and creeds.

A Special Cover was released to mark 225 years of St. Thomas School, Kolkata on 21st December 2014 at Kolkata. (Special Cover approval no. WB/14/2014)

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bangalore

Special Cover on Golden Jubilee Celebration of Goa Kannada Sangha, Margao - 20th December 2014.

As part of its Golden jubilee celebrations, Goa Kannada Sangha (R), Margao organized a two-day Karnataka food and cultural festival on 20th and 21st December 2014. Shri Anant Shet, Deputy Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly along with Shri Benjamin Silva, Velim MLA and South Goa MP Shri Narendra Sawaikar inaugurated the two-day the festival organized by the Goa Kannada Sangha (R), Margao, as a part of its golden jubilee celebrations at the MCC Hall, Rajendra Prasad Stadium, Margao.

To mark the Golden Jubilee of Goa Kannada Sangha, Margao a Special Cover was released on the occasion. (Special Cover approval no. MH/31/2014)

Cover Courtesy: Parveen Kumar, New Delhi

Special Cover on Golden Jubilee Celebration of G. V. M.'s MIBK High School, Khandepar - 20th December 2014.

Goa Vidyaprasarak Mandal (GVM) was originally named as Liga da Propaganda de Insrucao em Goa and was founded on the auspicious day of "Vijayadashmi" in the year 1911 A.D., by some great visionaries of those times, namely, Dr. Dada Vaidya, Shri Sitaram Kerkar and Shri Vinayak Sarjyotishi. GVM’s Matoshri Indirabai Baburao Khandeparkar high school, established in 1965 at Khandepar, Ponda has grown in leaps and bounds over the years. Starting just with 50 students it has attained a remarkable figure of more than 1200 students.

G. V. M.'s MIBK High School celebrated its Golden Jubilee on 19th and 20th December 2014. The annual gathering, cultural programmes and various competitions were organized on the occasion.

A Special Cover was issued to mark Golden Jubilee of G. V. M.'s MIBK High School, Khandepar on 20th December 2014 at Ponda, Goa.

Cover Courtesy: Namratha Hegde, Mangalore

District Level Philatelic Exhibition at Arra (Bihar), 19th - 20th December 2014.

A two days district level philatelic exhibition was organized at Arra on 19th and 20th December 2014. During the exhibition two Special Covers were released.

On 19th December 2014 a Special Cover on Historical Arra House was released.

‘Arra House’ situated in the heart of the town of Arra is a memorable monument of his exemplary bravery. It is a small double storied structure on a raised plinth built by Vicars Boyle, an Engineer of the Eastern Railway before 1857, during the British rule in India. The land of Arrah house is being historical one was previously known as 'Judge Sahab ki kothi'. 'Arra House' a national monument is linked to bravery of first war of independence. It is on record that Babu Kunwar Singh along with native army forced the British officer of the district to take shelter in this British house for safety. The house was under seize for days and that could be lifted only after arrival of additional British force. This house long served as Veer Kunwar Singh museum and is now being given reshape under care and supervision of archeological survey of India. Maharaja College is situated in the land of Arra house.

On 20th December 2014 a Special Cover on Baby Veer Kunwar Singh was released.

Babu Veer Kunwar Singh (b. 1777- d. 26th April 1858), one of the leaders of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 belonged to a royal Ujjaini house of Jagdispur, currently a part of Bhojpur district of Bihar state. At the age of 80 years, during India’s First War of Independence (1857), he actively led a select band of armed soldiers against the troops under the command of the British East India Company. He was the chief organizer of the fight against the British in Bihar.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Golden Jubilee Celebration of Kakkabe High School, Cheyyandane - 19th December 2014.

Kakkabe High School was started in the year 1964. It has been ever since engaged in providing value based education for the students of the area with utmost dedication. It is an aided school and teaches in Kannada Medium. It is a state school and runs classes VII to X (only VIII) and as per the Right to Education School wise report has around 31 students in its rolls.

A Special Cover was released to mark the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Kakkabe High School, Cheyyandane on 19th December 2014 at Kodagu, Karnataka. (Special Cover approval no. KTK/36/2014). The cover depicts the school building of the past and the present one in inset and the logo of the school. The special cancellation depicts the logo of the school.

Courtesy: Viswas Menon, Madikeri.

Goa Pex-2014, District Level Philatelic Exhibition at Panaji - 18th - 21st December 2014.

Goa Pex 2014, District Level Philatelic exhibition was held at the Maquinez Palace, ESG Complex, Campal, Panaji from 18th to 21st December 2014. The exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Surendra Furtado, Mayor of Panaji in presence of Shri Pundalik Naik, President of Goa Konkani Academy who was the guest of honour of the function and Shri Charles Lobo, Postmaster General, Goa Postal Region and Ms. Archana Gopinath, Senior Superintendent of Post Office, Goa Division.

On the inaugural day a Special Cover on the feast of Sao Joao was released jointly by the guests on dais. (Special Cover approval no. MH/38/2014)

Sao Joao is one of the famous Christian feasts in the state of Goa and is dedicated to St. John the Baptist which is celebrated on 24th June every year. This occasion marks the celebration by the local youth in the villages of Goa who jumps into wells to retrieve gifts thrown in by villagers. The festivals takes place at the beginning of Monsoon season in Goa and people of all ages jumping into wells, streams and ponds. Sao Joao festival also has a close connection to water and keeping the wells clean. The special cover features a family from Siolim donning the floral headgear of Sao Joao. ‘Copels’ worn during Sao Jao festival is a unique feature of Sao Jao festival in Goa, The cancellation reads the words "Viva Sao Joao".

On 19th December 2014 a Special Cover on Goan Tiatr (Also known as Konkani Theatre) was released. The cover was released by Shri Charles Lobo, Postmaster General, Goa Postal Region in presence of Shri Jacob Fernandes (Prince Jacob), a director, producer and actor of Konkani Theatre and a President of the Tiatr Academy of Goa who was the Chief Guest and Dr Andre Rafael Fernandes Associate Professor of Goa University who was the Guest of honour and Ms. Archana Gopinath, Senior Superintendent of Post Office, Goa Division. (Special Cover approval no. MH/36/2014)

The first Konkani Tiatr was staged in Mumbai in 1892 at the New Alfred Theatre. A young man called Lucazinho Ribeiro hailing from Sokolwaddo, Assagao in Bardez Taluka can be called the innovator of the Tiatr because he along with Joao Agostinho Fernandes and others staged the first Tiatr performance on the occasion of Easter on 17th April, 1892. The name of the first Tiatr presented was "Italian Bhurgo". This Tiatr was written and directed by Lucazinho Ribeiro hence he is the inventor of this unique dramatic form. Tiatr today revolves around social, religious and political themes. It is considered to be a mirror of Goan culture. The drama consists of 6 or 7 acts called pordhe. The acts are interspersed by songs which need not be directly linked to the content or the issues of the main drama. There are 2 or 3 songs between each of the acts.

On 20th December 2014 a Special Cover on Dekhni Dance of Goa was released in presence of Dr. Savia Viegas, Writer and Researcher from Goa and Shri P. K. Bisoi, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra and Goa Postal Circle, Shri Charles Lobo, Postmaster General, Goa Postal Region and Ms. Archana Gopinath, Senior Superintendent of Post Office, Goa Division. Special Cover depicts the Dekhni dancers and the cancellation depicts two lamps generally carried by the Kolvantha (dancers), the oar of the boatman and the gunghru used by the dancers. Special Cover approval no. MH/37/2014)

Dekhni is a semi classical Goan dance form. It is also pronounced as Dekni or Dekni. Dekhni represents an attractive mixture of Indian melody and Western rhythm. It is mainly performed by Christian girls adorned in Indian attires. It is a song cum dance popular in Goa. Dekhni dance usually enacts the life of a Devdasi girl meaning servant of God whose job is to perform dance in temples and social ceremonies like weddings. One of the popular Dekhni songs is Hanv Saiba Poltodi Vetam by Carlos Eugenio Ferreira (1860-1926) first published in Paris in 1895 and then in Goa in 1926. The song was adapted by Raj Kapoor as Na mangoon sona chandi in his Hindi movie Bobby.

On 21st December 2014 quiz and elocution competitions for children was held. At the valedictory ceremony a Special Cover on Exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier was released jointly by Shri P. K. Bisoi, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, Fashion Designer Padmashree Wendell Rodricks, the Chief Guest, Shri Charles Lobo, Postmaster General, Goa Postal Region, Ms. Archana Gopinath, Senior Superintendent of Post Office, Goa Division, Shri V. R. Navelkar, Philatelist and Shri Umesh Kakkeri, Jury member on 21st December 2014. Eminent Philatelist Shri V. R. Navelkar from Goa who has completed 50 golden years in philately was honoured during the closing ceremony function. Shri Umesh Kakkeri and Shri Jayant Ghuman were the members of Jury who evaluated the exhibits. Shri Umesh Kakkeri read the jury report.

St. Francis Xavier, born Francisco de Jasso y Azpilicueta, on 7th April 1506 was the sixth and last child born to Dr. Joao de Xavier and Maria d’Aspilcueta at Xavier castle, Navarra (now part of Spain). He was a Roman Catholic missionary who preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Asia and was the co-founder of the Society of Jesus. His feast is celebrated on 3rd December. The body of St Francis Xavier which miraculously defied the laws of nature, of turning into dust, lies till this day in a silver casket in the Church of Bom Jesus Basilica in Goa, India. Ceremonies to honor his death are performed on December 3rd, all over the World, the day he was buried. The exposition of the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier which is held every 10 years is being held this year from 22nd November 2014 till 4th of January 2015, which will be the 17th public Exposition of the Sacred Relics of the Saint.

Courtesy: The Navhind Times | Goa Pex 2014 Facebook Page | K. B. Dessai, Goa | Umesh Kakkeri, Mumbai

Lupex-2014, District Level Philatelic Exhibition at Ludhiana - 19th - 20th December 2014.

Lupex-2014, District Level Philatelic Exhibition was held at Ludhiana Post Office, Bharat Nagar Chowk, Ludhiana on 19th and 20th December 2014. Exhibits on variety of subjects were on display at the exhibition. During the exhibition ‘My Stamp’ facility was also launched at Ludhiana.

Shri Yash Pal Bangia, President of Ludhiana Philatelic Club displayed his scooter decorated with images of postage stamps at the exhibition.

In Senior category first prize was won by Bhuvan Mehta for his collection “Sheetlets of India”, while Narinder Pal Singh and Dr Kanwar won the second prize for their respective collections on Extraordinary Stamps and Birds. The third prize was given to Rajpal Oswal for his collection on Braille. In the junior category, which was for the participants till the age of 14, the joint first prize was awarded to Kultaran Singh and Sandli Battra for their respective collections on Sikhism and Discover India.

 

Courtesy: The Tribune | Piyush Jain, Ludhiana

Special Cover on Adoption of Logo of Defence Estates Organisation - 16th December 2014.

The Defence Estates Organisation was constituted on 16th December, 1926. This day began to be celebrated as the Defence Estates Day from the year 2012. The Department completed 88 years of establishment.

Defence Estates Day was celebrated in Delhi on 16th December, 2014. The Defence Estates Department adopted its logo on the occasion by releasing a Special Cover. Shri Manohar Parrikar, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri and Shri Vasumitra, Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle released a Special Cover on Adoption of the logo of Defence Estates Organisation. (Special Cover approval no. DEL/16/2014)

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram | DGDE

Commemorative Stamp on Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan – 15th December 2014.

The Kendirya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Govt. of India. The primary aim of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan is to provide, establish, endow, maintain control and manage the Central Schools (Kendriya Vidyalayas) located all over India and abroad. The general body of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan is the apex body. The Minister of Human Resource Development, in-charge of the Kendriya Vidyalayas scheme, is the Chairman of the Sangathan. The Minister of state in the Ministry of Human Resource Development is the Deputy Chairman and an Officer of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, specified by the Government of India for this purpose, is the Vice Chairman of the Sangathan.

Kendriya Vidyalaya system came into existence on 15th December 1963 under the name "Central Schools" and has been affiliated with CBSE since then. Later, the name was changed to Kendriya Vidyalaya. The uniform curriculum followed by these schools all over India was intended to ensure that the children of government employees do not face education disadvantages when their parents are transferred by providing a common syllabus and system of education.

A commemorative stamp on Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan was released by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Prof. (Dr.) Ram Shankar Katheria and the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Shri Upendra Kushwaha in presence of Shri S. K. Sinha, Member (HRD), Postal Services Board at the presentation of the KVS Incentive Award for Innovation and Experimentation-2014 to the KVS Teachers held on the occasion of KVS foundation day in New Delhi on 15th December, 2014.

Photo Courtesy: PIB

Special Cover on Centenary Celebration of Mercara Downs Golf Club - 13th December 2014.

Mercara Downs club is a suburban golf club located in Coorg, easily accessable to the city yet outside of its pressure and fast paced life style. Reflecting the classic "Old Marin" architecture of the charming country estates, the Mercara Downs if a warm and welcoming place for everything from a friendly apres golf liberation to a formal business banquet.

Mercara Downs Golf Club was established by the British Planters in the late 1800’s making it a very serious contender of the distinction of being amongst the oldest golf courses in the Indian sub continent. Located about 6 kms from “Madikeri” or “Mercara”, the capital of Kodagu (Coorg) District, amidst 70 or 80 odd acres of swelling, rolling landscape and beautiful scenery this is one of the lovely natural “parkland” golf courses in India, a living, breathing example of the setting in which the game was played by the home-sick planers of the early years. The course is clearly of “Mother Nature’s Design”, rather like the way the Royal & Ancient is said to be.

A Special cover was released to mark Centenary Celebration of Mercara Downs Golf Club, Madikeri on 13th December 2014 at Madikeri. (Special Cover approval no. KTK/35/2014). The cover depicts the vast expansive undulating greens with the club house in inset and the club insignia on top left corner. The special cancellation is the insignia of the club.

Courtesy: Viswas Menon, Madikeri

Special Cover on INS Circars Platinum Jubilee – 12th December 2014.

Visakhapatnam was identified by the British as an important convoy assembly point for military operation in 1923. A small Naval Base was set up on 12 December 1939. With a need to expand, the base was formally established as HMIS Circars on 12 April 1942 and post independence the establishment was renamed to INS Circars.

During the eight decades of existence INS Circars has seen the changing face of Navy. Circars donned the hats of Convoy Assembly Point, Ship repair Yard, Boys Training Establishment and Service Provider. Today, INS Circars stands as the Flagship of the East performing numerous tasks of providing administrative and logistics support not only to the afloat and shore units but also to family members staying in naval residential colonies spread from Dolphin Hill to Naval Coast Battery at Beach road.

INS Circars the depot ship of Eastern Naval Command is also known as the Flagship of the East, celebrated its Platinum Jubilee on 12 December 2014. The Platinum Jubilee Celebrations culminated on 12th December 2014 where Cmde KP Gopal Rao, MVC, VSM (Retd) ex-Commanding Officer INS Circars from 03 January 1974 to 16 January 1976 was the Chief Guest and unveiled of Platinum Jubilee Plaque.

To commemorate this momentous occasion a Special Cover was released by Mrs. Sharda Sampath, Postmaster General, Visakhapatnam in the presence of Commodore Saleem M. Anwer, the present Commanding Officer on 12th December 2014 at Visakhapatnam.

Courtesy: Rainbow Stamp Club | The Hindu | Sify Videos

Malepex-2014, District Level Philatelic Exhibition at Malegaon - 9th - 10th December 2014.

Malepex-2014, District Level Philatelic Exhibition was organized by Malegaon Postal Division on 9th and 10th December 2014 at Bhagyalaxmi Mangal Karyalaya, Soygaon, Malegaon, a city of Power looms. Dr. P.V.S. Reddy, Postmaster General, Aurangabad Region, inaugurated the exhibition, Shri L.V. Suryavanshi, Sudpt. of Post Offices, Malegaon, Shri P.G. Bhargave, Jury Member and Shri Jayant Ghuman, Jury member were also present in inaugural function.

128 frames were displayed and 30 philatelists exhibited their collection. School children of Malegaon and nearby area along with school representatives visited the exhibition. During the exhibition Quiz competition, Drawing competition and philately lectures for students were also organised.

On 9th December 2014 a Special Cover on ‘Power looms of Malegaon’ was released by Dr. P.V.S. Reddy, Postmaster General, Aurangabad Region.

Malegaon is major hub for cloth weaving using early twentieth century power looms. The era of power looms in Malegaon emerged after 1935. Malegaon was a traditional handloom-weaving center in Maharashtra. Most of the preparatory work before weaving like starching the yarn, transferring it over the tubes, preparing tanabana was done by the women. Even after power looms were introduced, women continued to help their men folk in the weaving procedure. With the introduction of power looms, the cloth industry in Malegaon flourished due to increased productivity.

On 10th December 2014, a Special Cover on 'Bhuicoat Fort of Malegaon' was released by Shri L.V. Suryavanshi, Sudpt. of Post Offices, Malegaon.

The city of Malegaon is located on the banks of the Mosam River has the Bhuikot fort built by Peshwa Sardar Naro Shankar Raje Bahadur. The Bhuikot fort of Malegaon is one of it's own kind, which was built on flat land. Construction of the fort was started in 1740 which took about 25 years to complete.

Courtesy: Rainbow Stamp Club

Special Cover on 1st CBS Sub Post Office of Odisha Postal Circle - 9th December 2014.

Rajbhawan S O, Bhubaneswar – 751 008 successfully migrated to CBS System on 9th December 2014. It has become first CBS Sub Post Office of Odisha Postal Circle. Sri Tilak De, Chief Postmaster General, Odisha Postal Circle in the presence of Sri P K Singh, DPS (HQ) and Sri S C Barick, SSPOs, Bhubaneswar Division inaugurated the CBS System. On the occasion, a Special Cover was released by the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha Dr. S C Jamir. Shri Tilak De, Chief PMG, Odisha Circle also handed over My Stamp Album containing the photo of His Excellency Dr. S C Jamir, Hon'ble Governor, Odisha on the occasion.

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Permanent Pictorial Cancellation at the CMC Hospital Post Office, Vellore – 9th December 2014.

On the occasion of birth anniversary of Dr. Ida Sophia Scudder (1870-1960), founder of the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, India Post released a Permanent Pictorial Cancellation at the CMC Hospital Post Office on 9th December 2014.

Starting with a tiny clinic-dispensary in 1900 Dr. Ida Sophia Scudder established what have now become one of the biggest hospitals in the world and a centre of excellence for training nurses, doctors and allied health professionals.

A function was held at Norman Auditorium, CMC Hospital, Vellore on 9th December to release the permanent pictorial cancellation of CMC Hospital, Vellore. Function presided over by Shri Sunil Chandy, Director C.M.C.Hospital, Shri Mervin Alexander, PMG CCR and Shri A.Saravanan SSPOs.

To enable philatelists across the country to get this pictorial cancellation at their doorstep, India Post, Vellore, will send postal stationery containing it by Speed Post. Interested customers should remit Rs. 80 to the Postmaster, Vellore HPO, Vellore - 632 001, through money order, postal order or by demand draft. This is towards the cost of one cancelled envelope and two postcards with the pictorial cancellation, handling and postal charges. In addition, philatelists and tourists can walk into the CMC Hospital Post Office to get the pictorial cancellation on any postal stationery with adequate postage affixed.

Special Cover on Rajgor’s Coin Festival, Goa 2014 - 8th December 2014.

Rajgor’s Coin Festival Goa 2014, Exhibition of Coins of Goa Region was held from 7th to 10th December 2014 at Institute Menezes Braganza, Near Police Headquarters, Panjim, Goa. On the occasion a Special Cover was released on 8th December 2014 featuring coins of Goa region at Panaji.

Cover Courtesy: Parveen Kumar, New Delhi

Results of Republic Day 2015 Stamp design competition – 8th December 2014.

India Post has announced results of Republic Day 2015 Stamp design competition and the winners of competitions are as follows:

1st Prize Winner: M. Vaibhav Shenoy, M. Vaikuntashenoy, Swasthik Bhavan, Trishulaeshwara, Temple Road, Carstreet, Mangalore – 575001.

2nd Prize Winner: Ankita De, 118, Bhattanagar, PO - Bhattanagar, District - Howrah, Pin Code: 711203, West Bengal.

3rd Prize Winner: Jenwin Baby, MITS, Hostel No. 3, MITS College, Race Course Road, Gole ka Mandir, Gwalior - 474005, Madhya Pradesh (Permanent Address: Jenwin Baby, Arachirachalil (H), Mannamkandom P.O., 200 Acre, Adimaly, Idukki, Kerala).

Source: India Post

Special Cover on Rotary Day Celebrations – 5th December 2014.

On the occasion of Rotary Day celebrations, Rotary International President Gary C. K. Huang and his wife Corinna visited Patna on 5th December 2014. Gary C.K. Huang is the 2014-15 Rotary International’s President and a member of Rotary Club of Taipei, Taiwan. Rotary movement has said to have started in Bihar in 1943 and it was the first time that the International President visited the city.

On the occasion of Rotary Day and visit of RI President to Patna, a Special Cover was released by Bihar Postal Circle on 5th December 2014 at Patna. (Special Cover approval no. BH/08/DEC/2014) ‘My Stamp’ on RI President Gary C. K. Huang was released during the function.

Courtesy: Rainbow Stamp Club

Commemorative Stamp on Swami Ekrasanand Saraswati – 4th December 2014.

Swami Ekrasanand Saraswati was a saint of common man. He always cared for the upliftment of poor and needy. Daivee Sampad Mandal was founded by Swami Ekrasanand Saraswatiji at Sri Ekrasanand Aashram, Mainpuri, UP. Daivee Sampad Mandal is a Socio-Spiritual organisation committed to the revival and upliftment of Vanvasis and Tribals. "Sarva Bhoot Hite Ratah" meaning welfare of all is its motto. Swami Ekrasanand ji left for heavenly abode on 10th September 1938.

Centenary celebration of Daivee Sampad Mandal held at Mainpuri from 25th November to 6th December 2014 at Sri Ekrasanand Aashram, Mainpuri. A Commemorative Stamp on Swami Ekrasanand Saraswati was released on the occasion of Centenary celebration of Daivee Sampad Mandal on 4th December 2014.

Special Cover on Chennai GPO, 1000th CBS Office - 1st December 2014.

India Post has the largest Postal Savings Bank network in the world. Keeping pace with the technological changes in the banking field and to meet the expectations of the customers, India Post has undertaken a project for switching over to a Core Banking Solution (CBS) platform with a total project outlay of Rs. 800 crores. CBS will enable customers to do banking operations through computers, mobile phones and withdraw cash through ATMs. Money transfer from one account to another too will become easier and faster. Graems Road PO, Chennai 600006 was the first CBS office in the country to go-live on 16th December 2013.

The 228 years old Chennai GPO implemented Core Banking Solution (CBS) from 1st December, 2014 enabling its savings bank customers carry out their transactions online and withdraw cash through ATMs.

To mark this occasion, Tamilnadu Postal Circle released a Special Cover on 1st December 2014 at Chennai GPO. Shri. T. Murthy, Chief Postmaster General, Tamilnadu Postal Circle released the Special Cover in presence of Shri Mervin Alexander, Postmaster General (CCR), Shri Subash Chandra Barmma, Postmaster General (BD).

Price of Special Cover with cancellation is Rs. 15 each and can be available from the Philatelic Bureau, Anna Road HPO. Mail Orders may be addressed to the Chief Postmaster, Anna Road HO, Chennai 600002, chennaiphil@gmail.com, Tel: +91-44-28543199.

One Day Philatelic Exhibition on ‘AIDS’ at Gorakhpur – 1st December 2014.

A one day Philatelic Exhibition on the theme ‘AIDS’ was organized at L. N. M. Railway Hospital, Gorakhpur by Shri Sandeep Chaurasia, philatelist of Gorakhpur. Dr. R. K. Sharma, Medical Director, L. N. M. Railway Hospital, Shri B. P. Yadav, Pharmacy Officer and Shri Sunil Singh, Account Officer, Patients of Hospital etc. visited the Exhibition.

Recently Shri Sandeep Chaurasia was awarded "KARM SAMMAN" by Sun Rose Sansthan, Gorakhpur for his achievements in Philately and social services. Award was given away by Dr. Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, MLA of Gorakhpur.

[Download digital copy of December 2014 newsletter]