News : December 2015

Commemorative Stamp on Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) – 30th December 2015.

The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), New Delhi is a non-partisan, autonomous body dedicated to objective research and policy relevant studies on all aspects of defence and security. IDSA was established on November 11, 1965 as a registered society. Its mission is to promote national and international security through the generation and dissemination of knowledge on defence and security-related issues. It also trains civilian and military officers of the Government of India. The core values that serve as IDSA’s guiding principles are Integrity and Honesty, Commitment, Professionalism, Pursuit of excellence, Teamwork, Innovation and Creativity. Since its inception, IDSA has served as a forum to debate important aspects of national and international security. The Institute conducts several national and international conferences every year, and regularly holds round tables and workshops on important developments.

To mark 50 years of Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses a Commemorative Stamp was released on 30th December 2015.

Special Cover on World Thinkers’ and Writers’ Peace Meet – 27th December 2015.

In commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a Celebrated Peace Thinker and Humanist, ISISAR (International Society for Intercultural Studies and Research), Kolkata organized World Thinkers’ and Writers’ Peace Meet from 27th – 31st December 2015 at Kolkata in collaboration the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Kolkata, WCPA (World Constitution & Parliament Association), IOWP (Institute of World Problems), IPPNO (International Philosophers for Peace), USA, GB Memorial Institution, Kolkata and Ramanuja Mission Trust, Chennai to promote Intercultural World Peace Movement in expanding Federation of Earth Movement.

A Special Cover was released on the occasion of World Thinkers’ and Writers’ Peace Meet on 27th December 2015 at Kolkata (Special Cover approval no. WB/17/2015).

Courtesy: Soumyajit Kundu, Kolkata

Eastern India Philatelists’ Association (EIPA) New Office Bearers

The annual General Body Meeting of the Eastern India Philatelists’ Association (EIPA) was held on 27th December 2015 at Bhubaneswar.

Following office bearers were elected for the new term:
Shri Bijoyshree Routray - President
Shri Debasis Mitra - Vice President
Shri Ajit Kumar Dash - Secretary
Shri Anup Kumar Rout - Jt-Secretary-cum-Treasurer
Shri Kasinath Sahoo - Co-ordinator
Shri Bijoy Kumar Sinha – Advisor

S/Shri Kamal Chakravorty, Gangadhar Tripathy, Dr. Prana Chand Panda, Pramod Saraf, Santanu Panigrahi, Shanti Swarup Rath, Dr. Bibhudatta Mishra, Akhaya Kumar Nayak, Bijoy Kumar Biswal, Anil Dhir, Shakil Ahmed, Ajaya Kumar Barik, Dr. C.S. Basak, Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, Hari Bandhu Ojha, Dr. Pradeep Kumar Padhy, Biswanath Mishra and Dr. Santoshini Panigrahi have been elected to the new Governing Body for a period of three years.

Courtesy: EIPA

Commemorative Stamp on Alagumuthu Kone - 26th December 2015.

Veeran Azhagu Muthu Kone (1681-1739), also known as Alagumuthu Konar, was a Tamil Konar warrior and one of the early freedom fighters to arouse public consciousness against foreign rule in Tiruneveli region. He is regarded for having raised one of the first revolts against the British in India. He was based in Kattalankulam, a village in erstwhile Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. He was a general with Ettayappa Naicker, a polygar king of Ettayapuram in Tirunelveli region. He was a skilful general with Madurai Nayaks, but left the army after some misunderstanding and was eagerly adopted by the polygar king. After the failed battle at Ettayapuram against the British and Maruthanayagam, Alagumuthu had to flee with the royal family. Kone and his 258 men, including seven generals, were captured by the British. According to historians, the right hands of the sepoys were chopped off and Alagumuthu Kone was tied to canon and blown up.

A Commemorative Stamp on freedom fighter Alagumuthu Kone was released by Hon'ble Minister for Communications and IT Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad at Madurai on 26th December 2015.

Website of Philatelic Congress of India launched.

The Philatelic Congress of India (PCI) is the Indian National Federation of Philatelic Societies. It was formed in a Preparatory General Body meeting held in Calcutta (Kolkata) on 29th December 1975 during the National Philatelic Exhibition INPEX-1975. It is a registered body under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.

An official website of Philatelic Congress of India is launched. URL of website is www.philateliccongressofindia.com. Website provides information about the organisation, Governing Council, News, Membership information, FIP Commission delegates, Accredited Jury Members and other useful information. Membership for of PCI can also be downloaded from the website. Website is developed by Shri Prashant Pandya.

Special Cover on Diamond Jubilee of Bangalore Medical College - 25th December 2015.

The Bangalore Medical College was started as a private Medical college in 1955 by Mysore Education Society. The Founders of this Society were Dr. R. Shivaram, Dr. Mekhri, Dr. B.K. Narayana Rao and Dr. B.V. Ramaswamy. In the year 1957 it was handed over to the then Government of Mysore and was affiliated to Mysore University and then on to the Bangalore University. In the year 1996 it got affiliated to the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. Now it an Autonomous Institute and ranks among the top medical colleges in the Country. Now it is named as Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute (BMCRI). Many hospitals like Victoria Hospital, Vani Vilas Women and Children's Hospital, Minto Ophthalmic Hospital & Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospitals are attached with BMCRI.

Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Bangalore Medical College was celebrated from 25th to 27th December 2015. On the occasion of Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Bangalore Medical College a special cover was released by Shri Veerana Goud, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Bangalore and was presented to Dean and Director of BMCRI Dr. P. K. Devadass on 25th December 2015 at the function held at Bengaluru (Special Cover approval no. KTK/55/2015). The Occasion was graced by renowned geneticist Dr. Sharat Chandra, IISc, Bangalore, Dr. Srinivas Gowda, Dr. Rajeswari and team from BMC. Special cover is designed by Dr. A. Sumitra philatelist from Bengaluru and member of Karnataka Philatelic Society.

Courtesy: Dr. A. Sumitra, Bengaluru | Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Special Cover on Decommissioning of INS Godavari – 23rd December 2015.

Indian Naval Ship Godavari is a symbol of India’s self reliance in ship building, being the first major warship to be indigenously designed and constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai. The ship's keel was laid on 3rd November 1978; launched on 15th May 1980 and eventually commissioned into Navy on 10th December 1983. This guided missile frigate has rendered 32 years of glorious service to the nation. She has shown the flag ‘far and wide’ having voyaged across the expanse of the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans (> 7 lakh nautical miles) during her life time. In the last three decades, INS Godavari took part in many operations, including Operation Jupiter (1988 in Sri Lanka), Operation Shield and Operation Bolster (1994 de-induction of Indian Army from Somalia) and Patrol of Gulf of Aden (2009, 2011, anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden). The ship’s motto “Alert, Aware, Fearless” truly epitomizes her illustrious career in the Western Fleet and the Indian Navy.

INS Godavari (F-20) was decommissioned on 23rd December 2015 as the ship completed its full life cycle. The ships flag was lowered for the last time during the ceremony with many of her former commanding officers on board. A Special Cover was released on the occasion of the Decommissioning of INS Godavari on 23rd December 2015 at Mumbai (Special Cover approval no. MH/39/2015).

Commemorative Stamp on Sumitranandan Pant – 23rd December 2015.

Sumitranandan Pant (b. May 20, 1900 – d. December 28, 1977) was born in Kausani village of Almora District, Uttarakhand, was one of the most famous modern Hindi poets and considered one of the major poets of the Chhayavaadi school of Hindi literature. He mostly wrote in Sanskritized Hindi and authored twenty-eight published works including poetry, verse plays and essays. Apart from Chhayavaadi poems, Pant also wrote progressive, philosophical (influenced by Sri Aurobindo), socialist and humanist poems. Sumitranandan Pant was the first Hindi poet to receive the Jnanpith Award, in 1968. He did so for a collection of his most famous poems, titled Chidambara. He was awarded the Nehru Peace Prize by the Soviet Union for Lokayatan. Pant received "Sahitya Kala Academy" award for "Kala Aur Budhdha Chand". The Indian Government honored him with Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. Sumitranandan Pant composed the Kulgeet of IIT Roorkee, "Jayati Jayati Vidya Sansthan". He died on December 28, 1977, at Rajamundry, Andhra Pradesh.

A Commemorative stamp was released in memory of renowned Hindi Poet Sumitranandan Pant by Uttarakhand Governor Shri Krishna Kant Paul at a function held at Raj Bhawan, Dehradun on 23rd December 2015 in presence of Uttarakhand Chief Post Master General Shri Uday Krishna.

Special Cover on Lucknow Book Fair – 21st December 2015.

Lucknow Book Fair is a grand annual event which invites India's leading publishers of Hindi, English, Urdu and well known Government & Social Organizations. Lucknow book fair was first held in the year 2003 in collaboration with the FPBAI (Federation of Publishers' & Booksellers' Associations in India), New Delhi. Lucknow Book Fair 2015 was held at Moti Mahal Lawn, Vatika Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow from 17th to 27th December 2015. The theme of the book fair for this year was "Lucknow Metro: The Lifeline of Lucknow". To strengthen the transport infrastructure in the Lucknow City Government of U.P. has decided to implement Lucknow Metro Rail Project as an integrated mass public transport system that meets the mobility and accessibility needs of people of Lucknow.

A Special Cover on Lucknow Book Fair-Lucknow Metro bearing the logo, symbol and mnemonic of Lucknow Metro along with the symbol of Lucknow Book Fair was also released to commemorate the Lucknow Book Fair 2015 on 21st December 2015 at Lucknow (Special Cover approval No. UP/18/2015).

Inauguration of renovated Philatelic Bureau at Tiruchirapalli H.O. – 21st December 2015.

Renovated Philatelic Bureau was inaugurated by Dr. K. S. Palanisamy, IAS, District Collector, Trichy at Tiruchirappalli Head Post Office on 21st December 2015 in the presence of Shri Suvendu Kumar Swain, Postmaster General, Central Region, Trichy, Shri G Natarajan, Director Postal Services, Central Region, Trichy and Shri A. K. Firoze Mohideen, Sr. Superintendent, Trichy Division. On this occasion philatelists who have donated original stamps to the Tiruchirapalli were also honoured.

Courtesy: R. Kasinath, Thanjavur

Special Cover on Jubilee of 325 Years of Our Lady of Health Church, Ariankuppam – 20th December 2015.

After the French arrived to Pondicherry in 1673, Armenians under the leadership of Bishop Adda Simon had built a Church in 1690 at Ariankuppam. It was names as “Our Lady of Conception”. This church was given to the Jesuits of the Carnatic Mission around 1700 and the church was renamed as ‘Church of Our Lady of Health’. The church is located in Ariyankuppam, a village 4 km south of Puducherry, and it has been a very popular pilgrimage amongst the people of Pondicherry. The interior of Church has rounded arches carrying a vault over the central aisle. A freestanding Crucifix is displayed upon the altar and brightly painted wooden images are set on shelves in the side walls.

To mark Jubilee of 325 years of Our Lady of Health Church, Ariankuppam a Special Cover was released at Pondicherry on 20th December 2015.

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Jainism Philately Group National Meet at Udaipur – 19th & 20th December 2015.

Jainism Philately Group (JPG) is an organisation of collectors of Jainism and allied themes like Vegetarianism, Non Violence, Peace etc. It has about three hundred members all around India as well as USA, Canada and Germany. Second Jainism Philately Group Meet was organized at Udaipur on 19th and 20th December 2015. It was hosted by Udaipur Philatelic & Numismatic Society at lecture hall of Shri Jindatt Suri Jain Dadawadi. More than 120 people from various States of India attended the meet.

On the occasion Philatelic exhibition on Jainism theme and Philatelic workshop were also organized which was visited by large number of citizens. A Stamp Booklet was released at the JPG meet bearing My Stamp on JPG logo.

Following office bearers elected unanimously for the new session:
National Chairman: Mr. Sudhir Jain (Satna, M.P.)
Vice Chairman: Mr. Pramod Kumar Jain (Pondicherry) & Dr. Pradip Jain (Balod, Chhattisgarh)
Secretary: Mr. Dipak Modi (Jalna, Maharastra) & Mr. Mithalal Jain (Pune)
New Issue Co-ordinator: Mr. Tejkaran Jain (Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh)
Research Co-ordinator: Mr. Mahendra Raj Bhandari (Udaipur)

Courtesy: Sudhir Jain, Satna

Wagadpex-2015, District Level Philatelic Exhibition - 18th - 20th December 2015.

Wagadpex-2015, First Dungarpur district level philatelic exhibition was organized by Dungarpur Postal Division at Wagad Gandhi Vatika Hall, Near Nawa Mahadev Temple, New Colony Dungarpur from 18th to 20th December 2015.

On the inaugural day a Special Cover on Ek Thambiya Mahal and Mangarh Dham was released jointly by Shri Sitaram Meena, PMG, Rajasthan Southern Region, Ajmer and Shri J. S. Fauzdar, Principal Dungarpur Public School on 18th December 2015.

Special Cover depicts the Ek Thambiya Mahal of Dungarpur. Ek Thambiya Mahal also known as Krishna Prakash is located in the marvelously beautiful courtyard in the middle of a pond. This amazing square shaped courtyard is built with beautiful white and pink stones. The Ek Thambiya Mahal is a splendid example of extraordinary architecture style of local architects of Dungarpur. It is surrounded by Vijay Niwas, Udai Bilas, Lakshman Niwas and Khuman Niwas palaces from all four sides.

The cancellation depicts Govind Guru's Memorial of Mangarh, Banswara District. In 1913 some bhils revolted under the headship of a social reformer Govindgiri and Punja which was suppressed in November, 1913. Hundreds of Bhils were shot dead at the Mangarh hillock where they were holding a peaceful meeting. The event is also known as the Mini Jalianwala Bagh massacre. The place has become sacred and is better known as the Mangarh Dham. At Mangarh Dham an important fair of the tribals held on Margshirsha Purnima. At this fair the tribals of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh & Gujarat participate and they pay tribute to Guru Govindgiri.

On 19th December Spot Stamp Design Contest, Presentation on Philately and Quiz Competition for school children were organized.

Valedictory ceremony was held on 20th December 2015 in presence of Shri Man Shanker Ninama, Member of Parliament, Banswara-Dungarpur Constituency and Shri K. K. Gupta, Chairman Nagar Parishad, Dungarpur. Shri Virendra Sharma, philatelist and Shri N. D. Prajapati, Sr. Superintendent of Post Offices served as memebr of Jury at this exhibition.

A Special Cover on Bhagoria Folk Dance and Hut of Bhils was released by the guests on 20th December 2015.

Bhagoria is a tribal festival of Nimad and Jhabua regions of Madhya Pradesh. It is believed that the people of the village, “Bhagor” of Jhabua district started celebrating this festival many years back. Thus this is known as Bhagoria. Bhagoria is one of the most entertaining tribal festivals where young boys and girls are permitted to choose their partners. Cancellation depicts hut of bhil tribes.

Courtesy: Virendra Sharma, Udaipur

Special Cover on L. M. Thapar School of Management – 19th December 2015.

Lalit Mohan Thapar (October 27, 1930 - January 17, 2007) often referred to by his initials LMT was the son of the founder of Thapar Group of Companies and headed the LM Thapar Group and was Chairman of Ballarpur Industries. Thapar School of Management founded in his memory, in its new campus believes in its vision of changing the way the world does business and business schools engage the world. Thapar School of Management is the epitome of a new thought taking shape in the parlance of Management that combines multiple economic and social models. LM Thapar School of Management is affiliated to Thaper University. The school provides MBA course.

On the occasion of inauguration of Centre for Learning Resource Development Hon’ble Union Minister for Food Processing Hersimrat Kaur Badal and Superintendent Post Offices, Chandigarh released a Special Cover on L. M. Thapar School of Management on 19th December 2015 at L. M. Thapar School of Management, Thapar University Campus, Dera Bassi (Special Cover approval no. PB/04/2015).

Courtesy: Rakesh Walia, Chandigarh

Special Cover on 22nd All India Forest Sports Meet 2015, Bengaluru – 19th December 2015.

The 22nd All India Forest Sports Meet was held at Sri Kanteerva Stadium, in Bengaluru from 19th to 23rd December 2015. Over 4000 players from different State Forest Departments participated in this prestigious national event. It was organized by the Karnataka Forest Department. Karnataka Chief Minister Sri Siddaramaiah inaugurated the 22nd All India Forest Sports Meet on 19th December 2015. Billoo - the Hornbill and a true Forester was selected as the mascot for the All India Forest Sports Meet.

On the occasion ‘My Stamp’ on Billoo, the Mascot of All India Forest Sports Meet and Special Cover to commemorate the event were jointly released by Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Shri Prakash Javdekar, Karnataka State Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology Shri Ramanath Rai, Karnataka Minister of Information and Infrastructure Shri R. Roshan Baig and others at Bengaluru on 19th December 2015. Karnataka Postal Circle has made Special Covers with 12 different My Stamps depicting mascot ‘Billoo’ playing different games.

Cover & My Stamps Courtesy: Karnataka Post

Valpex-2015, Valsad District Philatelic Exhibition - 17th - 19th December 2015.

Valsad Postal Division organized district level philatelic exhibition from 17th to 19th December 2015 at Rajput Samaj Hall, Near Kasturba Hospital, Dhanbhura Road, Valsad - 396 001. During the exhibition three special covers were released.

Special Cover on Salt Satyagrah Smarak, Dharasana – 17th December 2015.

A Special Cover on Salt Satyagrah Smarak of Dharasana was released by Shri B. L. Sonal, Director Postal Services, Vadodara Region on 17th December 2015.

Dharasana, a small coastal village 40 km south of Dandi near Valsad town was an important landmark during the Salt Satyagraha by Mahatma Gandhi. Dharasana Satyagraha was a protest against the British salt tax started in India in May, 1930. The Salt March to Dandi, concluding with the making of illegal salt by Gandhi on April 6, 1930, launched a nationwide protest against the British salt tax. On May 4, 1930, Mahatma Gandhi wrote to Lord Irwin, Viceroy of India, explaining his intention to raid the Dharasana Salt Works. He was immediately arrested. The Indian National Congress decided to continue with the proposed plan of action. Many of the Congress leaders were arrested before the planned day, including Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The march went ahead as planned, with Abbas Tyabji, a seventy-six-year-old retired judge, leading the march with Gandhi's wife Kasturbai at his side. Both were arrested before reaching Dharasana and sentenced to three months in prison. After their arrests, the peaceful agitation continued under the leadership of Sarojini Naidu and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

A memorial (Salt Satyagrah Smarak) was later created at the spot of Dharasana Salt Works factory to remember the heroic act of the revolutionaries by the then district administration in 1930.

Special Cover on Jain Temple, Bagwada – 18th December 2015.

On 18th December 2015 a special cover on Jain Temple of Bagwada was released at Valpex-2015 exhibition.

Bagwada, a sub-centre of Peshwa regime is a village in Pardi Taluka in Valsad District. It is home to Arjungad Fort and several temples, including an ancient Jain temple. Ancient Jain temple located at foothills of Arjungad fort built during Peshwa dynasty is said to be almost 200 years old temple and it is a pilgrim place for Jain community.

Special Cover on Zoroastrian Atash Behram, Udvada – 19th December 2015.

A special cover on Zoroastrian Atash Behram, Udvada was released by Shri Macwan, Sr. Supdt. of Post Offices, Valsad on 19th December 2015.

Udvada town is renowned for its Zoroastrian Atash Behram. This place of worship is the oldest still-functioning example of its kind, and has established Udvada as a pilgrimage center for Zoroastrians the world over. An Atash Behram (also spelt Bahram), meaning victorious fire, is the name given to both the highest grade of fire used in Zoroastrian worship as well as the temple that houses the fire. However, earlier in history, the building housing the fire in Navsari was called Atash-ni-Agiari. The Atash Behram building at Udvada was established 1742 ACE. This construction date makes the Udvada Atash Behram the oldest functioning Atash Behram in the world. The Udvada Atash Behram fire, named the Iran Shah fire by the temple's priests, is reputed to have been consecrated in 721 CE (roz/day Adar, mah/month Adar, 90 AY). The fire presently in the Udvada Atash Behram was originally housed in an Atash Behram in the town of Sanjan where Parsi refugees from Iran landed by ship (dates range from 715 to 936 CE).

Courtesy: Rainbow Stamp Club | Vikram Champaneri, Valsad

Special Cover on IIA NATCON 2015 – 18th December 2015.

The National Convention IIA NATCON 2015 an annual congregation of Architects organized by The Indian Institute of Architects was hosted by IIA West Bengal Chapter on behalf of the National body to bring together the professionals to discuss and deliberate the various facets of Architectural development, practice and education and the future vision on 18th & 19th December 2015 at Kolkata.

On the occasion of IIA NATCON 2015, as Special Cover was released on 18th December 2015 at Kolkata (Special Cover approval No. WB/18/2015).

Cover Courtesy: Vijay Kumar Jain, Jaipur

Philatelic Exhibition at Jnana Ganga School, Doddaballapur – 18th – 19th December 2015.

A philatelic exhibition was organised by Channapatna Postal Division in co-operation with Karnataka Philatelic Society at Jnana Ganga School, Doddaballapur, 50 kms from Bengaluru on 18th and 19th December 2015. 12 frames were displayed by Mr. M. R. Prabhakara and other members of Karnataka Philatelic Society. Mr. Prabhakara also conducted philatelic workshop for school children.

Courtesy: Jagannath Mani, Bengaluru

Special Cover on Golden Jubilee of Russian Centre for Science and Culture – 15th December 2015.

Russian Centre of Science and Culture (formerly known as House of Soviet Cultural Centre) is carrying out various cultural activities in close cooperation with Indian social organizations, associations and clubs. These activities include cultural and film shows, art and photo exhibitions, music concerts, dance performances, seminars, discussions, meetings, competitions and many other different programs on the theme of Indo-Russian friendship. Russian Centre for Science and Culture New Delhi branch celebrated its golden jubilee on 15th December 2015. A function was held at the RCSC building, New Delhi. The celebrations coincided with the 90th Anniversary of Russian Public Diplomacy.

On the occasion a Special Cover and My Stamp, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the RCSC was released by Shri Vasu Mitra, Chief Postmaster General, Delhi Circle, and presented to chief guest Prof. Lokesh Chandra, President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), H.E Alexander M. Kadakin, Russia’s Ambassador to India, and Fedor Rozovskiy, Director, RCSC.

Inferring History through Philately – 15th December 2015.

A day long exhibition with a talk, documentary screening and stamp designing competition was organised by Department of History, Christ University with the support of Karnataka Philatelic Society at Gourmet-1, Christ University, Hosur Road, Bengaluru on 15th December 2015. The event was a phenomenal success and very well appreciated by one and all at Christ University.

Courtesy: Jagannath Mani, Bengaluru

Picture Postcards on Football Legendaries – 14th December 2015.

Karnataka Postal Circle hosted the 29th All India Postal Football tournament from 14th to 19th December 2015 at Bangalore Football Stadium, Ashoknagar, Bengaluru. On the occasion of inaugural function of Football Tournament held a set of 18 Picture Postcards on Football Legendaries was released on 14th December 2015 at Bengaluru Football Stadium.

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Philatelic Congress of India Annual General Body Meeting and Elections – 13th December 2015.

The Annual General Body meeting of the Philatelic Congress of India was held on 13th December 2015 at auditorium of Mumbai G.P.O. Annexe building, Mumbai. The AGM was well attended by more than 100 philatelists from all over India. Shri Dhirubhai Mehta, Shri Vispi Dastur, Shri Sahadeva Sahoo past presidents of PCI and new President Shri Ajeet Singhee chaired the meeting. Shri A. K. Dash, Chief Postmaster General of Maharashtra Postal Circle was a special guest of the function. He also gave away medals and certificates to the awardees of Hong Kong 2015, 31st Asian International Stamp Exhibition held from 20th to 23rd November 2015 at Hong Kong.

In the AGM minutes of the last General Body was confirmed and approved. Treasurer’s report and audited accounts for the financial year 2014-15 were also approved in the AGM. After the AGM elections for the new Governing Council were conducted for 6 seats of Life members and 3 seats of institutional members. 12 institutional members were declared elected unopposed. Election were conducted by Election Officer Prof. Sahadeva Sahoo and other members appointed by election officer. The result of the election was declared by the Election Officer Prof. Sahadeva Sahoo and following candidates were declared elected:

Institutional Members:
Shri Suketu S. Jhavery, (Maharashtra & Goa) (44 Votes)
Shri Rajesh Paharia, (Rajasthan) (55 Votes)
Shri Yogesh Kumar, (Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand) (40 Votes)

Other candidates in institutional members category were Dr. M. R. Ramesh Kumar, (Maharashtra & Goa) (12 Votes); Shri J. M. Dhor, (Rajasthan) (2 Votes); Shri Rajesh Verma, (Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand) (15 Votes).

Life Members:
Shri Kaizad Farokh Todywalla, Mumbai (56 Votes)
Shri Prashant H Pandya, Vadodra (49 Votes)
Shri Madhukar Deogawanka, Kolkata (44 Votes)
Shri Ajay Kumar Mittal, New Delhi (44 Votes)
Shri Rajesh Kumar Bagri, Kolkata (42 Votes)
Shri Madhukar Jhingan, New Delhi (40 Votes)

Other candidates in Life Member category were Shri G Anil Kumar Reddy, Chennai (39 Votes), Shri Anil Suri, New Delhi (32 Votes), Shri Umesh Prabhakar Kakkeri, Mumbai (Votes 27), Shri Parvesh Kumar Gupta (15 Votes), Dr. Vinu Khanna, New Delhi (13 Votes), Shri Anil Dhir, Bhubaneswar (4 Votes).

New Governing Council of Philatelic Congress of India was formed in the Governing Council meeting held on the same day as follows:

President: Shri Ajeet Singhee, (Hyderabad)
President Elect: Shri Yogesh Kumar, (Bareilly)
Vice President (West): Smt. Damyanti Pittie, (Mumbai)
Vice President (South): Shri Sunder Bahirvani, (Secunderabad)
Vice President (North): Shri Madhukar Jhingan, (New Delhi)
Vice President (East): Shri Madhukar Deogawanka, (Kolkata)
Secretary General: Shri Rajesh Kumar Bagri, (Kolkata)
Secretary: Shri Prashant Pandya, (Vadodara)
Treasurer: Shri Suketu Jhaveri, (Mumbai)
Joint Treasurer: Shri Kaizad Todywalla, (Mumbai)
Immediate Past President: Shri Dilip Shah, (Jabalpur)
Members: Shri Sanjay Jain (Patna), Professor V. K. Gupta (New Delhi), Shri Dhananjay S. Desai (Ahmedabad), Shri K. Chaitanya Dev (Bengaluru), Shri K. S. Mohan (Thrissur), Shri Sudhir Jain (Satna), Shri Shakil Ahmed (Cuttack), Shri Mukesh K. Malhotra (Ludhiana), Shri C. G. Bhaskar (Chennai), Shri P. G. Bhargave (Nashik), Shri Rajesh Paharia (Jaipur), Shri Ajay Kumar Mittal (New Delhi) and Shri Binod Jain (Guwahati).
Past Presidents: Shri Dhirubhai Mehta, (Mumbai) Shri Vispi Dastur, (Mumbai) Shri Sahadeva Sahoo, (Bhubaneshwar)

Shri Binod Jain was inducted in the Governing Council to represent the North Eastern States.

Photos: Prashant Pandya, Vadodara

Special Cover on Golden Jubilee of Sri Jagadguru Jayavibhava Education Society, Davangere - 11th December 2015.

Sri Jagadguru Jayavibhava Educational Society (SJJES) was started by Sri Veerbhadrappa M. Chigateri and others in 1962 with the objective to provide education to boys and girls of Davangere, as a social service without a profit motive. SJJES has been providing education in Davangere under 7 different schools over 52 years, and has educated nearly 40,000 students who are spread across different part of India, and are in working in different fields.

Sri Jagadguru Jayavibhava Educational Society celebrated its Golden Jubilee from 10th to 12th December 2015. On the occasion a Special Cover was released on 11th December 2015 at Davangere (Special Cover approval no. KTK/53/2015).

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Special Cover on Centenary Celebration of Narasaraopet Municipality – 11th December 2015.

Narasaraopet is a city in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. The town is a municipality and the mandal headquarters of Narasaraopet mandal in Narasaraopet revenue division. Narasaraopeta is the major commercial trading center after Tenali in Guntur district, also having lot of educational institutes. Narasaraopeta was built on flat land ringed by hills that are an extension of the Eastern Ghats. According to historians, Narasaraopet was originally known as Atluru and derived its name from landlord Malraju Venkata Narasimha Rao. It was made a municipality on 18th May, 1915 and was upgraded to Grade–I municipality on April 28, 1980.

A centenary celebration of Narasarapet Municipality was held in a grand manner for three days from 11th to 13th December 2015. On the occasion a Special Cover was released at Narasaraopet on 11th December 2015 (Special Cover approval no. AP/28/2015)

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Philatelic Exhibition on Spiritual Science at Hindu Spiritual & Service Fair - 9th – 13th December 2015.

Showcasing the service projects run by various socio-spiritual institutes across Karnataka, a 5-day mega Hindu Spiritual and Service Fair-2015 was held from 9th to 13th December, 2015 at National College Grounds, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. On this occasion a philatelic exhibition on Spiritual Science was organized by a philatelist Mr. M. R. Prabakar with the support of Karnataka Philatelic Society.

Courtesy: Jagannath Mani, Bengaluru

3rd CG International Philatelic Promotion Award.

The CG international philatelic promotion award, sponsored by German auctioneer Christoph Gärtner, encourages philatelic studies and the preservation of philatelic knowledge via published articles, including printed and digital media. Each year the award is given to the best submission by a study group, society, club, association or publisher of a philatelic magazine or newsletter.

3rd CG International Philatelic Promotion Award Ceremony was held on 3rd December 2015 on the occasion of the Monacophil 2015 stamp show and exhibition in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The CG award was first given in 2013, making this the third annual ceremony. The jury considered 65 submissions (52 in overall category, 11 in digital only category and 2 in Youth category) from 19 countries: Switzerland, Austria, Great Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Israel, the United States, Brazil, Costa Rica, India, Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Germany. This year’s jury members were Rainer von Scharpen, secretary general of the AIJP (the International Association of Philatelic Journalists); Damian Laege, former chairman of the International Federation of Philately thematics committee; Patrick Maselis, president of the Club of Monte-Carlo and president of the Belgian Academy of Philately; and Richard Johnson, president of the International Federation of Stamp Dealers Associations. First three rankers in overall category were awarded a trophy, certificate and cash prize.

- The Collectors Club of Chicago was awarded first place with €2,000 cash prize money (Score 83.83) for the best performance - Print, digital media and promotion of youth philately.
- The Bund Deutscher Philatelisten of Germany was awarded second place, with €1,000 cash prize money (Score 82.5).
- American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors was awarded third place with €800 cash prize money (Score 82.33).

Fourth to tenth rankers were awarded €700, €600, €500, €400, €300, €200 and €100 cash prize money and a certificate.

The American Philatelic Research Library was awarded a special award for the best “Multimedia Performance, Websites and Internet Presentation” with €1,000 cash prize money, a trophy and a certificate (Score 68.66).

Germany’s Junge Briefmarkenfreunde Simeon-Hamm was awarded the special award for the best “Youth Work” with €750, a trophy and a certificate.

From India there were four participants.

In worldwide overall category Baroda Philatelic Society ranked 35th position with the score of 59.5 in for its publication ‘Vadophil’ and Indian Thematic Society ranked 40th position with the score of 56.5 in for its publication ‘ITS News’.

In worldwide digital category Indian Philatelists’ Forum ranked 59th position with the score of 18 for its website www.indianphilately.net and ‘Indian Philately Digest’ digital newsletter and Rainbow Stamp News ranked 63rd position with the score of 16.25.

Courtesy: CG Awards

Special Cover on Puneri Pagadi released at Coinex Pune 2015 - 10th December 2015.

International Collectors' Society of Rare Items, Pune organised a Numismatic Competitive exhibition at Sonal Hall, Karve Road, Pune from 10th to 12th December 2015. During the exhibition as Special Cover on Puneri Pagadi was released by Shri Ganesh V. Sawaleshwarkar, Postmaster General, Pune (Special Cover approval no. MH/38/2015). In addition to normal special cover, special cover is also available with Puneri Pagadi affixed on the cover.

Puneri Pagadi (turban) is a symbol of pride, honour, prestige, inventive skill and distinctiveness for Pune. The origin of the Puneri pagadi dates back to the 17th century when there were 12 classes of people. Among them were the Kostis, whose profession was to make these pagadis. For making the pagadis, the fabric used was mostly cotton. It was dipped in water and starch was added to fix its folds permanently. For preparing the headgear, the Kostis used their head and even knees. The pagadi made in this particular way lasted for precisely 15 days making the fortnightly visit of the Kostis a common occurrence. White was the basic colour of the pagadi. It was dyed to red that was earlier sourced from the stem of the Parijat flower. The stem being red in colour was soaked in water overnight and another flower called Terada was also used for preparing the red colour.

The Pagadi is said to have been introduced by Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade in the 19th century and made popular by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Later, it was worn by many leaders like J.S. Karandikar, D.D. Sathye, Tatyasaheb Kelkar and Datto Vaman Potdar. The pagadi became more popular in 1973 after the Marathi play, Ghashiram Kotwal. Today the pagadi is used mostly on special occasions like wedding ceremonies, traditional folk dance, Marathi theatre and traditional days in schools and colleges.

The pagadi consists of Koka, Matha, Jartar, Kamal, Ghera and Aster. Perhaps the most important part of the Puneri Pagadi is the Koka as it decides the cost of the pagadi. Puneri pagadi has been registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) as per the Geographical Indications Act, 1999 and Geographical indication of Goods (Protection and Registration) Rules, 2002 and is the third GI in Maharashtra.

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru | Pratisad Neurgaonkar, Pune

Impex-2015, District Level Philatelic Exhibition at Imphal – 10th – 12th December 2015.

Impex 2015, a district level philatelic exhibition was organized from 10th to 12th December 2015 by the Manipur Postal Division at the Centenary Hall of Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal. My Stamp facility was made available during the exhibition at venue. Stamp design competition, letter writing competition and quiz competition were held during the exhibition. As a special gesture to the specially challenged twenty children from Spastic Society of Manipur, Imphal were also invited to the exhibition and stamps displayed at the exhibition were explained to them.

Two Special Covers were issued during the exhibition.

Special Cover on Siroi Lily - 10th December 2015.

A Special Cover on Siroi Lily was released by Secretary (Tourism) Nidhi Mani Tripathi during inaugural session of exhibition in presence of Shri Vinod Kumar, Director (Posts), Manipur and Ajeeta Longjam, Deputy Conservator (Adm. and Plg.), Department of Forest.

Shirui Lily or Siroi lily is the State flower of Manipur, and known worldwide for its rare and modest beauty. Its botanical name is Lilium Mackliniae. It found only in the upper reaches of the Siroi hill ranges in the Ukhrul district of Manipur, at an elevation of 1,730–2,590 metres above sea level. It is located near the boundary of Myanmar to the east, Shiroi village in the west, Choithar village in the south and Sihai village in the north. This shade-loving lily has pale bluish-pink petals but has seven colours when observed through a microscope. In the wild it flowers in the monsoon months of June and July. They are seasonal flowering plants and at their best in May and June when it blooms. The peak season of its bloom is May 15 to June 5. The height of the plant is 1–3 feet and has one to seven flowers per plant. Its unique characteristic is that one can’t plant the flower in any part of the world besides the Siroi hill. Siroy Lily is the State Flower of Manipur. India Post has issued a commemorative stamp on Siroi lily on 31st March 2000.

Special Cover on Nongin - 12th December 2015.

A Special Cover on Nongin or Mrs. Hume's pheasant the state bird of Manipur was released on 12th December 2015.

Nongin or Mrs. Hume's pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae) is a state bird of Manipur. It is also known as bar-tailed pheasant. It is a large forest pheasant with a greyish brown head, bare red facial skin, chestnut brown plumage, yellowish bill, brownish orange iris, white wing bars and metallic blue neck feathers. The male has a long greyish white, barred black and brown tail. The female is a chestnut brown bird with whitish throat, buff color belly and white-tipped tail. Size of adult male is between 80 to 90 cm including the tail and the length of female is between 50 to 60 cm including the tail. The weight of adult male is between 900 to 1080 g, and the weight of female is between 650 to 850 g. This rare and little known pheasant is found throughout forested habitats in China, India, Burma and Thailand. The diet consists mainly of vegetation matters. The female lays three to twelve creamy white eggs in nest of leaves, twigs and feathers.

The name commemorates Mary Ann Grindall Hume, wife of the British naturalist in India Allan Octavian Hume. It is also a state bird of Mizoram. Mrs. Hume’s pheasant or Nongin is a Schedule – I bird, according to wildlife (Protection) act, 1972 and classified as Near Threatened (NT) by the IUCN.

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru | Sangaiexpress.com

Vijayapex - 2015, Stamp Exhibition at Vijaya High School, Bangalore – 8th – 10th December 2015.

A Stamp exhibition 'Vijayapex-2015' was organised by Philatelic Club of Vijaya High School, Jayanagar, Bangalore at Yoga Mandir in the school premises from 8th to 10th December 2015. Exhibition was inaugurated by Shri K. S. Chandrasekhariah, Founder President and CEO of Vijaya Education Institute Trust. Exhibition was well attended by local philatelists. Exhibition was organized with the support of Karnataka Philatelic Society.

Courtesy: Jagannath Mani, Bengaluru

Manipal University Philately & Numismatics Club formed at Manipal University – 6th December 2015.

With an aim to encourage people of the region to take philately and numismatics as a hobby, a philatelic and numismatic club is formed at Manipal University on 6th December 2015 under the guidance of Dr. H. Vinod Bhat, Vice Chancellor, Manipal University who himself is also a philatelist.

On the occasion a Stamp & Coins Exhibition was also organized at Interact Building of University. Shri Prabhakar M. Kamath, President of the Dakshina Kannada Philatelic and Numismatics Association inaugurated the exhibition.

Courtesy: Jagannath Mani, Bengaluru | The Hindu

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

Department of Posts has issued four more definitive stamps in new 11th Definitive Series on ‘Makers of India’ in denomination of Rs. 5 on Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Bhagat Singh, and Ram Manohar Lohia. So far seven stamps all in the denomination of Rs 5 have been issued in the ‘Makers of India’ Definitive series. All Stamps are printed at India Security Press, Nashik Road.

Revision of Foreign Postage Rates of Letter Post items – 1st December 2015.

India Post has revised the tariff for Foreign Postage Rates with effect from 1st December, 2015 as follows:

SURFACE MAIL:
LETTERS (For all the countries):
Up to first 20 grams: Rs. 20.00
For every additional 20 grams or part thereof up to 2000 grams: Rs. 10.00

SMALL PACKETS (For all the countries):
Up to first 100 grams: Rs. 60.00
For every additional 100 grams or part thereof up to 2000 grams: Rs. 45.00

SMALL PAPER (For all the countries):
Up to first 20 grams: Rs. 15.00
For every additional 20 grams or part thereof up to 2000 grams: Rs. 10.00

POSTAGE FOR M BAG (Formerly referred as Bulk Bag) OF PRINTED MATTER (chargeable on the gross weight of M Bag) (For all the countries):
For a weight not exceeding 5 Kg.: Rs. 600.00
Per Kg. exceeding 5 Kg. up to 30 Kg.: Rs. 100.00

SURFACE AIR LIFTED (SAL) Surcharge (for every 20 grams):
SAARC Countries: Rs. 2.00
Gulf Countries: Rs. 2.00
Other Countries in Asia (except SAARC and Gulf): Rs. 3.00
Countries in Europe: Rs. 4.00
Countries in Africa: Rs. 4.00
Countries in North America and Australia: Rs. 6.00
Countries in South America: Rs. 8.00.

AIR SURCHARGE (For every 20 grams or part thereof):
SAARC Countries: Rs. 2.00
Gulf Countries: Rs. 3.00
Other Countries in Asia (except SAARC and Gulf): Rs. 4.00
Countries in Europe: Rs. 4.00
Countries in Africa: Rs. 5.00
Countries in North America and Australia: Rs. 7.00
Countries in South America: Rs. 9.00

REGISTRATION FEES:
For Letters, Air Letters, Post Cards, Packets: Rs. 70.00
For M Bag of Printed Matter: Rs. 350.00.

Jodhapex-2015, 7th Jodhpur District Philatelic Exhibition - 7th - 8th December 2015.

Jodhapex-2015, 7th District Level Philatelic Exhibition is organized by Jodhpur Postal Region from 7th to 8th December 2015 at Shri Sohanlal Manihar Girls Senior Secondary School, Siwanchi Gate, Jodhpur. Exhibition was jointly inaugurated by Mrs. Sheuli Berman, Postmaster General, Western Region, Jodhpur and Shri K. K. Yadav, Director Postal Service, Jodhpur on 7th December 2015. Exhibits are showcased in 40 frames on various subjects by philatelists and school children of region. “My Stamps” scheme was also made available at the venue. Stamp Design contest and Letter Writing Competition were also organized for the school children.

A Special Cover on Rajasthan's State tree - Khejri was released jointly by Mrs. Sheuli Berman, Postmaster General, Western Region, Jodhpur and Shri K. K. Yadav, Director Postal Service, Jodhpur and other dignitaries in dais at inaugural function of the exhibition on 7th December 2015.

Khejri or Loong tree or Prosopis cineraria is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to arid portions of Western Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, including Afghanistan, Iran, India, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Other common names include Jund, Kandi, Banni / Shami or Sami, Vanni, Jammi, Khejra, Khijdo etc. It is the state tree of Rajasthan and Telangana States. It is also the national tree of the United Arab Emirates. Khejri, the desert tree as it is also known was the lifeline of the people in Western Rajasthan in the earlier times. It provided firewood and even acted as a cash crop. Khejri covers about two-thirds of the total geographical area of the State and is of immense significance culturally and economically.

Day : 2, 8th December 2015

The closing ceremony of two-days Philatelic Exhibition “JODHAPEX-2015” was held on 8 December 2015 in the auditorium of Sohan Lal Manihar Girls Senior Secondary School, Siwanchi Gate, Jodhpur.

A Special Cover on Blue City, Jodhpur was released on 8th December 2015 by Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav, Director Postal Services, Rajasthan Western Region, Jodhpur. The special cover is having marvelous scene of blue coloured houses from the internal vellum of Jodhpur City and its special cancellation depicts logo of skylight of Jodhpur Fort.

Jodhpur is second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan and has long been a popular destination among international tourists. The old town is a wonderful example of vivid colours providing a photogenic backdrop to everyday life. It is also known as the blue city because the color gives an indigo aura to it with blue colored houses surrounding the Mehrangarh Fort.

At the closing ceremony Prizes were awarded to winners of philatelic exhibition, letter writing competition and stamp design contest. Philatelists Shri Rajesh Paharia and Shri R.K. Bhutda served as Jury at the exhibition.

40th Anniversary Celebration of Karnataka Philatelic Society – 6th December 2015.

Karnataka Philatelic Society (KPS) was founded in 1975 in Bangalore by late Col. L. G. Shenoy and like minded senior philatelists and was registered with Government of Karnataka on 22nd March, 1976. Col. L.G. Shenoi was the first President and Sri Fredun P. Seervai was the first General Secretary of KPS. The KPS acts as a platform for philately in Karnataka especially in Bangalore. The key charter of the society is to promote philately as hobby starting from young kids to senior citizens.

To celebrate its 40th Anniversary Karnataka Philatelic Society organized a function at Meghdoot Auditorium, General Post Office Building, Rajbhavan Road, Bengaluru on 6th December 2015. On the occasion a Special Cover on 40 years of Karnataka Philatelic Society was released by Smt. Usha Chandrasekhar, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Postal Circle in presence of Shri Chaitanya Dev, President, Karnataka Philatelic Society and Shri Markand Dave, India Representative of Royal Philatelic Society (Special Cover approval no. KTK/52/2015).

On the occasion renowned philatelist Dr. Sita Bhateja was awarded lifetime achievement award. Special edition of KarPhila Magazine was also released at the function. After the function a joint meeting with Royal Philatelic Society of London was also organized. Function was well attended by a large number of members and philatelists.

Courtesy: Jagannath Mani, Bengaluru

Special Cover on World Soil Day - 5th December 2015.

Soil is the basis for food, feed, fuel and fibre production and for services to ecosystems and human well-being. It is the reservoir for at least a quarter of global biodiversity, and therefore requires the same attention as above-ground biodiversity. Soils play a key role in the supply of clean water and resilience to floods and droughts. The largest store of terrestrial carbon is in the soil so that its preservation may contribute to climate change adaptation and mitigation. The maintenance or enhancement of global soil resources is essential if humanity’s need for food, water, and energy security is to be met.

United Nations had declared 2015 as International Year of Soils and the United Nations theme for this year's World Soil Day is "Soils a solid ground for life". Soils have been neglected for too long. We fail to connect soil with our food, water, climate, biodiversity and life. We must invert this tendency and take up some preserving and restoring actions. The World Soil Day campaign aims to connect people with soils and raise awareness on their critical importance in our lives. The World Soil Day campaign aims to connect people with soils and raise awareness on their critical importance in our lives.

World Soil Day celebrations was organised by the departments of Agriculture and Soil Conservation at Thiruvananthapuram on 5th December 2015. On the occasion a Special Cover was released by Chief Postmaster General Sri A. N. Nanda in a function held at Senate Hall, Thiruvananthapuram. The cover was accepted by the Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture Sri. K. P. Mohanan from Chief PMG Shri A. N. Nanda (Special Cover approval no. KL-12/2015).

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Special Cover on 150 years of Arumuga Navalar Schools - 4th December 2015.

Arumuga Navalar School in Chidambaram was established in 1864 by Sri La Sri Arumuga Navalar (1822-1879). Situated in the heart of the temple city of Chidambaram, it has been fulfilling the educational needs of many in the area continuously till today. Arumuga Navalar established model schools in Jaffna and Chidambaram, India, with the name "Saivaprakasa Vidyasalai". This is the world’s first Saiva school adapted to the modern needs of imparting knowledge to Tamil Saiva students. After Navalar, the school came under the tutelage of his student Sathasivampillai and subsequently led by eminent people from Sri Lanka and India. In 1917 the school at Chidambaram was upgraded to primary school. During this period classes from 1st to 5th standard were started. In 1947 the school was upgraded into High school and in 1980 into Higher Secondary school. It has been recognized by the Department of School Education of Government of Tamilnadu.

To commemorate 150 years of Arumuga Navalar Schools a special cover was released at Chidambaram on 4th December 2015 (Special Cover approval no. TN/37/2015).

Courtesy: R. Kasinath, Thanjavur

Special Cover on Patna Book Fair 2015 – 4th December 2015.

Patna Book Fair 2015 is organised by Center for Readership Development from 4th to 15th December 2015 at Gandhi Maidan, Patna. The Patna Book Fair, one of the finest cultural festivals of the state of Bihar, has pioneered in bringing about development of educational and cultural conscious among the masses. The fair is being organized since 1985 under the banner of Centre for Readership Development (CRD). The fair attracts a large number of publishers who put up their stalls at the fair.

A Special Cover on Patna Book Fair 2015 was released on 4th December 2015, the inaugural day of the fair at Patna (Special Cover approval no. BH/10/DEC-2015). The cover illustration depicts collage of book fair and the cancellation depicts the logo of Patna Book Fair.

Courtesy: Lalit K Mishra, Patna

ePost Office Android App launched by India Post.

The ePost Office the e-commerce portal of India Post offers variety of online Postal services to theusers. One can avail services like philately (purchase of stamps), PLI/RPLI (payment of premium) and eIPO (purchase of postal order for RTI). The portal enables the customers to transact anytime and anywhere using either Credit/Debit card.

Now ePost Office has become Mobile Friendly. Department of Posts has launched Android Mobile Application for purchase of Stamps and other Philatelic items. Android App can be downloaded from the India Post’s Philately portal, ePost Office portal and Google Play Store. India Post offers sale of Philately Stamp in this release and other services would be offered in next release.

Special Cover on International Year of Light 2015 – 3rd December 2015.

A Special Cover was released to mark International Year of Light 2015 (IYL 2015) on 3rd December 2015 at Indore.

On 20 December 2013, the UN General Assembly 68th Session proclaimed 2015 as the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015). In proclaiming an International Year focusing on the topic of light science and its applications, the UN has recognized the importance of raising global awareness about how light-based technologies promote sustainable development and provide solutions to global challenges in energy, education, agriculture and health.

Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore, in collaboration with Indian Laser Association organized the 24th National Laser Symposium during 2nd to 5th December, 2015 at RRCAT campus, Indore. The symposium was sponsored by the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences, Department of Atomic Energy. The symposium aimed to create a platform for researchers in the field of laser physics, technology and applications, to interact with each other and network with eminent scientists in the field.

Commemorative Stamps on Zoological Survey of India – 3rd December 2015.

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on 1st July, 1916 to promote survey, exploration and research leading to the advancement in our knowledge of various aspects of exceptionally rich life of the erstwhile ´British Indian Empire´. The survey has its genesis in the establishment of the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875. By gradually strengthening its staff and expanding its research programme, the Survey has met the challenge of the past and is on its way to meet the demands of the future. It has maintained its primary objectives unchanged from its inception.

Initially, the Survey acquired the Zoological collections of more than a century old from former Museum (1814 -1875) of the Asiatic Society of Bengal and Zoological Section of the Indian Museum (1875-1916) in Calcutta. With the increasing interest in the life sciences and with the advent of country´s Five Year Plans, the expansion programme of the survey was initiated. The Survey has established so far 16 Regional and Field Stations, and has developed into a major National Institution. It functions as the guardian of the National Zoological Collections, containing over a million identified specimens from all animal groups ranging from Protozoa to Mammals. Extensive and intensive field explorations are undertaken by the Survey in different parts of the country for the studies of fauna, systematic zoology, animal ecology, wildlife and zoogeography, animal behavior, animal population and also marine fauna and the results of the explorations and research are published in its own journals as well as National and International periodicals of repute regularly.

The Zoological Survey of India is celebrating its 100 years this year. On this occasion Minister of C&IT, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad released Commemorative stamps and Miniature Sheet on Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) at the function held at Conference Hall, National Media Centre, Raisina Road, New Delhi on 3rd December 2015. Set of two stamps is in denomination of Rs. 5 and Rs. 25. The Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge), Shri Prakash Javadekar, Mrs Kavery Banerjee, Secretary, Department of Posts and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Courtesy: PIB

Navi Mumbai Festival of Stamps 2015, Nerul – 1st – 2nd December 2015.

Navi Mumbai Festival of Stamps 2015, a district-level philatelic exhibition was held at Agri Koli Sanskruti Bhavan, Palm Beach Road, Sector 24, Nerul, Navi Mumbai on 1st and 2nd December 2015. Various competitions for the school children were also organized during the exhibition.

On the occasion a Special Cover on Navi Mumbai mangroves was released on 1st December 2015 (Special Cover approval no. MH/37/2015). The illustration on the special cover shows Rhizophora a prominent mangrove species found along the coast of Maharashtra.

Mumbai Historical records indicate that there were several islands around Mumbai during 1670. Mangroves represent the spirit of Mumbai – they are plucky survivors. Mangroves are the protectors of land, food factories and champions of ecological balance. Around 20 out of the 35 species of true mangroves found in India have been identified along the Maharashtra coast and 15 species of these are found in Mumbai. Mumbai has between 35 and 45 square kilometers of mangrove forest.

Special Cover on Vithal Laxman Kotwal (Bhai Kotwal) - 1st December 2015.

Vithal Laxman Kotwal known as Bhai Kotwal was a social reformer and revolutionary from Neral, Maharashtra. He was born on 1st December 1912 in Matheran, a hill station near Mumbai. He belonged to the poor barber family. He stayed there till he studied fourth grade in the local school and returned only after he graduated from Pune in 1936. As soon as Vithal Kotwal returned to Matheran he got into socio political activities defying his father’s wish to carry on their family tradition. In coordination with the local congress leader Bhausaheb Raut, he got involved in politics and social work. During the time of drought, Vithal Kotwal came up with the innovative idea of grain bank for the farmers. With the financial support of Mr. Raut, a few thousand kilos of grain were imported and distributed amongst the farmers. Vithal Kotwal successfully fought the election for Matheran city council and became vice chairman in 1941.

Though motivated for the freedom struggle from his college days in Pune, Vithal became influenced by socio communist movement in the country. Hence he was called “Bhai” as an Indian synonym for comrade. He got fully involved and went underground when Mahatma Gandhi on 9 August 1942 asked British to “quit India”. He laid down his life in the freedom struggle of the country. He was killed in an encounter with the British police officer DSP R. Hall while he was underground with his team in the jungle of Sidhagadh on 2 January 1943.

A Special Cover was released in remembrance of Brave Martyr of Indian Freedom Struggle Vithal Laxman Kotwal on 1st December 2015 at Matheran (Special Cover approval no. MH/34/2015).

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram