News : June 2014

Special Cover on 'Celebration - Winner of 3 trophies' - 28th June 2014.

Karnataka State Cricket Association, Bangalore organised felicitation function of the State Cricket team for winning the Ranji Trophy, Irani Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the season 2013-14 on 28th June 2014 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Cubbon Road, Bangalore. On this momentous occasion, all cricketers of winning Ranji Trophy teams in the past were also felicitated.

On this occasion a Special Cover on 'Celebration - Winner of 3 trophies', Ranji Trophy, Irani Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy was released by Karnataka Postal Circle on 28th June 2014 at Bangalore (Special Cover approval no. KTK/10/2014). During the event, Six frame exhibit on Cricket was on display at the venue. Collections of members of Karnataka Philatelic Society were on display.

Courtesy: Jagannath Mani, Bangalore

Special Cover on "Right to Go - Toilets for Every Home" - 26th June 2014.

Rotary Club of Thane Hills (RCTH) was chartered on May 20, 1991. Within a radius of 75 kms from Thane city, there are villages which suffer from appalling lack of basic sanitation. Women from these villages have to trudge long distances every morning to find a convenient and safe place to ease themselves. The lack of toilet facilities in the villages is an insult to the dignity of women, and poses a threat to personal and public health.

Rotary Club of Thane Hills ‘Right to Go’ project envisages the construction of basic toilet blocks within the compound of 200 rural homes in the targeted village of SOGAV, Tal. Shahapur , Dist. Thane. Under the "RIght to Go" project, Rotary Club of Thane Hills have constructed 210 Toilet blocks for 210 homes in Sogav village, 80 kms from city of Mumbai.

Department of Post, Maharashtra Postal Circle issued a Special Cover and Cancellation (Special Cover approval no. MH/15/2014) to acknowledge the efforts of Rotary Club of Thane Hills and the importance of their project 'Right To Go'. The Special Cover was released by Shri H. C. Agrawal, Postmaster General, Mumbai Region and in the august presence of Thane District Collector, Mr. P. Velrasu, IAS.

Availability of Cover from Philatelic Bureau, Mumbai GPO, Contact : +91-22-22644944.

Cover Courtesy: Jigar Desai, Mumbai

Special Cover on Jinalaya Anjanshalaka Pratistha Mahotsav, Rijubalika - Place of Gaining Enlightenment of Mahavir - 25th June 2014.

A Special Cover was issued by Jharkhand Postal Circle to mark Anjanshalaka Pratistha of Grand Temple of Bhagwan Mahavir, (Special Cover approval no. JH/06/2014) under the auspicious guidance of P. P. Shri Mahendra Sagar ji M. S. inspired by Sadhwi Shree Maniprabha Shri ji under auspices of Rijubalika Pratishta Mahotsav Samiti.

Courtesy: Pradip Jain, Patna

Special Cover on 175th year celebration of St. Mary's Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School, Chennai - 23rd June 2014.

St. Mary's Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School is a Salesians of Don Bosco run higher secondary school for boys located on Armenian Street, Broadway in Chennai. The school is one of the oldest schools in India. It is also one of the first five schools to be set up during the British period. Saint Mary's Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School was founded in 1839 by the Rt. Rev. Joseph Carew, D.D., for the purpose of affording the Catholic youth of Madras an education. It was known for nearly 44 years as St. Mary's Seminary and Day School. The first Principal was very Rev. Dr. William Kelly of Maynooth.

To mark 175th year of St Mary’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School Tamil Nadu Postal Circle issued a Special Cover on the occasion of the captain’s day programme held in the school on 23rd June 2014. (Special Cover approval no. TN/05/2014). Special Cover was released by Shri T. Murthy, Chief Postmaster General, Tamil Nadu Circl and the first album of the special cover was handed over to Padma Shree Mohan Viswanathan, Chairman, Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialist Centre.

Cover Courtesy: Rainbow Stamp Club

Special Cover on Natya Kalanidhi Guru A. T. Govindraj Pillai Birth Centenary - 22nd June 2014.

Born on 22nd June 1914, in a family devoted to music and dance for generations, Guru Ayyampettai Thyagaraj Govindraj Pillai had first started his music lessons from Vidwan Veerabhadra Pillai. Later he was thoroughly trained in the intricacies of Carnatic music by the veterans Vidwan Markhanda Pillai and Vidwan Venugopal. By sheer dint of hard work and intense devotion to the art, Guru Govindraj Pillai had reached the pinnacle of fame which very few could accomplish. He married to Karunambal, daughter of Bharatha Vidwan Kuppiah Pillai. Karunambal was a great source of inspiration and of immense help to Guru Govindraj in imparting tuition to the students.

Rajarajeshwari Kala Mandir was established in Bombay (Mumbai) by Guru Sri A. T. Govindraj Pillai in the year 1945. He was assisted by his wife Smt. Karunambal. In recognition of his very distinguished and meritorious services in the field of Bharatha Natyam, The Tamil Nadu Sangeet Nataka Academy, Madras conferred on Guru Govindraj Pillai the prestigious title of ‘Kalaimamani’ and the award of the best Bharatha Natya Vidwan of 1971. Majestic in his nattuvangam and melodious in his singing, Guru Govindraj Pillai had conducted over 2000 arangterams and nearly 10000 concerts in India and abroad.

As a part of Centenary celebrations of Natya Kalanidhi Guru A.T. Govindraj Pillai Birth a Special Cover was issued on 22nd June 2014 at the function held at Shri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Auditorium, Mumbai.

Availability of Cover from Philatelic Bureau, Mumbai GPO, Contact : +91-22-22644944.

Cover Courtesy: Jigar Desai, Mumbai

Nuphilex - 2014 held at Pondicherry - 20th - 22nd June 2014.

Indo - French Philatelic and Numismatic Association (IFPNA) organised 'Nuphilex - 2014', Stamps, Coins and Bank Notes display cum Sale at Rosamma Kalyana Mandapam, Lal Bahadur Shastri Road, Pondicherry - 605 001 from 20th to 22nd June 2014. The event was inaugurated by Thiru P. Rajavelu, Hon’ble Minister for Welfare & Tourism, Puducherry on 20th June. A large number of dealers and collectors from all over the country visited the event. Besides the display of rare stamps, coins and banknotes, there were stalls of stamps and coins dealers. During the event, facility for 'My Stamp' was also made available.

Indo French Philatelic &  Numismatic Association (IFPNA) honored two eminent philatelists, Shri G. Amarchand  and Sri G.Balakrishna Das of South India Philatelists Association during the event and awarded them Life Time Achievement awards. The Chief Guest Thiru P. Rajavelu Hon'ble Minister for Welfare and Tourism Govt. of Pondicherry presented the memento and the certificates to the awardees.

81 Years old Shri G. Balakrishna Das is the founder member of South India Philatelists’ Association and specialized in French India Stamps and Convention States of British India. He has won Gold Medals for his collections in National level Philatelic Exhibitions and Large Vermeil in International exhibitions. He was the Secretary of SIPA from its inception and presently he is President of South India Philatelists’ Association. On behalf of Sri G. Balakrishna Das his son Mr. B. Mahesh Parekh received the Life Time Achievement award and certificate.

Shri G. Amarchand was a longtime Treasurer of South India Philatelists’ Association. His collection of India Classic Stamps has taken him to the league of International Gold Medalists, as he won the Gold Medal at Indepex 2011 at Delhi. He is also an expert on Maritime Mails of the British era. Presently Shri G. Amarchand is Vice President of South India Philatelists’ Association.

We appreciate the gesture of Indo French Philatelic & Numismatic Association (IFPNA), honouring eminent and senior philatelist for their contribution in the field of philately.

Courtesy: Mr. A. V. Jeyachandran, Pondicherry

Special Cover on Diamond Jubilee of Coir Board – 19th June 2014.

Coir Board is a statutory body established by the Government of India under a legislation enacted by the Parliament namely Coir Industry Act 1953 (45 of 1953) for the promotion and development of Coir Industry in India as a whole. The role of coir in the Indian culture is more pronounced as the industry is supporting lakhs of people, predominantly women mostly from the impoverished coastal belt. Coir Board is steering the Indian coir industry for the last six decades through its ups and downs to a fully modernized industry having a number of novel products with versatility in applications.

In commemoration of the 60 years of untiring efforts of the Coir Board rendered for the coir industry in India, the Department of Posts issued the Special Cover in connection with the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations on 19th June 2014 at Kochi. (Special Cover approval no. KL/10/2014)

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bangalore

Special Cover on Braille Edition of ‘Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master – A Yogi’s Autobiography’ and the Walk of Hope 2015-16 (Manav Ekta Mission) - 15th June 2014.

Sri M – spiritual guide, social reformer and educationist was born into a Muslim family. His transformational journey, from a young boy to a living yogi, is a fascinating story symbolized by single-minded discipline and dedication. He travelled to the Himalayas at the age of 19, meeting saints and sages, eventually gaining his spiritual fulfillment under the guidance of Maheshwarnath Babaji. Based in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, he leads a simple life – teaching and guiding the Satsang Foundation and Manav Ekta Mission. Walk of Hope is an initiative of the Manav Ekta Mission works towards spreading the oneness of all religions by encouraging people to go to the core of all beliefs that nurture the innate goodness in every human being. It is a walkathon (padayatra) between Kanyakumari to Kashmir, over 6,000 kilometers, for promoting the cause of peace, harmony and human oneness. It will be led by Sri M, a spiritual luminary, author, educationist and social reformer.

Sri M’s autobiography, ‘Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master – A Yogi’s Autobiography’, is a bestseller. The Braille Version of the Sri M's autobiography was launched on the 15th of June 2014. On this occasion Karnataka Postal Circle issued a Special Cover to mark Braille Edition of ‘Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master – A Yogi’s Autobiography’ and the Walk of Hope 2015-16 organised by Manav Ekta Mission. Sri H. V. Ranganath, Senior Superintendent of Post Office, Bangalore East Division released the Special Cover at the function organized at Mitra Jyothi Charitable Trust, HSR Layout, Bangalore. (Special Cover approval no.: KTK/09/2014)

Cover/Photo Courtesy: Sushil Mehra, Bangalore

Meghdoot Post Card - 2014.

Another issue of Meghdoot Postcard of year 2014 has been reported carrying advertisement on Noorul Islam University in English on the occasion of Silver Jubilee of the university. Advertisement carries various information about the university, courses offered by university and their contact information.

Visit our new section Meghdoot Post Cards Listing

Image Courtesy: Mansoor Bolar, Mangalore

The Year Book of Indian Philately: 2013.

Latest edition of the Year Book of Indian Philately: 2013 is released by Shri Madan Middha.

2013 edition of the Year Book includes important philatelic texts / research articles on various important subjects on Indian Philately, like Indian Telegraphs – A tribute by Shri Ilyas Patel, Indo-Pak Mails – Arrangements after partition of 1947 by Shri Ashok Kumar Bayanwala, Azad Hind Stamps by Shri Naresh Agarwal, Mahatma Gandhi, 1948 issues by Shri Sudhir Jain, Indian Watermarks by Shri Madan Middha, Window Delivery by Shri Rajesh Paharia, Smart Money Order by Shri Prashant Pandya, Unusual Stamps : Cloth Stamps by Shri Ramarathinam K. and Terms Unexplained etc.

The year book also has rejoinder section which covers rejoinders to the earlier published articles. This includes “Un-gummed Definitives of India”, “My Stamp” and “R.M.F.M. Metermarks”.

It also covers information on philatelic happenings of year 2013 viz. List of Awardees at international exhibitions, forthcoming international exhibitions, Indian stamps, postal stationery, Army covers, Special covers and postmarks, misc issues etc. issued during the year 2013. Information on Postal History events, exhibitions, society news and philatelic tidbits has been included in the year book.

2013 edition of the “Year Book of Indian Philately” is a must have reference book for all philatelists. Cost of the year book is Rs. 300 inclusive of postage in India. It can be obtained from Shri Madan Middha, Saket Vihar, Phalka Bazar, GWALIOR -474 001. (Payment accepted by Money Order only.)

Also Visit www.indianphilately.net/plitgen.html for more information

Special Cover on World Trade Centre, Mumbai - 12th June 2014.

The World Trade Centre (WTC) Mumbai was established more than four decades ago, to promote and facilitate India's trade with the world. It was built in 1970 and It consists of two towers, MRVDC and IDBI. MRVDC was, at 156m, the tallest building in South Asia until the 2010 completion of The Imperial, Mumbai (252m). It is an important trade fair & business center.

The World Trade Centre Mumbai celebrated the World Trade Centres’ Association Day on 12th June 2014. The celebration was marked by the release of a Special Cover by Pradipta Kumar Bisoi, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, in recognition of the World Trade Centre, Mumbai’s over 4 decades of dedicated services in the promotion of International trade through various facilities and services. (Special Cover approval No. MH/13/2014)

Cover Courtesy: Jigar Desai, Mumbai

Picture Postcard on 2014 FIFA World Cup issued at Chennai - 12th June 2014.

Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Picture Postcard on 2014 FIFA World Cup on 12th June 2014. Picture Postcard is priced at Rs. 25 each and available at Philatelic Bureau, Anna Road, Chennai.

Courtesy: Jagannath Mani, Bangalore

Philatelic Exhibition on FIFA and Football at Chennai.

A Philatelic Exhibition on FIFA and Football is organized at the Philatelic Bureau on Anna Road, Chennai by India Post, Chennai City Region, in association with South India Philatelists' Association. The Exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Mervin Alexander, Postmaster General, Chennai City Region on 12th June 2014. The exhibition will remain open for one month.

Photo Courtesy: Arunachalam Venkataraman, Chennai

Commemorative Stamps on 2014 FIFA World Cup - 12th June 2014.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup is the 20th FIFA World Cup, an international men's football tournament that is taking place in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014. It is the second time that Brazil has hosted the competition, the last one being in 1950. Brazil was elected unchallenged as host nation in 2007 after the international football federation, FIFA, decreed that the tournament would be staged in South America for the first time since 1978 in Argentina, and the fifth time overall.

The national teams of 31 countries advanced through qualification competitions that began in June 2011 to participate with the host nation Brazil in the final tournament. A total of 64 matches are to be played in 12 cities across Brazil in either new or redeveloped stadiums, with the tournament beginning with a group stage. For the first time at a World Cup Finals, the matches will use goal-line technology.

India Post issued a set of four stamps and a miniature sheet to commemorate 2014 FIFA World Cup. The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released commemorative postage stamps on the 2014 FIFA World Cup at a function held in New Delhi on 12th June 2014.

Photo Courtesy: PIB

Commemorative Stamps on 2014 FIFA World Cup - 12th June 2014.

India Post has notified that a set of four commemorative stamps on 2014 FIFA World Cup will be released by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 12th June 2014 at 1800 Hrs. The sale of said stamps will be commenced after 1830 Hrs. at all Philatelic Bureaux.

Copy of Notification: Source India Post

Special Cover on 75th Death Anniversary of Margaret Oliver Golding – 11th June 2014.

Margaret Owen, Later Mrs. Margaret Oliver Golding the wife of a Manchester Rotarian, was born of Welsh parentage at Hey Brecon. She was trained as a nurse and served as such during the First World War. This triggered off a deep desire to help all ailing, deprived humanity. she was an extremely capable business woman and a great philanthropist, Her chief social interest being the Manchester Girls' Orphanage, and Ancoats Hospital, for which the Inner Wheel Club of Manchester provided and furnished a mortuary chapel. She also did a great deal for the Girl Guide movement, in which she held the office of commissioner.

She formed directly and personally numerous clubs and several Districts and her inspiration is remembered to this day. She successfully achieved an even harder task in persuading members to look beyond their local concerns and become part of a greater whole. Margaret Oliver Golding was the founder of Inner Wheel Club, the Women’s Wing of Rotary International.

The idea of Inner Wheel spread quickly and many clubs were soon formed. One hundred thousand members make up Inner Wheel Clubs today in over 100 countries. Inner Wheel has become one of the largest women’s organizations in the world and has representation at the United Nations.

A special cover was released to mark the 75th Death Anniversary of Margaret Oliver Golding on 11th June 2014 at Bhusaval.

Himpex - 2014, First Himachal Pradesh State Level Philatelic Exhibition - 9th - 11th June 2014.

For the first time the Himachal Pradesh Postal Circle organized a three day, State Level Philatelic Exhibition Himpex-2014, from 9th June to 11th June, 2014 at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla. Passionate enthusiast and stamp collectors from all around the city and state participated in the exhibition and on 11th June the event culminated with the prize distribution. The Chief Guest for the occasion was the Chief Post Master General, A. N. Nanda and among others present were the R. S. Mishra, DSP, (HQ) HP, Dr. S P Gupta, Accredited Jury, Dinesh Chander Sharma, Apprentice Jury and M. R. Chaudhary, SSPO, Hamirpur. There were 1 seven frame exhibit, 3 five frame exhibits, 3 four frame exhibits, 18 two frame exhibits, and 35 one frame exhibits.

Letter writing, Stamp designing, Quiz competitions were also organised during the exhibition. Five Special Covers were released during the exhibition as follows:

1. 09.06.2014 - Himachal Pradesh University, Summerhill, Gyanpath, Simla (Sp. Cover approval no.: HP/01/2014)
2. 09.06.2014 - Shankar Kedar Temple Chakkar, Shimla (Sp. Cover approval no.: HP/02/2014)
3. 10.06.2014 - Shree Markandaye Temple, Markand, Distt. Bilaspur (Sp. Cover approval no.: HP/03/2014)
4. 10.06.2014 - Dera Baba Rudra Nand Ashram, Yagna Nagar, Una (Sp. Cover approval no.: HP/04/2014)
5. 11.06.2014 - World's Highest Post Office, Hikkim (Sp. Cover approval no.: HP/05/2014)

Photo Courtesy: KEEKLI - An Ode to Innocence | Cover Courtesy: Rainbow Stamp Club

Special Cover on Ch Mohammed Koya - 9th June 2014.

Ch Mohammed Koya (1927-1983), was an eminent writer, editor, eloquent orator, skilful organiser and a leader of Indian Union Muslim League. He was also a champion of the causes of depressed class, social reformer, member and speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly, Member of Parliament, Minister (Education, Home), Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Minister of Kerala and a legendary leader in Kerala's socio-political-cultural fields.

India Post issued a Special Cover on Ch Mohammed Koya as a mark of respect to the departed leader on the occasion of his 53rd year of assumption of office as Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly at Thiruvananthapuram on 9th June 2014. The cover was released by Governor Sheila Dikshit in a ceremony held at Kanakakkunnu Palace and the Chief Minister Oommen Chandy received the first cover.

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram | Phone Courtesy: The Hindu

Special Cover on Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Rajgopuram, Sringeri - 8th June 2014.

Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri is the foremost of the four Aamnaaya Peethams established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, the principal exponent of Advaita Vedanta. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji laid the foundation stone for the Rajagopuram at the entrance of the Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri on 28th February 2008. With the completion of the construction of the 127 feet tall majestic Rajagopuram, Kumbabhishekam celebrations took place in Sringeri from 1st to 13th of June 2014. The grand Kumbhabhishekam performed by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji on Jaya Samvatsariya Jyeshtha Shuddha Dashami on 8th June 2014.

A Special cover on Sri Sharada Peetham, Rajgopuram, Sringeri was released by Shri M. S. Ramanujan in presence of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji on 8th June 2014 at Sringeri. On the occasion 'My Stamp' was also release depicting Rajgopuram. (Special Cover approval no.: KTK/07/2014)

Cover Courtesy: Mansoor Bolar, Mangalore | Photo Courtesy : www.sringeri.net

Catalogue of Errors on Stamps of Modern India – by Mrinal Kanti Ray.

At present collection of errors on postage stamps is one of the most popular branches of philately with a consistently growing number of collectors. But until now the collectors of errors on Indian stamps have no reference work to consult with. Most of them are left in a quandary – knowing not what to look for, what to purchase and at what price.

To fill the vacuum Shri Mrinal Kanti Ray well know philatelist and author has published ‘Specialized Catalogue of Errors on Stamps of Modern India’ which lists and prices imperforates and colour omitted errors on stamps issued since independence in a chronological order. It also encompasses all other types of errors and varieties under a detailed Guide to Other Errors and Varieties, succinctly narrating each variety with lavish illustration.

With over 500 entries and illustrations in colour this book provides most relevant and authentic information on all error stamps and gives answers to the most frequently asked queries of the collectors in this field. It will not only help guide beginners in furtherance of their hobby and give out a happy hunting-ground for the topical collectors; but will also make the job of expert philatelists easier by presenting them a handy and useful reference work.

Price: Rs. 600/- (US$ 20) | Publisher: Philastar Publications, Varanasi

The Catalogue was released at New Delhi on 7th June 2014.

Visit: http://www.indianphilately.net/plitstamp.html for more information

Courtesy: Mrinal Kanti Ray, Kolkata

Special Cover on 'Harithasree 2014' - 5th June 2014.

Harithasree, a promise to the future of Kerala, is a joint effort of the Government of Kerala co-ordinated by the Minster of Environment for a comprehensive and sustainable environment action plan for Kerala. Harithasree, the tree planting initiative, assures planting more trees with in two years and there by pledges for increasing greenery, enhancing and conserving biodiversity, maintaining and improving the local ecosystems and sustainable use of natural resources. Harithasree programme is implemented through a Participatory Environment Action Programme (PEAP), a joint effort of the Department of Environment, Department of Forestry, Biodiversity Board, Kudumbasree and Janasree missions, Local Self Government, Department of Education and various civil society organizations across Kerala.

Kerala Postal Circle issued a Special Cover on 5th June 2014, the World Environment Day to commemorate 'Harithasree 2014' (10 lakh seedlings planting programme) at Kottayam.

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Polio Free India - 5th June 2014.

On 27 March 2014, World Health Organisation (WHO) declared India as a polio-free country. Rotary International has been part of the polio eradication program in India. Rotary International District 3190 which falls in Zone 6 and comprises of 8 revenue districts of Bangalore, Bangalore Rural, Mandya, Tumkur, Ramanagaram, Chikkaballapur and Kolar celebrated 'Polio Free India'.

To celebrate Polio Free India, Karnataka Postal Circle issued a Special Cover for Rotary International District 3190 at Bangalore on 5th June 2014. (Special Cover approval no. KTK//08/2014)

Cover Courtesy: Ankit Agrawal, Pune

Picture Postcards on Buddhism

A set of two picture postcards on Buddhism has been prepared by Karnataka Postal Circle. These picture postcards are available at Bangalore. One postcard depicts painting of Alchi Monstery mainly known for its magnificent well preserved - 11th or 12th century wall paintings, all in Indo-Himalayan style. Another postcard depicts miniature sheet of 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha issued on 2nd May 2007.

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bangalore

Special Cover on 30th death anniversary of late Qadir Ali Baig - 3rd June 2014.

Qadir Ali Baig was an eminent theatre personality from Hyderabad. Between 1970 and 1984, Qadir Ali was an important figure in the Hyderabad theatre circuit. He formed the New Theatre of Hyderabad (NTH) in 1970 and featured in plays like Sakharam Binder, Adhey Adhoore, Khamosh Adalat Jaari Hai and Kehron Ke Rajhans. His period plays had sets and props that recreated the magnificence of the Mughal and the Asif Jahi eras in plays like Quli Qutb Shah, Ana Shah, Mahboob-e-Deccan and Kohinoor ka Lutera.

Recognising the work and contribution of theatre doyen Qadir Ali Baig, a Special cover to commemorate his 30th death anniversary was released by India Post at the function organized at Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad on 3rd June 2014. The release of the special postal cover also marks ten years of the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation, established by his son Mohammed Ali Baig. While releasing Special cover, Ms. Radhika Chakravarthy, Director of Postal Services said “India Post honours famous personalities whose contribution is exemplary and it is a befitting tribute to late Mirza Qadir Ali Baig sahab.”

The envelope has the doyen’s photo on the left hand corner with the words ‘Late Qadir Ali Baig 1939-1984’ written, followed by ‘A decade of Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation and its theatre revival movement’. The event was followed by a moving performance by veteran actress Rashmi Seth in the play Dhoop ka Tukda. Her performance was an apt tribute to the doyen.

Cover Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Special Cover on Silver Jubilee of Rung Kalyan Sanstha at Dehradun - 1st June 2014.

Rung Kalyan Sanstha is a non-profit organisation which works for the welfare of the "Rung" tribal community inhabitating the Darma, Chaundas and Vyas vallies along the India-China and Indo Nepal borders in Dharchula Tehsil of district Pithoragarh. Rung Kalyan Sanstha has dedicated itself to service of community and the nation through its multifarious charter ranging from education, social welfare and cultural preservation to relief works. Sanstha completed historic milestone of 25 years on 18th May 2014.

Uttarakhand Postal Circle issued a Special Cover to mark Silver Jubilee of Rung Kalyan Sanstha on 1st June 2014 at O.N.G.C. Auditorium, Dehradun. (Special Cover Approval No. UK/02/2014)

Note: It is observed that Pincode is not included in the cancellation. As per guidelines provided by India Post in Hand Book of Philately, Pincode number has to be incorporated in English in the Cancellation.

Courtesy: Abhai Mishra, Dehradun

Ms Kavery Banerjee Appointed as Secretary, Department of Posts.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Ms. Kavery Banerjee, IPoS 78, as Secretary, Department of Posts, Chairperson, Postal Services Board and Director General, Postal Services vice Smt. P.Gopinath, IPoS 77 on her retirement on 31.05.2014. Ms. Banerjee was a Chairperson of Indipex 2011, World Philatelic Exhibition held at the Pragati Maidan Exhibition Complex, New Delhi from 12 to 18 February 2011. We congratulate Ms Banerjee for taking charge as Secretary, Department of Posts.

 

Source: PIB

First Meghdoot Post Card of 2014.

First Meghdoot Post Card of year 2014 has been issued for Government of Tamilnadu. Advertisement is in Tamil Language related to Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan Scheme to ensure sanitation facilities in rural areas and subsidy provided by Government for creation of  sanitation facilities / toilets / Latrines etc. It also has messages related awareness about toilets, hygiene, environment protection, plastic waste, global warming, rain water etc.

Image Courtesy: Timir Shah, Vadodara / Translation Courtesy: Kasinath Rajasekaran, Thanjavur

[Download digital copy of June 2014 newsletter]