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News : February 2015

Well known senior philatelist Shri Dipok Dey felicitated by Department of Posts.

Dipok Dey, born in 1938 in Bangladesh, graduated from Art College in 1965, is a renowned artist, philatelist and journalist from Kolkata. He started collecting stamps since late 50s. He has designed number of stamps, special covers, booklets and greeting cards issued by India Post. He is the first Indian to design UN Stamp in 1985. He has edited ‘Stamp World’ and ‘Indian Revenuer’ philatelic journals and has written several articles on Philately. He is an author of Philatelic Geography, The Bridge and A Hand Book of Unfamiliar Stamps and Rabindranath Tagore and the Post Office a Philatelic Tribute. His knowledge about printing technology of stamps is marvelous. His collections on cinema, printing technology of stamps, women and Second World War Shri Dipok Deyetc. have been exhibited in many philatelic exhibitions.

Recently Shri Dipok Dey was honoured with ‘Life time achievement award’ by North Bengal Postal Circle of India Post for promoting philately in North Bengal. During ‘Depex-2014’ district level philatelic exhibition held at Darjeeling the Life Time Achievement Award’ was conferred to Shri Dipok Dey but he could not attend the function held on 30th November 2014 at Darjeeling as he was attending Assampex-2014, state level philatelic exhibition held at Guwahati as a member of Jury. On 28th February 2015, Shri Suvash Darnal, Superintendent of Post Offices, Darjeeling Division presented the award to Shri Dipok Dey at his residence in Kolkata.

Indian Philatelists’ Forum congratulates Shri Dipok Dey and conveys best wishes to him.

Shri Dipok Dey felicitated

Spring Festival – 2015, Stamp Exhibition at Raj Bhawan, Dehradun – 28th February – 1st March 2015.

Spring Festival (Basantotsav) is being hosted at Raj Bhawan, Dehradun since 2003. Earlier, it was hosted in the form of a flower show. Now it is hosted to provide platform to the flower growers and flower traders. The platform is meant to acquaint the flower producers, common man, development officers, planners and decision- makers with the flowers along with their importance, production technologies, harvesting, packing, marketing and export activities. To attract people, competition in various categories like cauliflower, potted plants, loose flower cacti succulent, hanging pots, on the spot photography, fresh petal rangoli, painting for school children, is being organised.

Spring Festival - 2015 was inaugurated at Raj Bhawan, Dehradun on 28th February 2015 by H.E. Dr. K. K. Paul, Governor of Uttarakhand with great grandeur. On the occasion a special cover on Shankhpushpi (Evolvulus alsinoides) was released by the Governor. (Special Cover approval no. UK/01/2015) The first album was presented to the Governor by Shri Uday Krishna, Chief Postmaster General, Uttarakhand Postal Circle.

Shankhpushpi is a perennial medicinal herb of family convolvulaceae commonly found on rocky or sandy ground under dry climatic conditions. Its Sanskrit name is ‘Mangalya Kusum’. It contains Glycosides, Coumarins, Flavonoids, Alkaloids. The flowers are blue in colour. Shankhpushpi has rejuvenating properties and it acts as an immunity booster. It is recommended as a brain tonic and used for the improvement of memory and intellect. It is used as a psychostimulant and tranquilizer. It is reported to reduce mental tension. The ethanolic extract of the plant reduces total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and nonesterfied fatty-acid.

On this occasion a stamp exhibition was also inaugurated by the Governor in the Raj Bhawan premises. The Governor himself is a keen philatelist and his stamp collection was also put on display for the general public. The exhibition was housed in the old circuit house, which has been witness to dignitaries like Pt. Nehru, etc. There were around 30 frames put on display and consisted of collection of prominent philatelist and children of Dehradun. 5 frames also housed numismatic collection. The exhibition will be open to general public till 1st March 2015.

Spring Festival - 2015, Dehradun

Spring Festival - 2015, Dehradun

Spring Festival - 2015, Dehradun

Spring Festival - 2015, Dehradun

Spring Festival - 2015, Dehradun

Courtesy: Abhai Mishra, Dehradun

Special Cover on installation ceremony of Jain idols at Mithila Tirth - 23rd February 2015.

On the occasion of installation ceremony of Jain idols at Mithla Tirth, a special cover was released on 23rd February 2015 at Sitamarhi (Bihar). This beautiful cover bears image of idols of 19th Jain Tirthankar Bhagwan Mallinath and 21st Jain Tirthankar Bhagwan Naminath.

Bhagvan Mallinath was the 19th Jain Tirthankar and the only female Tirthankara. Jain scriptures indicate Mallinath was born at Mithila into the Ikshvaku dynasty to King Kumbha Raja and Queen Prabhavati Rani. After long span of life time, she took diksha on eleventh day of the bright half of the month of Margshirsh along with 300 other men's and women each. Immediately after diksha Lord Mallinath attained (kevalgyan) salvation on constellation of Ashwini.

Naminatha was the 21st Jain Tirthankar of the current era. He became a siddha, a liberated soul which has destroyed all of its karma. Naminatha was born to King Vijay Raja and Queen Vipra Rani of the Ikshvaku dynasty, who were the rulers of Mithila at that time.

Special Cover on installation ceremony of Jain idols at Mithila Tirth

Courtesy: Sudhir Jain, Satna

Gujpex 2015, 13th Zonal Level Philatelic Exhibition at Ahmedabad - 24th - 27th March 2015.

Gujpex-2015, 13th Zonal Level Philatelic Exhibition will be held from 24th to 27th March 2015 at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, Opp. Circuit House, Shahibaug, Ahmedabad – 380 004. A Press Conference was organized by Gujarat Postal Circle on 20th February 2015 at Conference Room of Chief Postmaster General’s Office, Ahmedabad to launch the Prospectus and website of Gujpex-2015.

Gujpex-2015Brig. Sanjeev Thapar, Chief Postmaster General, Gujarat Postal Circle launched the Prospectus and Website of Gujpex-2015 at the Press Conference and briefed about the exhibition. The Exhibition is open to all Philatelists residing in Gujarat State and Union Territory of Diu, Daman and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. The exhibitor desiring to participate in Gujpex 2015 should register him/herself at the exhibition’s official website www.gujpex.com and have to complete procedure of submitting online entry form. The scanned images of relevant documents, viz. awards certificate, birth certificates (for youth group), identity proof, address proof etc. as mentioned on the online web page should also be uploaded along with the passport size photograph of the exhibitor. Application Number would be sent to the email id and mobile phone number provided in the application. Prospectus of the exhibition is available at the website www.gujpex.com

The last date for submitting the application is 7th March 2015.

 

 

Gujpex-2015 Press Conference

Philatelic Exhibition and India Post Stall at Aero Show 2015, Bengaluru - 18th to 22nd February 2015.

Department of Posts, Karnataka Postal Circle had opened a stall at Aero Show 2015 held from 18th to 22nd February at the Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru. A unique stall of India Post had stamps of aero shows and aircraft on sale which attracted visitors. Items like mugs and lettersets with stamps embossed over them were also exhibited at the stall. Stamp exhibition based on aero philately in approx. 20 frames was also arranged in the stall.

Philatelic Exhibition and India Post Stall at Aero Show 2015, Bengaluru

Philatelic Exhibition and India Post Stall at Aero Show 2015, Bengaluru

Philatelic Exhibition and India Post Stall at Aero Show 2015, Bengaluru

Special Cover on 125 Year of the National Council of YMCAs of India – 20th February 2015.

The Young Men's Christian Association (commonly known as YMCA or simply the Y) is a worldwide organization based in Geneva, Switzerland with more than 57 million beneficiaries from 125 national associations. It was founded on 6 June 1844 by George Williams in London and aims to put Christian principles into practice by developing a healthy “body, mind, and spirit.” These three angles are reflected by the different sides of the (red) triangle—part of all YMCA logos.

The National Council of YMCAs of India was formed in Madras on February 21, 1891 through the initiative of David McConaughy. The headquarters shifted to Calcutta in May, 1902. In 1964 it shifted to New Delhi, its present location.

YMCA Madras, along with the National Council of YMCA, organized 125th Anniversary Celebrations - Thanksgiving Service on 20th February, 2015 at YMCA Vepery Youth Centre, Chennai, in the presence of the World YMCA President, Mr. Peter Posner. On the occasion a Special Cover was also released to mark 125 Year of the National Council of YMCAs of India (Special Cover approval no. TN/07/2015).

Special Cover on 125 Year of the National Council of YMCAs of India

Special Cover on 125 Year of the National Council of YMCAs of India

Cover Courtesy: Namratha Hegde, Mangalore

Special Cover on Mahanaleshwar Temple, Menal - 20th February 2015.

A Special Cover was released on Mahanaleshwar Temple, Menal on 20th February 2015 during the third district level philatelic exhibition 'Bhilwarapex-2015', held at Bhilwara. The cover depicts the ancient Mahanaleshwar Temple and the cancellation depicts natural water fall of Menal.

Menal is situated between Bhilwara and Chittorgarh. It is about 40 Km from Bhilwara and 70 kms east of Chittorgarh. According to the people this is used to be the mountain retreat of the great Raja Prithviraj Chauhan. The name Menal is derived from Maha Nal (great gorge), and that is what Menal really is. The Menal temple complex consists of a group of Siva temple on both sides of the waterfall.

Mahanaleshwar Temple of Menal is one amongst the most ancient temples of Lord Shiva. The 11th century Mahanaleshwar temple is a perfect example of the western Indian style of stone temple architecture. The entrance is embellished with a seated stone lion, and there are number of guardian deities carved on protruding panels in the walls. The inner sanctum is dominated by projecting balconies while the roof is a pyramidical array of ribbed and finely carved stone.

Special Cover on Mahanaleshwar Temple, Menal

Courtesy: Namratha Hegde, Mangalore

My Stamp and Special Cover released on ‘Aero India 2015’ – 19th February 2015.

Aero India has carved a niche for itself globally as a premier aerospace exhibition, with nine successful editions organised since 1996. In 2013, exhibitors from 29 countries with 570 companies and 46 overseas delegations participated in Aero India 2013.

The tenth edition of Aero India is being held at Bengaluru from 18th to 22nd February 2015. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi opened the Aero India 2015 air show and exhibition on 18th February 2015 at the Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bangalore. Defence Ministers or officials of equivalent ranks of six countries the USA, Russia, Israel and Germany among them were present.

On 19th February 2015 Defence Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar, released My Stamp and Special Cover on ‘Aero India 2015’. (Special Cover approval no. KTK/29/2015 and KTK/30/2015). On this occasion a set of 10 Picture Postcards on aircrafts was also released.

My Stamp and Special Cover released on ‘Aero India 2015’

My Stamp and Special Cover released on ‘Aero India 2015’

My Stamp and Special Cover released on ‘Aero India 2015’

Picture Postcards on Aero India 2015

Special Cover on Silver Jubilee Celebration of Gunasheela IVF Centre, Bengaluru - 18th February 2015.

The vision and foresight of Dr. Sulochana Gunasheela and Dr. Mavahali Gunasheela lead to the inception of Gunasheela IVF Centre (GIC) over 3 decades ago. Gunasheela Fertility Centre, Basavanagudi, Bengaluru is spread over an area of over 17000 sq ft with a state-of-art laboratory (recognised as one of the best in Asia). This facility sets a benchmark of sorts in the field of infertility treatment.

South India’s first IVF baby was facilitated by the Gunasheela IVF Centre way back in 1988, at a time when the concept of IVF was accessible only in advanced countries. Since then the GIC’s IVF facility has been continuously upgraded with infusion of technology in the laboratory and processes that addresses infertility issues.

To commemorate the Silver Jubilee Celebration of Gunasheela IVF Centre (GIC), Bengaluru a Special Cover was released on 18th February 2015 at Bengaluru (Special Cover approval no. KTK/31/2015).

Special Cover on Silver Jubilee Celebration of Gunasheela IVF Centre, Bengaluru

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bangalore

Special Cover on Platinum Jubilee of Catholic Diocese of Lucknow - 17th February 2015.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lucknow was erected on 12th January 1940. Most Rev. Dr. Albert Conrad De Vito, a Capuchin priest was appointed as the first Bishop of Lucknow on 12 December 1946 and took possession of the diocese on 16 February 1947. (Delay of 6 years due to World War II). The diocese of Lucknow comprises of 10 civil districts of Uttar Pradesh namely Lucknow, Hardoi, Unnao, Sitapur, Lakhimpur-Kheri, Gonda, Barabanki, Bahraich, Balrampur and Sravasti, covering an area of 45,000 Sq. kms.

The Diocese of Lucknow celebrated its Platinum Jubilee on 17th February 2015. The Platinum Jubilee Celebrations was held at the premises of St Francis’ College, Lucknow. The occasion was graced by the presence of The Chief Guest H.E Most Rev. Salvatore Pennacchio Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal. The guest of Honour was The Chief Minister of U.P. Shri Akhilesh Yadav, also present on the occasion were the Mayor of Lucknow, Dr. Dinesh Sharma and Cabinet Minister Shri Rajendra Choudhary.

On the platinum Jubilee of Catholic Diocese of Lucknow, Chief Minister of U. P., Shri Akhilesh Yadav released a special cover to recognize the contribution of the Diocese of Lucknow in the field of education, healthcare and social development during past 75 years. (Cancellation on Special Cover showing 16.02.2015, the day first Bishop of Lucknow took possession of the diocese)

Special Cover on Platinum Jubilee of Catholic Diocese of Lucknow

Special Cover on Platinum Jubilee of Catholic Diocese of Lucknow

Courtesy: St. Francis’ College, Lucknow

Special Cover on 1st Indian Match at Cricket World Cup 2015 and Philatelic Display on Cricket Theme - 15th February 2015.

Rajasthan Postal Circle released a Special Cover on the occasion of 1st Cricket match of India at the World Cup 2015 on 15th February 2015 at Philatelic Bureau, Jaipur GPO, Jaipur. The Cover was released by Ace Indian Cricketer Shri Pankaj Singh and Director Postal Services HQ, Jaipur, Shri Dushyant Mudgal. Popular Cricket Administrator of Rajasthan and member of BCCI Sub-committee, Shri Vinod Mathur and General Secretary, Philatelic Society of Rajasthan Shri Rajesh Paharia also joined the cover release ceremony which was attended by local cricketers and philatelists. The cover depicts various stamps issued by India and other countries on Indian Cricket and the cancellation show Wickets, Bat and Ball.

Five frames philatelic display on Cricket theme was also organized from the collection of Shri Rajesh Paharia on the occasion. Collection of photographs, picture cards, Match box labels, cigarette labels, mobile recharge coupons etc. on Cricket were also on display.

Special Cover on 1st Indian Match in Cricket World Cup 2015

Special Cover on 1st Indian Match in Cricket World Cup 2015

Special Cover on 1st Indian Match in Cricket World Cup 2015

Courtesy: Rajesh Paharia, Jaipur | Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover felicitating water colour painting selected for Fabriano in Acquerello 2015 at Italy – 14th February 2015.

Fabriano in Acquarello is the international artistic convention dedicated to water color painting. International Exhibition FabrianoIn Acquarello will be organized with the participation of InArte - International Watercolour Sociaty, Italy and in cooperation Municipality Fabriano, Fondazione Carifac, Fondazione Fedrigoni Istocarta, Rotary and Lions club from 23rd to 26th April 2015 with the participation of the most important watercolor communities from around the world that will allow Italian and foreign watercolorist demonstrate, share and discuss their work in a unique context.

Water Color Society of India, founded by Amit Kapoor in 2013 at New Delhi, a part of International Water Color Society functioning with the aim to promote and popularize water color/water media in every country and to bring the hidden Indian talent at International platform. The society has identified the water color painting of Shri Aimanda Rupesh Nanaiah, resident of Maragodu Village of Kodagu district. Aimada Rupesh Nanaiah is one among the 20 artists representing India for the Fabriano in Acquarello 2015 exhibition at Italy scheduled for April-May 2015. Shri Aimanda Rupesh Nanaiah was born on November 19, 1976. He did his Primary Education at St. Anne's Convent, Siddapur and Secondary at Siddapur High School, Pre-University at Murnad Pre-university and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied arts 1995-2000 at CAVA Mysore.

A Special Cover was released to felicitate water colour painting of Shri Aimanda Rupesh Nanaiah selected for Fabriano in Acquerello 2015 on 14th February 2015 at Madikeri (Special Cover approval no. KTK/28/2015). The cover illustration depicts the water color painting selected for the exhibition with the title “Pathukutti-The Fish Seller”, and scenes of paddy transplantation, Madikeri Town, and other village scenes of Kodagu. The reverse of the cover also features paintings of tractor alongside paddy field and a Kodagu township. The cover was released by Senior Post Master, Madikeri. The cover was received b the Artist Shri Rupesh Nanaiah who and whose family were felicitated on the occasion. The event was held at the Madikeri Head Post Office Premises. The artist also gave a demonstration of sketching by sketching the post masters caricature. My stamp depicting the painting was also launched on the occasion.

Special Cover felicitating water colour painting selected for Fabriano in Acquerello 2015 at Italy

Special Cover felicitating water colour painting selected for Fabriano in Acquerello 2015 at Italy

Special Cover felicitating water colour painting selected for Fabriano in Acquerello 2015 at Italy

Courtesy: Viswas Menon, Madikeri

Special Cover on Kodagina Gowramma - 14th February 2015.

Mrs. B. T. Gopal Krishna (b. 1912 – d. 1939), better known as Kodagina Gowramma, was an Indian writer who wrote in Kannada and lived in Kodagu. She was also a feminist and a supporter of the Indian Freedom Movement. Gowramma was born in 1912 and married to Mr. B. T. Gopal Krishna of Gundugutti village of Somwarpet taluk in Kodagu, then known as Coorg, a province in British India. She invited Mahatma Gandhi to her family house, during his campaign in Coorg, and donated all her gold ornaments towards the Harijan (Dalit) Welfare Fund. She died young, drowning in a whirlpool, at the age of 27, on April 13, 1939.

Gowramma wrote in Kannada and on the feminist ideology using the pen name 'Kodagina Gowramma'. The stories that she wrote, such as “Aparaadhi Yaaru” (Who is the criminal), “Vaaniya Samasye”, “Aahuthi” and “Manuvina Raani”, were modern and progressive.

On the occasion of 10th District Kannada Sahithya Sammelana, a Special cover was released on Kodagina Gowramma on 14th February 2015 at Madikeri. (Special Cover approval no. KTK/27/2015). The Special Cover depicts the portrait of Gowramma, and photos of her two important books in Kannada “Kambani” and “Chiguru” and the special cancellation depicts the map of Karnataka and the Karnataka mate with 10th District Kannada Sahithya Sammelana in a circle.

Special Cover on Kodagina Gowramma

Courtesy: Viswas Menon, Madikeri

Special Cover on Bombay High Court Museum - 14th February 2015.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated a Permanent Judicial Museum at Bombay High Court on 14th February 2015, set up as part of its Sesquicentennial Celebrations depicting the rich judicial history of the city spanning three centuries.

The museum exhibits include a high-back ornate chair used by the judges during the British rule, original candle stands with engraved glass casing, gas-lit glass ‘handis’ and a large manual cloth ceiling fan pulled by attendants, all part of the pre-electricity era, and an actual court-room of the 1900s when electricity and manual typewriters were introduced. The highlights include a rare original copy of the High Court Charter, 1872, a cannon dating back to 1850 with an original stand, discarded after the old Bombay Fort was demolished in 1864, though the name ‘Fort’ still stands for south Mumbai today.

It also showcases the Barrister Certificates issued to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in 1891 – who was later revered as Mahatma Gandhi by the world, Mohammed Ali Jinnah’s issued in 1896, before he entered history as founder of Pakistan, besides other luminaries like M. C. Chagla, the first Chief Justice of India, Babasaheb R. Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, K. M. Munshi and others.

The museum is a brainchild of Shri Rajan Jayakar, curator, a practicing advocate and well known philatelist of Mumbai. The idea of having a permanent museum came to Mr. Jayakar while he was curating an exhibition of centuries-old artifacts for the 150 years celebrations of the High Court in 2012.

A Special Cover was released a Special Cover on the occasion on 14th February 2015. (Special Cover approval no. MH/11/2015)

Special Cover on Bombay High Court Museum

Sagarpex-2015, Sagar district level philatelic exhibition - 13th - 14th February 2015.

Sagarpex-2015, Sagar district level philatelic exhibition was organized on 13th and 14th February 2015 at Shehnai Garden, Sagar. During the exhibition five special covers were released.

Two special covers, one on Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar and its founder Dr. Harisingh Gour and another on Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Sagar were released on on 13th February 2015.

Dr. Hari Singh Gour University or Dr Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya is a Central University in the city of Sagar. It was formerly named "Sagar University" when founded on 18 July 1946, during the British Raj. In February 1983 the name was changed to that of Sir Hari Singh Gour, the founder of University by the State Government. It is the oldest university in Madhya Pradesh.

Dr. Hari Singh Gour (b. 26 November 1870 – d. 25 December 1949) was a distinguished lawyer, jurist, educationist, social reformer, poet, and novelist. Gour was the First Vice-Chancellor of the University of Delhi and Nagpur University, founder and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sagar, Deputy President of the Central Legislative Assembly of British India, an Indian Delegate to the Joint Parliamentary Committee, a Member of the Indian Central Committee associated with the Royal Commission on the Indian Constitution (popularly known as the Simon Commission) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

Special Cover on Late Babu Balchand Malaiya

Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India, spreads across an area of more than a thousand sq km. It is a lesser known protected forest but is rich in bio diversity. The sanctuary is located in Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts of Madhya Pradesh. It is a potential site for Cheetah Reintroduction in India. This Sanctuary is a part of 5500 km2 of forested landscape. Cheetah prey densities were reasonable and based on current prey density the area could support about 25 cheetah. 750 sq. km area was recommended by relocation of 23 villages.

Special Cover on Late Babu Balchand Malaiya

On 14th February 2015, three special covers were released. One was on on well known Jain personality Late Babu Balchand Malaiya of Sagar on 14th February 2015. Babu Balchand Malaiya was a very religious and literary person who was involved in social, educational and religious welfare activities all over the Bundelkhand area.

Special Cover on Late Babu Balchand Malaiya

Second cover was on well known poet and lyricist Vitthalbhai Patel (b. May 1936 – d. 7th Sept. 2013). Vitthalbhai Patel was from Sagar and known for his contributions in social services and politics. He was twice elected to the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh constituency. He was a minister in the cabinets of Arjun Singh, Motilal Vora and Shyama Charan Shukla. He was also known for penning several Hindi film songs, including "Jhoot Bole Kauva Kate" from the 1973 movie Bobby. He used to write in Hindi and Bundeli. He wrote the lyrics to 55 Hindi film songs, as well as five collections of poems.

Special Cover on Late Babu Balchand Malaiya

Third Special Cover was on Baburao Pimalapure (b. July 1933, d. Feb. 2003), a businessman and a bidi manufacturer from Sagar. Shri Baburao was a president of the Madhya Pradesh Bidi Manufacturers' Association.

Special Cover on Late Babu Balchand Malaiya

Courtesy: Sudhir Jain, Satna | Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Commemorative Stamp on Project Rukmani - 14th February 2015.

GSAT-7, the multi-band communication satellite named Rukmani (Rukmini) is the first satellite developed by ISRO and the sixth among the stack of seven INSAT-4 series communication satellites which was designed, developed and fabricated by India.

Project RukmaniIt carries the payloads in UHF, C-band and Ku band. The 2,650 kilograms GSAT-7 is the last of ISRO’s seven fourth-generation satellites. The multiple-band spacecraft will be used exclusively by the Navy to shore up secure, real-time communications among its warships, submarines, aircraft and land systems. GSAT-7 / INSAT-4F is said to significantly improve the country’s maritime security and intelligence gathering in a wide swathe on the eastern and western flanks of the Indian Ocean region. The satellite was launched early on 30 August 2013 atop an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from Kourou, French Guiana.

Rukmini will provide networking capabilities with various Indian Naval assets. During Theater-level Readiness and Operational Exercise (Tropex-2015) in the Bay of Bengal in 2014, Rukmini was able to network about 60 ships and 75 aircraft seamlessly. The intention of the Indian Navy is to use this geostationary naval communication and surveillance satellite to cover activities up to the Malacca Straits in the east and the Hormuz Strait to the west. Rukmini has a nearly 2,000 nautical mile 'footprint' over the Indian Ocean Region.

The Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar released a stamp commemorating the indigenous Naval communication satellite Rukmani, which is a dedicated Naval satellite, taking the Navy to the step in achieving complete digitisation of communications. The Stamp Release took place on board the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya on the occasion of two days’ of Theatre Readiness Operational Level Exercise (TROPEX-2015), off the coast of Goa in the Arabian Sea.

Commemorative Stamp on Project Rukmani released on 14th February 2015.

Courtesy: PIB / PTI

Patpex-2015, District Level Philatelic Exhibition at Patna - 13th & 14th February 2015.

Patpex-2015, a two day district level philatelic exhibition was organized on 13th and 14th February 2015 at NIFT Campus, Patna. Shri Abhay Shekhar Prasad, Chief Postmaster General, Bihar Postal Circle and Prof. Sanjay Shrivastava, Director, NIFT, Patna inaugurated the exhibition. 50 frames exhibits were on display at the exhibition. Philatelic Workshop and Stamp design competition were also organized during the exhibition.

Patpex-2015, District Level Philatelic Exhibition at Patna

Patpex-2015, District Level Philatelic Exhibition at Patna

On the inaugural day, a Special Cover was released featuring the historic Gandhi Maidan. The Cover illustration shows Gandhi statue of Gandhi Maidan located in the heart of Patna and the cancellation depicts Gandhiji collecting debris, setting example for cleanliness. (Special Cover approval No. BH-03/Feb 2015)

Gandhi Maidan, previously known as the Patna Lawns, is a historic ground at Patna near the banks of Ganges River. Several movements were launched on the Patna Lawns during the Indian freedom struggle, the most important being the Champaran movement and the Quit India movement of 1942. Many prominent leaders of the Indian Independence Movement, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Rajendra Prasad, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Jaya Prakash Narayan and Sri Krishna Sinha addressed their rallies from Patna Lawns. It was said that a leader had not arrived until he had addressed a rally at the Patna Lawns.

Special Cover on Gandhi Maidan released at Patpex-2015 on 13th February 2015.

On 14th February 2015, a Special Cover on National Institute of Fashion Technology was released. (Special Cover approval No. BH-04/Feb 2015)

NIFT as an Institute is a pioneer in envisioning and evolving fashion business education in the country, and this endeavor saw opening of four New Centers in 2008. Patna NIFT being one of them started its humble beginning from June, 2008; from its transit campus situated in the prestigious Udyog Bhavan, Gandhi Maidan, Patna and later started functioning from its own permanent campus at Mithapur Farms. The courses being offered in the institute at present include specialization in two disciplines of Bachelor of Fashion Technology with specialization in Apparel Production, Bachelor of Design with specialization in Fashion Design, Textile Design and Fashion Communication at the under graduate level and Masters in Fashion Management at the post graduate level.

Special Cover on NIFT, Patna released at Patpex-2015 on 14th February 2015.

Special Cover on NIFT, Patna released at Patpex-2015 on 14th February 2015.

Courtesy: Lalit K. Mishra, Patna | Pradip Jain, Patna | Dainik Jagran | NIFT, Patna FB Page

Shreepex-2015, District Level Philatelic Exhibition, Puri - 7th & 8th February 2015.

Shreepex-2015, the Second District Level Philatelic Exhibition of Puri District was organized by Puri Postal Division at the Town Hall, Near GPO, Puri on 7th and 8th February 2015.

Exhibition was inaugurated by by Padmashree Sudarshan Patnaik, the famous Sand Artist of Puri along with Shri Pawan Singh, Director Postal Services, Bhubaneswar Postal Circle. Exhibits on various subjects were exhibited in 80 frames. A philatelic workshop with Power Point Presentation and Philatelic quiz contest were conducted by Shri Ajit Kumar Dash, Secretary EIPA for the School Children. ‘My Stamp’ facility was made available at the venue of Exhibition by Department of Posts.

Shreepex-2015, District Level Philatelic Exhibition, Puri

Shreepex-2015, District Level Philatelic Exhibition, Puri

On 7th February 2015, a Special Cover on 'Nabakalebar' was released.

Nabakalevara is derived from the Sanskrit words Naba or new and Kalevara or body, literally meaning New Body. It is an ancient ritual associated with most of the Jagannath Temples when the Idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan are replaced by a new set of Idols. A year which has two months (Adhika masa) of Ashadha as per the Hindu calendar is auspicious for conducting the ceremony. This usually occurs every 12 to 19 years. The Deities are made from a special type of Neem wood known as Daru Bramha. Preparations for the ceremony start in the month of Chaitra. Last ceremony was done in the year 1996. Next ceremony held in 2015.

Shreepex-2015, District Level Philatelic Exhibition, Puri

Special Cover on 'Nabakalebar'

On 8th February 2015 a Special Cover on the famous 'Patta Chitra' of Raghurajpur was released. The cancellation depicts 'Gotipua' dance.

Pattachitra is a general term for traditional, cloth-based scroll painting, based in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. In the Sanskrit language, "Patta" literally means "cloth" and "Chitra" means "picture". Most of these paintings depict stories of Hindu deities. These paintings are based on Hindu mythology and specially inspired by Jagannath and Vaishnava cult. All colours used in the paintings are natural and paintings are made fully old traditional way by Chitrakaras that is Oriya Painter. he painting the 'pattachitra' resemble the old murals of Odisha especially religious centres of Puri, Konark and Bhubaneshwar region, dating back to the 5th century BC. The best work is found in and around Puri, especially in the village of Raghurajpur. Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village, known for its master Pattachitra painters.

Special Cover on the famous 'Patta Chitra' of Raghurajpur

Special Cover on the famous 'Patta Chitra' of Raghurajpur

Courtesy: Kashinath Sahoo, Bhubaneshwar | Ajit Kumar Dash, Bhubaneshwar

‘Dak Ticket Utsav 2015’, District Level Philatelic Exhibition, Hazaribagh - 6th - 7th February 2015.

Two day Dak Ticket Utsav 2015, district level philatelic philately exhibition was organized by Hazaribagh Postal Division at Guru Nanak Palace, Near Government Bus Stand, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand on 6th and 7th February 2015. Exhibition was inaugurated by Smt. Sujata Chaudhury, Chief Postmaster General, Jharkhand Postal Circle and Chief Guest Dr. Gurdeep Singh, Vice Chancellor, Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh accompanied by Shri Anil Kumar, Postmaster General, (Mails & BD), Jharkhand.

Exhibits of philatelists from Hazaribagh, Ranchi and Jameshedpur were on display at the exhibition. Shri Syed Hafizuddin, Jamshedpur and Shri Anil Saxena, Gaya were the member of Jury for the exhibition. History of Pigeongram was revisited through beautiful anecdotes about the pigeongram of 1931 shared by Syed Hafizuddin of Jamshedpur.

‘Dak Ticket Utsav 2015’, District Level Philatelic Exhibition, Hazaribaug

‘Dak Ticket Utsav 2015’, District Level Philatelic Exhibition, Hazaribaug

On the occasion three special covers were released. My Stamp facility was also made available at the exhibition.

On 6th February 2015 a Special Cover on Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh was released. (Special Cover approval no. JH/03/2015)

Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh, came into existence as a teaching-cum-affiliating state university on the 17th September, 1992, after the bifurcation of Ranchi University, by Act 3 of 1990 passed by Bihar Assembly. It fell under Jharkhand after the creation of the state on 15th November, 2000. It was aptly named after the great saint and pioneer of the Bhoodan Movement, Acharya Vinoba Bhave, as the sage had received here the biggest land donation in the whole of India for social reconstruction. Being among one of the premier universities of Jharkhand, it offers high standards of teaching and research. The university offers courses at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels.

Special Cover on Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh

On 7th February 2015 a Special Cover on District Rural Development Society, Hazaribagh was released. (Special Cover approval No. JH/05/2015)

Zila Gramin Vikas Samiti (District Rural Development Society) has candled the 'Mashal' of unforgettable beauty and knowledge to remove the pitch darkness of illiteracy in its divine light. There is message of self employment, health, agriculture, education, sports and pure environment. This organisation has taken strong vie to built poor orphan and boy of rural belt to make them intelligent effectively after taking them in its dedicated lap.

Special Cover on District Rural Development Society, Hazaribagh

On 7th February 2015, second Special Cover was released on Soil Conservation Training Centre, Hazaribagh. (Special Cover approval no. JH/04/2015)

Soil Conservation Training Centre at Hazaribagh was established in the year 1954 by Damodar Valley Corporation under the sponsorship of the Dept. of Agriculture & Co-operation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India. Soil Conservation Training Centre, Hazaribagh has been organising regular training courses on "Soil & Water Conservation every year for Field Officers and Project Officers" engaged in the field of soil & water conservation programmes of State and Union Territories.

Special Cover on Soil Conservation Training Centre, Hazaribagh

Courtesy: Anil K. Saxena, Gaya

Special Cover and My Stamp on KOACON-2015, 39th Karnataka Orthopaedic Association Conference - 6th February 2015.

The Mysore Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Trust (MOST) organised the 39th Karnataka Orthopaedic Association Conference, ‘KOACON-2015’ from 6th to 8th February 2015 at Sa Ra Convention Hall, Dattagalli, Mysore. The conference was inaugurated by Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swami of Avadhoota Datta Peetham on 6th February 2015.

During the conference live workshops were conducted on the topics Orthoscopy, Advanced Trauma, Knee Orthoplasty, Spine, Pelvic and Acetabular Fracture where surgeons gave live demonstration on surgical procedures. More than 1,500 delegates from across the Karnataka State participated in the conference and about 73 specialists including one from Germany, five from England and others from across the country presented papers and delivered lectures at the conference.

To commemorate the 39th Karnataka Orthopaedic Association Conference ‘KOACON-2015’, a Special Cover and My Stamp were released on 6th February 2015 at Mysore. (Special Cover approval no. KTK/26/2015). The Special Cover and Cancellation are designed by Dr. Nikhil Su, philatelist and member of Karnataka Philatelic Society.

Special Cover and My Stamp on KOACON-2015, 39th Karnataka Orthopaedic Association Conference

Special Cover and My Stamp on KOACON-2015, 39th Karnataka Orthopaedic Association Conference

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram | Suresh Rao, Bangalore | Dr. Nikhil Su, Bangalore

Customised ‘My Stamp’ featuring "Ammu" the mascot of 35th National Games of India, Kerala 2015 - 5th February 2015.

The 2015 National Games of India, also known as the 35th National Games of India, is being held from 31st January to 14th February 2015 across seven districts in Kerala. Union Minister of Urban Development Shri Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the opening ceremony of National Games 2015 at Green field stadium Karyavattam, Thiruvananthapuram on 31st January 2015.

The Great Hornbill, or the Great Indian Hornbill, the State bird of Kerala, is the official Mascot of the 35th National Games. The selection of the Great Hornbill as the Games Mascot reflects the concern for conservation of this species facing extinction. The Kerala Chief Minister Shri Oommen Chandy named the Mascot ‘Ammu’ on 21st June, 2013, during the International Olympic Day celebrations at Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala Postal Circle has launched Customised My Stamp featuring "Ammu" the mascot of 35th National Games. "My Stamp" featuring customized design of "Ammu" was launched jointly by Shri Kamal Varadur, President, Calicut Press Club and Shri P. Jayadevan, Sr. Supdt. of Post Offices, Kozhikode at the function held at Kozhikode Head Post Office on 5th February 2015.

In connection with the National Games 2015, India Post in tie-up with Diamond India Ltd (DIL), who has been selected as the Official Merchandise Partner for 35th National Games, Kerala 2015 started distribution of commemorative silver bars to its customers and general public through selected Post offices in Kerala. On the occasion 0.999% Silver Coins (20g. and 50g.) of National Games 2015 were also launched by Shri Kamal Varadur and Shri P. Jayadevan.

Silver bars are available in two denominations i.e., 20 g and 50 g and the sale price is approximately Rs 1400 and Rs 3500 respectively. This price may vary according to the market value of silver. The bar is assay certified for purity and has come with tamper proof packaging. Silver bars and Customized My Stamps can be purchased from Calicut HPO and all other philatelic bureaux in Kerala. Silver bars are also available with Diamond India, an Official Merchandising Partner of National Games 2015.

‘My Stamp’ featuring "Ammu" the mascot of 35th National Games of India

‘My Stamp’ featuring "Ammu" the mascot of 35th National Games of India

Ammu Silver Bar Ammu Silver Bar

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

District Level Philatelic Exhibition at Agartala - 4th - 5th February 2015.

A two-day district level philatelic exhibition was organised by Agartala Philatelic Bureau at Muktadhara Hall, Agaratala on 4th and 5th February 2015. A total of 35 participants participated in the exhibition.

The exhibition was inaugurated by the Chairperson of Tripura Commission for Women Ms. Purnima Roy. The exhibition was aimed at making the hobby of stamp collection more attractive to the young generation who in the age of E-mail and SMS rarely use postal stamps. "The main motto of this exhibition to know about the post office, its various activities and postal stamps, and also to encourage collecting stamps," said Nirmal Chakraborty, one of the organizers.

District Level Philatelic Exhibition at Agartala

Courtesy: ANI | Tripura Info

Special Cover on Taldhwajgiri Terth, Talaja - 2nd February 2015.

Shri Talaja Teerth of Talaja in Bhavnagar district is popularly known as Taldhwajgiri Terth because a lead was taken by the inhabitants of Talaja with their profound devotion in establishing this Tirth on the mountain. 79 cms high blue coloured idol of Shri Sumatinath Bhagwan is present in the temple in Padmasan position. Present temple is said to be built by King Kumarpal. It is described on the inscription found at Teemada village in VS 1264. Last establishment of the idol took place after the renovation work on Vaisakh Shukla 13 of VS 1872.

On the occasion of completion of 198 years of Jinalay Pratisthan a Special Cover was released on 2nd February 2015 at Bhavnagar.

Special Cover on Taldhwajgiri Terth

Cover Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Centenary Celebration of Shri Devsagar Singhi Jain Mandir, Sujangarh - 2nd February 2015.

Sri Devsagar Singhi Jain Mandir is located in Sujangarh, Churu District. As the name suggests, the temple was built by the ancestors of Singhi’s of Sujangarh. Construction of Singhi Jain Mandir started in the year 1905 (Vikram Samvat 1961). It took approximately ten years to build this beautiful temple that is standing proudly since its completion in the year 1915. The temple site is dedicated to Lord Parshvanath, the 23rd Jain Tirthankar.

The temple will be completing 100 years of its completion this year. Centenary celebration is being held at the temple from 31st January o 4th February 2015. On the occasion a Special Cover was released by Shri Devsagar Singhi Jain Mandir Trust to mark the Centenary of Shri Devsagar Singhi Jain Mandir on 2nd February 2015. My Stamp on the temple was also launched. The ordinary Special Cover can be available @ Rs 10.00 each from Philatelic Bureau, Jodhpur. Contact Person: Hemaram, Mobile No. +919783566251.

Special Cover on Centenary Celebration of Shri Devsagar Singhi Jain Mandir, Sujangarh

Courtesy: Rajesh Paharia, Jaipur

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 New Zealand Souvenir Sheet available in India.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 is one of the world’s biggest international sporting events. The tournament will be jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia, and is expected to attract cricket fans from around the world.

To commemorate this thrilling sporting event, New Zealand Post issued official ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 memorabilia, a sheet of stamps that represent the fourteen contesting teams on 4th February 2015.

This colourful set of stamps consists of fourteen cricket ball-shaped self-adhesive stamps – one for each team competing in the ICC Cricket World Cup: New Zealand, Sri Lanka, England, Australia, Scotland, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, South Africa, Zimbabwe, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates. Each stamp features team colours and imagery, as well as the official ICC Cricket World Cup logo. Price of the sheet is 11 NZ$. (Approx Rs. 502)

Souvenir sheet on World Cup 2015 issued by New Zealand Post has been customised as per Indian requirements and includes image of World Cup trophy with inscription ICC Cricket World Cup Champion 1983 & 2011 INDIA and made available in India through India Post at a price of Rs. 400 each.

Currently it is available for sale in India through Snapdeal Portal. (Snapdeal is offering set of 5 Souvenir Sheets at Rs. 1616 + Free Delivery) It is also announced that the souvenir sheets will be made available on e-post office portal and at philately bureaux.

New Zealand Souvenir Sheet

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 New Zealand Souvenir Sheet

Indian Version of Souvenir Sheet

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 New Zealand Souvenir Sheet Indian Version

Kotapex-2015, 4th Kota District Level Philatelic Exhibition – 30th January – 1st February 2015.

4th Kota District level Philatelic Exhibition, Kotapex 2015 was held at DAV School, Kota from 30th January to 1st Feb 2015. The exhibition was held under Southern Rajasthan Postal Region by SSP Office Kota City.

Exhibition was inaugurated on 30th January 2015 by Lt. Col. D. K. S. Chauhan, Chief Postmaster General, Rajasthan Circle and Shri Jitendra Gupta, Postmaster General, Rajasthan Southern Region Ajmer.

On 30th January, a Special Cover was released by Lt. Col. D. K. S. Chauhan, CPMG, Rajasthan commemorating death anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi. The cover depicted Plaque placed at Kota where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were spread. Cancellation read his last words ‘Hey Ram’.

Kotapex-2015, 4th Kota District Level Philatelic Exhibition

Special Cover on death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

Special Cover on death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi

On 31st January 2015 Special Cover on Surya Mandir of Jhalrapatan, Jhalawar was released.

Sun Temple, situated in the heart of Jhalrapatan located 6 Km. from Jhalawar is famous for a shikhara (peak of a temple) which is 96 ft from the ground. The temple is orthogonal and has a sanctum, vestibule and rangamandapa or pillared hall. The temple is adorned with several sculptures of gods and goddesses and floral designs both from inside and outside of the pillars of the prayer hall are beautifully carved and decorated with sculptures.

Special Cover on Surya Mandir of Jhalrapatan, Jhalawar

Special Cover on Surya Mandir of Jhalrapatan, Jhalawar

34 Exhibits were displayed at the exhibition comprising of 6 invitee class in total 97 Frames. The Jury panel consisted of Shri Jitendra Gupta PMG, Southern Rajasthan Postal Circle as Chairman and Shri Rajesh Paharia as Jury Member. One 1st prize, two 2nd prizes, two 3rd prizes and one consolation prize in senior category and two 1st prizes, two 2nd prizes, two 3rd prizes and one consolation prize in Junior Category were awarded. 1st prize in seniors was won by Shubham Lodha for his exhibit ‘Stamp Papers of Tonk State’ and 1st Prize in junior category was won by Aakanshi Dandona for her exhibit of Children’s Day.

Courtesy: Rajesh Paharia, Jaipur | Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

[Download digital copy of February 2015 newsletter]

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