News : July 2016

Special Cover on Vanam-Manam - 29th July 2016.

The objective of the mission ‘Vanam-Manam’ is to increase the green cover in the state of Andhra Pradesh by 50 per cent by the year 2029. Andhra Pradesh currently has 23 per cent green cover (forest area) and another 3 per cent non-forest, besides 13 lakh hectares of degraded forest. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched Mission Vanam-Manam by planting saplings of Neem and Raavi at Sunkollu village under Nuzvid mandal in Krishna district on 29th July 2016. One crore plants would be planted all over the State under this mission.

A Special Cover was released at Nuzvid (Andhra Pradesh) to commemorate mission ‘Vanam-Manam’ on 29th July 2016. (Special cover approval no AP/07/2016).

Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad

Commemorative Stamps on Tadoba Andhari National Park - 29th July 2016.

The tiger is the largest of the world’s big cats and this magnificent creature, with its distinctive orange and black stripes and beautifully marked face, has a day that is dedicated to it. This was first celebrated in 2010 and was founded at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit. This was done because at that moment wild tigers were too close to extinction. International Tiger Day is held annually on 29th July to give worldwide attention to the reservation of tigers. It is both an awareness day as a celebration. Tigers are on the brink of extinction. Many factors have caused their numbers to fall, including habitat loss, climate change, hunting and poaching etc. The goal of the day is to promote a global system for protecting the natural habitats of tigers and to raise public awareness and support for tiger conservation issues.

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra is notable as Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park and it is one of India's 47 project tiger reserves existing in India. It lies in the confines of Chimur Hills and the latter comprises of Kolsa and Mohurli Ranges. The total area under the Project Tiger is 1727.6 sq.km with core area being 625. 82 sq.km and the rest 1101.78 sq.km constitute the buffer zone. Earlier, the kings of Gond ruled this forest in the vicinage of the Chimur hills. During 1935, hunting was totally restricted, but later in the year 1955; the area of 116.54 sq. km (45.00 sq mi) was acknowledged as The National Park. Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was made on the next forests in 1986 and later in the year 1995, the park & the sanctuary were combined together to form the present India’s 41 “Project Tiger”-Tiger Reserves. The name 'Tadoba' is the name of the God "Tadoba" or "Taru", praised by the tribal people who live in the dense forests of the Tadoba and Andhari region, while the Andhari River that meanders through the forest. gives the 'Andhari' name. Tadoba is one of the finest tiger reserve in Maharashtra and has a reputation all over the World. It is one of the most famous tiger safari destinations in India. There are more than 80 tigers (as of Dec 2015) in the reserve.

On the occasion of International Tiger Day, a set of two commemorative Stamps on Tadoba Andhari National Park was released by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Surface Transport and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari at Nagpur on 29th July 2016. Set of two stamps is in denomination of Rs. 5 and Rs. 25. A miniature sheet was also released on the occasion.

Stamp design of Rs. 25 stamp is based on the photograph captured by Amol Bais, a wildlife photographer and headmaster of a school for tribal students at Durgapur, located on the periphery of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. He had clicked this photograph, of a cub embracing its mother in the Pandharpauni area of the Tadoba Tiger Reserve on 1st January, 2016.

Special Cover on Gajamuthassi – Dakshayani – 27th July 2016.

Travancore Devaswam Board, the renowned charitable institution of Kerala is in possession of 33 elephants. Among them the oldest elephant in captivity is the 86 years old female elephant, Dakshayani. She was donated by the Travancore royal family when she was five or six-year-old. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) honoured Dakshayani with the title of ‘Gajamuthassi’ (grandma elephant) at the function held at the Devaswom Board headquarters, Sumangali Kalyana Manadapam, Nanthencode, Thiruvananthapuram on 27th July 2016. Function was inaugurated by the Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran and Forests Minister K. Raju honoured the elephant with the ‘Gajamuthassi’ title. The elephant’s mahout and helpers Ayyappan Nair, Muraleedharan Nair, Sundaresan Nair and Mukesh were also honoured at the function. Dakshayani is the world's oldest living elephant and will soon be entered into the Guinness Book of World Records.

On the occasion Thiruvananthapuram South Postal Division released a special cover with the picture of the elephant (Embossed image) on 27th July 2016. Special Cover was released by Shri A. Thomas Lourduraj, Director Postal Services (HQ) and it was received by TDB member Ajay Tharayil. The cover is priced at Rs. 100 and is available at the Philatelic Bureau in Thiruvananthapuram GPO.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Special Cover on Kargil Diwas 2016 – 26th July 2016.

Kargil Vijay Diwas, named after the success of Operation Vijay at Kargil. Kargil is situated in Himalayas at a distance of 215 km from Srinagar, and remains isolated for nearly seven months due to closure of Zojila pass connecting it with rest of the nation. On this day, 26th July 1999, India successfully took command of the high outposts which had been lost to Pakistani intruders. The Kargil war was fought for more than 60 days, ended on 26 July. Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on 26 July every year in honour of the Kargil War's Heroes. This day is celebrated in the Kargil - Dras sector and the national capital New Delhi, where the Prime Minister of India, pays homage to the soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate every year.

A Special Cover was released to commemorate Kargil Diwas 2016 at Bengaluru on 26th July 2016 (Special Cover approval no. KTK/10/2016). The special cover depicts the 'Perpetual' National Flag on the monumental flag pole at the National Military Memorial, Bengaluru. National Military Memorial is located adjacent to Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park in Bangalore. It is a tribute to the martyrs who died in the service of the nation.

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Picture Postcards on Orchids – 23rd July 2016.

Karnataka Postal Circle has issued a set of 12 Picture Postcards depicting twelve different Orchids on 23rd July 2016. Species viz. Dendrobium falconeri Hook (found in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Sikkim), Aerides Crispa (found in Kerala and Western India), Esmeralda cathcartii (Lindl.) Rchb.f. (found in Himalaya), Esmeralda clarkei Rchb.f. (found in Sikkim and Himalaya), Paphiopedilum villosum (Lindl.) Stein (found in Assam), Paphiopedilum venustum (found in Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim), Cypripedium himalaicum Rolfe (found in Jammu-Kashmir, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh), Cympodium aloifolium (found in Assam, Eastern Himalayas), Cymbidium devonianum (found in Assam, Meghalaya and Eastern Himalayas), Cymbidium bicolour (found in Karnataka), Vanda Spathulata (found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh), Dendrobium gibsoni Lindl.(found in Himalaya and Assam) have been depicted on the picture postcards.

Set of 12 picture postcard is available at Post Shoppe, Bengaluru G. P.O. and ePost Office Portal at Rs. 60.

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Special Cover on Amar Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad Park – 23rd July 2016.

Chandra Shekhar Azad (b. 23 July 1906 – d. 27 February 1931), popularly known as Azad was a revolutionary who reorganised the Hindustan Republican Association under the new name of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) after the death of its founder, Ram Prasad Bismil, and three other prominent party leaders, Roshan Singh, Rajendra Nath Lahiri and Ashfaqulla Khan. After suspension of the non-cooperation movement in 1922 by Gandhi, Azad became more aggressive. He committed himself to achieving complete independence by any means. Azad was also a close associate of Bhagwati Charan Vohra who along with Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, helped him to transform the HRA into the HSRA in 1928 so as to achieve their primary aim of an independent India based on socialist principle.

Azad died at Alfred Park in Allahabad on 27 February 1931. The police surround him in the park citing information from an informer. He was wounded in the process of defending himself and Sukhdev Raj and killed three policemen and wounded some others. His actions made it possible for Sukhdev Raj to escape. After a long shootout, holding true to his pledge to never be captured alive, he shot himself dead with his last bullet.

Alfred Park in Allahabad was built in 1870 to mark Prince Alfred's visit to the city, with an area of 133 acres, it is the biggest park in Allahabad. It was renamed after freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad, who sacrificed his life here, during the Indian independence struggle in 1931.

On the occasion of Chandrasekhar Azad's 110th birth anniversary, a Special Cover was released at the function held at Allahabad on 23rd July 2016. (Special Cover approval no. UP/12/2016).

Courtesy: Rahul Ganguli, Allahabad

‘Kabali’ Special Cine Flight Carried Cover – Bengaluru – Chennai - Bengaluru - 22nd July 2016.

Kabali is a gangster film starring Rajinikanth and Radhika Apte in the lead. Kabali is written and directed by Pa. Ranjith and produced by Kalaipuli S. Thanu.The film revolves around the gang war between Kabaleeswaran (played by Rajinikanth) and Tony Lee (portrayed by Taiwanese actor Winston Chao). This crime action film depicts the eternal victory of good over evil. The protagonist fights to bring justice to the people who suffer. The film was released in Tamil along with dubbed versions in Telugu and Hindi on 22nd July 2016. Upon release, the film had the largest opening weekend for any Indian film worldwide and immediately became the second highest grossing Tamil film ever.

The Malaysian airline, AirAsia became an official partner for Kabali and certain AirAsia planes were painted with a Kabali theme. As an official airline partner, AirAsia also planned a special flight from Bengaluru to Chennai for the fans to watch the first-day-first-show of the movie, giving audiences the total Kabali experience. AirAsia’s ‘Kabali’ flight — which marked a historic moment for Indian cinema, as it was the first time an airline dedicated an aircraft to a film! The package was priced at Rs 7,860, and included return flight, on-ground transport in Chennai, special breakfast and lunch on board, interesting merchandise giveaways such as Kabali-branded T-shirts, AirAsia and Kabali-branded mugs, and 3D Kabali posters. A total of 180 guests took the special flight i5 9227 from Bengaluru to Chennai in the early hours of 22ND July to watch the film. As a welcome gesture, Rajini special glasses and shawls were placed on the seats of all guests. Guests were also served a sumptuous Kabali special in-flight breakfast comprising Kuzhi Paniyaram and tomato thokku, favourites of the Superstar.

Such phenomenon was witnessed earlier when Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit movie series released. In 2012, Air New Zealand launched 'Hobbit'-themed flights. A Boeing 777-300 promoted "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" and a Boeing 777-200 was set up for "The Hobbit: There and Back Again." The airline ran a similar promotion for "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

To commemorate ‘Kabali’ Special Cine Flight, Karnataka Postal Circle released a Special Carried on 22nd July 2016. ‘Kabali’ Special Cine Flight Carried covers were mailed from Bengaluru International Air Port S. O. by Registered Post to the Postmaster General, Chennai City Region, Chennai and were carried in the AirAsia’s ‘Kabali’ flight. Carried Covers were received at Chennai Air Port S.O. and were postmarked with the date stamp. Carried Covers were sent for delivery at Anna Road H. O., Chennai on 22nd July 2016 where they were postmarked with date stamp. From Chennai Carried Covers were returned to the sender with rubber stamp mark on back side ‘RETURN TO SENDER’. These Carried Covers were once again carried back to Bengaluru in same AirAsia’s ‘Kabali’ flight and were delivered at Bengaluru GPO where the covers were postmarked with Bengaluru GPO’s pictorial cancellation dated 23rd July 2016. Carried Cover is priced at Rs. 100. (Special Cover approval no. KTK/09/2016).

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Special Cover on Jain Dhwaja Yatra 2016 – 17th July 2016.

Jain Dhwaja Yatra 2016 is religious trekking event organised by Shree Digamber Jain Agarwal Samaj Youth Wing on the auspicious occasion of mukut saptami of bhagwan parasnath.

On the occasion of Jain Dhwaja Yatra 2016, a Special Cover was released at a function organized by Shri Digamber Jain Agarwal Samaj Youth Wing at Shri Digamber Jain Parshwanath Upavan Mandir, Belgachia Road, Kolkata on 17th July 2016.

Pandharichi Waari Mobile Post Office, Special Cancellation and Picture Postcards on Waari - 28th June – 16th July 2016.

Pandharichi Waari is an annual pilgrimage from Alandi to Pandharpur, which has an important socio-cultural significance and to facilitate the communication service amongst the Waarkaris, Pune Postal Region has opened a unique Pandarchi Waari Mobile Post Office during the pilgrimage between 28th June 2016 and 16th July 2016. The Pandharichi Waari Mobile Post Office, and extension counter of Alandi Devachi Post Office, housed in a Mail Motor Service Van of Department of Posts accompanied the Waari from Alandi on 28th June 2016. Postal facilities viz. sale of postage stamps, mailing of ordinary letters, Registration, Speed Post booking, Money Order Service, My Stamp facility etc. were made available in Mobile Post Office. M. O. receiving facility for the devotees was also available against production of identity proof. The Mobile Post Office halted at all the scheduled halts of the Waari, listed in the 'Waari Palkhi Sohala'. It reached at Pandharpur on 15th July 2016.

Special Cancellation for each day of eighteen-day pilgrimage depicting the 'Sprit of Waari' was made available at the Mobile Post Office with name of each halt. (Alandi Devachi, Pune, Saswad, Jejuri, Walhe, Lonand, Taradgaon, Phaltan, Barad, Natepute, Malshiras, Velapur, Bhandishegaon, Wakhari and Pandharpur). On this occasion Pune Postal Region also released a set of 15 picture postcards depicting memorable moments of Waari and a set of 5 picture postcards depicting images of postage stamps issued on well-known saints of Maharashtra viz. Sant Namdeo, Sant Eknath, Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar and the Dnyaneshwari. All these saints and the Dnyaneshwari are revered by the waarkaris.

Picture Postcards on Olympic Events – 11th July 2016.

Karnataka Postal Circle has issued a set of 12 Picture Postcards depicting various Olympic events on 11th July 2016. Sketches related to Gymnastics, Wrestling, Archery, Boxing, Badminton, Taekwondo, Shooting, Cycling, Tennis, Golf, Karate, Table Tennis and Tennis have been depicted on the picture postcards. Set of 12 picture postcard is available at Post Shoppe, Bengaluru G. P.O. and ePost Office Portal at Rs. 60.

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Ganga Jal through post offices.

To deliver the holy water from the Ganges at the doorstep of every Indian across the length and breadth of the country using the vast postal network, India Post launched distribution scheme of Ganga Jal through post offices as well as through “ePost Office Portal” from 10th July 2016. For this purpose, the Ganga Jal is being sourced at Rishikesh and Gangotri (the origin of the Ganges). Recyclable bottles are available in two sizes, 200ml and 500 ml. The cost a bottle sourced at Rishikesh is Rs. 15 for 200 ml and Rs. 22 for 500 ml. The one sourced at Gangotri is Rs. 25 for 200 ml and Rs. 35 for 500 ml.

Special Cover on Distribution of Gangajal from Patna GPO – 10th July 2016.

The Ganges has held India’s heart captive and drawn uncounted millions to her banks since the dawn of history. The river Ganga is deeply embedded in the consciousness of Indians and has immense religious and socio-cultural significance. It also nourishes numerous species of aquatic flora and fauna. Ganga is the holiest river to one and all and Gangajal is unparalleled amongst with river waters.

Union Law, Justice, IT and Electronics minister Shri Ravishankar Prasad and Union minister of state for communications (independent charge) Manoj Sinha, launched the Gangajal (ganga water) distribution scheme through post offices in the country by opening an e-commerce sales depot at General Post Office at Patna on 10th July 2016.

On this occasion a Special Cover was released a Special Cover was released on Distribution of Gangajal by Union Ministers Shri Ravishankar Prasad, Shri Manoj Sinha and other dignitaries in presence of Ms. Arundhaty Ghosh, Chief Postmaster General, Bihar Circle at Patna on 10th July, 2016. (Special Cover approval no. BH/05/JULY/2016). The cancellation bears the Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista Gangetica), the National Aquatic Animal. Gangetic Dolphin is a critically endangered species in India and has been put in Schedule 1 of the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.

Cover Courtesy: Lalit K. Mishra, Patna | Pradip Jain, Patna

Annual General Body of Ananthapuri Philatelic Association – 9th July 2016.

The fourth Annual General Body of Ananthapuri Philatelic Association was held on 09.07.2016 at Hotel Poorna, Statue, Thiruvananthapuram. After approving the Annual Report and Accounts of 2015-16, the members elected the following members as new office bearers for 2016-18. President: Shri V. Balakrishnan Nair, Vice President: Shri Hentry Smith Kumar, Secretary: Shri P. Mohanachandran Nair, Jt. Secretary: Dr. Denny Unnikrishnan, Treasurer: Shri. Jacob Philip, Other committee members: S/Shri. Dr. A. Aneesh, Boben J E, R K Rajasekharan, Dr. S. Satheesh, C. Krishnankutty Nair, Sasikumar V and Sreejesh Krishnan.

Courtesy: Mohanachandran Nair, Thiruvananthapuram

Commemorative Stamp on BSE (The Bombay Stock Exchange) – 9th July 2016.

Established in 1875, BSE (formerly known as Bombay Stock Exchange Ltd.), is Asia's first & the Fastest Stock Exchange in world with the speed of 6 micro seconds and one of India's leading exchange groups. Over the past 140 years, BSE has facilitated the growth of the Indian corporate sector by providing it an efficient capital-raising platform. Popularly known as BSE, the bourse was established as "The Native Share & Stock Brokers' Association" in 1875. BSE is a corporatized and demutualized entity, with a broad shareholder-base which includes two leading global exchanges, Deutsche Bourse and Singapore Exchange as strategic partners. BSE provides an efficient and transparent market for trading in equity, debt instruments, derivatives, mutual funds. It also has a platform for trading in equities of small-and-medium enterprises (SME). More than 5500 companies are listed on BSE making it world's No. 1 exchange in terms of listed members. The companies listed on BSE command a total market capitalization of USD 1.64 Trillion as of Sep 2015. It is also one of the world's leading exchanges (5th largest in September 2015) for Index options trading (Source: World Federation of Exchanges).

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley released commemorative stamp, to mark the 140 years of BSE on 9th July, 2016 at New Delhi.

Customised My Stamp on SNDT Women’s University – 5th July 2016.

Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women’s University is the first Women’s university in India as well as in South-East Asia. The University was founded by Maharshi Dr. Dhondo Keshav Karve in 1916 for a noble cause of Women’s Education. The first five women graduated in 1921 from this University. The University Headquarters is in Churchgate Campus, Mumbai and the other two campuses of this University are at Juhu, Mumbai and Karve Road, Pune.

SNDT Women’s University completed its centennial year celebrations on 5th July 2016. On the occasion a Customised Stamp was released by Shri Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, Hon’ble Chancellor and Governor of Maharashtra and Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharastra. Shri Vinod Tawde, Minister School Education & Sports, Higher & Technical Education was also present on the occasion.

This is eighth issue of Customised Stamp and it depicts Logo of University and centennial year logo depicting image of Maharshi Karve with ‘My Stamp’ words incorporated in the stamp design. The blank space beside the stamp is pre-printed with image of SNDT University Building. Customised stamps are printed at Security Printing Press, Hyderabad. Customised Sheets are available at ePost Office Portal with Presentation pack at Rs. 500 per Sheetlet of 12 Stamps.

1st Mumbai Seminar on Philately: Proceedings

On the occasion of Platinum Jubilee Celebration of Mumbai Philatelic Bureau on 21st June 2016, Philately Seminar was organized at the Conference Hall of the Chief Postmaster General’s Office, Mumbai. The seminar was attended by philatelists, postal functionaries, members of media and others. During the seminar four papers were presented followed by a talk and discussions.

Mumbai Philatelic Bureau has published proceedings of the 1st Mumbai Seminar in booklet form which includes papers presented at seminar on ‘Kaira District Postal History under British Administration’ by Dr. Punit S. Dixit, ‘Philatelic Bureaux in India’ by Shri Ashok Kumar Bayanwala, ‘Journey of Stamp Collector to Philatelist’ by Shri Rajan Jaykar, ‘Devotional Post’ by Shri Prashant H. Pandya, Summary of talk on ‘Contribution of the Mumbai GPO in the Development of Postal Communication of Various Countries in Africa and Asia’ delivered by Shri Vispi S. Dastur, ‘Open Philately: A template for the future of philately’, Concept note presented by Shri P. N. Ranjit Kumar, Postmaster General, Mumbai Region and Shri Ganesh V. Sawaleshwarkar, Postmaster General, Pune Region. The booklet is well designed and printed in multi colour.

First copy of the booklet was presented to Shri Dhirubhai Mehta, President of Philatelic Society of India by Shri P. N. Ranjit Kumar, Postmaster General, Mumbai Region during the monthly meeting of Philatelic Society of India at Mumbai.

Photo Courtesy: Abdeali Taiyebali Haji, Mumbai

Philatelic Congress of India: Regional Meeting, Seminars, Special General Body Meeting & Governing Council Meeting – 2nd & 3rd July 2016.

Regional Meeting of the Philatelic Congress of India was held at Hotel Paraag, Raj Bhawan Road, Bengaluru on 2nd July 2016. After the regional meeting a Seminar on Postal Stationery Exhibiting was conducted by President of PCI and FIP Postal Stationery Commission Bureau Member Shri Ajeet Singhee. Another Seminar on Exhibiting Now - Current Trends and Techniques for preparing a better philatelic exhibit and win a higher medal was conducted by Shri Madhukar Jhingan, Vice President of PCI.

An interactive Session on Traditional Philately, Postal History, Thematic, One Frame, Modern Philately and Open Class disciplines was conducted by a panel of Shri Ajeet Singhee, Shri Sahadeva Sahoo, Shri Sunder Bahirwani and Shri Rajesh Kumar Bagri after two seminars.

Special General Body Meeting and Governing Council Meetings of Philatelic Congress of India were held 3rd July 2016.

Creation of new Postal Circle named "Telangana Postal Circle" subsequent to the formation of Telangana State – 1st July 2016.

The President of India has approved the creation of the new Postal Circle named “Telangana Postal Circle” with effect from 1st July 2016 by converting the existing Regions in those areas carved out of their parent Circle i.e. Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle. The Headquarters of the new Telangana Postal Circle will be at Hyderabad; and the headquarters of the existing Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle will also be at Hyderabad till the Andhra Pradesh Circle is moved to Andhra Pradesh State. Telangana, India's newest and the 29th state was born on 2nd June 2014.

Two covers shown here are of 1st June 2014 (Andhra Pradesh before formation of Telangana State) and 2nd June 2014 (Formation of Telangana State).

Images Courtesy: Sagi Srinivas Raju, Hyderabad