Commemorative Postage Stamps on GPO Buildings.

Postage stamp, begun as a piece of paper in token of receipt of postage, has assumed additional functions. It is a mode of commemorating, celebrating and promoting national heritage and events, it plays a great role as an ambassador, a brand image of postal administration and a statement of sovereignty of a nation. After independence, the medium of postage stamps was initially used to highlight the country's achievements in science and technology as well as its socio-economic Development by depicting themes like the Five Year Plans, Steel Plants, Dams etc. Subsequently, the country's rich cultural and natural heritage came to be showcased and many beautiful stamps were issued in thematic sets on art, architecture, crafts maritime heritage, science, technology, defence and cinematic. Great leaders of national and international standing have also been honoured with commemorative stamps, the most prominent being Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation has been honoured with commemorative and definitive stamps. Personalities, who have made immense contributions in areas like painting, literature, science, music, social upliftment etc.have also been honoured.

Commemorative Postage Stamp released by Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh releasing a commemorative postage stamp at the inauguration of the 11th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, in Kochi on January 08, 2013. The Chief Guest and President of the Republic of Mauritius, Mr. Rajkeswur Purryag, the Governor of Kerala, Shri H. R. Bhardwaj and the Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Ravi are also seen.

A COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP ON THE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT ISSUED

On the completion of the enactment of Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 1986, a commemorative postal stamp was issued by the president of India, Shri Pranab Mukhrji here today.

On the occasion Prof. K.V. Thomas, minister of state of consumer affairs, food and public distribution said that 1986 was a watershed year in the history of consumer movement in India that witnessed the enactment of the consumer protection act – the ‘magna carta’ legislation aimed at protecting the interests of consumers that they do not fall victims to the unfair trade practices and sub-standard services in the market place. He said that the special feature of this act is to provide speedy and inexpensive mechanism to redress the grievances of the consumer, and award compensation wherever appropriate. The act ensures consumer rights such as the right of choice, safety, information, public hearing and consumer education. 

President releases Commemorative Postage Stamp on Late Shri Ramgopal Ji Maheshwari

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee released a commemorative postage stamp on late Shri Ramgopal Ji Maheshwari, on the eve of the start of his birth centenary year (November 20,2011 to November 20, 2012) at a function today (20.11.2012) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

Shri Ramgopal Ji Maheshwari was a freedom fighter, doyen of journalism, a committed social worker and a person who left no stone unturned for the cause of promotion of Hindi language. He started biweekly paper ‘Nava Bharat’ from Nagpur. He successfully directed the publication of Nava Bharat as Chief Editor and was known as “Bhishma Pitamaha” of journalism in Central and Western India. 

Besides being involved in the freedom movement, Shri Ramgopal Maheshwari also made great efforts to eradicate conservative customs from the Maheshwari Samaj and make it more progressive. 

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion was Dr. (Smt) Kruparani Killi, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology. 


Source:-PIB

Tamilnadu Governor Releases Stamp on India Cements Founder (Shri T S Narayanaswami)

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu governor K Rosaiah on Sunday released a commemorative postal stamp in honor of T S Narayanaswami, founder of India Cements.

The stamp and a booklet, named "Life and Times of Shri T S Narayanaswami', was released as part of late Narayanaswami's birth centenary celebrations.

India Cements was established in 1946 with its first plant being set up at Sankarnagar in Tamil Nadu in 1949.

N Srinivasan, son of Narayanaswami and managing director of India Cements Ltd, recalled the memories of his father at the programme and the emergence of the company that catered to the demands of most of the south Indian states and Maharashtra.

M A M Ramaswamy, chairman of Chettinad Group of Companies, and senior postal department officials took part in the function. 

Source : The Times of India

India and Israel release stamps to mark 20 years of ties

TEL AVIV: India and Israel have released a set of postal stamps depicting their respective festival of lights, Diwali and Hannukah, to commemorate 20 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The stamps were unveiled by Secretary and Director General of India Post, Manjula Prasher, India's new envoy to Israel, Jaideep Sarkar, and Chairman of Israel Postal Company, Sasi Shilo in presence of other officials from both sides.

Sarkar called upon to promote close people to people contact among the two countries to foster experience of mutual goodwill and friendship among them.
"In India we have a great respect for the Jewish faith, as we have for all other faiths. Today the release of the joint postal stamp not only celebrates a milestone in our diplomatic relations but also a common structural tradition, the festival of lights....both festivals celebrating the victory of good over evil", Sarkar said addressing India enthusiasts gathered to attend the ceremony.

The Indian stamp shows a row of traditional earthen lamps, diyas, representing Diwali and the Israeli stamp features a menorah with the word "Zion" inscribed inside a Magen David star.

Hanukkah, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC. The Babylon Talmud describes how the Maccabees found only a little pure oil, enough to light the Temple menorah for a single day.

A miracle occurred and this oil lasted for eight days, by which time more oil was prepared, it goes on to say.

"Over a period of time, stamps, a piece of paper, have gained a lot of significance. It not only denotes a country's sovereignty but also becomes a means to commemorate important events like this one", Prasher said, stressing on the significance of joint stamp release.

Hanukkah, like Deepavali, celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the victory of justice over injustice.

Emphasising on the deepening Indo-Israel ties, Shilo called upon the postal services of both the countries to also cooperate in order to meet the new challenges posed by technological advancements.

"Issuing joint stamps symbolises the culture, cooperation and friendship shared between people and nation", he said, touching upon the special bonding between Indians and Israelis.

These limited edition stamps have been designed by Indian artist, Alka Sharma, and Israeli artist, Ronen Goldberg.

They will be available in Israel from today and released in India in about two weeks.

The menorah featured on the stamp was inspired by the wooden menorah used by the Jewish community in Bombay.

Economic Times

22 January 2012 Seventh Delhi State Level Philatelic Exhibition to be Inaugurated on January 22, 2012 Sunday, January 22, 2012

Seventh Delhi State Level Philatelic Exhibition”Dharohar-2012” is being organized at National Science Centre from 22nd January to 24th January 2012.Disclosing this during a press conference Ms. Rameshwari Handa ,Chief Post Master General(Delhi Circle) said here today that the previous State Level Philatelic Exhibition was held in the year 2008.The Exhibition will be inaugurated by Ms. Manjula Prashar, Secretary Posts. During ‘Dharohar-2012’, 230 frames would be displayed. Three broad categories include Invitation 29 frames; Competition (Senior) 70 frames and Competition (Youth)131 frames. The Exhibition ‘Dharohar-2012’ is being organized in collaboration with the National Science Centre. 

To mark this occasion, Special Covers On National Science Centre and Dilli Haat will also be released by Delhi Postal Circle. During the function a Philatelic k it is also scheduled to be released in order to promote Philately among young kids. My Stamp facility will be an additional attraction for the visitors of the exhibition. Numerous other activities are planned during “Dharohar-2012” for the school children. These include workshop on Astronomy for kids, Workshop on Films and Philately, Painting competition, Quiz and Magic Show. The winners of Painting competition organized by Delhi circle on Children’s day on the theme “Post Office 2050” will also be rewarded with Cash prizes, Medals and Certificates.