Implementation of Philately scholarship scheme Deen Dayal Sparsh Yojana for the year 2024-25

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Revised Special Cover and Cancellation Policy

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Commemorative Stamps on ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute – 8th January 2018.

The Coconut Research Station at Kasaragod in Kerala was initially established in 1916 by the then Government of Madras and subsequently it was taken over by the Indian Central Coconut Committee in 1948. Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) was established in 1970 as one of the agricultural research institutes in the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

The Institute had the mandate to undertake research on coconut, arecanut, cocoa, cashew, oil palm and spices at the time of establishment. The research on cashew, oil palm and spices were later delinked from CPCRI to form separate institutes. The present mandate of the institute is to conduct research on coconut, arecanut and cocoa.

On the occasion of 100 years of Coconut Research a set of two stamps on ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute was released by Colonel S F H Rizvi, Postmaster General, Northern Region, Kerala Circle on 8th January, 2018 at Kisan Conference Agri Business Expo, Kasargod, Kerala organized to mark the silver jubilee of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and the foundation day of the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI).

My Stamp

‘My Stamp’ is the brand name for personalized sheets of Postage Stamps of India Post. The personalization is achieved by printing a thumb nail image of the customer's photograph and logos of institutions, or images of artwork, heritage buildings, famous tourist places, historical cities, wildlife, other animals and birds etc., on a selected template sheet having Postage Stamps.

‘My Stamp’ was first introduced in India during the World Philatelic Exhibition, ‘INDIPEX-2011’. This scheme is available in selected Philatelic Bureaux and counters/ Important Post offices/Post Offices situated at tourist places. ​

CLICK HERE to know more about my stamp 

Commemorative Postage Stamp on Justice Mehr Chand Mahajan released on 31/12/2017

In a brief but historic ceremony, Hon'ble Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, along with Hon'ble Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh and Hon'ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Communications Manoj Sinha, released a commemorative postal stamp in the memory of Late Justice Mehr Chand Mahajan, the third Chief Justice of Supreme Court of India on 31/12/2017.  Shri A N Nanda Secretary (Posts) also present in the function. 

Mehr Chand Mahajan was the first prime minister of Jammu & Kashmir. Till 30 March 1965, the chief minister’s office was then known as Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Thus Mehr was the first ruler of Kashmir of independent India after partition. He played a key role in the accession of J&K to India. He belonged to Indian National Congress and was nominee on the Radcliff Commission that defined the boundaries of two countries. His tenure of 142 days was during the period 15 October 1947 – 5 March 1948. Apart from a politician, Mahajan was the third Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India.

He was born on December 23, 1889 in Kashmir. He started his career as a lawyer in 1913 in Dharmshala, where he practised for one year. Later he worked as a lawyer in Gurdaspur for four years. Till 1943, he practised in Lahore. During the period 1938 to 1943, he served as the president of the High Court Bar Association of Lahore. Soon after Indian independence, he was appointed as the Prime Minister of J&K. During his short tenure as PM, he played a role in the accession of Kashmir to India. He annexed district Gurdaspur to India, turning down Lahore. On 5th March 1948 Sheikh Abdullah preceded him and completed a term of 5 years also.

In 1948, he became one of the first Judges of the Supreme Court of independent India. 6 years later he was promoted to the Chief Justice position. On January 4, 1954 he was appointed as the third Chief Justice of India and remained in that position till his retirement almost one year later. He has also held director posts of many organizations like Punjab National Bank. He was given a Hon. Degree of LL.D. by Punjab University in the 1948. He passed away in 1967.

Speaking on the occasion, Arun Jaitley dwelt on the various facets of Mehr Chand Mahajan’s versatile persona and said, there is hardly any similar instance where a legal luminary of such extraordinary calibre achieved the highest judicial position in the country but, at the same time, his contribution did not remain confined only to the legal profession.

Jaitley lauded Justice Mahajan’s contribution as Prime Minister of Jammu & Kashmir and in accomplishing the accession of the State with India. He also commended his simultaneous contributions in social life, particularly his role in carrying forward the Arya Samaj movement in modern India.

While as Chief Justice of Supreme Court in early years after independence, Arun Jaitley said, Justice Mahajan left his foot-print to be followed by the future judges, at the same time, he also lent his full support to spread a chain of educational institutions, particularly DAV schools and colleges, across the country.
Dr Jitendra Singh, in his address, said that by releasing a commemorative stamp in the memory of Justice Mahajan, we are actually redeeming a pledge that we had made to ourselves over half  a century ago but we had to wait for the present Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accept the request for honouring this great son of India.

Dr Jitendra Singh called for retrieving Pak occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK) from illegal occupation of Pakistan and make it a part of Indian Union to honour the legacy of Late Justice Mahajan. He said, this will be the redemption of another unfulfilled pledge because it was Justice Mehr Chand Mahajan who, as Prime Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, had assisted Maharaja Hari Singh to accomplish full and final accession of J&K to India.

Describing Maharaja Hari Singh as a ruler blessed with the intuition to pick up the best of the best talent from across the country, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Mehr Chand Mahajan was among one of the Maharaja’s chosen ones, just as Maharaja Hari Singh had also roped in luminaries like Gopalaswami Iyyengar and Sir Ram Nath Chopra to serve in the State in different capacities.

Union MoS (I/C) Communication, Manoj Sinha expressed satisfaction at the fact that the task to release a commemorative stamp in the memory of Late Justice Mahajan had finally been accomplished. He said, there had always been a constant pressure from several legal luminaries, nationalistic ideologues, social activists, political leaders like Arun Jaitley and Dr Jitendra Singh, as well as a wide range of followers of Justice Mahajan, to commemorate his memory by way of a postal stamp.

Source : daily execlor

Commemorative Postage Stamp on Indian Hand Fans released on 30/12/2017

India Post has released a set of commemorative postage stamps on traditional Indian Hand Fans on 30/12/201. The stamp issue was first proposed for issuance in 2012-13. These stamps have been designed in conjunction with the well renowned artist, Jatin Das' collection of Indian Hand Fans, known as Pankha (the word for fan in Hindi). This will be the second set of stamps in 2017, after the Transport stamp issue that uses a private collection as the source of stamp objects.

So far, its become clear that this set of stamps will contain of a miniature sheet with 16 designs and possibly 16 other miniature sheets with individual stamps. Each of the stamps will be of Rupees 15 denomination.

A list of hand fans that are depicted on the stamps is below. These 16 stamp designs are on one large miniature sheet and then each of these same type of hand fans are also depicted on miniature sheets with single stamps. This issue is like an amalgamation of the Splendor of India and Transport stamps issues of 2017.  I say that because the individual and one large miniature sheet format was used for the Splendor of India issue and the similar to the Transport stamp issue, there will likely be 4 sheetlets with a set of 4 hand fan designs per sheetlet. The striking feature about this stamp issue so far is that the individual miniature sheets may or may not have the same stamp design/formats are the large miniature sheet and this could create way more than 16 stamp designs in the stamp series. I've posted a few images for reference below as well. 

The stamp designs are quite simplistic and could evoke different opinions among the collectors. I personally liked the individual miniature sheets more than the large miniature sheet, which is quite plain with just the fans placed on a white background. The stamp set will likely be printed at India Security Press, Nashik.

Release of Commemorative Postage Stamp on Padmashri Dajisaheb Patwardhan on 28/12/2017

A commemorative postage stamp on Padmashri Dajisaheb Patwardhan was released by Shri H. C. Agarwal Chief Postmaster General Maharashtra Circle at Tapovan (Dist. Amravati, Maharashtra) on 28/12/2017. 

Rishbhgiri Post Office inaugurated at Jain pilgrimage centre Rishbhgiri Mangi Tungi

Ms Shobha Madhale Postmaster General Navi Mumbai Region inaugurated a new post office 'RISHBHGIRI' on 23rd December 2017 at famous Jain Pilgrimage Centre Mangi Tungi in Malegaon Division of Maharashtra circle in the auspicious presence of Pujiya Aryika Gyanmati Mataji. 

Mangi Tungi was a very famous pilgrimage place from were many jain sadhus attained nirvana. 

Mangi-Tungi is a prominent twin-pinnacled peak with plateau in between, located near Tahrabad about 125 km from Nasik, Maharashtra, India. Mangi, 4,343 ft (1,324 m) high above sea level, is the western pinnacle and Tungi, 4,366 ft (1,331 m) high, the eastern. Mangi-Tungi is only 100 km away from Dhule, a well known city and district place in North Maharashtra (Khandesh).

In February 2016, one world's tallest Jain statue with height 108 feet (113 feet including pedestal) was inaugurated. The consecration was attended by CM Devendra Fadnavis and many visionaries of Indian Government. Named as The Statue of Ahimsa, the idol is an exceptional piece of architecture and has become a pilgrim for Jains all across the world.

The foundation stone for this project was laid in 1996 under the inspiration of Gyanmati Mataji, a Jain monk. The motivation was given by Chandanamati Mataji. It was under their guidance that President Ravindrakirti Swamiji and Chief Secretary Dr. Pannalalji Papdiwal worked for 20 years to create this religious marvel.

Commemorative Postage Stamp on Shri Shirdi Sai Baba

India Post has issued a commemorative postage stamp of Shri Shirdi Sai Baba on 15th December 2017. Earlier a stamp was issued on Shirdi Sai Baba in 2008. Shirdi Sai Baba, was an Indian spiritual master who is regarded by his devotees as a saint and an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is revered by both his Hindu and Muslim devotees during, as well as after his lifetime. Saibaba is now revered as incarnation of Sri Dattatreya, and considered as Saguna Brahma. He is attributed to be the creator, sustainer and destroyer of this universe by his devotees. He is decorated with jewels and all forms of Hindu vedic deities as he is supreme God.

According to accounts from his life, he preached the importance of realization of the self, and criticized love towards perishable things. His teachings concentrate on a moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, charity, contentment, inner peace, and devotion to the God and guru. He stressed the importance of surrender to the true Satguru, who, having trod the path to divine consciousness, will lead the disciple through the jungle of spiritual training.  Sai Baba also condemned distinction based on religion or caste.

Christmas 2017 stamps from Poland

2018 International Letter Writing Competition for the Young People

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President of India released commemorative postage stamp on INS Kalvari

Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind has released a commemorative postage stamp on 50 Years of Submarine Arm of Indian Navy on 7th December 2017 at Visakhapatnam. 

The submarine arm of the Indian Navy is in its 50th year of existence. From a small force of Foxtrot class, it leapfrogged into high tech boats in just 25 years of its coming into being. By then it had also made forays into operating a nuclear submarine and internalised its nuances and discipline, which is quite a different way of life from that on a conventional boat. In this journey, it has also graduated to deploying submarine-launched cruise missiles and smart wire-guided torpedoes. It has also graduated to deploying submarine-launched cruise missiles and smart wire-guided torpedoes.

It has come a long way in maintenance procedures and protocols and the naval dockyards are capable of handling current refits and gaining valuable insights in medium and half-life refits. The indigenous construction of the Scorpene is yet another milestone achieved. The greatest stride, even though long in coming, has been the indigenous construction of the SSBN Arihant. The conventional boats of the Shishumar and Sindhughosh class with their stand-off range weapons and missile capability had come to acquire the nom de guerreof ‘the sword arm’ of the IN. The Arihant with its ICBM capability and an assured deterrence of second strike could really be called the ‘shield’ of the nation. 

Hon’ble Minister of Communications (independent charge) and Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu Andhra Pradesh State and Hon’ble Governor ESL Narasimhan of Andra Pradesh State were present.

The denomination of stamp is R. 5/-.

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Source-http://www.indiandefencereview.com

Release of special cover and permanent cancellation on Shree Bahubalaiswamy Mahamasthakabhisheka Mohotsava 2018

Special cover and permanent cancellation released on 6th December 2017 on world famous Jaim Pilgrimage Centre, at Chamundaraya Mandap, Sravanabelgola (Dist. Hasan, Karnataka) in a grand function in the holy presence Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarak Swamiji of Sravanabelagola. 

Shri Rajendra Kumar PMG South Karnataka release the special over. 

Mahapex 2018, Maharashtra State Level Philatelic Exhibition at Pune - 20th - 22nd January 2018.

13th State Level philatelic exhibition MAHAPEX 2018 of Maharashtra Circle will be held at Pune (Maharashtra) in January 2018. The exhibition will be hosted by Postmaster General, Pune Region, Pune 411 001 from 20 to 22 January 2018 at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, Swargate, Pune 411 002.

In “MAHAPEX-2018” a collection of Philatelists from Maharashtra and Goa States will be displayed through 400 frames. There will be various activities such as Workshop, Seminar for students, Quiz competition, Stamp Design Competition, Elocution competition and Exhibition

Special Covers on various subjects will also be released. A souvenir on “MAHAPEX-2018” would also be brought out which would be collectors’ item for the philatelists.

This is the first time in the history of the State Level Philatelic Exhibition that all the activities of the exhibition from Registration to Declaration of Result will be done online through a specially designed “Philatelic Exhibition Management System”. The official website of MAHAPEX 2018 www.mahapex2018.org was launched on 1st October 2017. A virtual Exhibition will also be displayed on the official Website.

Dealer’s booths will be available in three categories. Platinum Booth will be available @ Rs. 40,000/- + 18% GST, Gold Booth @ Rs. 30,000/- + 18% GST, Silver Booth @ Rs.12,000/- + 18% GST for the duration of the exhibition. Online Booth booking is available on www.mahapex2018.org. For more details log on to the official web site.

The last date for submission of entries is extended upto 10th December 2017.

The contact details of exhibition are as under:
Secretary of the Exhibition Sub Committee, MAHAPEX 2018, Office of the Postmaster General, Pune Region, Pune 411001.
Shri A K Chinchole, ADPS – I, RO Pune - (M) 7028007203 and Shri N S Yeola, ASP, RO Pune - (M) 7028007210

The proceedings of Philately Seminar held at Pune during Punepex-2017.

The proceedings of Philately Seminar held at Pune is likely to be published on 15th Dec 2017. Cost of booklet is Rs. 300/-. Limited Editions are available. Please ensure copy by paying in advance in the following account on or before 10th Dec 2017.

Payment may be credited in following account:

A/c Name: Secretary, Exhibition Sub Committee, Mahapex 2018.

A/c No.: 37285793421

Bank: State Bank of India, Main Branch, Pune

IFSC Code: SBIN0000454

Please send the details of payment and address by email

at mahapex2018@gmail.com

For more details contact: Shri N S Yeola, ASP, RO Pune - (M) 7028007210

Rajpex-2017, Rajkot District Level Philatelic Exhibition – 11th and 12th November 2017.

Rajpex-2017, the Rajkot District Philatelic Exhibition was held at Dr. Syama Prasad Art Gallery, Race Course, Rajkot on 11th and 12th November 2017. The exhibition was inaugurated on 11th November. Shri Niranjan Shah, former Hon. Secretary of BCCI and Saurashtra Cricket Association was the Chief Guest. Shri B P Sarangi, Postmaster General, Rajkot Region presided over the function.

The Competitive Class consisted of 21 Exhibits displayed in 55 frames out of which 31 frames were in Senior Class, 09 frames in Youth Class and 15 frames were exhibited in Invitee class. Shri L. C. Jogi (Sr. Superintendent of Post Offices, Rajkot), Mr. Prashant H. Pandya and Shri Jaydev Nansey, CE were member of Jury for Rajpex-2017. Two Special Covers were released during the two days exhibition.

1) Special Cover on Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium – 11th November 2017.

Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, also known as the Khandheri Cricket Stadium, is a cricket stadium in Rajkot, It is Gujarat's first solar powered stadium. As of 19 August, 2017 it has hosted 1 Test, 2 ODIs and 1 T20I. It is a state of the art cricket stadium. The media box here is similar in design to the one at Lord's Cricket Ground, London. To facilitate spectator movement, there are several aisles between seat columns and lots of entrances/exits for the three stands. There is also a spacious passage running around the stadium, between the stands and the outer wall, to enable easy movement.

A Special Cover was released by Shri B. P. Sarangi, Postmaster General, Rajkot Region and it was received by Shri Niranjan Shah former Hon. Secretary of BCCI and Saurashtra Cricket Association.

2) Special Cover on Pradyuman Park – 12th November 2017.

Rajkot is blessed with lots of natural beauty and environment friendly places. Due to this effect, tourism is contributed by plethora of tourism sites. One of the popular spot of attraction in Rajkot is Pradyuman Zoological Park or Prani Sangrahalaya. Pradyuman Park is one of the finest places of tourism spread over the area of 137 acres. It is situated in the mid of natural habitat along with touching surface of Lake Lalpari and Randarda Lake. In the short span of time, it has become the leading picnic spot for the residents of Rajkot.

A Special Cover on Pradyuman Park, Rajkot released at Rajpex 2017 on 12th November 2017.

Source :indianphilately

Special cover on 'Children's Day' 14th November 2017

Children's day (Bal divas) is celebrated in India every year on 14th November. This year on 14th November 2017, Silicon City Academy of Secondary Education has issued special cover to celebrate Children's Day.

Silicon city Academy of Secondary Education is located in a serene green environment, in the southern part of the bustling city of Bangalore.

The school is spread over 3 acres, and surrounded with trees and quiet residential layouts. The institution is distinctive for an infrastructure which conforms to international educational standards.

Silicon city Academy of Secondary Education believes in offering students with the very best of integrated learning experiences and facilities, taking the child through the K-12 programme in a holistic manner.

The institution offers the CBSE syllabus.

In order to meet the standards required by the CBSE board, Silicon city Academy of Secondary Education is constantly upgrading and improving upon it's educational programmes. The school atmosphere is further enriched by the committed, dedicated and experienced teachers who are led by a team of proven educational experts.

Silicon city Education Trust And Academy

Silicon city Education Trust was formed in March 2005 to provide infrastructure for value based Education by establishing Eductional Institutions to meet growing requirements in and around konanakunte, South Bangalore. To bring this vision into reality, Mr. K.B Lakshman, Founder, Chairman & Mr, L.Ravi, Secretary , ably supported by prominent educationists started Silicon City Public School with CBSE curriculum.

In short span of 3 years, School has grown to present strength of 1150 students. In fact, it is one of the most preferred school by students/parents in South Bangalore. This has given impetus to chairman to enter higher echelons in education for which Silicon City Educational Academy was formed in january 2008 to initiate pre university, under graduate and post graduation to make Academy a Centre for complete Education - from Pre - Nursery to Post - Graduation.

First stamp of Independent India

The first stamp of Independent of India was released on 21-11-1947. It depicts with Indian flag with patriots slogan 'Jai Hind' (long LIVE INDIA) on the top right hand corner. It was valued three and one-half annas and was meant for foreign correspondence.

Special Cover on Birth Centenary of Smt. Indira Gandhi – 19th November 2017.

Indira Gandhi (b. 19 November 1917 - d. 31 October 1984) was an Indian politician and the only female Prime Minister of the country. Born in the famous Nehru family, she was perhaps destined for an illustrious political career. She served as Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977 and from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. As Prime Minister, Indira was known for centralisation of power and political ruthlessness. Her political career was littered with controversies as well as allegations of highhandedness, corruption and nepotism. She clamped a state of emergency in India from 1975 to 1977. She was also criticized for carrying out the Operation Blue-Star in Punjab that eventually scripted her assassination on 31 October 1984. Indira Gandhi left behind her a lasting political legacy and her family became one of the most prominent political names in India.

On the occasion of the Birth Centenary of Late Smt. Indira Gandhi, a Special Cover was released at Allahabad on 19th November 2017 by Mrs. Roopa Shankar, Mrs. Samina Naqvi, Mr. Narsingh, SSRM of Post Office and Mr. Pramod Kr. Bansal, the President of Prayag Philatelic Society at the function held at Head Post Office, Allahabad. (Special Cover approval no. UP/17/2017).

Special Cover on Inscription stones of Bengaluru – 14th November 2017.

Inscription Stones of Bangalore' is a civic activism project to raise awareness and protect ancient inscription stones (shila shaasanas) found in the Bengaluru region. Inscriptions stones are original documentation of the people, culture, religion and language of the region dating back to as early as 750CE. Rampant urbanization in Bengaluru has led to destruction of a majority of the 150 stones in the old 'Bangalore' region which were documented by B.L. Rice and others from 1894 to 1905 in the remarkable twelve-volume series Epigraphia Carnatica. This project retraces the footsteps of B.L. Rice to protect and restore the dignity of the last remaining 25 'Inscription Stones of Bangalore'.

A Special Cover was released on 14th November 2017 to commemorate Inscription Stones of Bengaluru. The cover depicts the oldest Kannada stone inscription in the Bengaluru region dated to about 750 CE (Ganga period) (Special Cover Approval No. KTK/87/2017).