Anantha Nadam

 

Anantha Nadam 

 Souvenir by Anathapuri Philatelic Association 

I am pleased to receive this wonderful Souvenir, 'Anantha Nadam' by Ananthapuri Philatelic Association.  Many thanks to Mr Mohanachandran Nayyar for this Souvenir. It contains very informative articles by renowned philatelists. Readers would find it very interesting and informative. 

It's Cricket time......

LAMENT OF AN INDIAN SPORTS PHILATELIST

-  Nikhilesh Melkote

Cricket season is here again! World Cup cricket fever is upon us. Everywhere, the talk is, whether India can regain the Cup which we won in 1983 and 2011. There are also philatelists, who collect Sports theme, including Cricket, who look upon this event with not only excitement and anticipation, but sadly with disappointment and a sense of “deja vu” . Why is this, one may wonder.

Let us go back a bit in history. When India won the Prudential World Cup in England in 1983, of course, it was an upset of epic proportions. Cricket fans across India were thrilled, and we philatelists among them were expecting that the Post & Telegraph Dept (as it was known then) would honour our heroes by issuing a postage stamp. There was a precedent, of similar historic Cricket Victories being commemorated by a stamp in 1971. This was to mark our cricketers' historic overseas Test Series wins in England and the West Indies (Photo 1).

Even with regard to earlier World Cups, all the countries of the West Indies had commemorated their victory in the First Cup in 1975, by issuing an identical set of “Omnibus” issues. Antigua, the home country of Sir Viv Richards and Sir Andy Roberts, issued a set of 3 stamps to mark the victory (see limited edition FDC in the Photo2).

But sadly, in 1983, there was no such issue from India. There were only a few lucky Cricket Philatelists (including me) who managed to get hold of the Special Postmark issued at the Lords Cricket Ground on 25th June, 1983, the day of the Final (Photo 3). I managed to get this cover autographed by Kapil Dev himself.

A few months later, the Baroda Philatelic Society took it on themselves to commemorate this victory of 1983 by issuing a beautiful private Special Cover, with the cachet depicting the entire team known fondly as “Kapil's Devils”. The postmark shows 2 crossed cricket bats and the Prudential World Cup.The cachet of this cover depicts the entire winning team in a colour photograph, which itself was a rarity in those days of black and white images.(Photo 4)

Then the next landmark came in 1985, when a World Championship of Cricket was held in Australia to mark the 150th Anniversary of the state of Victoria. This tournament was a Mini World Cup, with all the Test paying countries participating. The novelty was the use of coloured uniforms for all the teams. If people thought India winning the World Cup in 1983 was a “fluke”, they did another fluke by winning the WCC in 1985! The cricketing world had to admit that India was the new superpower. But India, sadly again did not feel that the achievements of our cricketers were worth commemorating through a stamp or postmark.

Actually, this was a golden period for Indian cricket. Our team won the Asia Cup and another Limited Overs tournament in Sharjah as well. But no commemoration was forthcoming from the Department. At that time in Oct 1985, we a group of philatelists of Karnataka Philatelic Society, Bangalore took it upon ourselves to commemorate these historic victories through a Special Cover. The occasion was a Charity match held in Chinnaswamy Stadium Bangalore, between an Indian XI comprising most of the World Cup heroes like Kapil Dev, Srikkanth, Kirmani etc., versus an Ambassadors XI team of county players from England led by Test off-spinner Vic Marks. A couple of these covers were autographed by the players and sold in auction (Photo 5). The proceeds were given to charity. We took care to source the only 2 Cricket stamps issued by India till that date from India Security Press, Nasik, and used these 2 stamps on the covers. We were aware that Special Cover does not have the same philatelic value as a stamp or FDC, but in the absence of any official issue, philatelists need something in their collection to record the achievements for posterity.

The same saga continued for succeeding Cricket World Cups as well. In 1987, India was one of the co-hosts of the event along with Pakistan. But none of these countries issued any stamps. It was only Anguilla, a small nation in the West Indies, which issued a set of 4 stamps and a miniature sheet. A private Special Cover was however issued to commemorate the Semi-final in Bombay (as it was then known), between India and England (Photo 6). This game however, we sadly lost and Australia went on to win the Cup.

Subsequently, World Cups were held in 1992 (Australia & NZ), 1996 (again in India) and 1999 (England). Again, none of the host countries issued stamps. But the 1992 World Cup was won by Pakistan, who marked their first success with a set of 3 stamps. One of them depicts the victorious captain Imran Khan (who now happens to be their Prime Minister)(Photo 7).

Sri Lanka celebrated their 1996 victory with a beautiful set of 4 Se-Tenant triangular stamps (Photo 8). There is also a Rs.3.50 stamp issued before the tournament started, showing Arjuna Ranatunga, the winning captain.

Next host was South Africa in 2003, who issued a set of 6 lovely stamps to mark the event, showing the “Dazzler”, the Zebra mascot of the Cup.(Photo 9) They had other stamp issues as well. India reached the final, to be outplayed by Australia. Sachin won the golden bat for highest scorer in the tournament, and a Special Cover (again private) was issued in India to honour this feat.

The World Cup 2007 played in West Indies was one full of upsets, with India and Pakistan crashing out early. Many of the West Indian nations issued stamps, souvenir sheets and miniature sheets for the event. Bangladesh, which knocked out India, also issued 2 stamps. But the fascinating story is from Sri Lanka, who reached the final vs. Australia. The Government, being proud of their heroes, had decided to issue 2 stamps, irrespective of the outcome of the final match! 2 sets of designs were prepared, with a picture of the full team and the narration “Sri Lanka, Runners-Up” and “Sri Lanka Winners”. The only difference in the 2 designs was the absence of the Trophy in the former. As it turned out, Australia easily retained the trophy. Sri Lanka still went ahead and released the set of 2 stamps designed for the Runners-Up. The stamps were issued on 30th April 2007,within 2 days of the Final, which was played on 28th April 2007. The illustrations here, show both the proposed design (if Sri Lanka had won) as well as the actual issued stamps. (Photos 10 & 11)

An innovation was introduced to the game with the advent of Twenty20 or “T20” as it is popularly known. This version of the game was not initially popular in India. But the International Cricket Council hosted the first World T20 Championship in South Africa in 2007. Some countries including Bangladesh issued stamps to mark the event. India, like in 1983, created a major sensation by winning the T20 World Cup under the captaincy of M.S. Dhoni. But sadly, again there was no official issue from India. We were grateful that a Special Cover issued during GUJPEX 2007 in Ahmedabad on 7th Oct 2007, commemorates this famous victory.(Photo 12).

In 2011, again India hosted the World Cup, but sadly again, there was no issue of stamps. When India beat Pakistan in the semis and reached the final, we had a flicker of hope that if India wins, there would be a stamp, as in the case of Pakistan and Lanka in the past. But sadly, although India won the Cup, our philatelic hopes were dashed. Again in 2017, India lost the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, which is not as important as the World Cup), to Pakistan. To rub salt into our wounds, Pakistan issued a set of 2 stamps and a Miniature Sheet as well. An error crept into the issue, wherein the flag of Great Britain has been shown on one of the stamps as well as the MS. Actually the participating team was England, which is only a part of Great Britain, and which has its own flag, the Cross of St. George. But the point is, even a stamp with error are better than no stamp at all! The Miniature Sheet clearly also shows some Indian fielders (Men in Blue). This is to probably reiterate that they beat India, which for them is more important than winning the trophy! (Photo 13).

The Cricket World Cup 2015 was commemorated by both the countries who hosted the event, i.e. Australia and New Zealand. Many cricket playing countries issued stamps, except, no guesses, India. India Post however sold at their post officers, a Miniature Sheet issued by New Zealand with logos and flags of all the participants. Australia Post came up with a magnificent idea, issuing a Cover with a commemorative medallion in the Cachet. The medallion has a unique feature, a small sliver of the wooden cricket stump actually used in the matches and certified on the cover itself as “match used stump”. This is a combination Cricket and Philatelic Memorabilia , taking the item to a stratospheric new level of innovation! (Photos 14 & 14a)

I am voicing the disappointment of India's cricket philatelists, because I happen to be one of them. However, the same step-motherly treatment ( I am pained to use these words) has been given to all other sports as well. India as we know, has a glorious history of having won 8 Gold medals in Olympic Hockey. But there is no stamp honouring these victories. There is however a beautiful set of stamps from Dominican Republic honouring Olympic Gold medal winners in various sports. One of them depicts the Indian hockey team and our national flag (Photo 15). If such a tiny country, difficult to find on a world map can honour our heroes, why can't we?

How about Viswanathan Anand, who won not one or 2, but 5 World Chess Championships? Pankaj Advani, with more than 20 Billiards and Snooker titles (and still counting)? Abhinav Bindra, who is the first and only Indian to win individual Olympic Gold in Shooting? Why not honour them? It is not only to serve the purpose to honour these sportsmen individually. It would go a long way in promoting sports in our country. Think of the number of children who would be inspired to take up different sports by seeing these heroes on stamps. Now, some may argue that India as a policy does not honour living individuals. But this argument will fall flat when we quote the precedents of “Maharishi” D.K.Karve, Sir M Visweswaraya etc. who were honoured during their lifetime itself. Why, we need not look beyond the great cricketer Sachin Tendulkar who was rightfully honoured with a set of 2 se-tenant stamps, a MS, Souvenir Sheet etc. But the point is, why be selective? Why not have a policy that every sports achievement will be commemorated equally? Criteria for such issues can be stringent, eg. Olympic Gold medal, World Cup or World Championship Victory only can be eligible.

There are countries like the Netherlands, who have honoured many of their Gold Medal winners not only in the Summer Olympics, but in the Winter Olympics as well. Some of these issues are so wonderful and attractive for young collectors, like the illustrated 3D action stamps of Speed Skaters (Photo 16). At the other extreme, countries who have no connection with the respective sports have commemorated famous Indian sportsmen. Eg. Stamp on V. Anand issued by Comoros Island, and stamps on M.S.Dhoni & Harbhajan Singh issued by Guinea- Bissau. The only Cricket these African countries have is the insect named Cricket which chirps loudly in the night! Philatelists are tempted and forced to collect these undesirable issues ,no more than labels, in the absence of better genuine material for their thematic subjects. Hence this article is titled, “Lament of an Indian Sports Philatelist” not just “Cricket Philatelist”.

Now, coming back to the present, the Cricket World Cup Final is approaching, on 14th July 2019. Is it too late for India Post to plan to issue a stamp or two, when India wins the Cup (we fans are optimistic that India will lift the trophy, but sadly not so optimistic about a stamp issue). If Sri Lanka could plan and issue 2 stamps at short notice, why can't we? Going further, why not have a Policy in co-ordination between the Sports and Communication Ministries, that whoever wins a Gold in any discipline in Tokyo Olympics 2020, will be honoured with a stamp? It would be great incentive to our sportsmen also. The million Rupee question is, “Will it or won't it happen?” Your guess is as good as mine, dear reader.

- Nikhilesh Melkote : email : nmelkote@hotmail.com

About the Author

Nikhilesh Melkote is a noted philatelist from Bangalore. He started collecting stamps in 1974, at the age of 10 years. After joining Mysore Philatelics in 1975 he started collecting thematically and his first theme was Flags. In his very first exhibition MYSOPEX 1976, the Flags exhibit was awarded Silver and Special Prize for Best Youth Exhibit. He moved to Bangalore in 1977 and joined the Karnataka Philatelic Society which was then in its infancy. Under the guidance of stalwarts like Col. L G Shenoi and Mr Y R Shah, he was further able to develop his collection. Other awards won for the collection which was later titled “Flying Colours”, include Large Silver + Spl Prize for Thematics at INPEX 1982, National Exhibition, Jaipur and Silver Bronze at AUSIPEX 1984, International, Melbourne

Meanwhile, his essay titled “Vexicollogy through Philately” published in 1978 in Delhi Stamp Magazine, won Gold medal + 2 special prizes at INJUNPEX –International Year of the Child 1979 Exhibition held at UN Headquarters, New York, USA in Literature Class.

Nikhilesh has also been an Apprentice Juror at KARNAPEX 1986 State Level, and Juror at CHAMUNDIPEX 2014, District Level, Mysuru. He also collects Portuguese India and recently took up a new theme, Cricket. His Cricket exhibit was awarded Large Silver at KARNAPEX 2015 State Level exhibition.

He is at present Vice-President of Karnataka Philatelic Society, Bengaluru since 2017, having served as General Secretary during the previous term.

By profession, Nikhilesh is a banker having worked in 3 different Banks over a period of 29 years. He recently took voluntary retirement from ICICI Bank having served as Regional Manager. Now he is a finance consultant and lives in Bengaluru with his wife and 15 year old son.    

After My Stamps, now My Cancellations.....

  

MY CANCELLATIONS….START OF ANOTHER FASCINATING FACILITY

- Naresh Agrawal

MY STAMP an innovative and attractive facility has now become popular in India which gives one to tag his/her photo/image or of some one, some place etc.  along with the stamp which becomes a part of the stamp known as “My Stamp”. This has been  quite appreciated and used by Indian people mainly stamp lovers. And  the least known “My cancellation” allows one to get a postal seal with a special message for specific occasion along with a personalized “My Stamp” .

                                        

Only  a few days back, a history had been created in philatelic field in India as according to me, the first ever “MY CANCELLATION” has been issued by Chennai Post office along with “MY STAMP” related same theme i.e. Royal Wedding Invitation of marriage of one of India’s prominent philatelist and stamp dealer Mr. V. Ethiraj’s son. This is a unique invitation. Many of us have been talking and thinking about such combination to come. But Mr. Ethiraj has become the first person to achieve, create and put it forward. He created this cover so beautifully and gracefully that it attracts attention of one and who looks at it. He has also chosen the perfect event to introduce this to the philatelic fraternity  and has been nicely put forward in a proper way mainly sending it through speed post. The stamp depicts photographs of to-wed couple i.e. Mr. Ramesh and Miss Dhivya  and the  cancellation depicts Chennai 690002  112016 dated 06.01.2016 (Name of the post office and Date of issue/application) and the message.

               The Beautiful Invitation Cover With “My Stamp” And “My Cancellation”

                                       

The subject matter of cancellation is bilingual i.e. Hindi and English which reads “शादी का निमंत्रण” and “Marriage Invitation” on circular form with names of the Bride and Bride Groom in designer alphabets which reads “Ramesh weds Dhivya”. Thereafter below it the wedding date which reads 06.03.2016. The post office name to in bilingual i.e. Chennai and चेन्नई and then the pin code 69002 and then below all this is the date which reads 112016 (01.01.2016)

                           

                                          

          My Cancellation  : Special Carrying Message

The MY STAMP shows a beautiful photo of the to-wed couple (bride and bridegroom) where in their names are also mentioned in English which is tagged with Rs.5/- stamp of Port Blair Island issued by India Post. It is a Speed Post Cover with Speed Post  registered label affixed on the front.

                              

                          1.Speed Post  Mail    2.The venue : Rajah Muthiah Halls, Chennai

The cover is a multicolor cover with beautifully designed images highlighting large printing designer alphabets reading “Royal Wedding”, beautiful Monogram of Royal Wedding mentioning Prince Ramesh and Princess Dhivya & that of the venue. The venue so chosen is one of the the magnificent halls where last INPEX 2008 ,National Stamp Exhibition was held that is Rani Meyyammai & Rajah Muthiah A/C Halls, Egmore, Chennai - 600008. This shows an absolute philatelic dedication, concern and connection of Sri V.Ethiraj.  A great philatelist by heart, soul and mind.

While I was writing this report, I could find on social media  that the same has already been published in one of the newspaper in Chennai. The news paper says “After personalized stamps, including those with selfies, customers can now own “My cancellation” on envelops with special messages.”

The Hindu, reputed English Daily News Paper of Chennai states that as part of the efforts to rekindle the interest in philately, the department of post is offering residents a chance to send letters with a personalized touch. The idea for the ‘My Cancellation” cover was born when philatelist Mr. V Ethiraj recently ordered Rs. 1 lac worth of  “MY STAMP” with a to-wed couple photos printed on them. He later sought for a special cancellation on the wedding covers too that would carry personalized stamps.

In an interview to the same paper Mr. Mervin  Alexander, Post Master General (Chennai City Region) said that the department usually released special cancellation covers commemorating an event along with commemorative stamps but they had  decided to offer the personalized cancellation cover as people would cherish the covers. As it is special facility, MY CANCELLATION” would  be available only for those who orders minimum of 100 sheets of MY STAMP on the same theme.”My Cancellation” facility would be offered  for Rs. 1500.00. He further added that they had planned to spread awareness among school children about MY STAMP, MY CANCELLATION and philatelic deposits. They would also Hold special camps for the children to own stamps.

While we thank Mr. Ethiraj for putting forward this new attractive facility before us, we also thank DOP for introducing and encouraging this facility. We hope this facility will gain momentum and would be used for so many occasions by so many people regularly.

We congratulate  the whole family  of Mr. Ethiraj in advance for this royal wedding.

- Naresh Agrawal, Bilaspur (C.G.) : email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

After My stamp India Post offers personalized cancellations.....

As part of its efforts to rekindle an interest in philately, the Department of Posts is offering residents a chance to send letters with a personalised touch. Photo: Special Arrangement 

• K. Lakshmi

The Department usually releases special cancellation covers commemorating an event along with commemorative stamps

Chennai : After personalised stamps, including those with selfies, customers can now own ‘My Cancellation’ on envelopes with special messages.

‘My Cancellation’ allows the customer to get a postal seal with a special message for the specific occasion along with a personalised ‘My Stamp’, which allows their images to be printed on it.

As part of its efforts to rekindle an interest in philately, the Department of Posts is offering residents a chance to send letters with a personalised touch.

The idea for the ‘My Cancellation’ cover was born when a philatelist V. Ethiraj recently ordered Rs.1 lakh worth ‘My Stamps’ with a to-wed couple’s photos printed on them.

He later sought for a special cancellation on the wedding covers too that would carry personalised stamps.

The Department usually releases special cancellation covers commemorating an event along with commemorative stamps.

Mervin Alexander, Postmaster General (Chennai City Region), said: “We decided to offer the personalised cancellation cover as people will cherish the covers. As it is a special facility, My Cancellation will be available only for those who order a minimum of 100 sheets of My Stamp on the same theme.” My Cancellation facility will be offered for Rs. 1,500.

While a good number of people are visiting the Philatelic Bureau at Anna Road head post office campus to get their personalised stamps, the facility offered online has not gained much patronage yet.

Since May 2013, nearly 16, 300 sheets of My stamps have been issued at Anna Road HPO.

A sheet comprising 12 stamps costs Rs.300. However, of this, only 60 were booked online through Chennaipost website.

The Department has earned a revenue of nearly Rs. 49 lakh through the My Stamp initiative. Officials of the postal department said lack of awareness among customers could be behind the poor patronage of the online facility for ordering My Stamp.

More people are opting for photographs to be printed than ‘selfies’ on stamps.

Philatelic deposits being promoted

“We plan to spread awareness among school children about My Stamp, My Cancellation and philatelic deposits. We will also hold special camps for the children to own stamps,” said Mr. Alexander.

- The Hindu  11 February 2016

Contributed by : Swamynathan R

New Special Covers

PUNPEX 2016 : Day 4 : Special Covers

Thapar University, Patiala

Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports, Patiala

: Vipan Kumar Thakur - Chandigarh Email : secretarycpc2011@gmail.com


Press Clippings

Future of Indian Philately : Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) - 23 January 2016 Contributed by : Swamynathan R. Views and Opinions  Philately in Modern and fast changing times Philately originates from postal system. Traditionally Postal system is all about communication through physical methods which involved variety of stamps, postal stationeries and postal markings etc. These varieties gave the philatelists a wide range of philatelic subjects to pursue as a hobby. Today, its a technological world where communication is instant without any physical methods. In such a high technological scenario, philately as a hobby is now getting highly restricted, to be specific, restricted to just collecting mint commemorative stamps. Letter writings / postal communications have decreased drastically with emails, mobiles and instant messaging gaining popularity. Though modern communication is instant but they are impersonal. Considering the importance of letter writing / postal communications and to promote it, US Postal Services have released in 2015 a stamp titled "FROM ME TO YOU". Australia Post have a separate web page on their website(www.auspost.com.au) dedicated to letter writing. Nowdays, world over the postal organisations are becoming  more and more corporate / business oriented with little focus on Philately. In such a scenario, Philately organisations must aggressively take over the responsibility of Philately activities and secondly closely work with the respective Postal organisations to bring various basic philately products like stamps, postal stationery etc.. Such a scenario is already happening in various countries. For e.g. American Philatelic Society, British Postal museum etc who are driving force to the modern philately. The apex body philately body of every country must function professionally having a website, physical office, library & archives and a professional philately team with proper documented and transparent working rules. The apex body must ensure that the various other philately clubs in their respective countries function properly and get the desired support. Lastly, in modern times the philately must try to embrace new or different aspects to enhance the Philatelic activities, for e.g origami envelopes, personalised postal cancellations etc. This is an ongoing activity to keep pace with the fast changing circumstances.  Conclusion Lets not restrict Philately to just collecting mint/unused stamps and exhibit it, rather make philately with a wide range of subjects so that it encourages the young generations to pursue philately as a hobby. - Swamynathan R. : email : swamyxyz@yahoo.com

20 November - Universal Children's Day

 

20th November is celebrated as Universal Children’s Day.

Greetings to all Children of the World on this very Special Day !

By resolution 836(IX) of 14 December 1954, the General Assembly of United Nations recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. It recommended that the Day was to be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world. The Assembly suggested to governments that the Day be observed on the date and in the way which each considers appropriate. The date 20 November marks the day on which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.

 

 

 

Children's Day, Chacha Nehru, Dehradun and Philately

 - Abhai Mishra

Children's Day is celebrated worldwide to promote the welfare of the children. On 14 December 1954, the United Nations General Assembly, through resolution 836(IX) recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. The Assembly suggested to governments that the day be observed on the date and in the way which each considers appropriate. Different countries celebrate it on various dates. Universal Children's Day is celebrated on 20^th November because it marks the day on which the U.N assembly adopted the the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru fondly known as 'Chacha Nehru' among kids, had a keen attachment with children and strongly advocated for their rights and well being. He was also fond of roses and said that children are like the buds in a garden. He believed that they are to be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they are the future of the nation and the citizens of tomorrow. Befittingly, his birthday i.e. 14^th November is celebrated as Children's Day in India.

First Children's Day stamp of India issued in 1957

India Post also celebrates this special day by issuing commemorating postage stamp on 14^th November. For the first time on 14th November 1957 a set of three stamps was issued on Children's Day.

Till 1970 photographs were used in these stamp design. Interestingly, since 1971, these stamps are not designed by professional artists; rather they are designed by children themselves. India Post organizes painting competition throughout the country for children at different level. The best entries selected are depicted in the children's day stamp. In the year 1964 and 1997, 'Chacha Nehru’ also featured in the children's day stamp.

In the year 1965, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1979, 1988, 1989, 2003 and 2014, stamps were not issued on children's day but today i.e. on 14th November 2015 we are going to have a set of two stamps and a miniature sheet issued on this occasion.

Pandit Nehru had deep association with Mussoorie and Dehradun. Just before his death in New Delhi on 27^th May 1964, he visited Dehradun from 23^rd to 26^th May. Since childhood he often used to spend his summer holidays along with his family at Mussoorie, mostly staying at Savoy Hotel. Doon valley was very close to his heart. During the freedom movement, thrice he was imprisoned at Dehradun District Jail. In Dehradun jail he stayed during 6-6-1932 to 23-8-1933, 8-5-1934 to 11-8-1934 and 17-11-1940 to 3-12-1941. During his stay at Dehradun jail he started to write his biography. His intimate relationship with the Himalayan Mountains was something which he cherished throughout his life. I have in my collection a cover which was sent by Pandit Nehru to her friend Mrs. Frances Gunther in New York dated 13^th June 1941 while he was imprisoned in Dehradun District Jail. As it was during World War -2, the letter was censored at Bombay censor office. She was the wife of John Gunther, the author of ‘Inside Asia’ and greatly treasured the warm and intimate letters of Pandit Nehru. During World War II, she wrote articles and made speeches critical of British imperialism and advocating independence for India. Among other organizations, she spoke before the Washington Press Club, the Quaker Institute of International Relations, and the Post War Council in New York. Her speeches were collected in a book, Revolution in India (1944). This cover is one of my prized possessions which relates to the history of Doon Valley. Philately is absolutely fantastic, providing you a valuable tool to dig into the city’s history.

After, Independence when he became Prime Minister he never missed any opportunity to visit the valley and Mussoorie. Dehradun circuit house had been mute witness to those innumerable moments when Pandit Nehru ventured its corridor or sat in its garden.

Dehradun is bestowed with rich heritage of colonial as well as independence movement era. We need to preserve those things. Today there is an ugly generator obstructing the view and threatening the very existence of the Pandit Nehru bust and WW-I memorial right in front of Asley Hall. The authorities should re-locate that generator immediately. Similarly the Nehru ward in the Dehradun district jail need to be restored aesthetically. The heritage provides a valuable bridge to our past and we must leave no stone unturned to preserve them so that it can be passed to our future generations.

New Special Cover

Special Cover on  150 years of  Government College of Art and Craft, Calcutta  - 29 September 2015 

Date of release : 29 September 2015

The journey of the Government College of Art and Craft, Calcutta began in the year 1864. Under the aegis of stalwarts likeH.H.Locke, B Havel, Abanindranath Tagore and Percy Brown, it emerged within the course of a few decades as the epicentre of the Indian Art Movement. Under their guidance and able leadership many Indian artists bloomed and they started ruling the art world of India and South East Asia. In later years celebrated artists like Ganesh Pyne, Jogen Choudhuri, Ganesh Haloi, Sunil Das, Sakti Burman and Somnath Hore have succeeded in consolidating the Indian modern art movement in the world on a firm footing. Rich with its legacy of a hundred and fifty years, the Government College of Art and Craft today occupies a pride of place as a heritage institution, a temple of learning committed to the cause of art and art education.

- Suresh Rao, Bengaluru