BILASAPEX - 2014 - Report by Naresh Agarwal
ATUL JAIN, CHIEF GUEST SHRI MANOJ AGRAWAL GM SECL, KU GEETA DEVGAVKAR ASSI. DIRECTOR PHILATELY CHHATTISGARH CIRCLE, SSP SHRI P.L. PATEL BILASPUR HPO RELEASING SPECIAL COVER
BILASAPEX 2014, a 3 days Distt Level Philatelic Exhibition concluded in Bilaspur Chhattisgarh on 14th Sept 2014.It was organized by Bilaspur Postal Division with co-operation of Chhattisgarh Philatelic Association from 12 to 14 Sept . 2014. The exhibition was well attended regularly by various school children, general public and people of all age groups. 78 philatelic frames well placed in magnificently built historical Raghvendra hall in the heart of the city. Philatelic dealers from Kolkatta and various stalls of India post attracted visitors and enthusiasts. “My Stamp” caught attention of one and all and a good number of order for MY STAMP was received.
The exhibition was inaugurated by SRI Naveen Tondon, GM,SECR, Bialspur and Sri Y.P.Rai CPMG, Chhattisgarh Postal Circle, Raipur on 12.09.2014 in presence of huge gathering comprising of philatelists, stamp lovers, postal staff and a good number of school children. In all, there were 78 frames on display with 35 participants in different groups including the one PROMOTIONAL GROUP. 25 nos. entries were awarded prizes. Dr Pradeep Jain, a senior philatelist of Balod, Chhattisgarh visited the show as Jury. His presence also graced the show. There were displays on different aspects of philately to serve viewer with a good range of philatelic collection. The exhibits were of quite a high order. The five frame exhibit on Gandhi of Mr. Abhijit Biswas placed in invitee section was highly appreciated. Frame on Science pertaining to Mr. Abhishek also caught attention of viewers. The graceful valedictory ceremony was held with Sri A.P.Panda , GM-Finance, SECL, Bilaspur as chief guest who highly appreciated the efforts of India Post for organizing such a good exhibition. During this ceremony , Sri M. Puran Chandra Rao, Director Postal Services, Chhattisgarh Postal Circle announced that in the next financial year State Level Stamp Exhibition will be held in Chhattisgarh.
Release of 3 covers and 4 stamp booklets covering various natural, archeological and wildlife feature of Bilaspur Postal District added grace to the occasion and made the event unforgettable. The concepts and designs of the Covers and Booklets are of Sri Naresh Agrawal and Atul Jain of Bilaspur . Following covers and booklets were released ;
12.09.2014 : Special Cover depicting the historical Building of Bilaspur Railway Station, Bilaspur which was established in 1890. The cover had a brochure inside to give details about the same. Two Stamp Booklets featuring Mother Teresa, Apostil of Love and Mahatma Gandhi with Child were released. T he cover priced Rs. 15/- and the booklets Rs. 30/- each. These were released in presence of Sri Tondon, GM,SECR and Sri Y.P.Rai, CPMG, Chhattisgarh Postal Circle.
1.CHIEF GUEST SHRI NAVIN TANDON (GM SECR,), DR.Y.P. RAI(CPMG CHHATTISGARH CIRCLE) RELEASING SPECIAL COVER
2. Releasing special cover by Naresh Agrawal, Chief Guest Shri Anup Kumar Shrivastav(IFS),Chief Conservative Of Forest
13.09.2014 : Special Cover depicting the Kendai water fall located on Bilaspur-Ambikapur Highway.This is a beautiful natural water fall will falls from a height of about 75 feet. The cover had a brochure inside to give details about the same. Two Stamp Booklets featuring Chafara (Frangipani) the beautiful flower found in Achanakmar Bio sphere and Gaur /Bison were released. The cover priced Rs. 15/- and the booklets Rs. 30/- each. These were released in presence of Sri Anup Srivastava, Chief Conservator of Forest, Bilaspur Circle. and Sri M. Puran Chandra Rao,Director Postal Services, Chhattisgarh Postal Circle.
Special Covers & Stamp Booklets : Concept and design – Naresh Agarwal & Atul Jain
14.09.2014 : Special Cover depicting the archeological heritage of Malhar, a town in Bilaspur Distt. Malhar known as Archeological Jewel of Chhatisgarh.The cover had a brochure inside to give details about the same. The cover was released in presence of Sri Manoj Kumar Agrawal G.M (CCO/QSD), SECL, Bilaspur and Ku. Sandhya Deogirikar, Asstt. Director (philately), Chhattisgarh Postal Circle, Raipur.
Exhibitors : Atul Jain, Abhijeet Biswas & Naresh Agarwal
Chhattisgarh philatelic association was highly appreciated for the support it gave to make the exhibition a great success. Efforts of senior and dedicated philatelists were appreciated. Sri C.R. Andhare was felicitated for his outstanding services for promotion of philately in this region since 1991. Mr. Andhare , the founder president of the association requested DPS to hold an exhibition in Bilaspur in 2016 on occasion of Silver Jubilee of formation of Chhattisgarh Philatelic Association. Sri Atul Jain, the General Secretary of the Association who also shared the dais on 3rd day morning during release of Special cover on Malhar, thanked India Post for organizing the show and highlighted the importance of accepting philately in life. Mr. Naresh Agrawal, member of the association spoke about role of philately in personality development and other aspects. Various dignitaries who visited the show spoke very highly about philately and shared their childhood experiences as budding stamp collectors and spent good lot of time on the frames..
Mr. Chandrkant Andhare and Mr Naresh Agarwal receiving award
Mr.Chandrakant Andhare, Senior Philatelist of Bilaspur was felicitated by giving away special award for his outstanding performance in Chhattisgargh for the promotion of Philately since 1991.
All in all , the show was good, graceful and served the very purpose of promoting hobby of stamp collection and also to introduce various services being given by the India Post. This show also left with a note that it is not only that philatelists are enthusiast about such shows but postal staff too is equally keen and dedicated to make the show successful.
For Covers and Booklets Please contact : In-Charge, Philatelic Bureau , Bilaspur ( C.G.) Ph. 9479029746
Photo Courtesy – Atul Jain