News : June 2017

Special Cover on Rajgad Fort – 30th June 2017.

Rajgad is one of the forts in the Pune district of Maharashtra state. The fort is around 4,600 ft. above sea level. The fort is located 60 km to the South West of Pune, about 15 km West of Nasrapur, in the Sahyadris range. The highest part of the fort has remains of palaces, water cisterns and caves. The main entrance door is known as the Mahadarwaja. This fort is built on the hill called Murumbadevi Dongar (Mountain of the Goddess Murumba). Formerly known as Murumdev, it was capital of the Maratha Empire during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for almost 26 years, after which he moved the capital to Raigad Fort. Treasure found at an adjacent fort was used to fortify this hill. The diameter of the fort at the base is 40 km making it difficult for anybody to lay siege to it, adding to its strategic value.

A Special Cover was released on Rajgad Fort at Pune on 30th June 2017.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Commemorative Stamps on Shrimad Rajchandra ji – 29th June 2017.

2017 marks the 150th birth anniversary of great Indian saint, poet-philosopher, and spiritual luminary – Shrimad Rajchandraji (1867-1901). Hailed as the spiritual guide of Mahatma Gandhi, Shrimad Rajchandraji had a tremendous and formative influence on the Father of the Nation.

Special Covers to Commemorate 1000 plus toilets – 28th June 2017.

The Rotary Club of Pune Riverside has been pro-active in community service for the past 28 years and has successfully executed many philanthropic projects which have benefited the society at large. The Rotary Club of Pune Riverside, Pune recently constructed 1000 plus toilets in rural toilet less homes as a part of its contribution to 'Swachh Bharat Abhyaan', as eradication of open defecation and maintain cleanliness in localities on a sustainable basis has always been the objective of 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan'.

To commemorate the event a special cover was released by Shri Harish Agarwal, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle in presence of President of the Rotary Club of Pune Riverside Rtn. Deepak Gupta and District Governor Rtn. Prashant Deshmukh.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram

Commemorative Stamps on Banaras Hindu University – 28th June 2017.

Banaras Hindu University is an internationally reputed temple of learning, situated in the holy city of Varanasi. This Creative and innovative university was founded by the great nationalist leader, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, in 1916 with cooperation of great personalities like Dr Annie Besant, who viewed it as the University of India. Banaras Hindu University was created under the Parliamentary legislation - B.H.U. Act 1915. It played a stellar role in the independence movement and has developed into the greatest center of learning in India. It has produced many great freedom fighters and builders of modern India and has immensely contributed to the progress of the nation through a large number of renowned scholars, artists, scientists and technologists who have graced its portals. The area of the main campus of this premiere Central University is 1300 acres, having well maintained roads, extensive greenery, a temple, an air strip and buildings which are an architectural delight. The Air Field of the campus was started for military training for flying during the second world war. Another campus of the university at Barkachha, in Mirzapur district, covering an area of 2700 acres is coming up. The university comprises 3 Institutes, 14 Faculties 140 Departments, 4 Inter disciplinary Centers a constituent college for women's and 3 Constituents Schools, spanning a vast range of subjects pertaining to all branches of humanities, social science, technology, medicine, science, fine arts and performing arts. It has 6 centres of Advanced Studies, 10 Departments under Special Assistance Programme and a large number of specialized Research Centers.

On the occasion of centenary of Banaras Hindu University Minister of State for Communications (Independent Charge) Shri Manoj Sinha released setenent pair of stamps on Bananas Hindu University at ‘Swatantrata Bhavan' (BHU campus) on 28th June 2017 in presence of Shri Y. P. Rai Chief Postmaster General, U. P. Circle and other dignitaries.

Commemorative stamp on The Passports Act 1967 – 23rd June 2017.

The Passports Act is an act of the Parliament of India "for the issue of passports and travel documents, to regulate the departure from India of citizens of India and for other persons and for matters incidental or ancillary thereto." The Act applies to whole of India extending to citizens of India living outside the country. The Act replaced the Indian Passport Ordinance 1967 and was enacted by Act 15 of 1967 with retrospective effect from 5 May 1967. The act describes the procedures in getting an Indian passport.

In conformity with Article 9 of Indian Constitution, the Act does not allow dual citizenship. Under Section 12 of the Act, a person must surrender his passport if he has acquired the citizenship of foreign country.

On completion of 50 years of ‘The Passports Act, 1967’, a commemorative stamp was issued in denomination of Rs 25 on 24th June 2017 jointly by Minister of State for Communications (Independent Charge) Manoj Sinha, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, and Ministers of State for External Affairs, Gen VK Singh and MJ Akbar at New Delhi.

Commemorative Stamps on Survey of India – 22nd June 2017.

Survey of India, The National Survey and Mapping Organization of the country under the Department of Science & Technology, is the Oldest Scientific Department of the Government of India. It was set up in 1767 and has evolved rich traditions over the years. In its assigned role as the nation's Principal Mapping Agency, Survey of India bears a special responsibility to ensure that the country's domain is explored and mapped suitably, provide base maps for expeditious and integrated development and ensure that all resources contribute with their full measure to the progress, prosperity and security of our country now and for generations to come. The history of the Survey of India dates back to the 18th Century. Forerunners of army of the East India Company and Surveyors had an onerous task of exploring the unknown. Bit by bit the tapestry of Indian terrain was completed by the painstaking efforts of a distinguished line of Surveyors such as Mr. Lambton and Sir George Everest. It is a tribute to the foresight of such Surveyors that at the time of independence the country inherited a survey network built on scientific principles. The great Trigonometric series spanning the country from North to South East to West are some of the best geodetic control series available in the world. The scientific principles of surveying have since been augmented by the latest technology to meet the multidisciplinary requirement of data from planners and scientists.

Survey of India has the distinct honour of printing the first Postage Stamp of India and the first copy of the Constitution of India.

Set of two commemorative stamps and a miniature sheet were released on Survey of India on the occasion of its 250th anniversary by Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Manoj Sinha, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma and the Director General (M&C), PIB, Ira Joshi on 22nd June 2017 at New Delhi.

Commemorative Stamp on Jhala Manna – 18th June 2017.

Jhala Manna is an outstanding dazzling example of extraordinary valour, bravery and sacrifice who shrouded with the glory of struggle for freedom. In the battle of Haldi Ghati in 1576, Jhala Maana decorated himself with the Crown and the royal emblem from Pratap and started fighting valiantly. Jhala Maan has set a unique example of loyalty, bravery and courage by sacrificing his life to save the life of Pratap.

A Commemorative Stamp was released in honour of Jhala Manna on 18th June 2017 at Badisadri in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.

Philately Workshop at National Museum, New Delhi – 13th June 2017.

A Philately Workshop was organized at National Museum, Janpath, New Delhi on 13th June 2017 for school children. Three Exhibits on Mahatma Gandhi, Odd Shaped Stamps and Indian Commemorative Stamps were displayed for the reference. Postal Stationary were distributed to all the participants. Different philatelic materials mainly on museum's theme were shown to participants through a power point presentation. Children were also asked to design their own stamps based on the objects displayed at the museum. Miss Suruchika Chawla, a young museum professional working in education department of the museum was the coordinator of the workshop, Mr. Robin Agarwal assisted Miss Suruchika in the management of workshop.

Shantalingappa Patil Nimbal is the first artist of Hyderabad Karnataka region to complete his education at Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai. He is well known for his Portrait Paintings. His Paintings can be found in the old Hyderabad region, especially in Bidar, Raichur & Kalaburagi. His 135th Birth Anniversary is being celebrated in 2017.

On the occasion of 135th Birth Anniversary of Shantalingappa Patil Nimbal a Special Cover was released on 12th June 2017 at Nimbal (Special Cover Approval No. KTK/54/2017)

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru

Special Covers on World Environment Day – 5th June 2017.

World Environment Day (WED) occurs on 5'" June every year for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. In 1974 the first WED was held with the theme "Only One Earth". This day celebrates the natural environment and allows a global platform to raise awareness on the environmental issues worldwide, with plans to mitigate these issues as a global community.

The celebration of this day provides us with an opportunity to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, enterprises and communities in preserving and enhancing the environment. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated all over the world. From 1987, every World Environment Day has a different global host country, where the official celebrations take place. This year it is Canada. The theme for 2017 is 'Connecting People to nature - in the city and on the land, from the poles to the equator'.

Forests and water nourish all forms of life. Forests bring rain and ensure sustained availability of fresh water. Karnataka Forest Department celebrates year 2017 as "Forests for Water" year with public participation. The important initiatives include Vanamahotsava, conservation of watersheds and volunteer involvement.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, two special covers were released on 5th June 2017 at Bengaluru. (Special Cover Approval No. KTK/52/2017 and KTK/53/2017).

On the occasion of World Environment Day Special covers were also released on 5th June 2017 at Amritsar, Lucknow, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai , Visakhapatnam, Cuttack, Guwahati, Jammu, Nashik, Ranchi, Dehradun and Panaji etc.

Special Cover on World Milk Day – 1st June 2017.

Shivamogga, Davanagere & Chitradurga District Co-Operative Milk Union Ltd. is one of the leading milk unions among the 14 district milk unions of Karnataka, is an ISO 22000-2005 Certified Organisation, registered on 25th November 1987. The union is committed to provide maximum possible price for the milk producers and is also committed to provide quality milk and milk products to consumers.

World Milk Day is a day identified by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to recognise the importance of milk as a global food. It has been observed on 1st June each year since 2001. The day is intended to provide an opportunity to bring attention to activities that are connected with the dairy sector. Milk is an important part of a healthy balanced diet. World Milk Day provides the perfect opportunity to spread the word and celebrate all aspects of milk and dairy products in many countries around the globe.

A Special Cover was released to mark World Milk Day 2017 on 1st June 2017 at Davanagere. (Special Cover approval no. KTK/51/2017).