Issued by India

Issued on Dec 13, 2025

Issued for : The Department of Posts is issuing a commemorative postage stamp to commemorate 150 years of Bombay Gymkhana’s sporting and cultural excellence.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Ms. Mahima Jain

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 305100

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Established on 19 June 1875 as one of India’s oldest and most prestigious private members’ clubs, Bombay Gymkhana has been a silent witness to the city’s transformation for a century and a half. What began as an exclusive institution has evolved into a vibrant hub of athletic and social activity while retaining its timeless heritage.
• With its rich tradition and history, Bombay Gymkhana stands as a distinguished sporting institution and has hosted numerous iconic events over the decades. Its lovely heritage building, centred around a gracious veranda, reflects classic architectural aesthetics, including high ceilings, Burma teak wood beams, wide veranda, and ornamental ironwork. Though modern amenities have been added over the years, the club has taken meticulous care to preserve its historical essence, ensuring that its old-world charm remains intact.
• A significant milestone in Indian cricket history unfolded in December 1933 when Bombay Gymkhana hosted India’s first-ever Test match on home soil against England. The match was monumental not only for its sporting importance but also for its cultural impact. During this historic game, Indian cricket legend Lala Amarnath scored India’s first Test century—a moment of immense national pride. The enthusiastic crowds in attendance reflected India’s growing passion for the sport and established Bombay Gymkhana as a landmark in the country’s cricketing journey.
• The club offers an extensive range of top-quality sports facilities. Its historic cricket ground remains a centrepiece, complemented by a versatile football ground used for football, rugby, major tournaments, and formerly the iconic Aga Khan Hockey Tournament—recognized as the world’s second-oldest hockey event. Racket sports flourish with three refurbished badminton courts that host state and national events; five squash courts that stage major tournaments and five synthetic tennis courts, now further enhanced by a newly added padel court. The club also features a swimming pool used for training, recreation, and galas; a world-class billiards and snooker room that hosts All India tournaments and selection trials; a dedicated bridge room for regular play and inter-club events; and a modern, fully equipped fitness centre. Polo has seen a remarkable revival with the return of the historic 1882 Bombay Polo Challenge Cup and the recent Arena Polo Championship; both held on the football ground. Mahjong, too, continues to grow steadily with regular sessions and successful internal and inter-club tournaments.
• Today, Bombay Gymkhana is not merely a private sports club but a living symbol of sporting excellence and cosmopolitan spirit. In a city marked by rapid urbanisation and dynamic lifestyles, it remains an oasis of tradition, discipline, and camaraderie. Its grounds have witnessed legendary matches, personal milestones, and countless stories of community bonding. As the club embarks on the next chapter of its journey, it continues to uphold its founding principles, nurturing the spirit of sportsmanship and community for generations to come.
• Text : Based on the content provide by Proponent.

The post Bombay Gymkhana appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Jun 21, 2025

Issued for : As Yoga continues to inspire millions across borders, the 11^th International Day of Yoga reaffirms India’s cultural leadership and commitment to global health. With this commemorative stamp, India Post celebrates not just a practice but a legacy of unity, resilience, and inner transformation.

Credits :
Stamp/First Day Cover/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Shri Sankha Samanta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 303750

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The International Day of Yoga (IDY) is observed globally on June 21 every year to highlight the ancient Indian practice of Yoga and its universal benefits. The United Nations General Assembly adopted this day in 2014 following a historic proposal by India, endorsed by a record 177 member states. June 21, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolizes light, vitality, and balance—core tenets of Yoga itself.
• The 11^th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2025, embraces the official theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasising yoga’s vital role in fostering both personal and planetary wellness.
• The International Day of Yoga is not just an annual observance, but a global acknowledgment of India’s timeless contribution to humanity’s well-being. In a world grappling with rising stress, chronic illnesses, and mental health challenges, Yoga serves as a universal remedy rooted in self-awareness, balance, and sustainability. IDY underscores the idea that health is not merely the absence of disease, but a dynamic state of physical vitality, emotional stability, and spiritual clarity. It brings people together in collective practice, transcending language, nationality, and ideology, to promote peace within and around us. Celebrating this day is a reaffirmation of our shared responsibility to nurture holistic health for individuals, communities, and the planet.
• Yoga is more than just a form of exercise, it is a philosophy and a way of life that originated over 5,000 years ago in India. Derived from the Sanskrit root “Yuj”, which means to unite.
• The practice of Yoga has gained immense global recognition for its power to promote inner peace, physical well-being, and mental clarity. It integrates Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Dhyana (meditation), and ethical principles that collectively nurture a balanced life. With increasing stress and lifestyle-related diseases worldwide, Yoga offers a preventive, accessible, and holistic health solution.
• Every year, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated with mass demonstrations, workshops, lectures, and community programs. The Ministry of AYUSH, along with Indian missions abroad, state governments, educational institutions, and citizens, comes together to spread the message of wellness and harmony.
• From the Arctic Circle to the Southern tip of Africa, Yoga enthusiasts gather at iconic locations such as the Eiffel Tower, Times Square, Sydney Opera House, and even Mount Everest Base Camp to participate in the Common Yoga Protocol.
• India’s celebrations are marked by national-level events led by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, with lakhs of people performing Yoga in unison, showcasing India’s cultural heritage and leadership in wellness diplomacy.
• Over the past ten years, the International Day of Yoga has evolved into a truly global celebration of health and harmony. Each year has witnessed enthusiastic participation across continents, with events held at iconic landmarks and unique locations. The inaugural celebration in 2015 saw a historic gathering at Rajpath, New Delhi, where thousands performed Yoga together, setting world records. In subsequent years, the scale and creativity of celebrations expanded, taking place at iconic landmarks, remote natural settings, educational institutions, community spaces, and even aboard ships and research stations. These diverse venues reflected the universal appeal of Yoga and its ability to connect people across cultures, geographies, and walks of life. The 2022 edition introduced the innovative “Guardian Ring” a global Yoga relay that moved across time zones, showcasing the sunrise-to-sunset celebration of Yoga around the world. India’s leadership during its G20 presidency in 2023-24 also saw Yoga sessions organized in all G20 nations, reinforcing Yoga’s role in international cooperation and public health. These milestones reflect how Yoga has moved from a traditional Indian practice to a global wellness movement, uniting people through breath, balance, and mindfulness.
• As we have completed 10 years and looking forward to commemorate the 11^th International Day of Yoga, the Department of Posts proudly releases a Commemorative Postage Stamp, First Day Cover (FDC), and a Special Cancellation that capture the essence of Yoga as a symbol of harmony and health.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Ministry of AYUSH.

The post International Day of Yoga 2025 appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Aug 5, 2024

Issued for : The Department of Posts and the Indian Olympic Association are delighted to release miniature Sheet consisting of four Commemorative Postage Stamps on XXXIII Olympics Paris 2024. These stamps honor the spirit of sporting excellence and international unity showcased at Paris 2024. Representing sports like Javelin Throw, Field Hockey, Sailing, and Table Tennis, each stamp celebrates the diversity and talent of athletes competing on the world stage. The Miniature Sheet captures the essence of the Olympic Games, serving as a cherished memento for collectors and enthusiasts. The First Day Cover, adorned with a distinctive cancellation mark, signifies the official commencement of the stamp’s circulation, adding a special touch to this commemorative collection. Through these stamps, we pay tribute to the dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship of athletes who inspire us all with their remarkable achievements.

Credits :
Miniature Sheet/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Sh. Brahm Prakash

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise (4)

Miniature Sheets Printed : 111000

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The 2024 Summer Olympics, fondly known as Paris 2024 or the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, are poised to be a momentous event in the world of sports, culture, and international camaraderie. Commenced on 26^th July 2024 in Paris, France, these Games hold special significance as they mark the centennial of the 1924 Paris Olympics, bringing a sense of historical continuity and celebration to the forefront. With a rich tapestry of 32 sports, 329 events, and an anticipated participation of 10,500 athletes from over 200 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), alongside the inclusion of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team, Paris 2024 promises to be a truly global spectacle, showcasing the pinnacle of human athletic achievement.
• An unprecedented feature of Paris 2024 is its commitment to gender equality, symbolized by an equal representation of male and female athletes, a historic first in the Olympic Games. This milestone underscores the ongoing efforts towards inclusivity and fairness in the realm of sports, resonating with the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect. The inclusivity extends to the medal design itself, with each medal incorporating hexagon-shaped tokens of scrap iron from the original construction of the iconic Eiffel Tower, an emblem of French ingenuity and heritage. On the reverse side, the medals depict Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, set within the historic Panathenaic Stadium, with the Parthenon and the Eiffel Tower standing proudly in the background, symbolizing the timeless spirit of athletic triumph.
• India, with its rich sporting heritage and burgeoning talent pool, is poised to make its mark at Paris 2024 across various disciplines. The Department of Posts is issuing a set of four commemorative stamps featuring sports such as Javelin Throw, Field Hockey, Sailing, and Table Tennis to underscore India’s achievements and contributions to the Olympic movement. From the historic gold medal in Javelin Throw at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics to the storied legacy of Indian hockey, exemplified by multiple Olympic medals, including eight golds, India’s sporting prowess continues to captivate and inspire.
• Moreover, the burgeoning popularity of water sports like Sailing and the emergence of Indian Table Tennis athletes on the global stage further underscore India’s growing footprint in diverse sporting arenas. With both the Men’s and Women’s Table Tennis teams qualifying for the Olympics for the first time in history, Paris 2024 heralds a new era of possibilities and potential for Indian athletes, signaling the country’s emergence as a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
• At its core, the Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius” – Faster, Higher, Stronger – encapsulates the spirit of Paris 2024 and the enduring legacy of the Olympic Games. It serves as a reminder of the unyielding pursuit of excellence, the relentless drive for progress, and the boundless potential of human achievement. As athletes from around the world converge in Paris to compete on the grandest stage of all, they embody the values of determination, resilience, and sportsmanship that define the Olympic Movement, inspiring generations and uniting nations in the shared pursuit of a better world.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Proponent.

The post India on Olympic Games Paris 2024 appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Oct 16, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Souvenir Sheet on ‘50 Years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Vietnam’ which will further strengthen the bilateral relations between India and Vietnam.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Shri Brahm Prakash
Cancellation Cachet : Mrs. Nenu Gupta

Type : Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 2500 & 500 Paise

Souvenir Sheet Price : 3000 each

Souvenir Sheet Printed : 1.12 lakh

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• India and Vietnam share traditionally close and cordial bilateral relations. Mahatma Gandhi and President Ho Chi Minh, regarded as the Father of Nation in India and Vietnam respectively, led people in their heroic struggle against colonialism in their respective countries. India was the Chairman of the International Commission for Supervision and Control formed pursuant to the Geneva Accord of 1954 to facilitate the peace process in Vietnam. India established full diplomatic relations with unified Vietnam on 7 January 1972.
• Bilateral relations between the two countries have been elevated to the level of “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” during Indian Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi’s visit to Vietnam in 2016. The current development of India–Vietnam relations are guided by a historic ‘Joint Vision for Peace Prosperity and People’ adopted by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc during the Virtual Summit held on 21 December 2020. On the sidelines of the Virtual Summit, the Foreign Ministers of the two countries also signed a Plan of Action for the period 2021-23 to implement the Joint Vision. In 2022-23, the two countries are celebrating the 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations that also coincides with the 75^th anniversary of India’s independence “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”.
• India has a long-standing development partnership with Vietnam that has made positive contributions towards capacity building, sustainable development goals (SDGs) and socioeconomic development under bilateral and ASEAN framework. Under the Mekong Ganga Cooperation Framework, India has been taking up Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in various provinces of Vietnam for development of community infrastructure at grassroot levels. Vietnam is an active participant of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and other scholarships.
• India and Vietnam share historical and civilizational links, including through their shared heritage of Buddhism and Cham traditions. The Government of India commissioned the Archaeological Survey of India for restoration and conservation of 3 Group of temples in My Son sanctuary of Vietnam. The restoration work has been completed following all specifications, quality and international standards and norms and in accordance to the MoU signed between India and Vietnam. Yoga is another link between the people of India and Vietnam and is very popular among the people of Vietnam. Thousands of Vietnamese people participate in the International Day of Yoga at multiple locations in Vietnam in June every year. Launching direct flights between the two countries in 2019 and implementation of a simplified visa regime travel have boosted travel for leisure, business and cultural purposes between the two countries.
• India & Vietnam has a lot of affinity in sports also. A martial art with a legacy of more than 3000 years, Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art form of Kerala, India is regarded as the oldest and most scientific of all martial arts in the world. Kalaripayattu combines a wide range of combat techniques from empty hand combat to a wide range of weaponry including long staff, short stick, curved stick, sword and shield, spear, mace and flexible sword (urumi). A blend of yoga, meditation, relaxation and self-defense techniques, Kalaripayattu these days is gaining prominence and popularity.
• In Vietnam, (Vovinam Viet Vo Dao) was founded by Grand Master Nguyen Loc in 1936, with the desire to improve the self-defense and fighting ability of Vietnamese people in the fight to expel the French colonialists and to gain national independence. Vovinam combines the quintessence of traditional Vietnamese martial arts and the world’s martial arts, being famous for high-flying and neck-clamping blows. So far, Vovinam has been developed with more than 2 million students in many countries and territories around the world. In 2011, Vovinam was first included in the official competition program at the 26^th SEA Games held in Indonesia.
• A Joint Postage Stamp depicting Kalaripayattu and Vovinam is an opportunity to promote the national identity of India & Vietnam. This Joint Postage Stamp also celebrates the strong cultural, social & political links between these two national allies of the region.
• Text : Referenced from content provided by Ministry of External Affairs.

The post India-Vietnam : Joint Issue 2023 appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Feb 20, 2023

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Rao Birender Singh.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure : Ms. Vinita Sinha
Cancellation Cachet : Mrs. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 301805 each

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

Name : Birender Singh

Born on Feb 20, 1921 at Rewari, Punjab, British India [now in Haryana, India]

Died on Sep 30, 2009 at Gurgaon, Haryana, India

About : 

• Former Chief Minister of Haryana and Cabinet Minister in Government of India, Late Rao Birender Singh, a descendant of Shaheed-e-Azam Rao Tula Ram, a frontline hero of the 1857 movement for Independence, belonged to the Royal Family of Rewari. He was born on 20^th February 1921 in Rewari (Haryana). Educated at the prestigious St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University he served as a Captain in the Indian Army. Though selected to the Indian Police Service in 1950, he preferred the army to serve the Nation.
• Rao Birender Singh started his political career in 1954 by being elected as an independent to the Punjab Legislative Assembly. Keeping in view his immense popularity amongst the masses, Punjab Chief Minister Shri Pratap Singh Kairon gave him a place in the Cabinet and he served the public, handling important Ministries like Public Works, Transport, Revenue and Irrigation. In 1961, he resigned from the Kairon Cabinet due to apathy towards the Hindi-speaking areas of Punjab and raised the demand for a separate State of Haryana. His struggle paved the way for the creation of a separate Haryana State in 1966. In 1967, Rao Birender Singh was elected as the first Speaker of the newly formed Haryana Legislative Assembly. In 1967, he was elected as an MLA from Pataudi Assembly. On 23^rd March, 1967, Rao Birender Singh became Chief Minister of Haryana and took decisions for the welfare of people of Haryana. In 1971, Rao Birender Singh was elected from the Mahendragarh Lok Sabha Constituency on a Vishal Haryana Party ticket. In 1977, Mrs. Indira Gandhi herself lost the election. Subsequently, Mrs. Gandhi came to Rewari and appealed to Rao Birender Singh in a public meeting to cooperate in difficult times. Which he did! Keeping in view his cooperation, given in the 1980 Lok Sabha elections, Rao Birender Singh was inducted as the Union Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development, Irrigation and Civil Supplies.
• On 31^st December 1981, as the Union Irrigation Minister, he paved the way for the historic Raavi – Beas Water Agreement signed by the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan and the then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi. While being the Union Agriculture Minister, he did many welfare works for the farmers and due to his policies, the farmers got the maximum price for their produce. Due to his farmer-friendly policy, the farmers coined a slogan about him: Rao-Aaya, Bhav-Aaya. During his tenure as Agriculture Minister, the production of food grains in the country increased from 107 to 185 metric tonnes annually. While being the Union Civil Supplies Minister, Rao Birender Singh approved the Consumer Protection Act. After this, consumer courts were formed across the country and the door of justice opened up for the consumer.
• After general Election of 1984, Rao Birender Singh joined as Union Agriculture and Food Minister under the leadership of the then Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi. Rao Birender Singh resigned on 25^th September 1985 from the Cabinet as he was against Rajiv Longowal Agreement, on the Table of the House itself. In the history of independent India it was the first time when any cabinet minister has given his resignation letter in public interest in the House itself. He later resigned from Parliament and the Congress Party.
• In 1989 he won the Lok Sabha election on the Janta Dal ticket and he served the country as the Union Food and Public Distribution Minister in the Chandra Shekhar Cabinet.
• Rao Birender Singh always strived to raise the voice of Farmers, underprivileged, minorities and backward classes of the country and as the chief of All India Yadav Maha Sabha he raised the demand for their representation in Vidhan Sabha and Provincial Parishads across the country.
• Rao Birender Singh died at the age of 88 years on 30^th September 2009.
• Text : Based on information provided by the proponent.

The post Rao Birender Singh appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Jul 20, 2022

Issued for : Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on 44^th FIDE Chess Olympiad.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Shri Brahm Prakash

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 302600

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• Chess one of the most ancient, intellectual and cognitive games, is a combination of a sport, scientific thinking and an element of the art. Chess the game, which according to Voltaire, ‘reflects most honour on human wit‘ originated in ancient India. A number of similarities exist between modern chess and Indian game called Chaturanga, which dates back to the 5^th Century AD. Its original name in Sanskrit was Chaturangal, means ‘four arms’ or ‘four members’. It was also the Indian word for Army, especially the four components of the army.
• In the 6^th century Chaturanga spread from India to Persia and a little later the Arabs learned the game. Chess entered Europe around 10^th century. Over the years, Chess has grown into others parts of the world. The modern era of Chess, however dates back to about the 17^th century when the pieces on the board gained their present form. By the 20^th century Chess, the game of honour and wit, has spread all over the world.
• After the birth of FIDE (Federation Internationale des Echecs) in1924, Chess attained the status of dynamic sport. The advantages of the internet took the game to new heights. It is the only type of game which allows real competitions to be held in virtual space. FIDE aims at assisting the best chess players to continue to achieve new peaks of excellence and to increase the pool of talent from which new champions would emerge.
• FIDE was formed on 20.7.1924, the closing day of the first unofficial Chess Olympiad at Paris. This day (20^th July), is also recognised as the “International Day of Chess”.
• Constituted as a non-governmental institution, FIDE was recognized by the International Olympic Committee as a Global Sporting Organization in 1999. In 200 countries, under the banner of FIDE, more than 10 million players are registered, who take part in over 5000 different tournaments every year.
• FIDE organised the first official Chess Olympiad in 1927 which took place in London. There were 15 participating nations in the 1^st Chess Olympiad. Another unofficial Chess Olympiad was held in Budapest, Hungary in 1926, while the second official Chess Olympiad was held in Netherlands in 1928. The world Chess Federation (FIDE) has since 1950, conducted the official Chess Olympiads once every two year.
• In the year 2022, World Chess Federation (FIDE) announces a new tradition of chess Olympiad Torch Relay. The First Torch relay commenced from New Delhi, India. Hon’ble Prime Minster of India, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the first ever Torch Relay of chess Olympiad on 19.6.2022. This will be regular feature in coming Olympiads and the Torch Relay will be commenced from India to reach host country of Chess Olympiads.
• 44^th International Chess Olympiad is being organised at Mahabalipuram (Chennai), India from 28^th July 2022 to 10^th August 2022. The event sees the participation of chess players from more than 180 countries, consisting of Super Grand Masters and the world Champions and the highest rated players. The event is one of the largest gathering of chess players and is expected to infuse passion and excitement in the minds of young Indians for this amazing sport.
• Department of Posts recognises the contribution of FIDE in the promotion of Chess, a game which results in better brain function, improved memory and cognitive abilities, strategic thinking and attention improvement.
• Text : Referenced from contents provided by the proponent.

The post 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad Chennai 2022 appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by Bangladesh

Issued on Aug 5, 2021

Issued for : To celebrate the occasion of 72^nd Birth Anniversary of Martyr Capt. Sheikh Kamal Bangladesh Post has issued a Commemorative stamp of Tk. 10 (ten), a First Day Cover of Tk. 10 (ten), a Data Card of Tk. 5 (five) and a Special Canceller.

Designer (Stamp & FDC) : Mr. Sanjiv Kanti Das

Designer (Canceller) : Mr. Sumanta Kumar

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

No. of Stamp : 01 (One) Piece

Colour : Multicolour

Denomination of Stamp : Tk. 10/- (Ten)

Size of Stamp : 32 mm x 48 mm

Perforation of Stamps : 12.5

Qnt of Stamps : 50,000 (Fifty Thousand) pcs

Process of Printing : Offset

Printer : The Security Printing Corporation (Bangladesh) Ltd., Gazipur-1703

Name : Sheikh Kamal

Born on Aug 5, 1949 at Tungipara, East Bengal, Pakistan [now in Bangladesh]

Died on Aug 15, 1975 at Dhaka, Bangladesh

About : 

• Shaheed Sheikh Kamal (5 August 1949 – 15 August 1975) was the eldest son of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and younger brother of Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
• He completed his matriculation from Shaheen School, Dhaka in 1967 and higher Secondary Certificate Examination from Dhaka College in 1969. He was the General Secretary of the Chatro League in Dhaka College. He practiced sitar at Chhayanaut, a school of music. At the same time, he was involved in diverse cultural activities and a keen sportsman. Kamal was an organizer of the Mukti Bahini. Kamal received war time commission in Bangladesh Army during the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
• He worked as the Aide-De-Camp (ADC) of General Osmani the Commander-in-Chief of the Mukti Bahini, during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. After independence, he left the military at the rank of Captain to return to University of Dhaka from where he graduated with Honours in sociology. Days before his tragic demise on 15 August 1975, Kamal completed his Masters Degree in sociology from Dhaka University. On 14 July 1975, he married an athlete, Sultana Khuki.
• Kamal, an avid sportsman, founded the Abahani in 1972, a popular sporting club of Bangladesh. He enjoyed cricket, volleyball, and other sports. Abahani went on to win many local championships. He was killed with the rest of his family on 15 August 1975.
• Source: Wikipedia & others.

The post Sheikh Kamal appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Nov 29, 2014

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to release a Postage Stamp to commemorate the occasion of the 150^th anniversary of introduction of Sagol Kangjei to the world.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC : Kamleshwar Singh
Cancellation Cachet : Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.6 Million (0.1 Million for the proponent)

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• “Sagol Kangjei“ is derived from the two Manipuri words ‘Sagol’ for horse and ‘Kangjei’ for hooking stick. Lt. Joseph Ford Sherer, who was instrumental in introducing the sport to Europeans, in 1859, as a young lieutenant and adjutant of the 44^th (Sylhet) Regiment of (Bengal) Native (Light Infantry), along with Captain Robert Stewart, Superintendent of Cachar, founded a European Polo Club. Five years later, in the year 1864, Sherer and his team of seven Manipuri men, nicknamed ‘The Brothers‘, took the game to Calcutta where it immediately became very popular. George Frederick Samuel Robinson, 1^st Marquess of Ripon, former Viceroy of India, while speaking in the British Parliament (House of Lords) on 22^nd June 1891, described Manipur as the birth place of Polo.
• The story behind the origin of the game in Manipur is very interesting. King Kangha, who reigned Manipur in 3300 B.C., is believed to have introduced Sagol Kangjei. During a festival known as Ukrong Hongba, he demonstrated how a bamboo root clump could be dribbled with his walking stick, and asked his subjects to play the game on horseback. The game first found mention in the Royal Chronicle of Manipur, Cheitharol Kumbaba, in 33 AD.
• The game is played with seven members in each team, representing seven Manipuri ancestral clans. The players are mounted on Manipuri ponies which are four to five feet high but hardy and active. The ponies are fully decorated, with various guards protecting their eyes, forehead and flanks. The main implements used in the game are Kangjei, the polo stick, a long shaft of bamboo with a head of hard wood set on at an obtuse angle and the ball, Kangdrum which is made of bamboo root. The saddle used in the game is large, light and peaked both in front and the back. In addition to it, there is a pair of leather flaps which project around the legs of the rider and afford some protection from a blow.
• The rules of the game are not obvious. In fact, most observers of the sport declare that rules are conspicuous by their absence. A goal is scored in this game once the ball crosses the back line and the ball is again thrown in from the middle line, not along the ground, but in the air, so as to give occasion for a brilliant stroke of hitting it in mid-air or catching the ball by hand.
• Text : Based on the material furnished by the proponent.

The post Sagol Kangjei appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Jul 3, 2013

Issued for : Department of Posts is happy to issue a postage stamp to commemorate the completion of 100 Years of Delhi Gymkhana Club.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC : Monika Khanna Gulal
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.41 Million (0.1 million for the Proponent)

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About : 

• Delhi Gymkhana Club is a sporting club which was established by the British for the use of officers of the Indian Civil Services, Armed Forces and residents of Delhi. It was established on 3^rd July, 1913 as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. After Independence, the word ‘Imperial’ was dropped and it came to be known as Delhi Gymkhana Club. Located in the heart of Lutyens‘ New Delhi, the club was constructed as per the site plan made by Sir Edwin Landseer Lutyen. It has since been declared a ‘Heritage property‘ by the Government of India. The Article of Association of the Club, drawn up in 1913, recognized the Viceroy and Governor General of India as the Patron of the Club. Since then, the Article of Association has been amended and Article 3 provides for the President of India to be invited as the Patron of the Club.
  
• Delhi Gymkhana Club has a unique and rich history making it one of the most prestigious clubs of India. The club has stood a silent witness to the fading glory of the British Raj and the emergence of the spirit of an Independent India. The historical meeting between Mahatma Gandhi & Lord Irwin leading to the Gandhi Irwin Pact was held in its premises.
  
• Delhi Gymkhana Club has the distinction of having 26 grass courts and 7 clay/synthetic courts. The grass courts have been in existence since 1940. The Club has an active tennis membership of over 200 members and also runs a vibrant training academy for juniors. It has had the privilege of hosting several National and International Championships including the Grand Prix Tennis Tournament & some Davis Cup matches.
  
• Text : Based on the material furnished by the proponent.

The post Delhi Gymkhana Club appeared first on iStampGallery.

Issued by India

Issued on Oct 3, 2010

Issued for : India Post has already issued two sets of stamps on themes : One set on the Queen’s Baton Relay and a second set on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Talkatora Stadium. After that India Post celebrated the spirit of the XIX Commonwealth Games, 2010 on the inaugural day of the Games by issuing a set of four stamps on tennis, archery, hockey and athletics.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Sankha Samantha
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Stamps, Miniature Sheet, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi color

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Stamps Printed : 0.4 million each

Printing Process : Wet–offset

Printers : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• The XIX Commonwealth Games, 2010 were held in Delhi between 3^rd October and 14^th October 2010. It was the largest multi-sport event in Delhi after the Asian Games in 1951 and 1982. It was also for the first time that the Commonwealth Games was held in India.
  
• 85 Commonwealth Nations participated in 260 games in 17 disciplines. These events took place in the upgraded existing stadia and new stadia constructed specially for the games.
  
• The opening and closing ceremonies of the Games took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. It showcased the spirit, talent and rich fiber of Indian culture. The mascot of the game, ‘Shera‘, combined modern and traditional India and embodies the values, majesty, power, charisma, intelligence, grace and elegance of the tiger.
  
• The official slogan of the Commonwealth Games, 2010 was “Come out and Play“. The logo tagline was an invitation to every person across all divides – Indian and Commonwealth to participate in the Games to the best of their abilities, in the true spirit of the Games.
  
• Text : Based on the material provided by the proponent.

The post India on XIX Commonwealth Games, 2010 appeared first on iStampGallery.