Issued by India

Issued on Mar 25, 2017

Issued for : The Department of Posts is pleased to bring out a Prestige booklet on Modes of Transport through Different Ages with 6 mixed Sheetlets.

Credits :
Stamps/Booklet/Sheetlets/Maxim Cards/FDCs/Brochure/Cancellation Cachets : Shri Brahm Prakash

Type : Sheetlets, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise (5), 1000 Paise (5), 1500 Paise (5), 2500 Paise (5)

Sheetlets Printed (6 Types) : 15000 each

Prestige Booklet Printed : 50000

Maxim Cards Printed (20 Types) : 3000 each

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• From the beginning of history, human sensitivity has revealed an urge for mobility leading to a measure of society’s progress. The history of this mobility or transport is the history of civilization. A well-known and co-ordinated system of transport plays an important role in the sustained economic growth of a country. It has been seen throughout the history of any nation that a proper, extensive and efficient transport provides indispensable mobility for all citizens and goods and contributes to the economic prosperity of a nation. It is a key factor to social, regional and economic cohesion, including the development of rural areas. It is the essential convenience with which people not just connect but progress. Transport is vital to the economic development and social integration of the country.
• The Department of Posts is bringing the history of gradual progression in the modes of transportation in country through 20 beautiful Stamps in the form of Prestige Booklet and mixed Sheetlets. In the ancient times Palanquins were used as mode of transport. Palanquin, also known as palki, derived its name from the Sanskrit word ‘Palanki’ for a bed or couch. A palki was bigger in size and made of wood. There were doors on both sides. A long cylindrical pole was attached to it lengthways through the middle. A palki was usually carried by six or four men. During medieval India Palki were used as most essential wedding transportation means. It was also used to be the conveyance for noble Indian women as well as for Indian landlords of that time. The use of Palanquins is mentioned in literature as early as the Ramayana also. First four stamps depict the different models of palanquins used by people. The introduction of rickshaws in the 1930’s and ever expanding communication system have now made palki an institution of the past and is now used only on special occasions like wedding ceremonies.
• Another set of four stamps portray different modes of transport related to Horse Carriages and Carts. Apart from Palkis, Bullock Carts and Horse Carriages were also used as a major mode of transport since ancient times. They are still used today where modern vehicles are too expensive or the infrastructure does not favour them. A bullock cart or ox cart is a two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle pulled by oxen. A Tonga is a light horse-drawn carriage used for transportation in India. They are usually pulled by two horses, though some require only one. Tongas and horse carriages are still used in some smaller cities for economic activity, mainly to carry heavy goods within the city limits.
• Further development in the modes of transport could be seen in 19^th century when in around 1880, rickshaws appeared in India. It was first seen in Shimla and then, 20 years later in Kolkata. Here they are initially used by Chinese traders to transport goods. Pulling a rickshaw was often the first job for peasants migrating to these cities. Rickshaw began as a two or three-wheeled passenger cart, called a pulled rickshaw, generally pulled by one man with one passenger. The first known use of the term was in 1887. Over time, cycle rickshaws, auto rickshaws, and school rickshaws came into usage. The set of four stamps depict different versions of Rickshaws used by countrymen.
• As early as 1898 the first motorcar was seen on Indian roads. Cars had to be imported into India. These are truly western vintage models. Local assembly of cars began during the years between the World Wars and assembly units were set up in Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The Rolls Royce Silver Ghost was the origin of Rolls-Royce’s claim of making the “Best car in the world”. This Vintage Car is considered to be the most valuable Vintage car. Austin Twenty is a large car that was introduced by Austin after the end of the First World War in April 1919 and continued in production until 1930. After the Austin 20/6 model was introduced in 1927, the first model was referred to as the Austin 20/4. In the category of Vintage Cars, another famous model is the Chevrolet Series BA Confederate which is an American vehicle manufactured by Chevrolet in 1932. Production slipped significantly from over 6 lakh cars to around 3 lakhs during Great Depression, but was still sufficient for Chevrolet to retain first place in the American car sales table. The set of beautiful four stamps depict the exclusive models of Vintage Cars.
• Public transport is the lifeline of social mobility. Passenger Road Transport Service (PRTS) is an essential, connected to the economic and social development of the nation. Different means of public transport comprises of Trams, Metros, Buses and Double decker buses. The advent of British colonialism saw trams being introduced in many cities including Mumbai and Kolkata. They are still in use in Kolkata and provide an emission-free means of transport. Buses make up over 90% of public transport in Indian cities and serve as a cheap and convenient mode of transport for all classes of society. Metro has become another very popular means of transport in few major cities of the country. The set of 4 stamps portray the means of public transport beautifully.
• Text : Based on the material available on internet.

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Issued by India

Issued on 23 Feb, 2010

Issued for : The Department of Posts honours PC Sorcar and his achievements by issuing a commemorative postage stamp. The FDC shows his sets & performances and the brochure cover is adapted from the Japanese poster of his performance.

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

Type : Block of 4 Stamps, Mint condition, First Day Cover with First Day Special Cancellation Postmark, Information Folder (Brochure), Post Card and Special Cover

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.4 Million

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

Name : Protul Chandra Sarkar

Born on Feb 23, 1913 at Ashokpur, Tangail, Bengal, British India [now in Bangladesh]

Died on Jan 6, 1971 at Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan

About : 

• Protul Chandra Sorcar was born on 23 February 1913 in Ashokpur in the Tangail district (now in Bangladesh) in a poor middle class family. He was attracted to magic at an early age. He initially learned magic from Shri Ganapati Chakravarti. After passing the entrance examination in the first division, he graduated with honours in mathematics in the year 1933. He then took up magic as a profession.
• Protul Chandra Sorcar‘s ascent to greatness and his emergence as Jadu Samrat has no parallel. He crafted every bit of magic unaided, almost single handed. While speaking of magic, the name of Protul Chandra Sorcar is inseparable from the contemporary history of the people and the country. The original genius that he was, he tapped the root of all culture and folk arts to draw his unique vision of entertainment based on illusion and transformed the Indian magic into Indrajal – a highly original form of Indian art presented through the full panoply of stage performance with all its opulent splendour. Indrajal became a work of art in his hands.
• He commenced his career as a magician performing in homes, clubs, carnivals, circuses, theatres, public halls and at any place where he knew he could get hold of an audience and thus earned fame as an Indian magician of a different mould, experimenting and innovating along the way.
• His was a creative genius perfecting his spectacular sets, gorgeous costumes including his own celebrated Maharaja robe complete with a plumed turban, magnificent stage illusions, and large scale lighting effects combining years of experimentation, incredible hard labour and above all wide-ranging imaginative insights. He drew upon the ethnic variety of India, tapping the rich Indian lore of magic and conjuring arts. He authored 20 books in Bengali, English and Hindi. In an era when women stage performers and artists were scorned and ostracized, Sorcar had the courage to induct in his troupe women who regularly performed in his often breath-taking stage illusions. Thus quietly but steadily he helped break a social barrier.
• P.C. Sorcar never failed to quietly rise to the occasion at home or abroad whenever he found there was something he could do to aid the struggle for freedom. In 1937 he donated the money he earned in Japan to the cause of Indian freedom movement.
• Doubtless the greatest magician of his time, he is remembered as an iconic cultural ambassador who rose from humble origins to become the “Jadu Samrat” ‘Emperor of Magic‘. He toured all over the world and his performances which enthralled all kinds of audience were often seen on international television. He received many awards at home and abroad. He twice earned the Phoenix award in the United States. He also won the German Goldbar and the Golden Laurel Garland awards and the Dutch Tricks prize. In 1964 the Indian Government honoured him with a Padmashri.
• A number of well-known writers of Europe have written books on him. Arthur Leroy once famously conceded in 1966, “Prince Charming Sorcar has built the biggest, most stupendous illusion show of our times…….a show that at this moment is the only one of its kind in the world“. He was a member of the societies of magicians in France, UK, Germany, Belgium and Japan, of the International Rotary Club & the Royal Asiatic Society in London. He wrote the history of magic with stubborn resolve and unyielding ambition. In almost everything he did, Sorcar displayed inventiveness and a vision he went on developing as long as he was a practicing magician. His full-scale illusion show, “Indrajal” had virtually no peer in the field in terms of opulence, repertoire range and splendour. PC Sorcar died suddenly on 6 January 1971 while performing at a show in Japan.
  
• Text : As per material provided by the proponent.
• The front side of the Special Cover shows 4 different pictures of Mr. P. C. Sorkar as follows (clockwise from the top) –
  • Sorcar with Lord and Lady Mountbatten in London
  • Eluding a Regulation Handcuff before London Police (Photo : Sunday Graphic, London, 1957)
    
  • Hollywood film-star Shirley Maclaine flies to Kolkata in 1965 to book “the Great Sorcar” to inaugurate her Casino in Las Vegas
  • Sorcar cycles blindfolded along place de L’opera and Champs-Elysees, July, 1950

  The back side of the Special Cover shows a write-up on Jadu Samrat P. C. Sorkar (1913-1971) as follows –

  • To think of magic in beauty, grandeur and precision is to think of SORCAR, for Sorcar and magic are inalienable. Sorcar’s fantastic achievement is now a story and a history as well, a true legend. “How can India, the land so deeply ingrained in the ways of the old, produce such a modern giant?” exclaimed the rich Western nations. A grand luminary Sorcar was in the firmament of magic amidst the galaxy of shining stars. Sorcar’s greatness beyond compare has been accepted by the world in epithetising him as The World’s Greatest Magician and the Maharaja of magic.

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Issued by India

Issued on Aug 4, 2009

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Maharshi Patanjali.

Credits :
Stamp, FDC & Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Block of 4 Stamps, gum-washed condition and Brochure

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 1.8 Million

Printing Process : Wet–offset

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• There are six schools of philosophy in Hinduism: Vaisheshika, Nyaya, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa and Vedanta. The earliest exponents of these systems are said to be Kanada, Gotama, Kapila, Patajali, Jaimini and Vyasa respectively. The exact date of origin of these schools is not known but they are believed to have been formulated prior to the Buddha. The significant features of these schools are :
  
  (i) They accept the authority of the Vedas.
  (ii) These schools do have mutual contradictions on certain issues but they all believed in the Law of Karma, Rebirth and Attainment of Moksha (liberation) as the highest goal of human struggle to achieve realization of the true self.
  
• Patanjali is a revered name, known for his compilation on Yoga Sutras, an important collection of aphorisms on yoga practice. It is believed that Patanjali is an incarnation of ‘Adisesha‘.
  
• According to a popular legend, Patanjali was born to the first saint of the Saptarishies, Atri and his wife Anusuya. According to this tradition Anusya had to go through a stern test of her chastity, when the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) themselves came as mendicants and asked her for alms. She passed their test by accepting them as her children and fed them. She received a boon by which all the three divinities were born to her. It is said that desiring to teach yoga to the world, he fell (pat) from heaven into open palms (anjali) of woman, hence the name Patanjali.
  
• Yoga Sutras are said to be the pioneer in establishing the practice and philosophy of yoga. Yoga in traditionally involves, inner contemplation, a rigorous system of meditation practice, ethics, metaphysics, and devotion to God.
  
• The Yoga Sutras codify the royal or best (raja) yoga practices presenting these as an eight-limbed system (ashtanga). The focus is on the mind and yoga defines the cessation of all mental fluctuations and alt wandering thoughts so that the mind is focused on a single thought (ekagrata). The eight limbs or the Ashtanga yoga propounded are –
  (i) Yama – ethics, restraint and ahimsa,
  (ii) Niyama – cleanliness and asceticism,
  (iii) Asana – posture,
  (iv) Pranayama – breath-control,
  (v) Pratyahara – sense-withdrawal,
  (vi) Dharana – concentration,
  (vii) Dhyana – meditation,
  (viii) Samadhi and oneness with the Pranava of the Ishvara.
  
• Yoga Sutra explains and guides us step by step to the ultimate realization : Moksha (liberation). 
• Patanjali is also said to be one among the eighteen siddhas. Apart from his inseparable links with the yoga and meditation system, links of Patanjali have also been found with Indian classical dance too. Patanjali‘s contribution to the yoga and meditation system has proved to be of great importance and interest not only in India but all over the world.
  
• Text : Based on text provided by the proponent.

Brochure with the Stamp and Special First Day Cancellation :

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 16, 2008

Issued for : Department of Posts is proud to issue a commemorative postage stamp in the honour of Field Marshal SHFJ Manekshaw.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Shankha Samanta
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Block of 4 Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi color

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.5 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

Name : Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw

Born on Apr 3, 1914 at Amritsar, Punjab, India

Died on Jun 27, 2008 at Wellington, Tamil Nadu, India

About : 

• In 1942 at the height of the World War II a fierce battle was raging in Myanmar, then Burma, at the Sittang Bridge. A company of the Indian Army was engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the invading Japanese Forces for the capture of a position, which was critical for the control of the bridge. The young company commander was exhorting his troops when his stomach was fiddled by a machine gun burst. Afraid that his company would be left leaderless if he was evacuated, he continued fighting till he collapsed. His company won the day and the general commanding the Indian Forces arrived at the scene to congratulate the soldiers. On seeing the critically wounded commander, he announced the immediate award of the Military Cross as the young officer was not expected to survive much longer and the Military Cross is not awarded posthumously. Thus began a historic military career of a great Indian soldier who survived to become India‘s first Field Marshal.
• The man eventually destined to be free India‘s first Field Marshal was born into a Parsi family on 3^rd April 1914 at Amritsar. After a stint in Hindu College, on 30^th September 1932 he joined the first batch of the newly opened Indian Military Academy (IMA) at Dehradun for training Indians for commissioned rank in the British Indian Army. In IMA he was part of the Academy Tennis Team and was awarded the ‘tennis Blue‘. However he frequently landed up in trouble with the laws and rules of the IMA. He received his commission on 4^th February 1934 and, after an attachment as was the practice then with a British Infantry Battalion, the 2^nd Battalion the Royal Scouts, he joined the 4^th Battalion, 12 Frontier Force Regiment, commonly called the 54^th Sikh.
• One of the finest officers of the Indian Army, Field Marshal Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw, MC, popularly known as Sam Bahadur, has had a long and illustrious military career. His first major military campaign was World War II when he served as a captain with the 4/12 Frontier Force Regiment in Burma in 1942. After that near fatal campaign Sam went to the Staff College in Quetta for a course and served for while as an instructor. He joined the 12 Frontier Force Rifles in Burma and was wounded amidst fierce battle yet again. Towards the end of the War he helped in the rehabilitation of 10,000 Prisoners of War (POWs). He then served as a first grade staff officer in the Military Operations Directorate. Manekshaw successfully handled many planning and administrative problems that crept up after partition. The Jammu and Kashmir operations of 1947-48 were largely successful because of his professional acumen.
• Promotions followed in rapid succession, after command of an Infantry Brigade he was posted as the Commandant of the Infantry School and also became the Colonel of 8 Gorkha Rifles (his regimental home) and 61 Cavalry. He commanded a Division in Jammu & Kashmir and 1959 saw Sam as Commandant of the Defence Services Staff College. On promotion to the coveted rank of Lieutenant General he took over the Command of 4 Corps on 28^th November 1962, at a most critical time during Chinese Aggression. The same day Sam addressed a conference, he entered the room with his usual jaunty step, looked as if he were meeting each eye trained on him and said, Gentleman, I have arrived! There will be no more withdrawals in 4 Corps, thank you; and walked out. But the charisma that surrounds the man had preceded him and soldier and officer alike knew the ‘chosen one’ had arrived and henceforth all would be well. It was as if the dark and oppressive atmosphere had suddenly been lightened and Sam was the bearer of the light. The Indian Army suddenly once again became, that proud, disciplined and distinguished force that had fought and triumphed in practically every battlefield of the world. The Chinese aggression was effectively replied thereafter.
• As General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Command, he handled the tricky problem of insurgency in Nagaland and the grateful but nation honoured him with a Padma Bhushan in 1968. On 7^th June 1969 Sam Manekshaw replaced General Kumaramangalam as the 8^th Chief of Army Staff. His immense military experience came to good use during the Indo-Pak War of 1971 which led to a splendid victory under his command.
• During the 1971 War refugees from the then East Pakistan poured into India and Sam had to manage the two tasks, one of defeating the Pakistani Forces and to deliver the goods, his brilliant war strategy led to the unconditional surrender of the Pakistani Forces within a short span of just 14 days. Over 93,000 Pakistani soldiers and civilians were taken POWs. Sam was full of compassion and was the first Indian officer to reach at Delhi Railway Station to meet the Pakistani POWs. He shared a cup of tea and chatted with them for some time. The POWs were seen shaking their heads in disbelief, saying they wished they had generals like him in Pakistan. When the Prime Minister asked him to go to Dhaka and accept the surrender of the Pakistani Forces, he declined, magnanimously saying the honour should go to his Army Commander in the East. The war became an example of perfect coordination between the three units of the Armed Forces and stands out as one of the fastest military victories in the history of. With the Shimla agreement in place, the new nation of Bangladesh was created.
• Sam never raised his voice, but even a mild disapproving look from him with a ‘Sweetheart, this won’t do,’ was enough to shake the stoutest heart. Sharply critical, but always constructively, there was nothing his eye ever missed or his fantastically retentive memory ever forgot. He forgave easily, being basically a kind man. He was human and approachable. His mastery of detail was fantastic and he could quote an answer given verbally or in writing months previously to correct someone who was saying something else.
• As a commander, he was a hard taskmaster. He encouraged his officers in the face of adversity but did not tolerate incompetence. A battalion employed in the Mizo Hills, was paying perhaps a little more attention to the welfare of its troops and, in the process, a little less than desired to the operational side received a rude reminder that ‘someone up there‘ was watching very keenly, every move that was made. A parcel of bangles was delivered to the commanding officer with the compliments of the Army commander with a cryptic note, ‘If you are avoiding contact with the hostile give these to your men to wear.‘ Needless to say, the next few weeks saw a flurry of activity of this battalion resulting in another, more soothing message; ‘send the bangles back.’ That is perhaps Manekshaw‘s greatest contribution, to instill a sense of duty, efficiency and professionalism in the modern Indian Army.
• Sam came from a family with strong values. He had three brothers and two sisters, in 1937 he met his wife Silioo Bode at Lahore and they got married on the 22^nd April 1939. Their first daughter Sherry was born on the 11^th of January 1940 and Maya was born on September 24^th 1945. Manekshaw learnt his strong sense of honour and honesty from his father and his jolly spirit and humour from his mother.
• In 1972 President Shri V.V. Giri awarded him the Padma Vibhushan for his distinguished and selfless service to the nation. On 1^st January 1973 he was bestowed with the prestigious rank of Field Marshal, another first in Indian military history. Sam Manekshaw retired a fortnight later after forty years of exceptional and dedicated military service. He died at the age of 94 on the 27^th June 2008 at Wellington Military Cantonment due to pneumonia and related complications. He is survived by his daughters and grandchildren.
• Soldiers like him never die; they live for ever in every soldier’s heart and soul.
• Text : Based on material given by the proponent.

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Issued by Bangladesh

Issued on Apr 18, 2008

Issued for : Bangladesh Post Office releases these Commemorative Postage Stamps and Souvenir sheets to present a showpiece of natural history and a world heritage site to the world community in a graceful fashion and the Post will continue its efforts to issue stamps on the Sundarbans in future.

Designer :
Stamps : Anowar Hossain & BPO (design adviser K. G. Mustafa)
Souvenir sheet : A T M Anowarul Quadir

Type : Se–tenant Block of 4 Stamps, Mint Condition

No. of Stamps : 4 (Four)

Colour : Multicolour

Denomination of Stamps : Tk. 10.00 (Taka Ten) each

Size of Stamps : 42 x 32 m.m.

Size of Souvenir sheets : 168 x 95 m.m.

Perforation of Stamps : 12.5

Types of Souvenir sheet : With perforation and without perforation

Value of Souvenir sheets : Tk. 50.00 (Taka fifty)

No. of stamps in each sheet : 100 (25 set)

Process of Printing : Offset

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

About : 

• The Sundarbans (the beautiful forest or forest of Sundari trees) is the largest single block of tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world. It got inscripted as a “UNESCO World Heritage Site” in 1997 and was designated a “Ramsar Site” in 1992.
• The Sundarbans is a cluster of islands forming the largest block of littoral forest, located in the southwest corner of Bangladesh. It lies on the Ganges–Brahmaputra Delta at the point where it merges with the Bay of Bengal. The forest lies a little south to the Tropic of Cancer between the latitudes 21°30′ N and 22°30′ N, and longitudes 89°00′ E and 89°55′ E.
• The Sundarbans was originally measured (about 200 years ago) to be about of 16,700 sq. km. Now it has dwindled to about 1/3 of the original size. Because of the partition of India, Bangladesh received about 2/3 of the forest; the rest is on the Indian side. It is now estimated to be about 4,110 sq. km. of which about 1,700 sq. km. is occupied by waterbodies. The Sundarbans is bounded in the north by Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira districts, in the south by the Bay of Bengal, in the east by Baleswar (or Haringhata) river of Perojpur district, and in the west by Raimangal and Hariabhanga rivers which partially form Bangladesh boundary with West Bengal, India.
• The climate in the Sundarbans is moderate. Air is humid. Full monsoon is from June to September. The average annual maximum and minimum temperature vary between 30°C and 21°C. The annual rainfall is in the range of 1640 to 2000 mm. During ebb-tide the forest becomes bare by 6-7 feet and at high tide the entire territory of the forest floats on water.
• The flora of the Sundarbans is largely of mangrove type. More than 334 species of trees, plants and shrubs grow in this forest. Most trees have pneumatophores for aerial respiration. The prominent species is Sundari and the others flora include Gewa, Keora, Goran, Golpata, Passur etc.
• The Sundarbans also hosts a large variety of animals. Within the forest habitats there are about 50 species of mammals, about 320 species of inland and migratory birds, about 50 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians and about 40 species of fish. It is also a centre of economic activities, such as extraction of timber, fishing and collection of honey.
• Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charms. Sundarbans is the natural habitat of the world famous and ruthless, yet majestic and graceful Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted dear, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, rhesus monkey, pythons and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpata, honey, shell and fish add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans. With the approach of the evening herds of deer make for the drinking glades, where boisterous monkeys shower keora leaves from above for sumptuous meal for the deer. For the botanist, the lover of nature, the poet and the painter this land provides a variety of wonders for which they all crave.
• The Sundarbans has been recognised globally for its importance as reservoir of biodiversity. It is an abundant natural resource for a number of leisure, travel and research activities. With its array of trees and wildlife the forest is a showpiece of natural history. A visit to Bangladesh would remain incomplete if the Sundarbans did not appear in the itinerary. The noteworthy beauty spots of the Sundarbans are, Katka, Hironpoint, Kachikhali, Dublar Char (Island), Tin Kona Island etc.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 22, 2007

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue a set of four commemorative postage stamps on Renewable Energy depicting the four common applications of renewable energy i.e. Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Small Hydropower and Biomass Energy.

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

Type : Se–tenant block of 4 Stamps (two horizontal and two vertical), Mint Condition

Colour : Multi colour

Denomination : 500 Paise each

Stamps Printed : 0.8 Million each

Miniature Sheet : 0.2 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• Energy is a basic requirement for economic development. Every sector of economy – agriculture, industry, transport, commercial and domestic – needs inputs of energy. The economic development plans implemented since independence in India have necessarily required increasing amounts of energy. As a result, consumption of energy in all forms has been steadily rising all over the country.
  
• This growing consumption of energy has also resulted in the country becoming increasingly dependent on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Rising prices of oil and gas and potential shortages in future lead to concerns about the security of energy supply needed to sustain our economic growth. Increased use of fossil fuel also causes environmental problems both locally and globally.
  
• Against this background, the country urgently needs to develop a sustainable path of energy development. Promotion of energy conservation and increased use of renewable energy sources are the twin planks of sustainable energy supply.
  
• Fortunately, India is blessed with variety of renewable energy sources, the main ones being biomass, biogas, the sun, wind and small hydropower.
  
• Advantages of renewable energy are that it is:
  • Perennial.
  • Available locally and does not need elaborate arrangements for transport.
  • Usually modular in nature, i.e. small-scale units and systems can be almost as economical as large-scale ones.
  • Environment-friendly.
  • Well suited for decentralised applications and use in remote areas.
    
• The Government has been implementing comprehensive programmes for the development and utilisation of various renewable energy sources in the country. As a result of efforts made during the past 25 years, a number of technologies and devices have been developed and have become commercially available. These include biogas plants, improved wood stoves, solar water heaters, solar cookers, solar lanterns, street lights, pumps, wind electric generators, water-pumping wind mills, biomass gasifiers and small hydro-electric generators. Energy technologies for the future such as hydrogen, fuel cells and bio-fuel are being actively developed.
  
• India is implementing one of the world’s largest programmes in renewable energy. The country ranks second in the world in biogas utilization and fourth in wind power. Renewable sources already contribute about 16,500 MW, which is about 7.5% of the total installed power capacity in the country.
  
• Text : Based on material provided by the proponent.

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Issued by India

Issued on Jan 26, 2007

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.

Designed by :
Stamp & F.D.C. : Brahm Prakash
Cancellation : Nenu Gupta

Type : Block of 4 Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multicolor

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.4 million

Printing Process : Wet–offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• One of the leading Cricket Associations in the country today, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association was established in 1930 for promoting and popularizing the game of cricket in the State. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association was also among the founder units of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and has played a significant role in shaping the objectives and activities of the Board over the last five decades.
• In course of its illustrious history, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has helped nurture promising young talent and build up many cricket players of repute, who have subsequently gone on to represent India. Among them mention must be made of C. Ramasamy, M.J. Gopalan, C.R. Rangachary, A.G. Kripal Singh, S. Venkataraghavan, V.V. Kumar, Bharath Reddy, Robin Singh, K. Srikkant, L. Sivaramakrishnan, W.V. Raman, S. Ramesh and Hemang K. Badani. As we know, Shri S. Venkataraghavan and Shri K. Srikkanth also had the honour of captaining the India Cricket Team. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association is also perhaps the only sports Association that has produced two double internationals for the country, namely Shri C. Ramasamy who represented the country in both cricket and tennis, and Shri M.J. Gopalan who donned the country’s colours in cricket and hockey.
• Since its inception, the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has had the privilege of hosting 37 Tests and 10 One Day International Cricket Matches. The construction of the magnificent M.A. Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk also marks a landmark in its history. Its foundation stone was laid in 1971, and the stadium, which can accommodate 50,000 spectators, was completed in 1979. In the wake of the advent and tremendous popularity of one day cricket matches, and subsequently of day/night cricket, flood lights conforming to international standards were installed by the TNCA to make Chepauk an attractive venue for one day internationals. The first One Day International played under floodlights in Chepauk was between New Zealand and Australia in 1996. Further, in July 2005, the Executive Committee of the TNCA approved the establishment of a TNCA Cricket Academy. Apart from supplying free cricket balls to all the city and district teams, TNCA has also been helping the District Cricket Associations for laying of turf wickets and purchase of essential infrastructural equipments.
• The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has thus been rendering yeoman service in building cricket infrastructure in the State, as also in inducing and shaping young and talented cricketers, many of whom have been picked up to represent India in the international arena.
• Text : Based on material provided by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.

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Issued by India

Issued on Feb 12, 2006

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue a se-tenant set of four stamps commemorating the occasion.

Design : The stamps depict the multidimensional role of the Navy, the air power by the aircraft carrier (INS Viraat) and fighter plane (Sea Harrier); the surface force through warships (Talwar and Brahmaputra class frigates) and anti-submarine Seaking Helicopter; supported by Sandhayak class Survey Vessel and an Off-shore Patrol Vessel Vigraha of the Indian Coast Guard along with a Dornier aircraft and the third dimension – underwater by submarines (Sindhughosh and Shishumar class). The First Day Cover displays the fluttering Naval Ensign with the anchorage plan off Visakhapatnam Harbour with the ships lined up and showing the President’s Yacht and her route for the 9^th President’s Fleet Review. The special cancellation is an adaptation of two masted ship from the inscription of a 2^nd century AD Satavahana period lead coin.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Sankha Samanta (Based on the photographs provided by the Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy))
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Block of 4 Se–tenant Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multicolor

Denomination : 500, 500, 500 & 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.8 Million each

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About : 

• A Naval Fleet Review is a long-standing tradition followed by navies all over the world. It is a grand occasion when every operational ship is spruced up, proudly displaying its crest and its company in a spirit of loyalty and allegiance to the country. The idea of a Review was perhaps conceived as a show of naval might or an inspection of readiness for battle at sea. It still has the same connotation, but assembling of warships for peaceful purposes is now the norm in modern times. Later reviews were used as a celebratory demonstration for victories in battle or for other special occasions. Sometimes ships have sailed across the seas to participate in fleet reviews of friendly nations. These reviews inspired the sailors to avow their allegiance to their country and preserve its sovereignty. It is indeed a strong bond which links seafarers of the world and often follows exactly the same drill even on different continents.
• Post independence, traditionally, the President, as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces reviews the Fleet once during his tenure. In this most formal of naval ceremonies, ships, submarines and aircrafts from all the Naval Commands, ships from the Indian Coast Guard and vessels from the merchant navy (during war/adversities, some of the merchant ships also join to support the Naval effort in fighting the enemy), are ceremonially dressed up with families embarked, and anchored in lines at the precise spot allotted to them. After a 21 gun salute, the President embarks on the Presidential yacht, distinguishable by the Ashoka emblem on her side and reviews all the ships by cruising past them. Each ship is manned by her ship’s company, dressed in sparkling white ceremonial uniforms. In a moment that stands still in time, white caps are doffed in unison in a grand salutation. The resounding sound of three “jais” echoes over the waves, carrying the promise of the allegiance of each and every sailor and officer to the Nation and the President, their Supreme Commander. It is this bond that will carry them through the adversity of war and make the supreme sacrifice, if needed.
• The present Fleet Review, which is the 9^th review, is being held on the East Coast for the first time, all earlier being off Mumbai on the West Coast. The last was an International Fleet Review in 2001 in which, 97 warships and submarines including 24 foreign Navy ships and one submarine and fly past by 56 aircrafts, paid their mark of respect to the then President of India, Dr. K.R. Narayanan. For the present Review, all the ships, submarines and vessels will be anchored in the Bay of Bengal off Visakhapatnam harbour and will be reviewed by President APJ Abdul Kalam on 12 Feb 2006.
• Text: Material provided by the Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy).

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Issued by India

Issued on Feb 1, 2006

Issued for : The Department of Posts is happy to issue a commemorative postage stamp on the Third Battalion the Sikh Regiment.

Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Kamleshwar Singh (Based on the photographs provided by the Third Battalion the Sikh Regiment)
Cancellation : Alka Sharma

Type : Block of 4 Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multicolor

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 0.6 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

About : 

• The Battalion was raised at Lahore on 31 January 1856 as the Bengal Military Police Battalion by Captain Thomas Rattray. At the time of its raising, it had a mixed composition comprising eight Infantry Companies; 1000 strong, and a troop of 200 Cavalrymen. In 1864, it was designated as 45^th Rattray’s SIKHS and became a full fledged Infantry Battalion and in 1885, it was given a pure SIKH status. The present designation dates back to 1947. Ever since its raising, the Battalion has been employed on most challenging assignments both in India and abroad and has had the distinction of discharging all duties most admirably.
• In the pre-independence history spanning nearly 91 years, the Battalion not only participated in both the major World Wars but also took part in innumerable major and minor operational actions world over. Immediately after raising it saw action in battle of Arrah in Behar (now Bihar). In 1860, the Battalion conducted operations against Kukies in Chittagong, Buttias in Sikkim and Khasis in Assam. During Afghan Wards, it formed part of the Hazara Field Force and fought against the Arakzais and Khankhel. The battalion also undertook operations in Punjab Frontier. At the turn of the century, the battalion was in Waziristan, where it undertook the Chitral Relief in 1905 and fought the Mohamand operations in 1908. In World War-I, the battalion won a number of laurels in various operations including a memorable action at HAI River in Mesopotamia on 1^st February 1917 while capturing a well defended Turkish position. In World War II, the battalion was in action in Iraq, Syria and Iran.
• The post independence history of the Battalion is no less illustrious. In 1948, it fought the Razakars and restored peace in the erstwhile state of Hyderabad. During this action Nk Hardayal Singh was awarded Ashoka Chakra Class II (Posthumously). In 1961, the battalion participated in Operation Vijay for liberation of Goa, and as the advance guard, were the first troops to enter Goa and it won the theatre honour ‘Goa’. During 1965 conflict, the battalion fought some very determined defensive actions in KERAN sector of J&K. While serving in Mizoram and Nagaland from 1969 to 1971 and later from 1982 to 1984, the battalion captured a large number of insurgents and weapons. During the 1971 Indo-Pak war, the battalion was deployed in Arunachal Pradesh, established the TURA Camp and trained the erstwhile Muktibahini. The battalion took part in Operation Battle AXE in Mizoram from 82 to 84. The battalion participated in Operation Trident during 87. It also participated in Operation CURB in Tripura in 1988 as part of the Task Force Tripura, when Tripura National Volunteers laid down their arms and surrendered. The battalion has been actively employed in Operation Rakshak in Jammu & Kashmir during the period from 1989 to 1992, 1995, 1997 to 1998 and achieved remarkable success in combating the terrorists. During its last tenure in Operation Rakshak and Operation Parakram, the battalion carved a niche with outstanding success in elimination of a large number of terrorists and recover of huge quantity of arms and ammunition. The stupendous achievement was recognized with the Chief of the Army Staff Unit Citation. Subedar Surinder Singh was awarded with the Ashok Chakra (Posthumously) for his conspicuous gallantry.
• The Battalion has earned nine Battle Honours, five Theatre Honours and one COAS Unit Citation for its bravery and heroism in various battles/operations since its raising. In its 150 years of glorious existence, the Battalion has performed outstandingly and continues to excel in all fields including sports where it has performed with equal aplomb. Today, the Battalion is the flagship of the Sikh Regiment and leads the Regiment as a fine example of dedicated service to the Nation.
• Text: Material provided by the Third Battalion the Sikh Regiment.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 1, 2005

Issued for : The Department of Posts is proud to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Sardar Pratap Singh Kairon.

Type : Block of 4 Stamps, Mint Condition

Colour : Multicolour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Print Quantity : 0.6 Million

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nashik

Name : Partap Singh Kairon

Born on 1901 at Kairon, Amritsar district, Punjab, British India

Died on Feb 6, 1965 at main highway (the G.T. Road) from Delhi to Amritsar

About : 

• Sardar Pratap Singh Kairon is generally acknowledged as the architect of modern Punjab. A colourful figure who dominated the political life of Punjab in his time, he combined a vision for the future with a rare will and determination to usher in the changes needed to shape a prosperous and progressive Punjab in the post-independence era.
• Born on 1^st October 1901, in the village of Kairon in Amritsar district of Punjab, into a farming family of modest means, his father Nihal Singh was also a pioneer of women’s education. While still a student of the Khalsa College at Amritsar, Pratap Singh Kairon left home for the United States of America. There he had to earn his way by working on farms and in factories, while also concerning himself with the problems back home, and working with groups determined to advance independence for India. He eventually took a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan. Influenced by the American way of life he also came to believe that affluence on farms was within the reach of the Punjabi villagers.
• Returning to India in 1929, Pratap Singh Kairon started a progressively weekly paper in English “The New Era”, the first issue of which appeared on 13^th April 1931. Soon thereafter he entered active politics and joined the Shiromani Akali Dal, a party of Sikh activists. As the Indian National Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal then worked together, he became General Secretary, and later President, of the Punjab Provincial Congress. Later on, when the Congress and the Akalis parted ways, Pratap Singh Kairon stayed on with the Congress. In 1932 he participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement and was imprisoned for five years. In 1938, he was imprisoned again, this time for leading the Kisan Agitation against “Abiana”. He was also imprisoned during the 1942 “Quit India” movement.
• Pratap Singh Kairon was elected to the Punjab Legislative Assembly in 1936, and again in 1946. In 1946 he also became a member of the All India Congress Committee, as also a member of the Indian Constituent Assembly. Inducted into the Punjab Cabinet in 1947, he became Minister for Rehabilitation in 1948, and was faced with the challenging task of resettling millions of refugees who had poured into Punjab from Pakistan. Instead of giving them doles, he gave them land to work upon and financial loans, thus encouraging employment and productivity. In 1956 he became the Chief Minister of Punjab and remained so till 1964. While working for the all round development and prosperity of Punjab, he was able to handle many sensitive issues with rare courage and resolve. During the national emergency, caused by the Chinese aggression on India in October 1962, Punjab under his leadership played a leading role in the defence of the nation, whether by way of collection of defence funds or by way of raising recruits for the army as well as the home guards.
• Pratap Singh Kairon was convinced that no real progress could be achieved without education. So he made primary and middle school education free and compulsory. He also gave a boost to technical education. While this was made free upto the school standard, he opened three engineering colleges, a polytechnic in each district, and a number of industrial engineering institutions. He also established the Kurukheshtra University, Karnal, the Punjab University, Patiala and the Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana, apart from four medical colleges, as well the Post Graduate Institute at Chandigarh, which is one of the biggest and best Medical Research Institutes in India.
• While striving to organize agriculture, dairy, and poultry farming on modern scientific lines, Pratap Singh Kairon also worked to place Punjab on the industrial map of the country. Under his stewardship Punjab attained an enviable position in the country’s small scale industry sector. The industrial township of Faridabad, and the planned garden city of Chandigarh were both his brainchild. He also gave special attention to the development of infrastructure like roads, power, and irrigation, etc. which are so necessary for progress and development.
• On 6^th February, 1965, Sardar Pratap Singh Kairon was assassinated near village Rasoi on the National Highway while travelling in a car back to Chandigarh from Delhi. But his abiding legacy lives on.
• Text : Based on material given by the proponents.

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