31 October,2010 08:32 AM IST | | Hemal Ashar
Two new stamps will be launched in December, immortalising Maharashtra's first CM and a reputed social worker. Next, CBI will celebrate its 100 anniversary with a stamp to its name
The Indian Post is ready to put its final stamp (literally) on 2010. As the year enters meltdown phase in December, the Post will release three new stamps in quick succession.
Two fresh stamps are scheduled for release on December 22 this year. These include one of Yashwantrao Chavan, Maharshtra's first Chief Minister. A Congress leader, freedom fighter, cooperative leader, social activist and writer inspires a stamp that will be released by president Pratibha Patil at the eponymously named YB Chavan Auditorium at Nariman Point.
Social worker Bhausaheb Hirayu00a0 will also be immortalised on a postage stamp that same day. Following these two releases, Central Bank of India, which completes 100 years, will acquire a stamp on December 23. Postal director Abha Singh says, "The Lalitkala Akademi will release a stamp too, although the date hasn't been decided yet."
The procudure to decide the inspiration behind a stamp includes a discussion by a committee that sifts through various applications and recommedations. Several philatelists and government officials are part of this committee.
Recently, one of South Mumbai's oldest schools, the Cathedral & John Connan School had a Rs 5 stamp released after it to mark its 150th anniversary.
"Stamp releases may sound dour but they are an enthrallling exercise because so much history is tied to the event. For instance, a stamp inspired by the Commonwealth Games was released just when the baton reached the Wagah border," says Singh.
The much-anticipated design of new stamps is usually kept under wraps till after the official launch.
Commemorative postage stamps are available in Philatelic Bureaus at the Mumbai GPO and other head offices of other states. Besides Philatelic Bureaus, stamps are also available in 85 philatelic counters across post offices.
In fact, the end of this year and the beginning of the next, is a busy time for India Post, since it will be hosting a World Philatelic Exhibition, INDIPEX 2011 from February 12 to 18 atu00a0 Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
As a teaser to the event, the Department of Posts, India, is to hold pre-event activities to create a buzz about philately. This includes a stamp-designing contest for school kids who have been given The Tiger as their theme. The big cat is all set to come alive, its beauty and feline strength compressed postage-size, reminding us of William's Blake's famous lines: Tiger, Tiger burning bright in the forests of the night, what immortal hand or eye could frame thy fearful symmetry?
Fast fact: Philately involves more than just stamp collecting. It doesn't necessarily involve the study of stamps. It is possible to be a philatelist without owning any stamps
u00a0
Debuts in:u00a0 December 2010
