Hello friends, it’s been a while! After a few months away, I’m excited to be back on thePhilatelist.org, bringing you all the philatelic buzz from India and a few gems from around the globe.
Table of Contents
Stamp-Desk India
Special Cover Released on Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination at Raj Bhavan, Bhopal
On April 1, 2025, a special cover on the elimination of Sickle Cell Anemia was released at the Raj Bhavan in Bhopal by Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Patel. During the event, the Governor was presented with a painting of Devi Ahilya. The occasion also witnessed the recognition of the efforts made by the Madhya Pradesh Postal Circle, which was honored with a certificate of appreciation.
Special Cover Marks Indian Register of Shipping’s Golden Jubilee
On its 50th Foundation Day – 4th April 2025, Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) marked a historic milestone as India Post released a Special Cover commemorating 50 years of IRS’s excellence in the maritime industry. This prestigious philatelic tribute highlights IRS’s contributions to maritime safety, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance, symbolising its significant impact on the global maritime sector.
The special cover was released by Chief Guest Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping along with Shri Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General Maharashtra Circle, India Post and Capt B K Tyagi CMD, Shipping Corporation of India who graced the occasion.
This event also marked the formal conclusion of the year-long Golden Jubilee celebrations, which saw a series of commemorative activities and stakeholder engagements across the country.
Special Cover and Cancellation Released on NCPOR’s Silver Jubilee in Goa
National centre for Polar and Ocean Research is celebrating its 25th Foundation Day from 3rd – 5th April 2025 at Sada, Goa.To commemorate this event, Department of Post , Maharashtra & Goa circle released a Special Cover with Special Cancellation on Silver Jubilee of NCPOR.
The First Album of Special Cover was hand over by Shri R. K. Jayabhaye, Postmaster General, Goa Region Panaji to Padmashri Dr. Shailesh Nayak Chief Guest of the Function.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES , Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR and Shri. R.P. Patil, Director Postal Services, Goa Region were present for the function along with other dignitaries, philatelist, scientists, researchers, postal and NCPOR staff.
Joint Issue Stamp Released by India and Portual
President Droupadi Murmu and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal graced the launch of postage stamps commemorating 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The stamps reflect the rich artistic and cultural heritage of India and Portugal, and feature vibrant folk attire from both countries: Rajasthan’s distinctive Kalbeliya costume, and the traditional Viana do Castelo dress from Portugal. (Source – Embassy of India, Lisbon, Portugal)
World Navkar Mahamantra Day 2025
Special Cover Released on the Occasion of World Navkar Mahamantra Day in Gujarat
On the occasion of World Navkar Mahamantra Day, a special cover was released by India Post.
The special cover was unveiled by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, during a ceremonial event organized by the Jain International Trade Organization (JITO) in Ahmedabad. The Chief Minister was presented with the first copy of the special cover at the event.
Picture postcard and Special Cancellation Released by Karnataka Circle
A special pictorial cancellation was released on at four philatelic bureaus across Karnataka Postal Circle along with a picture postcard released at Bengaluru GPO.
Legacy of Navkar Mahamantra Day: Navkar Mahamantra is one of the most sacred and powerful mantras in Jainism, offering universal peace and spiritual awakening. World Navkar Mahamantra Day is observed to spread the message of non-violence, harmony, and spiritual discipline that the mantra represents. The day brings together followers and spiritual leaders to honor the timeless wisdom and ethical teachings embedded in the mantra.
AIIMS Bhopal and India Post Host Special Program on Maternal & Child Health
On the occasion of World Health Day 2025, AIIMS Bhopal, in collaboration with India Post, Madhya Pradesh Circle, organized a special event themed “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Future” focusing on maternal and child health.
The event featured key addresses by medical experts and a presentation on bone health in children. A major highlight was the release of a Special Pictorial Cancellation by India Post to mark the occasion.
Shri Vineet Mathur, Chief Postmaster General, Madhya Pradesh Circle, emphasized the role of postal services in public awareness and community engagement. Shri Pawan Kumar Dalmia, Deputy Postmaster General (HQ), shared ongoing initiatives of India Post.
School students participated in a “Design a Stamp” competition, and winners were felicitated during the program.
Special Pictorial Cancellation Unveiled to Commemorate Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
The Cuttack City Postal Division in collaboration with the Cuttack Philately Bureau, organized a special event at the GPO premises to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre through the release of a special pictorial cancellation.Chief Secretary Shri Sahadev Sahu graced the occasion as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included Senior Postal Superintendent Shri Aparajit Patnaik, Senior Philatelist Shri Sakil Ahmed, Senior Postmaster Shri Asit Kumar Naik, and Philately Bureau Incharge Shri Baidyaraj Bhoi. The program was coordinated by Shri Devendra Kumar Sahu, Postal Assistant, and Shri Trilochan Barik, Accountant of Cuttack Postal Division.
Shri Ajit Kumar Raut played a key role in the conceptualization and development of the pictorial cancellation. The event witnessed the participation of philatelists from across Odisha, along with staff members of the Cuttack GPO.The vote of thanks was delivered by Senior Postmaster Shri Asit Kumar Naik.
Honouring India’s Heritage: Special Picture Postcards and Philatelic Souvenirs Released at Red Fort
In a remarkable celebration of India’s rich cultural tapestry, the Department of Posts marked the eve of World Heritage Day with the release of a special set of picture postcards and philatelic souvenirs. The ceremony was held on 17.04.2025 at the Philatelic Gallery within the Red Fort premises, one of India’s prominent UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The release was led by Ms. Vandita Kaul, Secretary (Posts), and Mr. Jitendra Gupta, Director General, Postal Services, as a tribute to the nation’s enduring legacy. The event highlighted India Post’s continued commitment to preserving and promoting heritage through philately.
Also present at the occasion were Ms. Veena R. Srinivas, Member (Infrastructure), Mr. Niraj Kumar, Member (Service Quality and Marketing), and Col. Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Post Master General. Their presence further underscored the significance of the release and the role of philately in storytelling and cultural preservation.
The newly released postcards feature iconic heritage structures and monuments, serving as a visual journey through India’s architectural and cultural marvels. These collectibles are expected to resonate with philatelists and heritage enthusiasts alike, making them a prized addition to any collection.
Commemoration of World Heritage Day at different parts of the Country
Although World Heritage Day this year fell on a holiday i.e. 18.04.2025, many post offices across the country observed it by releasing special pictorial cancellations.
Odisha Postal Circle
A special pictorial cancellation was released by the Odisha Postal Circle at Konark Sub Office to commemorate the day. Konark’s Sun Temple, declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1984, was featured in the cancellation with the temple and its iconic wheel, making it a fitting tribute.
During the release function, philatelists Mr. Shanti Swarup Rath and Mr. Ajit Kumar Raut, along with officials from the Department of Posts, were present.
Maharashtra Postal Circle
The Maharashtra Postal Circle released two special cancellations highlighting the architectural marvels of stepwells. These cancellations were issued at Nashik and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, respectively.
Naitale Stepwell at Nashik and Shivalaya Trith Stepwell at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar showcase the rich cultural heritage and engineering brilliance of our ancient structures.
Madhya Pradesh Postal Circle
A special pictorial cancellation was released by the Madhya Pradesh Postal Circle to mark World Heritage Day.
The cancellation was unveiled in the presence of Shri Vineet Mathur, Chief Postmaster General, Madhya Pradesh Circle.
The cancellation features Gauhar Mahal. Gauhar Mahal, an architectural gem in Bhopal, was built in 1820 by Qudsia Begum, the first female ruler of the city. This historic palace blends Mughal and Hindu architectural styles, showcasing intricate designs and cultural heritage. Now a heritage site, it hosts cultural events, preserving Bhopal’s royal legacy.
Release of Permanent Pictorial Cancellation at Nannaj S.O. on the Great Indian Bustard
On 22nd April, 2025, during the occasion of Earth Day, Shri Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, released a Permanent Pictorial Cancellation featuring the Great Indian Bustard, along with two special postcards showcasing this magnificent species at Nannaj SO.
The event was held in the presence of Shri Kishor Chandak, prominent philatelist, and Shri Dabhade, Forest Officer, Nannaj.
On this occasion, a set of two postcards released on the Great Indian Bustard.
World Earth Day 2025 Celebration
On April 22, 2025, during the celebration of World Earth Day, numerous post offices across the country released various philatelic materials and accessories to commemorate the occasion.
Chhattisgarh Postal Circle
The Chhattisgarh Postal Circle released a special pictorial cancellation and a picture postcard to mark Earth Day 2025. (Source – Twitter)
Madhya Pradesh Circle
The Madhya Pradesh Postal Circle released a special pictorial cancellation at Bhopal GPO to commemorate World Heritage Day.
Karnataka Postal Circle
A special pictorial cancellation was released at all four philatelic bureaus across the Karnataka Postal Circle to celebrate World Earth Day 2025.
New Delhi
The Department of Posts celebrated Earth Day 2025 at the National Philatelic Museum in New Delhi by releasing a vibrant set of picture postcards and special cancellations, led by Ms. Vandita Kaul, Secretary (Posts). (Source – Twitter)
North-East Postal Circle
The North-East Postal Circle released a special pictorial cancellation and a set of eight picture postcards at Shillong GPO to mark World Heritage Day. (Source – Twitter)
Odisha Postal Circle
A special pictorial cancellation was released at Balasore Head Post Office to commemorate World Earth Day, in the presence of philatelists Shakil Ahmed and Ajit Kumar Rout, the Superintendent of Post Offices, Balasore Division, and more than 100 attendees. (Source – Twitter)
Tamil Nadu Postal Circle
A bookmark and a green-colored special pictorial cancellation were released at Anna Road HPO to commemorate World Heritage Day.
Uttar Pradesh Postal Circle
To celebrate Earth Day 2025, two special pictorial cancellations were released at Lucknow and Bareilly under the Uttar Pradesh Postal Circle.
To see all the special pictorial cancellations released in 2025 by Department of Posts, visit Special Pictorial Cancellations of India – 2025.
Special Cover Released to Commemorate 60th anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s speech on Integral Humanism
On April 22, 2025, Shri Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General of the Maharashtra Circle, released a special cover with a special cancellation to mark the 60th anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s speech on Integral Humanism, delivered at Ruia College, Matunga, Mumbai.
Special Cancellation Released to Commemorate National Panchayati Raj Day
A special pictorial cancellation was released on April 24, 2025 at all four philatelic bureaus across the Karnataka Postal Circle to commemorate National Panchayati Raj Day 2025. (Source – Twitter)
Maharashtra Postal Circle Commemorates International Delegate’s Day with Special Cancellation
On April 25, 2025, the Maharashtra Postal Circle released a special cancellation at all its philatelic bureaus to mark International Delegate’s Day. This release celebrates significant contributions of delegates to global diplomacy. (Source – Twitter)
International Delegate’s Day, observed annually on April 25, recognizes the vital role of delegates representing their nations at the United Nations (UN). It commemorates the historic San Francisco Conference of 1945, where delegates from 50 countries laid the foundation for the UN Charter, emphasizing their role in fostering international cooperation and addressing global challenges.
Release of Special Cancellation on Arts & Crafts of Telangana Tribes
A special cover and pictorial cancellation released by Telangana Postal Circle on Arts & Crafts of Telangana Tribes featuring Lambadi embroidery, Dokra metal craft, paintings, miniature wooden masks & bamboo crafts.
The Special Cover is released by Smt. Veena R. Srinivas, Member(Infrastructure), Postal Services Board. (Source – Twitter)
Meter Franking on Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
India is observing birth centenary of three-time Prime Minister of India and one of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s founding stalwarts, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. To commemorate this occasion, many postal circle have issued meter franking with a pictorial image of Atalji. The above cover was sent from Anna Road HPO, Chennai, Tamil Nadu through registered mail.
Meter Franking on Sardar Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
India started celebrating Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary on October 23, 2024. As Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on that day, it’s going to be a two-year festival across India, which will strengthen our ‘Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat’ vibe. Many postal circles released meter franking cancellations with Sardarji’s image to commemorate this occasion. This cover was posted from Vadodara through registered mail with commemorative meter franking cancellation.
Signed, Stamped & Sent
Here in this section, I am going to share a cover every month and will try my best to share details about the cover or the stamp used. as per my experience and knowledge.
This cover was sent from Algeria with the stamp title “with Gaza”. This stamp was issued on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2024 which falls on 29th November. It shows a child wearing a keffiyeh, symbolizing Palestinian identity. The kid stands strong in front of a wrecked building, showing hope despite destruction. This stamp screams solidarity, rejecting violence and honoring Gaza’s resilience. It’s a nod to the fight for freedom.
Now let’s discuss some important factors and the reason behind releasing this stamp. The 27th session of the Council of Arab Ministers of Communications and Information happened on January 18, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, UAE. During this meeting it was proposed to release a common stamp to show Arab solidarity with the Palestinian cause. It was decided to release the stamp on 29th of November, 2024 on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Syria issued the first stamp on October 7, 2024. Jordan and Qatar released stamps on November 28, 2024. Algeria, Morocco, Oman, and Tunisia issued stamps on the planned date (November 29, 2024).
The stamp design was selected from a competition among Arab countries. The selected design was the entry from the Jordan’s postal administration. The design features a gap of hope, a Palestinian flag, and doves amid Gaza’s destruction. For details information about these stamps, please visit Solidarity with Gaza stamps.
Philatelic Whispers
The old wooden almirah was smelling dusty and old memories. While going through her late grandfather’s belongings, Niki found a stack of leather bound album. She cleared the dust on one and opened it. Inside the album beatutiful stamps were neatly arranged in rows, looking like small windows to distant lands.
This remembered how her grandfather used to spend hours and hours with these albums. That evening, the room was all warm and golden as the sun started to dip. The stamps were amazing-an elephant from India, a calm fjord from Norway, a scientist from France. Some had her grandpa’s hindwritten notes next to them: “Paris, 1972” or “From a friend in Argentina.” Each one of those stamps felt like a piece of his life.
She became curious. She borrowed some books on philately from the nearest library. She spent the whole night reading about the history of philately and stamp designs. The more she read, the more she got attracted to it. These were the stories about places, events and her grandfather’s interests.
One rainy day, she found a stamp, which stopped her breath – a Greek stamp, featuring a sunset scene of a place near Athens. Next to it, her grandfather’s handwritten note: “For Niki, to remind her about our dream to visit Athens.” Her eyes filled with tears. She remembered it. They dreamt about visiting Athens when she was in school. But that never happened. Holding those stamps, it felt like as if he was with her. Those stamps were there to keep the dream alive.
Then slowly those albums became her safe place. Whenever she wanted to get rid of the chaotic world for some time, she used to take one of the albums out. And sitting near her study table, she tried to feel the edges of each stamp, admiring little piece of arts, history and culture of a different country. She started adding more stamos to the collection, which was a tribute to her grandfather and a way to feel inner peace.
In those silent moments, when Niki opens the album, she finds something special. It was beyond any loss and a peace which settled in her heart.
That wraps up this month’s journey through the world of philately!
I’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions, or stories from your own collection. Feel free to drop a comment below or send me a letter or email.
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Until next time, keep collecting and stay stamped with curiosity!
Excellent presentation. Every thing you have covered. Hope your literature journey will continue. Please also share 2 pages in each issue of The Fila Capsule