Sujatha High School

A special cover was released to celebrate the Golden Jubilee year of Sujatha High School on 9th January 2016 at Hyderabad.

Cover Code:AP-01/2016
Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

World Thinker's and Writer's Peace Meet.

A special cover was released on 27th December 2015 at Kolkata during the World Thinker's and Writer's Peace Meet.

Cover Code: WB/17/2015
Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, thiruvananthapuram.

The 150th Birth Anniversary of Patriarch Tikhon

Russia Post issued a stamp on 5th November 2015 to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Patriarch Tikhon decepting his portrait with churches in the background.

Tikhon (born Vasily Ivanovich Bellavin) was the first Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia after the Russian Patriarchate was reinstated (1917-1925).

Uprising in the Sobibor Death Camp

Russia Post released a stamp on 30th October 2015 decimating  the monument, which is a figure of a woman with a child at the site of the former Nazi camp “Sobibor”

Sobibór was one of the largest extermination camps located in occupied Poland during the Great Patriotic War.The camp was the site of a mass uprising organized by Lt. Alexander Pechersky, a Soviet POW, on 14 October 1943. However, only 13 prisoners succeeded in crossing the fence and managed to join up with the partisans. Shortly after the revolt was crushed, the Germans closed Sobibór, destroyed all buildings and and planted the site over with trees.

Lucknow Book fair.

A special cover was released on 21st December 2015 during the Lucknow Book fair which was conducted at Lucknow from 17th to 27th December 2015.

Cover Code: UP/18/2015
Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Disaster Reduction

Russia Post issued a stamp on 28th October 2015 to celebrate Disaster Reduction day. The stamp depicts mobile alert systems like: car, boat, and a megaphone.

UN General Assembly decided to designate October 13 as the date of the International Day for Disaster Reduction with the purpose toraise awareness about what steps people take to reduce the risk of disasters.

In many parts of the world such natural hazards as earthquakes, floods, landslides, drought, fires, etc., entail a significant loss of life and destruction of economic and social infrastructure, a negative impact on the ecosystem.

Currently, there are tremendous opportunities to reduce risks at the expense of measures for disaster prevention and mitigation. Many of them are based on modern technology of forecasting and involve the development of early warning systems and alert.

Metro Railway Kolkata

A special cover was released on 20th November 2015 at Kolkata on the occasion of 31 glorious years of service of Metro Railway in Kolkata. A philatelic exhibition was also held on Metro Railway.  

Kolkata metro is the first underground metro Railway, which runs on a stretch of 27,223 kms through the busy North-South axis.  "India's first - Kolkata's pride" extends from Noapara station near Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International airport, Kolkata to Kavi Subhash station near Garia and has been serving the City of Joy  since 24th October 1984.

Cover Code:WB/16/2015

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Indian Institute of Architect.

A special cover was released on 18th December 2015 at Kolkata on the West Bengal chapter of Indian Institute of Architect.

Cover Code: WB/18/2015
Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

International Year of Light

A special cover was released to mark the International Year of Light on 3rd December 2015 at Indore.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Mother of Freedom

A special cover was released on 08th January 2016 on Rajmata Jijaau at Pune.

Cover Code: MH/03/2016
Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

The Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora

On 23rd October 2015 Russia Post released a souvenir sheet on the  Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora.

Russia - Mexico Joint Issue.

 Russia Post issued a set of 2 stamps on 19th October 2015 to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the 2 countries. Mexican-Russian diplomatic relationship was established in 1890. Mexico is one of the key Latin American partners of Russia not only in regional but also in international affairs. Long-standing relations of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation underlie the dynamic bilateral interaction.

The Peter and Paul Fortress is a historical, military and engineering monument of St Petersburg. Its foundation stone was laid on a small Zayachy (Hare) Island by the north bank of the Neva River in May 1703. The Fortress is an architectural complex designed by Joseph-Gaspard Lambert de Guerin. The Peter and Paul Cathedral, the Boathouse, the Artillery Storeroom, the Mint, the Governor’s house, the Engineers’ house, the Guardhouse etc. were built during 18th – 19th centuries.

Chapultepec Castle was founded in 1785 at the initiative of Viceroy Bernardo de Gálvez. Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico began to use the castle as his country seat chose in 1864. He hired several European and Mexican architects to replan and design the building in a neoclassical style. A garden was laid out on the castle’s roof. A straight boulevard now known as Paseo de la Reforma was constructed to connect the castle with the center of Mexico City. Later, an astronomical observatory was established at the castle. It was used as a presidential residence up to 1939. Chapultepec Castle is currently run by the National Museum of History.

Jodhapex 2015

Two special covers were released during Jodhapex 2015 held at Jodhpur.

Cover on the State tree of Rajasthan - Khejri on 7th December 2015.

Blue City Jodhpur - Cover released on 8th December 2015 on the marvellus Scene of blue coloured House from the Internal Vallum of Jodhpur City. Cancellation depicts Logo of skylight of Jodhpur Fort.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

MGM School Bhilai.

A Special Cover was released to mark the Golden Jubilee Year of MGM School on 29th October 2015 at Bhilai.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

 

Kerapex - 2016 - Special Covers - 3

SAVE ELEPHANT - SAVE CULTURE

 Save elephants, and then you save the forest - and then you save yourself.

Cover Code:  KL-07/2016

LAMPS - LALOOR MODEL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROJECT

Due to Urbanization and rapid population growth Muncipal Solid Waste Management has been acute in India.  LAMPS,  is a joint venture of Kerala Agricultural University and Thrissur corporation for solid waste management.  Under this project, it is proposed to implement solid waste management project by giving awareness to local people.

 

Cover Code: KL-08/2016 

Kerapex - 2016 - Special Covers - 2

ARATTUPUZHA POORAM

Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple, one of the ancient temples of Kerala,is situated at 15 km away from Thrissur town. The Pooram Festival which is going to be conducted on 21-3-2016 is the 1434th one. Koothiezhunellippu ( Devasangamam ) is an important function of this festival with a spread of 70 to 80 elephants.  It is believed that Lord Vishnu flanked by Bhoomidevi and Lakshmi Devi reach the field to bless the lord and devotees. The believers treat this as Vaikunta Darshanam.

Cover Code: KL-04/2016

MUZIRIS HERITAGE PROJECT - CHERMAN JUMA MASJID

The significance of Cheraman Juma Mazjid  in the Muziris heritage project lies in the fact that it is the first Mosque in India, it stands in the district of Thrissur, Kerala.  on the Paravoor -Kodungalloor Road.  It was built in 629 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar.Kunjikkuttan Thampuran who is known as Kerala Vyasa has expressed the view that this was an ancient Budha Vihar that was gifted to the Muslims for the construction of a Mosque.  The oral tradition is that Cheraman Perumal, the Chera King, went to Arabia where he met the Prophet and embraced  Islam.  From there he had sent letters with Malik Ibn Dinar to his relatives in Kerala, asking them to be courteous to the later.  The Masjid is believed to have been renovated in the 11th Century and also 300 years ago.  The front portion was expanded in 1974 and further expanded it in 1984.  The older part of the Mosque including the Sanctum Sanctorum is left untouched and is still preserved.

Cover Code: KL-05/2016

ST. JOSEPH PONTIFICIAL SEMINARY, CARMELERI, ALWAYE

 St. Joseph Pontifical Seminary, Carmelgiri, Alwaye belonging to the Latin Catholic Church is an heir to the history of over three centuries of priestly formations in Kerala.  Its beginning was in 1682at Verapoly.  Students from different  parts of India are trained here to become committed and enlightened priests, disciples of Christ, to build up the Kingdom of God, a just, humane, secular and free society.Besides the bachelor's courses in Philosophy and  Theology post graduation and doctoral degrees are also offered here.

Cover Code: KL-06/2016

 Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

All-Russian Society for Protection of Monuments of History and Culture

A commemorative stamps was released by Russian port on 14th October 2015 to celebrate the 50th Foundation Anniversary of All-Russian Society for Protection of Monuments of History and Culture.

Dr. Veerendra Heggade.

A special cover was issued at  Dharwad on 6th January 2016 on Kshetradhikari of Shri Kshetra Dharmsthala Pujya Dr. Veerendra Heggade by Defence Minister of India Shri Manohar Parrikar in the presence of PMG Shri B. P. Sarangi. 

The occasion was to honour Pujya Veerendra Heggade on facilitation of Padmavibhushan. Function was jointly organized by Lions Club Hubli Pariwar and Sanskar School Hubli. Lions President Mahaveer Kundur was instrumental in release of this special cover. 

Kerapex-2016 Special Covers - 1

13TH KERALA STATE LEVEL PHILATELIC EXHIBITION was Inaugurated by Hon. Minister for Co-operation, Khadi and Village Industries, Govt. of Kerala Sri C. N. Balakrishnan at Sree Sankara Hall, M. G. Road, Trichur on 7th January 2016.

Post Master General, Central Region, Kerala Smt. Sumathi Ravichandran released thee special covers on 7th January 2015in presence of the Hon. Minister for Co-operation, Khadi and Village Industries, Govt. of Kerala.

THRISSUR DISTRICT CO-OPERATIVE BANK - First District Bank in India Providing Rupay e-commerce facility.

Cover Code: KL/01/2016

DIAMOND JUBIKLEE CELEBRATION OF COLLEGE OF VETERINARY & ANIMAL
SCIENCES, MANNUTHY, TRICHUR - The first Veterinary College of state of Travancore - Cochin.

 Cover Code: KL/02/2016

KERALA INSTITUTE OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATION - An autonomous institution under the Ministry of Local Self Government,Govt. of Kerala, is the nodal agency for training research and consultancy for local self-governent institutions in Kerala.

 Cover Code: KL/03/2016

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.
 

Jagadguru Jayavibhava Educational Society.

A special cover was released to celebrate the golden jubilee of  Jagadguru Jayavibhava Educational Society, Davangere on 11th December 2015.

Cover Code: KTK/53/2015

Shackleton’s epic Antarctic voyage.

Royal mail issued a set of stamps on 7th January 2015, a memorial to Shackleton’s epic Antarctic voyage 100 years ago to get help for his stranded crew. 

Shackleton has become a model for British leadership largely because of his achievement in keeping his team together during a near two-year ordeal in the Antarctic after their mission to traverse the continent went awry.

The expedition began in August 1914, but by January 1915 their ship, Endurance, had become stuck in sea ice and eventually sank, leaving the crew stranded for months until they were able to reach the uninhabited Elephant Island.

Along with six companions, Shackleton then braved a voyage of 720 nautical miles in an open boat to the whaling stations of South Georgia to get help for his crew. They were finally rescued in August 1916.

5th Paryaya of Sri Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji.

A special cover was released on 4th January 2016 to commemorate 5th Paryaya of Sri Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji. who ascended the peetha in 1952, 1968, 1984, 2000 and now in 2016.

Cover Code: KTK/01/2016

Kerapex - 2016

Jainism Philately Group Meet.

Second Jainism Philately Group Meet was organized at the City of Lakes Udaipur on 19th & 20th Dec. 2015 with many attractive programmes. Total 121 parsons attended this meet from various States of India.

 Jainism Philately Group (JPG) is an organization of Philatelists collecting Jainism and allied themes like Non-violence, Vegetarianism, Peace etc. This JPG Meet was hosted by Udaipur Philatelic & Numismatic Society. On 19th December 2015 in the day time all the delegates visited famous tourist places of Udaipur by double Decker buses. In the night beautiful cultural programme of Rajsthani Folk dances and entertaining magic show was organized which was inaugurated by JPG National Chairman Mr. Sudhir Jain.

 Second day on 20th December 2015 morning Meet was started at well decorated lecture hall of Shri JIndatt Suri Jain Dadawadi with the Mangalacharan of Mrs. Rashmi Jain. Meet was presided by National Chairman Mr. Sudhir Jain (Satna) and conducted by Mr. Paras Kothari (Udaipur). Organizing Vice President  Mr. Mahendra Raj Bhandari given welcome speech.

 Mr. Sudhir Jain informed that our membership has reached upto 271 and during last one year 13 special covers have been issued related to Jainism. Five JPG members elected in the Governing Council of PCI and 13 members won Gold to Bronze medals on their exhibits on Jainism theme in different State and District level Philatelic exhibitions. New issue service of Jainism related stamps / covers / cancellations is very popular among members.

 Mr. Mithalal Jain (Pune), Mr. Suresh Kumar Jain (Ludhiana), Mrs. Meena Mutha (Mumbai), Mr. Shantilal Hiran (Nasik), Mr. Vikas Jain (Ajmer), Mr. Rajendra Shah (Pune), Mr. B. R. Mehta (Udaipur), etc. given various suggessions. Senior Philatelist Mr. J. M. Dhor (Jaipur), Mr. Mahavir Kundur (Hubli), Mr. Rajesh Pahariya (Jaipur), Mr. Gaurav Sanghvi (Udaipur), Mr. Anil Kumar Jain (Ajmer), Mr. Prakash Choksi, Mr. Mahendra Raj Bhandari, Dr. Shyam Kumawat, Mr. Paras Kothari etc. were honoured for their various achievements.

A stamp Booklet  was also released on this occasion bearing mystamp of JPG mono.

Following office bearers elected unanimously for the new session –

National Chairman : Mr. Sudhir Jain (Satna, M.P.)

Vice Chairman : Mr. Pramod Kumar Jain (Pondicherry) & Dr. Pradip Jain (Balod, Chhattisgarh)

Secretary : Mr. Dipak Modi (Jalna, Maharastra) & Mr. Mithalal Jain (Pune)

New Issue Co-ordinator – Mr. Tejkaran Jain (Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh)

Research Co-ordinator : Mr. Mahendra Raj Bhandari (Udaipur)

Organizing  President Mr. Prakash Choksi gave the vote of thanks.

After lunch a Philatelic exhibition on Jainism theme and Philatelic workshop was also organized which was visited by large number of citizens.

A memorable kit was distributed to all the members which was bearing old postal stationery, presentation packs of Bhagwan Mahavir coin and Mahatma Gandhi coin, new 1/- and 10/- star notes, specially cancelled maxim cards, set of pictorial cancellations,  beautiful Rajsthani handicraft, writing material, gift packs etc.

Courtesy: Mr. Sudhir Jain.

Hot Air Balloon Carried Cover

A special cover which was carried by Hot Air balloon was released at Pollachi, Tamil Nadu on 3rd January 2016.

Courtesy: Kasinath R., Tanjavur.

Pride of Kullu - Dussehra - Beti Hai Anmol

Two special covers were released in two colours ( same cancellation) on the subject Pride of Kullu on 26th October 2015 at Kullu.

Cover Code: HP/06/2015

Cover Code; HP/07/2015

On 7th October 2014, during Kullu Dussehra 8640 women and men of Kullu performed historic "Natti Dance" which got successfully registered in LIMCA BOOK OF RECORDS as largest folk dance ever.  The event was nameas PRIDE OF KULLU base on theme BETI HAI ANMOL.

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

City of Derbent

A souvenir sheet was released by Russia Post to celebrate the 2000th Anniversary of Foundation of the City of Derbent on 2nd October 2015.

Tabo Monastry, Lahaul and Spiti.

A special cover was released on 11th October 2015 on the Tabo Monastry, Lahaul and Spiti at Tabo.

Tabo Monastry is situated at Tabo of Split Valley, district Lahaul & Spiti (HP) of 3200 meters altitude near the Tibet border.  The Monastry was founded in 006 AD by thw King of Guge Kingdom of Western Tibet Yeshe Od and great translator Ronchen Zengopo.  This has nine halls  where besides stucco images of Budha, there are well paintings depicting Bhuda's life and stories from the Jataka tales.  The Monastry because of its is known as the Ajanta of Himalayas.  Since its establishments Tabo Monastry has been a centre of Budhist philosophy and learning education .  In 1996 Tabo Monastry celebrate its Millennium celebration at International level.  In the year 2009 Kalachakra Stupe was consecrated for global peace by his holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet.

Cover Code:HP/03/2015 

Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Karnataka Philatelic Society (KPS) - 40th Anniversary

Karnataka Philatelic Society, Bengaluru 40th anniversary celebrations and a joint meeting with Royal Philatelic Society of London was held on 6th December 2015 at Meghdoot Hall, GPO, Bengaluru.

Karnataka Philatelic Society (KPS) was founded in 1975 in Bangalore by late Col. L. G. Shenoy and like minded senior philatelists. The KPS acts as a platform for philately in Karnataka especially in Bangalore. The key charter of the society is to promote philately as hobby starting from young kids to senior citizens.

To celebrate its 40th Anniversary Karnataka Philatelic Society organized a function at Meghdoot Auditorium, General Post Office Building, Rajbhavan Road, Bengaluru on 6th December 2015. On the occasion a Special Cover on 40 years of Karnataka Philatelic Society was released by Smt. Usha Chandrasekhar, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Postal Circle in presence of Shri Chaitanya Dev, President, Karnataka Philatelic Society and Shri Markand Dave, India Representative of Royal Philatelic Society

On the occasion renowned philatelist Dr. Sita Bhateja was awarded lifetime achievement award. Special edition of KarPhila Magazine was also released at the function,   Sri. Markand Dave handed over the first copy of KarPhila magazine to Mr Athani Mahalingeshwar, Senior Life Member of the Society.

After the function a joint meeting with Royal Philatelic Society of London was also organized. President KPS describes the significance of the joint meeting and announces Sri Y R Shah Memorial lecture by Mr Markand Dave, FRPSL.  Mr. Markand Dave delivers lecture on “2 Annas Green” after garlanding the photograph of Sri. Y R Shah

 During the joint meeting there were talks from the following:

 1.       Sri. Markand Dave, FRPSL – Two Annas Queen Victoria stamp

 2.       Sri. Thejus – Flora & Fauna (Youth philatelist talk)

 3.       Sri. Varaprasad – Tale of Mail

 4.       Ajay Padmanabhan – Cars

Function was well attended by a large number of members and philatelists.

Courtesy: Suresh Rao, Bengaluru.

Architectural Monuments of Capitals

A Joint stamp was issued by Russian Post on 2nd October 2015  of the RCC Member-Countries Communication Administrations on the subject Architectural   Monuments of Capitals depicting the House-Museum V. Vasnetsov.

Dharamshala Cricket Stadium

A special cover was released on Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, Himachal Pradesh on 2nd October 2015 at Dharamshala.

Cover Code: HP/05/2015
Courtesy: Sreejesh Krishnan, Thiruvananthapuram.

India Stamp release - 2015

* Note: Charka issue also had a MS. (omitted in my list above)

India Post, in the year 2015 had 30 stamp issues, with 9 miniature sheets.There were a few high priced stamp issues towards the end of the year. The 3rd Indo-Africa Forum Summit was of Rs.70/- also issued as limited issue Innovative sheet at Rs.200/-, which was available only at a few selected Bureaus and the one with a folder, which was available at e-post for Rs.300/-.