Dear Comrades,
Department of Posts, India released a set of two stamps on Kiang of Ladakh and Ghor Khar of Kutch today. A formal function for release was organized in Srinagar GPO where Stamp and First Day Cover on Kiang of Ladakh was released by Shri John Samuel, Chief Postmaster General, J&K in presence of Shri Vinod Ranjan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K who was Chief Guest on the occasion.A mini Philatelic Exhibition was also held as part of the program.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri John Samuel said that this stamp on Kiang of Ladakh will generate wider interest on wildlife in Jammu & Kashmir. He said that Kiang or Tibetan Wild Ass is the largest of all the African and Asiatic wild asses. Its coat is reddish in summer to dark brown in winter with almost white underparts. Kiang is considered closer to a horse than ass due to its short ears, large tail tuft and broad hooves. Like all wild asses, Kiangs have short upright mane and a dark stripe along the back extending from nape to tail. The habitat of the Kiang extends from Tibet, some regions in China to east Ladakh and north Sikkim in India. Kiang is an agile animal and can run long ditstances at a speed of more than 50 kms per hour, Kiangs live in herds and feed upon sparsely growing sturdy grasses. He added that the Stamps are available in denomination of Rs. 20/- and Rs. 5/-. The stamps and First Day Cover will be available at Srinagar GPO and Gandhinagar HO for sale from today. Shri Samuel said that the Department will soon be issuing pictorial cancellation depicting Chinar with a view to promote the Cultural Heritage of Kashmir. Department of Posts, J&K Circle has been involved in social development of J&K state besides the economic development through Post Office services. Department of Post has been organizing Stamp Design Contest and Letter Writing Contest for school children. Department will be organizing ‘Srinagar Post Office Fest-2013’ in collaboration with SMC, Srinagar on the theme Clean Srinagar, Green Srinagar from 23-25 May which will include activities like Post Office Fun Run, Stamp Design Contest, Letter Writing Contest, Philatelic Exhibition and Quiz Competition, said Shri Samuel, Chief PMG.
Shri Vinod Ranjan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K while speaking on the occasion said that Department of Posts in recent times has been taking many steps to connect with the people and has been successful to maintain its relevance in present time through new and innovative services satisfying the changed needs of the people. He said that through the means of Philately, the rich flora and fauna of J&K can be brought to light. He added that J&K has a rich diversity of flora and fauna which needs to be preserved. He said that Department of Posts plays an important part in the conservation efforts by issuing Stamps and Postal Covers on these flora and fauna.
Shri R. K. Sharma, Assistant Director (Philately) welcomed the Guests on the occasion. [PIB]
