Dear Comrades,
AHMEDABAD: Imagine the expression on the receivers when they see your
photograph on the postal stamp, perfect to the T with perforated border and
cancellation stamp. You can get them wondering how you joined the high and
mighty of the country like Mahatma
Gandhi and Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru who were immortalized on postal stamps.
My Stamp, a popular concept by India Post was introduced to the state by
Gujarat Postal Circle. It was introduced at INDIPEX 2011, the 6th World
Philatelic Exhibition at New Delhi in February. Citizens can now choose thematic
postal stamp sheets and personalize them with their photograph or photographs of
a local monument.
"My Stamp has been brought to the state to mark the Gujarat Philatelic
Exhibition (Gujpex) 2011 which will be held at Akota in Vadodara from December
23 to 25. Citizens can order their stamp sheets before the event and can avail
the stamps at the event or can book stamps at the event and can them later from
the General Post Office (GPO). The sheet will have 12 stamps bearing the
person's photograph or one of their choice," said Humera Ahmed, post master
general, Gujarat.
She added that citizens have also been given a choice of Gujarat's landmarks
that can be used as photographs. Some of the chosen monuments include Sabarmati
Ashram, Jami Mosque at Champaner, Derasars at Shetrunjay hill and Somnath
temple.
The stamp sheets also come in six themes - Panchtantra tales, Jungle lore, Taj Mahal, Flying
Machines, Trains and Sun signs. The user would have to choose a theme and
provide his or her photograph. After the order, the stamps will be printed at
government press in Nashik and delivered at respective postal circles.
Mainak Kathiara, president of Gujarat Philatelists' Association, told TOI
that it was a great opportunity for citizens to explore the wonderful world of
postal stamps. "In the digital era, few people are using the postal department's
services. However, such an initiative will connect the new generation to
philately. Many of our members have already ordered their own postal stamps.
After all, who doesn't want to feature on stamps?" he said.
Parth Shastri, TNN Dec
21, 2011, 05.14AM IST www.timesofindia.com
