Fossils of the 'P'age

The world might have moved on to emails and e-cards, but few things can compare to the thrill of receiving a handwritten card or package in the mail.u00a0In keeping with this idea, the postal department and the Government of Maharashtra, in collaboration with the Philatelic Advisory Committee under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, has organised Mahapex 2012, a stamp exhibition.

Both rare and popular stamps will be on display, as well as activities to engage and entertain youngsters like quizzes and audio-visual presentations about available postal services.u00a0There are over 400 frames divided into various themes, with sections on Gandhiji, freedom fighters, Goa, flora and fauna, dog breeds, the architectural history of India, to name a few.u00a0

Detailed notes provide information about the significance of each stamp.u00a0"Stamps around the world portray a country's heritage, habitat, history, arts, literature and culture. They provide valuable historical documentation for future reference," says Colonel KC Mishra, VSM, Postmaster General, Pune Region.u00a0

"It is important for youngsters to look at the stamps on display and get a feel of our history," he says, adding that he hopes that people make the time to catch the last day of the exhibition.

On the occasion of the exhibition, there will be new stamps on display. These include special stamps on RK Laxman's cartoons, the Kass Plateau, Lavani dance, the sculpture of Saint Meerabai and Big foot Loutolim of Goa, which were released by cricketer Chandu Borde, Mohan Dharia, Chairman, Advisory Board Top Management Consortium and Sunil Kumar Misra, President, Society of Civil Servants of Pune.u00a0

Two interesting covers based on Ganjifa crafts and Bharat Ratna Maharshi Karve's Zopadi will be released at 11 am today, followed by a workshop and audio-visual presentation on Philately by philatelists CD Singh and Anjali Dutta at 1 pm and 4.15 pm, respectively.

"We might have grown up with letters, stamps and postcards, but all this is exciting for today's generation, as they are not familiar with these things," says RK Jayabhaye, Director Postal Services, Pune.u00a0

Visitors can also buy certain stamps at the booths.