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Thursday 10 August 2017

554) The Brigade of the Guards: Commemorating the "XXV BIENNIAL CONFERENCE & XI REUNION-2016":   A Special Commemorative Cover brought out by 56 APO (Army Post Office) on 21.12.2016: 

554) The Brigade of the Guards: Commemorating the "XXV BIENNIAL CONFERENCE & XI REUNION-2016": A Special Commemorative Cover brought out by 56 APO (Army Post Office) on 21.12.2016: 



This Special Cover issued by the Army Post Office (APO) commemorates the XXV BIENNIAL CONFERENCE & 11TH REUNION - 2016" of the "BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS".

The Special Cover is titled "BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS" (in both Hindi and English).

The composite pictures on the left show  images of the Guardsmen in various positions - in their mechanised vehicles, on open land, driving through snow covered mountainous terrain, taking up an attack position behind a stony outcrop and marching during a parade.


Below these pictures, there is an inscription "25van Dwivarshik Sammelan Evam 11van Punarmilan - 2016" (in Hindi) and "XXV BIENNIAL CONFERENCE & XI REUNION-2016" (in English).


The "100 years of Airmail" postage stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/-  issued by India Post in 2011 which traces the route taken by the flight carrying the first airmail from Allahabad to Naini, has been cancelled with a hand-stamp inscribed BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS" (in both Hindi and English) and "25van Dwivarshik Sammelan Evam 11van Punarmilan - 2016" (in Hindi) and "XXV BIENNIAL CONFERENCE & XI REUNION-2016" (in English) in the inner circle.

The Hand-stamp bears in the centre the insignia/crest of the "BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS" - "GARUDA" which is a mythical bird symbolising invulnerability, immortality, elegance, strength, courage and vitality. The GARUDA aptly encompasses the strengths and the indomitable fighting spirit of the Guardsmen.

 
The cancellation is marked "C/O 56 APO" and is dated "21.12.2016".

The Back of the Special Cover shows the logo the Army Post Office (APO). On the top is mentioned "Mail Milap" (meaning "meeting or joining through post/mail"). A stork traditionally symbolising "delivery" carries the mail for delivery.

The Information Brochure issued together with the Special Cover by the 56 APO is titled "BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS" (in both Hindi and English).

Below the title is the insignia/crest of the "BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS" - "GARUDA" which is a mythical bird symbolising invulnerability, immortality, elegance, strength, courage and vitality. The GARUDA aptly encompasses the strengths and the indomitable fighting spirit of the Guardsmen.

Below the insignia is a red over yellow hackle (which is usually a clipped feather plume that is attached to a military headdress. The hackle shows several warrior's plume covered helmets forming a laurel wreath, at the base of which is a "lemniscate" (a tied ribbon), which is a symbol of infinity symbolising that the Brigade of the Guards will be serving the country's defence needs in perpetuity.

Further below is a scroll on which is inscribed "BRIGADE OF THE GUARDS".

The next inscription is the Brigade's motto "Pahla Hamesha Pahla" (meaning "Ahead always Ahead" or "First always First", (never heard of second).

A Brief history of the "Brigade of the Guards":

The Brigade of The Guards, raised in 1949, is modelled on the British Regiment of the Guards and has imbibed characteristics and traditions of both British (particularly, the "Coldstream Guards" of the British Guards Division founded in Scotland in 1650) and Napoleon's Imperial Guards, which are shared by elite Guards units across the world.

The Brigade of The Guards is the senior-most Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army and has built up an enviable reputation and earned laurels on the battle-field, in drills, shooting, sports and mountaineering etc.

It was the brain-child of Field Marshal K.M.Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. He raised the Guards and coined the phrase "The Guards, The Elite".

The President of India is the Honorary Colonel-in-Chief and the Chief of Army Staff is the Colonel-in-Chief.

The Brigade of the Guards has always remained the coveted posting for young infantry officers graduating out of the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun or the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune which is a Joint Services Academy (JSA).

It was raised with three senior-most and most distinguished Infantry Battalions of the Indian Army i.e. 2nd Battalion The Punjab Regiment, 1st Battalion Indian Grenadiers and 1st Battalion 6th Rajputana Rifles which got merged as Guards Battalions in 1949.

The composition of personnel of the Brigade of The Guards is universal and truly secular i.e. it comprises men from all regions, castes, creeds and sections of society.

The Regimental Centre, initially established at KOTA in June 1956, relocated to Kamptee in 1976, is presently one of the finest Infantry Regimental Centres.

The Brigade of The Guards is currently comprised of:

21 Mechanised Infantry Battalions/Units, 1 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion (21 RR) and 2 Infantry Territorial Army Battalions (117 & 125 Inf Bn TA).

The Brigade of The Guards was originally raised as "Foot Guards". They are now an elite Mechanised Infantry Regiment and now form the "Mechanised Infantry Arm of the Indian Armed forces along with the Armoured Corps). The majority of the 21 Battalions operate in reconnaissance and support roles to the Border Force,  two are equipped as Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) Battalions while the TA Battalions remain as Infantry units:

A Mechanised Infantry is equipped with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) or Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) for transport and combat. Mechanised Infantry is distinguished from Motorised Infantry in that its vehicles provide a degree of protection from hostile fire, as opposed to soft-skinned" wheeled vehicles (trucks or jeeps) for Motorised Infantry.) 

The Regiment has proven it's mettle in all the wars inflicted upon the country in different terrains, Counter-Insurgency (CI) Operations in J & K, North-East and also participated in UN Peace-keeping Missions in Gaza and Angola. It participated with great distinction in the Goa Liberation (1961), Indo-China War (1962), Bangladesh Liberation War (1971), Operation Blue Star (1984), IPKF, Sri Lanka (1987-1990).

Honours and Awards:

The valiant Guardsmen have been decorated with 2 Param Vir Chakras, 2 Ashok Chakras, 1 Padma Bhushan, 8 Param Vishisht Seva Medals,  6 Maha Vir Chakras, 4 Kirti Chakras, 46 Vir Chakras, 18 Shaurya Chakras, 77 Sens Medals, 10 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 3 Yudh Seva Medals, 45 Mention-in-Despatches, 151 Chief Of Army Staff's (COAS) Commendation Cards and 79 General Officer Commanding-in-Chief's  Commendation Cards among other honours.

In the Indo-Pak War of 1971, all battalions of the Brigade raised till then, wrote history with "BLOOD & GUTS"  earning an enviable number of Battle Honours which prompted Shri V.V.Giri, the then President of India to comment at the time of the Presentation of Colours       to these Battalions in 1973 - "Since independence, no war or action has been fought without THE GUARDS having taken part in it........ The GUARDS have made it their motto 'Pahla Hamesha Pahla' ".

Although the Brigade of the Guards is only 68 years old, its constituent Battalions go back as far as 225 years and between them share 93 Battle Honours earned around the globe.

The Regiment has distinguished itself by being awarded the most number of  Battle Honours after India's Independence".  Nine Battle Honours have been won by the Guardsmen: Akhaura, Burki, Gadra Road, Hilli, Naushera, Gurais, Shingo River Valley, Sylhet and Ganga Sagar.

The Regimental Honour Roll bears testimony to the gallantry, sacrifice and devotion to duty of all Guardsmen.

The brigade has won Best Marching Contingent Trophy at the Republic Day Parade seven times, the highest for any Regiment of the Indian Armed Forces.

The Regiment has excelled in the field of sports, as well especially in shooting, horse-riding etc.
The Insignia/Crest: Garuda, the insignia or badge of the Brigade is a mythological bird/Eagle mount of the Hindu God Vishnu, symbolising invulnerability, immortality, elegance, strength, courage and vitality. The GARUDA aptly encompasses the strengths and the indomitable fighting spirit of the Guardsmen.

The Motto of The Guards: "Pahla Hamesha Pahla" (meaning "First Always First" - never heard of Second - or "Ahead Always Ahead").

The War Cry of the Guards: "Garud Hun Bol Pyare" (meaning "I am from the Guards, Say O my friend").

Hackle: Red over Yellow. (A Hackle is a clipped feather plume that is attached to a military head-dress. The Brigade of The Guards follows the tradition of some of the  British Army Infantry Regiments and those with Scottish and Northern Irish origins. (Only a few select Infantry regiments in the Indian Army wear a hackle, apart from The Brigade of the Guards. For example - The Grenadiers (white), the Kumaon Regiment (Green), Mahar Regiment (Dull Cherry), Maratha Light Infantry (Red over Green), Naga Regiment (Orange), Rajput Regiment (Maroon over red).

This Special Cover has been issued by the 56 Army Post Office, to commemorate the tradition of the Regiment hosting a Biennial Conference & Reunion every four years to strengthen the bonds between the serving and the Veteran Guardsmen, who have both played a pivotal role in shaping the history and traditions of the Brigade of The Guards. 

Personal Recollections:

This post would not be complete without recalling the contributions of my uncle Late Col. Vinod Kumar Gupta, to the Nation's defence in all the wars till the time of his retirement in the 1980s,  as one of the finest officers who served in the best traditions of the Brigade of the Guards in two Guards Battalions - 5 Guards (Highlanders & Reconnaissance and Support Battalion) and later was one of the officers tasked with  raising of and  assigned to 9 Guards (which too was a Highlanders Battalion).

When he had graduated from the Indian Military academy, my aunt Late Dr. Indira Gupta who was living in London had presented him with a blue badge beret of the British Regiment of the Guards as a memento and a reminder of the heritage of the Guards Regiment.

He was in the frontlines in the Goa Liberation War (1961). I remember that he had brought back several Portuguese flags as souvenirs when he came back from the Operation.

During the Indo-China War (1962), 5 Guards was part of the 48 Brigade posted at Bomdi La in North Eastern Frontier Agency (NEFA). This Battalion was undergoing jungle training at Dehradun, when it was deployed to NEFA in October 1962.

The Chinese attacks were so intense that the 7th Infantry Brigade collapsed at Che Dong and after the fall of Tawang, the 4th Infantry Division was consolidating its position at Se La-Bomdi La Axis. The Divisional Headquarters was based at Dirang Dzong, halfway between Se La and Bomdi La and the only way that the Chinese could bypass Se La  and attack Dirang Dzong was by taking the Bailey Trail via Poshing La which was a track from the Tibetan border that cut Se La -Bomdi La road at Thembang between Dirang Dzong and Bomdi La.

To secure this possible ingress route, the Battalion consolidated its position at Thembang, while two Companies took up positions at different points to cut off the Chinese advance.

The scouting platoons met with stiff resistance, so much so, that  a platoon of 5 Guards comprising 24 men was ambushed by the Chinese and only four returned back to their own lines.

A second reconnaissance platoon of 19 men under my uncle reached a hillock, when he suddenly came face to face with a young Chinese officer coming from the other side, probably leading a platoon, out scouting for Indian troop positions. Both froze in their tracks but my uncle fired first. This was the first time he had ever shot at a human being. He  immediately rushed to provide medical aid to his fallen adversary, if he was still alive, when a senior soldier in the platoon, pulled him back shouting for him to take cover as the entire position was immediately overrun by an overwhelming number of Chinese soldiers.

The platoon somehow managed to fall back, without any casualties, but fell way behind enemy lines. They were reported as "missing but not lost" by the main body of the Battalion for around two weeks. The Platoon somehow managed to reach a river,  but two men got washed away with the swift cold current. Somehow, the other 17 men crossed the river and made it back to their own lines, much to the jubilation of the Battalion positioned at Thembang.

On 18th November, the Chinese, with their numerical superiority, advanced after capturing Poshing La from a Company of 5 Guards and faced severe opposition from the main force of 5 Guards who used mortar and machine gun fire to break the Chinese attacks. When they ran out of ammunition, the Guards true to their motto, fixed bayonets and charged at the enemy to stave off another attack. Due to the numerical superiority of the Chinese and lack of ammunition, the Battalion was given the order to withdraw which they did under cover of darkness.

Even today, while travelling to Se La from Bomdi La, one can see a monument erected to the 78 Guardsmen (with 30 missing, probably scouting patrols) who made the supreme sacrifice at Thembang.



I was only seven years old, when the Indo-Pak War of 1965 broke out:

 During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, in September 1965, 5 Guards again as part of the 48 Brigade which was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, was deployed along the Barki Axis. 5 Guards objective was to capture Barki , with the auxiliary target of capturing Nurpur village, both of which it captured, driving off the enemy. 

 He was deployed in the Western Sector in some of the areas that saw the fiercest land battles for occupation and control of Enemy territory, particularly the Icchogil canal. 


If I remember correctly, his Battalion, 5 Guards, (Brigade of the Guards), had to cross the canal in portable canoes/boats which came under heavy fire from the enemy entrenched on the far side – a battle reminiscent of the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy, France. His men managed to survive the devastating enemy fire and landed on the other side where the Indian troops already in battle were pinned down,having lost several of their officers.

My uncle took charge of the Indian troops on the ground and after several fierce skirmishes, including hand to hand battles and silencing enemy machine-gun nests, the Indian troops controlled the area.


They held the captured area along the Icchogil Bund and succeeded in repulsing massive onslaughts from the enemy troops to recapture the area. Thereafter, 5 Guards went on to capture Barki village deep in Pakistani territory just 4/5 kilometres from Lahore, when the cease-fire was declared. 


This position paved the way for wave after wave of Indian troops to penetrate deep into enemy territory. 

The day of the capture of Barki is regarded as "Battle Honours Day" for 5 Guards i.e. achieving the stated objectives with honour & gallantry.

5 Guards was also awarded the "Theatre Honour", an honour, which they had been denied during the 1962 War, in spite of putting up a defiant stance against the Chinese and inflicting heavy casualties on them, holding up their advance for a long time.

In between heavy fighting and enemy counter-attacks, he found time to go partridge hunting, one of his favourite pastimes
.


I recall that everyone including my grandfather & grandmother and all of us were glued to the transistor/radio for getting the latest information on the battles which my uncle fought in. Those were terrible days that no one in the family wants to talk about – waiting continuously for news that my uncle and his troops were safe.

I was studying in La Martinere College, Lucknow in Class VIII, when the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War took place:

In the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, my uncle was a member of the "Mukti Bahini", (much before open hostilities were declared between India & Pakistan) when six Guards Battalions (including 9 Guards of which my uncle was now a senior officer) participated in the offensive in the Eastern Sector.

The 9 Guards battalion won Battle Honours Sylhet for their outstanding gallantry and single-mindedness in achieving their given objectives.

At the end of the War, when around 1,00,000 Pakistani troops had surrendered to the Indian Army, he was given the command of a Prisoner of War (POW) train with over 4,000 Pakistani POWs on their way to the POW camp at Agra.

 We went to Lucknow Railway station to meet my uncle and his officers when the train halted there. No civilians were allowed on Platform no. 1 and we were screened and permitted to go to the POW train.  A couple of Indian soldiers escorted me up and down the train, because I wanted to see the POWs. I saw very sad and defeated faces of the prisoners, who had families like ourselves across the border.

One bearded soldier/POW smiled at me and waved out to me, alerting the Indian soldiers who were escorting me. Perhaps, my presence reminded him of his family back home.

My grandfather had arranged for Lucknow's famous "kachauris" from "Netram Lalji's" the restaurant of a relative. My uncle insisted that the POWs get fed first, after which the Indian escort troops had their meals. Talk about the glorious traditions of the Indian Army - Magnanimous in victory and treating the enemy soldiers with respect and kindness.

There would be so many army veterans in Pakistan, who would remember Netram Lalji's "Pooris & Kachauris" as a delicacy.

Still later, he served with the Indian Peace Keeping Force(IPKF) in Sri Lanka, shortly before his retirement. He would go around in an open unprotected jeep with the Commander and when he was cautioned  about enemy snipers, he would say, if a bullet had his name on it, then fate cannot be deterred.

He left Planet Earth on Diwali Day in 2003. It was as if a billion firecrackers from all over India were giving him a farewell salute. I am sure that his mates from the Guards and even the veterans of Scottish Highlanders "Coldstream Guards" would be having a drink with him somewhere and raising a toast to him and sharing their wartime stories!!










Links to posts on Army Post Office (APO) issues:


1) No. 2 Squadron AF "The Winged Arrows", Platinum Jubilee Celebrations: A Special Cover issued by 99 APO on 01.12.2016


2) 18th Battalion - The JAT Regiment- Commemorating the Golden Jubilee of its raising on 01.10.1966 at Secunderabad


3) 7 Engineer Regiment: Golden Jubilee celebration of its raising on 01.05.1966 : A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 05.12.2016.


4) 151 Air Defence Regiment (Self Propelled) (Chhamb): Golden Jubilee Celebrations: A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 05.12.2016


5) 66 Armoured Regiment: Golden Jubilee Celebrations (1966-2016). A Special Cover issued by 56 APO on 06.12.2016


6) 3 Squadron (IAF) (COBRAS): Platinum Jubilee Celebrations (1941-2016): A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 10.12.2016

7) 2nd Battalion The Mahar Regiment: Platinum Jubilee (1941-2016): A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 13.12.2016

8) The Brigade of The Guards: Commemorating the XXV BIENNIAL CONFERENCE & XI REUNION -2016: A Special Postal Cover issued by 56 APO on 21.12.2016




10) 1 Air Formation Signal Regiment Platinum Jubilee Celebrations - 2016. A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 20.12.2016

11) 29 Air Defence Regiment (SAMBA): 60 years of Glorious Service : A Special Cover issued by 99 APO on 24.12.2016

12) 102 (VC) Engineer Regiment: Celebrating the Golden Jubilee of its raising in 1965: A Special Cover issued by 99 APO on 28.12.2016

13) 130 Air Defence Regiment: Golden Jubilee Celebrations: A Special Cover issued by 56 APO commemorating the occasion on 28.01.2017

14) 3rd Battalion The Sikh Regiment: Centennial of the Battle of Hai fought on 01.02.1917 during WW I : A Special Cover issued by 56 APO on 01.02.2017

15) 27 Air Defence Missile Regiment (Amritsar Airfield): Platinum Jubilee Celebrations (75 Years) A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 04.02.2017

16) 237 Engineer Regiment : Golden Jubilee Celebrations ( 50 Years of Glorious Service). A Special Cover brought out by 99 APO on 11.02.2017


17) 26th Battalion The Madras Regiment: Golden Jubilee (1967-2017): A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 16.02.2017

18) Tri Services Veterans: Inaugural Armed Forces Veterans day: 14.01.2017: A Special Cover issued by 56 APO on 14.01.2017:


19) 79 Medium Regiment: Golden Jubilee Celebrations (1967-2017): A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 01.03.2017:


27) 17th Battalion The Rajput Regiment: Platinum Jubilee Celebrations: A Special Cover brought out by 56 APO on 18.03.2017

28) Army Medical Corps: 12th Reunion & 54th Biennial (22-24.03.2017): A Special Cover issued by the 56 APO on 23.03.2017


Other posts on the Indian Armed forces on this blog:



4) Commemorative Stamps on "Project Rukmini"

5) The Scinde Horse: A Commemorative Stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- issued by India Post on 16.11.2012 


6) Aero India 2015: Asia's Premier Air Show: A set of 10 Post cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post in 2015. 

6) International Fleet Review - 2016 (IFR - 16) held at Vishakhapatnam from 04.02.16 to 08.02.16: Commemorative Postage stamps issued by India Post 

8) Bicentenary of the Raising of the Poona Horse Regiment  (July 1817 - July 2017): A Commemorative 500 Paise or Rs.5/- stamp issued by India Post on 11.02.2017 

13) India's First International Fleet review held on 18.02.2001 at Mumbai 

23) Commemorating the Bicentenary of the Raising Day of the First and Third Gorkha Rifles: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post. 


Links to some  posts on the Forts of Maharashtra:

1) Shivneri Fort: A Special cover brought out by Philatelic Bureau, Pune and Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 30.03.2017  

2) Ahmednagar Fort: A Special Cover brought out by the Philatelic Bureau, Pune and Maharashtra Postal circle of India Post on 30.03.2017

 3) Torna Fort: A Special Cover issued by Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 29.03.2017

4) Sinhagad Fort: A Special Cover brought out by Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2017 

 5)"Brave Fighter Narvir Shivaji Kashid": A Special Cover issued by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 05.05.2016: includes The Defence of Panhalgarh and the legendary Battle of Pawan Khind 

6) Rohida Fort: A Special Cover brought out by Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 14.07.2017


7) Pratapgad Fort: A Special Cover brought out by Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 28.08.2017


8) Purandar fort: A Special Cover brought out by International Collector's Society of Rare Items and Maharashtra Postal Circle on 04.05.2017


9) Rajgad Fort: A Special Cover brought out by International Collector's Society of Rare Items & Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 30.06.2017



Links to Posts on Indian Post-Cards:


1) Historical First Day Covers on Post Cards compiled by Karnataka Postal Circle on Post Independence India

2) For Part I of the DYKS (32) "Birds of the Himalayas", please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" (Part I) - Description of 16 birds with picture postcards)

3) For Part II of DYKS (32): "Birds of the Himalayas", please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" Description of 16 Birds with picture postcards)

4) For Part III of DYKS (32): "Birds of the Himalayas" please click on the following link: ("Birds of the Himalayas" Description of 16 Birds with picture postcards)

5) Two Series of Postage Stamps issued during the reign of George V: Inauguration of New Delhi in 1931 and Silver Jubilee of the reign of George V in 1935 compiled by Karnataka Postal Circle   

6) Aero India 2015: Asia's Premier Air Show: A set of 10 Post cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post in 2015. 

7) Himalayan Lakes: Chanratal, Roop Kund, Sela, Tsangu and Tsomo Riri: A set of five post cards issued by India Post in 2015 

8)  Incredible India: (Part I) A set of 48 Post Cards issued by India Post in 2015
9) Incredible India: (Part II) A set of 48 Post cards issued by India Post in 2015
10)   Incredible India: (Part III): A set of 48 Post cards issued by India Post in 2015
 11) Olympic Events: A set of 12 Post cards issued by the Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post on 11.07.2016  

12) "Orchids": A set of 12 postcards issued by the Karnataka Postal Cicle of India Post, with designs inspired by 6 Stamps on Orchids issued by India Post on 21.10.1991 and 6 Stamps issued on 08.08.2016 

13) Legendary Women (of India): A set of 10 Post-cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

14) Sundarban (Part I): A set of 48 Post Cards brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

15) Sundarban (Part II): A set of 48 Post cards brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

16) Sundarban (Part III): A set of 48 Post Cards brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

17) Football Legendaries: A set of 18 Postcards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

18) Wild India - Mammals: Part I): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

19) Wild India - Mammals (Part II): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

20) Wild India - Mammals Part III): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2015 

21) Butterflies of India (Part I): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2016 

22) Butterflies of India (Part II): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2016 

23) Butterflies of India (Part III): A set of 48 Post Cards issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post in 2016 

24) Beetles: A set of five stylised Post Cards issued by the Chennai Postal Circle of India Post




28) Endangered (Bird) Species: Manipur Bush Quail: A set of four Picture Post Cards issued by India Post


29) Endangered (Bird) Species: Nilgiri Laughing Thrush: A set of four Picture Post Cards issued by India Post

Registered Post Envelopes:


 Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2017:

1) Splendour of India: Happy New Year: A set of 12 Stamps issued by India Post on 01.01.2017

2) 350th Prakash Utsav: Guru Gobind Singh Ji: A commemorative Stamp of Rs.10/- brought out by India Post on 05.01.2017

3) India-Portugal: Joint Issue: A set of two Stamps commemorating the Dandiya and Pauliteiros Dances issued by India Post on 07.01.2017 

4) Dr. M.G. Ramachandran (or MGR) Birth Centenary : A Commeorative Postage stamp issued by India Post on 17.01.2017 

5) Nature: India: A set of six commemorative Stamps issued by India Post on 25.01.2017 

6) India Post Payments Bank (IPPB): A commemorative stamp of Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 30.01.2017 

7) Headgears of India: A set of 16 stamps issued by India Post on 10.02.2017 

8) Bicentenary of the Raising of the Poona Horse Regiment  (July 1817 - July 2017): A Commemorative 500 Paise or Rs.5/- stamp issued by India Post on 11.02.2017 

9) Centenary of Ramjas College: A Commemorative Stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 13.02.2017 

10) Ladybird Beetle: A set of four Stamps brought out by India Post on 23.02.2017 

11) Yogada Satsang Society of India Centennial Celebrations: A 00 Paise or Rs./ stamp issued by India Post on 07.03.2017

12) Means of Transport Through The Ages: A set of 20 stamps issued by India Post on 25.03.2017 

13) Kotmi Sonar Crocodile Reserve/Park: A Special Cover brought out by Chhattisgarh Postal Circle on 29.01.2017 during a Philatelic Exhibition titled "BILASPEX 2017" 

14) Cub Scouts: Celebrating the Centenary of the Cub Scouts Movement in India and abroad in 2016 by issuing a commemorative stamp by India Post on 30.03.2017

15) Shivneri Fort: A Special cover brought out by Philatelic Bureau, Pune and Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 30.03.2017  

16) Ahmednagar Fort: A Special Cover brought out by the Philatelic Bureau, Pune and Maharashtra Postal circle of India Post on 30.03.2017 

17) World Theatre Day: A Special Cover brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post on 27.03.2017 

18) Coffee Stamp Rs.100/- (Part I) : The Strange Case of "Non-Fragrance" Wet Off-Set Stamps passed on as "Coffee Fragrance Stamps" by India post, thus defrauding/cheating its customers, released on 23.04.2017 

19) Coffee Stamp Rs.100/-: (Part II) The Strange Case of "Non-Fragrance" Wet Off-set Stamps passed on as "Coffee Fragrance Stamps" by India Post, thus defrauding/cheating its customers, released on 23.04.2017 

20) Bharat Ratna Bhimrao Ambedkar Institute of telecom Training, Jabalpur: 75 years of its establishment: A commemorative stamp issued by India Post on 22.04.2017: 

21) Logo on Leaf (Cachet): TANAPEX 2017: A Special Cover released on 05.01.2017: 

22) Traditional Sarees of Tamilnadu: TANAPEX 2017: A Special Cover released on 05.01.2017 

23) 250 Years of Thyagabrahmam or Tyagayya or Saint Thyagaraja: TANAPEX 2017: A Special Cover released on 06.01.2017

24) Thiruvarur Temple Car: TANAPEX 2017: A Special Cover released on 06.01.2017 

25) Lord Arthanareeswarar Temple, Tiruchengode:TANAPEX 2017: A Special Cover released on 06.01.2017  

26) Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library: TANAPEX 2017: A Special Cover released on 06.01.2017 

27) Spice of India: Turmeric: TANAPEX - 2017: A Special Cover released on 06.01.2017 

28) Legends of Tamil Cinema: 1) Samikannu Vincent 2) T.P. Rajalakshmi 3) M.G. Ramachandran : TANAPEX 2017: Three Special Covers issued on 07.01.2017   

 29) "Deekshabhoomi": The place of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's initiation into Buddhism: Two Commemorative stamps of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- denomination issued by India Post on 14.04.2017

30) Viswanatha Satyanarayana, Tarigonda Vengamamba & Atukuri Molla: A set of 3 Stamps of 500 Paise each issued on 26.04.2017

31) Ramanujacharya: Millennium (1017-2017): 1000th Birth Anniversary: A commemorative stamp of 2500 Paise or Rs.25/- brought out by India Post on 01.05.2017 

32) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI): A 500 Paise or Rs.5/- stamp issued by India Post on 05.05.2017 
  
33) Champaran Satyagrah Centenary: (1917-2017): Three commemorative stamps issued by India Post in the denominations of Rs.5/-, Rs.10/-, and Rs.25/- on 13.05.2017: 

 34) Torna Fort: A Special Cover issued by Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 29.03.2017

35) Sinhagad Fort: A Special Cover brought out by Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2017

36) Eminent Writers: A set of five Commemorative Stamps issued on Kishan Chander, Bhisham Sahni, Srilal Shukla, K.V. Puttappa and Balwant Gargi by India Post on 31.05.2017 

37) International Day of Forests or World Forestry Day -. A Special Cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post on 21.03.2017 

38) Forest Research Institute , Dehradun: (19th Commonwealth Forestry Conference 3-7 April 2017): A Special cover issued by Uttarakhand Postal Circle of India Post on 03.04.2017 

39) Jhala Mann Singh (Jhala Manna): The martyr of the famous Battle of Haldighati: A Commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- issued by India Post on 18.06.2017 

40) Survey of India: 20th Anniversary Commemoration celebrated with the issue of two stamps by India post on 22.06.2017: 

41) The Passport act, 1967:50 Years Commemoration: A 2500 Paise or Rs.25/- stamp brought out by Indiapost on 23.06.2017 
 
42) Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Celebrating the Centenary of its establishment (1916-2016): Two commemorative stamps brought out by India Post on 28.06.2017

43) Shrimad Rajchandraji: 150th Birth Anniversary Commemoration: A 500 Paise or Rs.5/- Stamp issued by India Post on 29.06.2017 






Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2016:

1)  Special India Post Cover  carried in a dedicated Hot Air Balloon flown during the II International Hot Air Balloon Festival held in Pollachi, Tamilnadu, released by Tamilnadu Circle of India Post in January 2016

2) "Vibrant India": Postage Stamps issued by India Post on this theme

3) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nasik from 16-18.01.16: (Part 1) Spl. Covers on Pandu Leni Caves and Smt. Kusum Dhirubhai Mehta released by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 16.01.2016 

4) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nashik from 16-18.01.2016: (Part 2) Spl.Covers on Kalaram temple and Nashik "Grape City & Wine Capital of India" released by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 17.01.2016 

5) MAHAPEX - 2016 held at Nashik from 16-18.01.16: (Part 3) Spl. Covers on "Nashik Dhol" and "Dr. Anand Gopalrao Joshi" released by Maharashtra postal Circle on 18.01.2016 

6) International Fleet Review - 2016 (IFR - 16) held at Vishakhapatnam from 04.02.16 to 08.02.16: Commemorative Postage stamps issued by India Post 

7) Celebrating 75 Years of setting up of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal : Commemorative Postage Stamps brought out by India Post. 

8) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06 - 09.02.2016: (Part 1): Spl. Covers on "Indian Dak Runner" & "The PUNPEX-16 logo" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 06.02.2016 

9) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 2): Spl. Cover on "Butterflies of Chandigarh" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 07.02.2016 

10) PUNPEX - 16  held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 3): Spl. Cover on "Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandigarh" released by Punjab Postal Circle on 07.02.2016 

11) PUNPEX - 16 held at Chandigarh from 06-09.02.2016: (Part 4): Spl. Cover on "Migratory Birds of Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh" released on 07.02.2016 

12) "Gurudwara Shri Paonta Sahib": Spl. Cover released by HP Postal Circle, of India Post 

13) India's First International Fleet review held on 18.02.2001 at Mumbai 

14) "Jal Mahotsav" on the River Narmada from 12-21.02.2016: Spl Cover issued by the Department of Posts, India 

15) "Simhasth Kumbh Mahaparv", Ujjain 22.04.2016-21.05.2016: MAPPEX-2016 Spl Cover released by Postmaster General, Indore Region, India Post on 07.02.2016 

16) Unique Handicrafts of Madhya Pradesh: MAPPEX 2016: A Special Cover issued by the Postmaster General , Indore Region, Indore, on 05.02.2016 

17) Golden Jubilee of The Statesman Vintage & Classic car Rally": Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi on 28.02.2016 

18) Mahamaham Kumbha Mela Festival, Kumbhakonam, Tamil Nadu: February 13-22, 2016. Special Cover issued by the Postmaster General Tamilnadu Circle, Chennai, India Post. 

19) "Maharaja Agrasen ki Baoli " in New Delhi: "UTSAV 2016"- A Special cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle on 17.02.2016 

20) Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios Birth Centenary celebrations : A Special Cover issued by Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi, India Post on 15.02.2016

21) Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple: UTSAV 2016: A Spl Cover issued on 17.02.2016 by Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi 

22) National Science Centre Delhi: UTSAV 2016: A Spl Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, New Delhi , Department of Posts, India on 16.02.2016 

23) Commemorating the Birth Centenary of Vasantrao Srinivassa Sinai Dempo: A Rs.5/- Stamp issued by  India Post on 04.03.2016 

24) 150th Anniversary of the Allahabad High Court : Commemorative Stamps & Coins issued by the Department of Posts, India & India Government Mint, Mumbai respectively 

25) National Archives of India (Part 1): 125th Anniversary Celebrations: Commemorative Stamps issued by the Department of Posts, India on 13.03.2016 

26) The Gilgit Record (Manuscripts): National Archives of India (Part 2) A 30 paise Stamp issued in 1979,  by the Department of Posts, India. 

27) "A Minor Rock Edict" of Samrat ashok found in Gujarra , Distt. Datia M.P. : A Special Cover issued by the Indore Region, MP Postal Circle, Deptt. of Posts, India

28) "Batesara Group of Temples": A Special Cover issued by Indore Region, M.P. Postal Circle, Deptt. of Posts, India 

29) "India-UN Women HeForShe Programme": Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post  

30) Fire Services of India: A Rs. 5/- Stamp issued by the department of posts, india to honour the "Fire Services of India

31) Govardhanram Tripathi: Commemorative Rs.5/ Stamps brought out in his honour by the Department of Posts, India. 

32) The "Everlasting Flame international Programme 2016": A Special Cover issued by Delhi Postal Circle, Department of Posts, India. 

33) "Ahimsa Ball": Commemorating the 10th Installation Ceremony of the Ball: A Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle on 26.04.2016 

34) "BRICS Friendship Cities Conclave 14-16 April 2016, held at Mumbai: A Special Cover issued by the Maharashtra Postal Circle on 14.04.2016 

35) "25th Shukla Day Coin and Philately Fair" held from 22-24.04.2016 at Mumbai: A Special Cover issued by the Maharashtra Postal Circle, India Post on 22.04.2016 

36) "Indian Coast Guard Air Station Chennai Silver Jubilee": A Special Cover issued by Tamilnadu Postal Circle of India Post on 07.03.2016 

37) Swami Chidananda: A Rs.5/- Commemorative stamp issued by India Post on 21.05.2016, celebrating his Birth Centenary. 

38) "Brave Fighter Narvir Shivaji Kashid: A Special Cover issued by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 05.05.2016 

39) Tata Power: Commemorating the centenary of the establishment of The Company by India Post, by issuing Rs.5/- stamps on 10.06.16 

 40) "Surya Namaskar": The theme of second International Day of Yoga: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post on 21.06.2016

41) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in Jharkhand: DEOPEX:2016: A Special Cover issued by the Jharkhand Postal Circle, India Post on 18.03.2016 

42) "Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar": DEOPEX-2016: A Special Cover issued on him by Jharkhand Postal Circle, India Post on 18.03.2016 

43) "Philatelic Seminar, Jaipur": A Special Cover issued by the Rajasthan Postal Circle, India Post on 28.02.2016 

44) "Shantheyanda Okkada Hockey Namme - 2016": A Spcial Cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post on 03.05.2016 

45) The Indian Institute of Architects: Commemorating the Centenary year of the Institute by issuing a Special Cover by Maharashtra Postal Circle, India Post on 12.05.2016  

46) Indian Naval Air Squadron 300 (INAS 300): A Special Cover issued on the Induction of MiG-29Ks and de-induction of Sea Harriers in the Squadron, by the Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 11.05.2016 

47) State Trading Corporation : Celebrating 60 Glorious Years: A Special Cover issued by the Delhi Postal Circle, India Post on 18.05.2016 

48) Christ Church Fort Teppakullam, Tirichirappalli: 250th Anniversary Celebrations: A Special Cover issued by Tamilnadu Postal Circle, India Post on 17.05.2016 

49) "BSE" (formerly Bombay Stock Exchange): Commemorating the 140th Year of its establishment: A Rs.5/- commemorative stamp brought out by India Post on 09.07.2016 

50) "VIKAS PARV - CHHAU DANCE": A Special Cover issued by Jharkhand Postal Circle on 17.06.16 

51) 65th Plenary of the North Eastern Council held on 26-27 May 2016 at Shillong: A Special Cover brought out by the NE Postal Circle of India Post, on 03.06.2016 

52) Platinum Jubilee of the First Philatelic Bureau set up in Mumbai: A Special Cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle, India Post on 21.06.2016 

53) Chennai Book Fair: A Special Cover issued by the Tamilnadu Postal Circle of India Post on 01.06.2016

54) Chennai Book Fair (Part II) A.K. Chettiar : One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

55) Chennai Book Fair (Part III): T.Janakiraman: One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

56) Chennai Book Fair (Part IV): P.V. Akilandam: One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

57) Chennai Book Fair (Part V): D. Jayakanthan: One of 6 eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

58) Chennai Book Fair : (Part VI): Pudhumaipithan: One of Six Eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

59) Chennai Book Fair: (Part VII): Va Ramasamy: One of six eminent Tamil writers on whom Tamilnadu Postal Circle has issued Special Covers on 10.06.2016 

60) Tadoba Andhari National Park: Commemorative stamps brought out by India Post on "International Tiger Day" at Nagpur on 29.07.2016 

61) Tara Mata Temple Shimla: Famous Temples of Himachaal Pradesh Series: A Special Cover issued by HP Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2016 

62) Bagla Mukhi Temple, Bankhandi, Kangra: Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh Series: A Special Cover released by the H.P. Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2016  

63) Chintpurni Temple , Chintpurni Una, HP: Famous temples of Himachal {radesh Sries: A Special Cover released by H.P.Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2016 

64) Ter-Centenary of the martyrdom of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur: A Special Cover brought out by Delhi P0stal Circle of Indiapost on 20.06.2016 

65) "Rio 2016" Summer Olympics: Commemorative Stamps and booklets issued by the Department of Posts, India on 05.08.2016

66) "Orchids": A set of 6 Commemorative postage stamps brought out by India Post on 08.08.2016  

67) Indian Metal Crafts: A set of six Stamps issued by India Post on 26.08.2016 

68) Independence Day - Tourism in India: A Rs. 25/- Commemorative Stamp issued by India Post on 15.08.2016 

69) "Kargil Diwas" - A Special Cover brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post on 26.07.2016 

70) Jagadguru Shri Shivrathri Rajendra Swamy : A Commemorative Rs.5/- Stamp brought out on his Birth Centenary on 27.08.2016 

71) Lady Hardinge Medical College: Commemorating the Centenary of establishment of LHMC by issue of Rs.5/- stamps by India Post on 23.09.2016 

72) Swachh Bharat Mission: Second set of Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post on 02.10.2016

73) Induction of C-130: A commemorative stamp of 500 Paise issued by India Post on 06.10.2016 

74) Central Water and Power Research Station, (CWPRS) Pune: A commemorative Rs.5/- stamp issued by India Post commemorating the Centenary Celabrations of establishment of the CWPRS

75) Kanger Valley National Park, Jagdalpur: A Special Cover brought out by Chhattisgarh Postal Circle, India Post on 26.06.2016 

76) Jagadish Chandra Bose (Great Scientist): A Special Cover brought out by the Jharkhand Postal Circle, India Post on 15.02. 2016 

77) "Near Threatened Birds": (Series I): Stamps issued by India Post to create awareness about four Near Threatened (NT) Bird species on 17.10.2016 

78) "Varanasi City": A set of Commemorative Stamps brought out by India Post on 24.10.2016

79) National Unity Day (or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas): Salute to the Unifier of India: A Commemorative postage stamp brought out on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by India Post on 31.10.2016 

80) 50 Years of Haryana: A Commemorative Postage stamp issued by India Post on 01.11.2016 

81) Mahseer: A Special Cover issued by the Indore Region of the Department of Posts, in coordination with the Forest Department Madhya Pradesh on 09.09.2016 

82) Third Battalion:The Garhwal Rifles: A Commemorative postage stamp issued to celebrate the Centenary of the Battalion's Raising day in 1916. Stamp issued by India Post on 19.11.2016 

83) "Picnic": The theme of Children's day 2016: Two commemorative stamps brought out by Indiapost in the denominations of 1500 Paise or Rs.15/- each on 14.11.2016 

84) Nobel Prize Winners of India: A Special Cover brought out by Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post in co-ordination with the Philatelic Society of India and St. Xavier's School, Jaipur on 21.10.2016 

85) Chilika Lake: A Special Cover issued by the Odisha Postal Circle of India Post at the National Philatelic Exhibition on Nature and Environment - 30.09.2016 to 02.12.2016 on 30.09.2016 

86) Exotic Birds: A set of six Commemorative stamps brought out by India Post on 05.12.16 

87) Akshardham Temple and Pramukh Swami Maharaj: A set of two stamps issued by India Post on 07.12.2016 

88) AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences): A Rs. 5/- commemorative stamp issued on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee (60 years) of establishment of AIIMs on 03.12.16

89) Season's Greetings: A set of two Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post on 23.12.2016 

90) Samrat Vikramadittya: A Commemorative Rs.5/- Stamp brought out by India Post on 22.12.2016 

91) 150 Years of setting up of the first building of Hardayal Heritage Public Library in 1866: Commemorative stamp issued by India Post on 26.12.16 

92) Personality Series: Bihar: A set of 8 Commemorative stamps issued by India Post on 26.12.2016 

93) Deendayal Upadhyaya: Birth centenary commemoration (1916-2016) A Commemorative stamp of Rs.10/- issued on him by India Post on 29.12.16 

94) Legendary Singers of India: A set of 10 stamps issued by India Post on 30.12.2016 

95) State Bank of Mysore (SBM): A Special Cover issued by Karnataka Postal Circle of India Post on 16.12.2016 

Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2014 and 2015:

1) 2014 FIFA World Cup held in Brazil - A set of four stamps issued by India Post.

2) Commemorative Stamps on "Swachh Bharat" Mission

3) Commemorative Stamps on "Project Rukmini"

4) Commemorative Stamps on "Indian Ocean & Rajenda Chola I"

5) International Day of Yoga - "Commemorative Stamps & Coins" 

6) India-France - 50 Years of Space Co-operation - Commemorative Stamps

7) Commemorative Stamps on 50 years (Golden Jubilee) of "Engineers India Limited"

8Bicentenary of the "Old Theological Seminary" (OTS) Kottayam, Kerala

9Commemorative stamps issued on Nabakalabera (Jagannath Temple, Puri)

10) Commemorative stamps issued on an Indian Game called "Sagol Kangjei" originated in Manipur, from which Polo was adapted all over the World  

11) Samrat Ashok - Commemorative Stamps issued on the legendary Emperor of Ancient India 

12) Women Empowerment - Commemorative Stamps

13) Baba Amte - Commemorative Stamps 

14) Did You Know Series (4): A sample of the beautiful stamps brought out by Department of Posts, India 

15) 10th World Hindi Conference held at Bhopal - Commemorative Stamps issued by Department of Posts India

16) 50th Anniversary of the 1965 Indo-Pak War: Commemorative stamps issued by Department of Posts, India. 

17) Commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr. B.R. Ambedker by Department of Posts, India with a stamp titled "Dr B.R. Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution" 

18) The "Charkha" or the Spinning Wheel: Commemorative stamps issued by the Department of Posts, India 

19) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam - Commemorative Stamp issued by the Department of Posts, India 

20) 50th Anniversary of the Border Security Force (BSF): Commemorative Stamp issued by the Department of Posts, India 

21) 3rd India- Africa Forum Summit at New Delhi - Commemorative Stamps issued by Department of Posts, India 

22) Commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL): Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post.

23) Commemorating the Bicentenary of the Raising Day of the First and Third Gorkha Rifles: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post.  

24) India-Singapore Joint issue: 50 Years of Bilateral Relationship: Two Commemorative Stamps issued by India-Post. 

25) Celebrating 60 years (Golden Jubilee) of EEPC India: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post. 

26) Centenary of the setting up of the Zoological Survey of India: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post 

27) Celebrating Children's Day on November 14th - Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post. 

28) Musicians of India - Commemorating Classical Musicians of India by issue of Stamps by India Post. 

29) Sumitranandan Pant (poet and writer) : Commemorative postage stamps issued on him by India Post 

30) Golden Jubilee of the Establishment of the IDSA, New Delhi: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post 

31) 100 Years of Return of Mahatma Gandhi to India in 1915: Commemorative postage stamps issued by India Post 

32) Commemorating Alugumuthu Kone, one of the first Freedom Fighters against the British: Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post

33) Centennial of the Patna High Court of Judicature: Commoemrative Stamps issued by India Post  

34) Gaiety Theatre Complex, Shimla: A Commemorative 500 Paise Stamp issued by India Post on 20.06.2014 

35) Commemorating 150 Years of the Kuka Movement: A commemorative Stamp brought out by India Post on 24.12.2014

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on stamps issued in 2013: 

1) Commemorative Postage stamps on the "Wild Flowers of India" issued by India Post.

2) 100 Years of Indian Cinema: 50 commemorative stamps issued by India Post. 

3) INS Vikramaditya: Celebrating the induction of the Aircraft Carrier into the Indian Navy: A Commemorative stamp issued by India Post on 04.12.2013

4) 50 Years of Nagaland: A commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 01.12.2013 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2012:

1) Shekhawati and Warli Paintings (Part I) - Warli Paintings - Commemorative postage stamps brought out by India Post in 2012

2) Shekhawati and Warli Paintings (Part II) - Shekhaati Paintings - Commemorative postage stamps brought out by India Post in 2012 

3) History of the Ancient & Modern Olympics and Paralympics & commemorative coins issued during the London Olympics and Paralympics: Also, includes a set of four stamps issued by India Post on 25.07.2012

4) National Mathematics Day: A Commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- issued by India Post on 22.12.2012 

5) The Scinde Horse: A Commemorative Stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- issued by India Post on 16.11.2012 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts  on Stamps issued in 2011:

1) Commemorative Postage Stamp of Rs.100/- issued on Mahatma Gandhi on Khadi Cloth for the first time ever by India Post.

2) Commemorating 100 Years of the Establishment of the ICMR: A Commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 08.11.2011 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts  on Stamps issued in 2010:

1) Princely States of Indore, Sirmoor, Bamra and Cochin : Commemorative Stamps issued by India Post

2) Crafts Museum, New Delhi: A set of two Commemorative stamps brought out by India Post on 21.12.2010 

3) Lalit Kala Akademi: A Rs.5/- stamp brought out by India Post on 31.12.2010 

4) C.Subramanium and the Indian Green Revolution: A Commemorative Stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 28.11.2010

5) Central Bank of India: A Commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- celebrating the Centenary of the establishment of the Bank brought out by India Post on 23.12.2010 

List of Commemorative stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2009:

1) The Silent Valley: Commemorating the Silver Jubilee (25 Years) of setting up the Silent Valley National Park by issue of a stamp on 15.11.2009 

2) Pterospernum acerifolium (or Muchkunda): A commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 06.03.2009 

3) C.Subramanium and the Indian Green Revolution: A Commemorative stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- brought out by India Post on 28.11.2009 

List of Commemorative Stamps Posts issued in 2008: 

1) Centenary of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru: Commemorative Stamps brought out by Indiapost in 2008

2) Standard Chartered Bank: Commemorating 150 Years of Banking in India: A Rs.5/- Commemorative Postage Stamp issued depicting the SCB Mumbai Heritage Building 

3) "Aldabra Giant Tortoise": A commemorative postage stamp brought out by India Post in 2008 

List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2007:

1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post  

2) International Day of Disabled Persons (Since renamed as International Day of Persons with Disabilities): A Commemorative Stamp of 500 Paise or Rs.5/- issued by India Post on 03.12.2007 

List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts  in 2005:

 1) Celebrating 200 years of exciting heritage of State Bank of India

List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2004:

 1) XVIII Summer Olympic Games, Athens Greece (2004): A Presentation set of four stamps issued by India Post on 13.08.2004

List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 1996:

1) Spirit of the Olympic Games, Athens-Atlanta: Celebrating the Centenary of the Modern Olympic Games: A set of two stamps issued

List of Commemorative Stamps issued  posts in 1964:
 
1) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose & the INA: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post on 23.01.1964

Commemorative stamps issued in 1931, 1947 and 1950:

1) Three Series of original Indian stamps which depict : Inauguration of New Delhi (1931), First Independent India postage stamps (1947) and Republic of India Inauguration (1950)

 Postage Stamps from Thailand depicting Buddhist Jataka Tales:

1) Thailand postage stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Magha Puja Day (Part I)

2) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Asalha Puja Day (Part II)  

3) Thailand Post stamps commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales & celebrating Visakha Puja Day (Part III)

4) Postage stamps from Thailand commemorating Buddhist Jataka Tales

Other Postage stamps from Thailand:

5) "Nang Yai" (or Shadow Play Puppets"): International Letter Writing Week - 2008: Commemorative Postage Stamps issued by Thailand Post on 04.10.2008

Forever Stamps from United States Postal Service (USPS):

1) Forever Stamps: A Series of Stamps commemorating the "US Civil War 1861-1865"

2) Forever Stamps: The Hindu Festival of Lights - Diwali (2016) 

Postage Stamps from the Bailiwick of Jersey

1) "Man of Steel": A Superman movie. Jersey post stamps commemorating a local lad Henry William Dalgliesh who played Superman in the Movie 

 2) Kaleidoscopes: 200th Anniversary: Postage stamps issued by Jersey Post on 10.07.2017

Postage Stamps from Gibraltar:

1) 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta - the Universal guidepost/landmark in Liberty and Freedom: A miniature stamp sheet issued by the Gibraltar Philatelic Bureau


Postage Stamps from Guernsey/Alderney Island:


1) "Coastal Eclipses": Stamps from Alderney Islands: Six Special Heat Sensitive Stamps issued by Guernsey Post on 19.07.2017



Postage Stamps from Romania:

47 comments:

  1. Karobi Mukherjee has commented:
    "Absolutely fantastic. Made me remember our plight when Bapi was posted in Ladakh during the Indo-Pak War and I was doing my matric in Chandigarh. Very well written!!"

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ravi Agarwala has commented:
    "Rajeev, yes I use the formal, you have outdone yourself. The detailed research and the story-telling of the incidents in the wars is riveting. Though, how you as a 7-year old, gleaned this info, baffles me. The description of the Garuda - invulnerability, immortality, elegance, strength, courage and vitality - is the crowning glory - and it is not an exaggeration that this exemplifies our dear colonel: Mamaji.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Ravi. Your encouraging words mean a lot to me. Some of these actions are not on the Internet. I suppose, the elite Guards just like to do something and forget about it over a drink. I remember, whenever he used to come back from war to Lucknow, we used to gather around him to hear his stories. Of course, he would tell us very "censored/sanitised" stories only. Some memorable ones, I still remember.

      Delete
  3. Rini Mukherjee has commented:
    "Interesting".

    ReplyDelete
  4. Santosh Khanna has commented:
    "Shat shat Naman Col. GUPTA 🙏🏻."

    ReplyDelete
  5. Shyam Sunder Shanker Naidu has commented:
    "Great, salute to Col. Gupta Saheb."

    ReplyDelete
  6. On the 50th Anniversary of the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971-2021):
    Ashok Borate has commented:
    "Thanks for sharing such a nice information🙏".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Ashokji for visiting the post.

      Delete
    2. Vinod Khurana has commented:
      "Very good information. Thanks for sharing."

      Delete
    3. Thank you so much, Vinodji for visiting the post.

      Delete
  7. Santosh Khanna has commented:
    "Thanks for sharing this great informative post."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Khanna sahab.

      Delete
    2. Sreekumar Rakshit has commented:
      "Excellent narration Rajeev, thank you. "

      Delete
    3. Thank you so much, Rakshit for your encouraging comment. Time has really passed, but these events have remained etched in my recollection/memory.

      Delete
    4. Pradeep Mehrotra has commented:
      "Beautiful narration of an unknown chapter of the war."

      Delete
    5. Thank you so much for visiting the post.

      Delete
  8. Santosh Khanna has commented:
    "Jai Hind. Jai BHARAT. Thanks for sharing this informative post."

    ReplyDelete
  9. Satyajit Pratap has commented:
    "Unbelievable humane approach .....late Colonel Sir , represented the true spirit of an Indian in poste independence era .... Care and compassion even in moments of adversity , is unparalled humanitary act . God bless Sir."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Satyajit. He was always like that. He passed away on Diwali day, when i was posted in Mumbai. The firecrackers were like a billion gun salute on his passing.

      Delete
    2. Satyajit Pratap has further commented:
      "Blessed , Glorious and always celebrated ...even in death... Since he lived a life full of valour n pride."

      Delete
  10. Krishnayya Ramadana has commented:
    "Rajeev....Wonderful to hear that your uncle had been in the thick of battle with the Chinese in 1962....put up a great fight and finally came out of the war unscathed... great heroism...."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Krishnayya. I do hope that some solution is found during the talks with our Chinese counterparts. Wars leave no winners.

      Delete
  11. Rsanker Sharma has commented:
    "Great post with wonderful memories. Salute to Uncle Col. Gupta, a great National Hero."

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  12. Phool Gupta has commented:
    "A big salute 👍👍👍"

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  13. Jayashree Mukherjee has commented:
    "Jai Hind ! Good to know about your uncle. Very informative article, thanks for sharing!"

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting the post Boudi.

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  14. Krishna Chandra Tiwary has commented:
    "Glorious account of valour of our Army. A big salute 💐🌺🌹"

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  15. Krishna Jee Verma has commented:
    "Thanks Rajeev for sharing this wonderful story."

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    1. Thank you so much, Verma sahab for visiting this post.

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  16. Ravi Agarwala has commented:
    "Great to see the detail in these stories. Tx Rajeev. Hope to hear more such when we meet."

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    1. Thanks, Ravi. There are quite a few more starting from the Goa Liberation. I remember he had brought back the Portuguese Commander's captured Flags to 76, Badshah Bagh, Lucknow among other trophies. I don't know what happened to them.

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  17. Pushkin Sinha has commented:
    "Wonderful narration. A post worth reading."

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting the post, Pushkin.

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  18. Vishnu Chandra Shukla has commented:
    "🙏 Suprabhat great salute to the brave man."

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  19. Ram Lalingkar has commented:
    "Wonderful & informative post!"

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    1. Thank you so much, Rambhau for visiting the post.

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  20. Kapil Kaul has commented:
    "What a wonderful and inspiring write up on 62 operation in the Bomdila sector. Rajeev , you are a master storyteller. Fondly remembering the "all rounder" Vinod uncle , who used to regale us with his experiences while crossing the Ichugul Canal in the 1965 war. A great personality. Incidentally, my Mom and Dad were at his wedding also."

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    1. Thanks, Kapil for your wonderful comment. I do remember that your parents had attended his wedding in Delhi. It is a memory from a long time ago. It was a master stroke by his battalion crossing the Icchogil Canal in long boats (much like the Normandy landing in WWII. It got the enemy to divert resources and men to their flank. 5 Guards got Battle Honours for the capture of Barki, a recognition that was not given in the 1962 War.

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