STAMP COLLECTING-POST INDEPENDENCE INDIA-60

THIS IS MY 60th HUB ON POST-INDEPENDENT INDIA

STAMP SERIES.THIS COVERS THE STAMPS RELEASED

IN 1996.This is the second part of the year.This contains the stamps released in June to October 7th 

English

English

The 1996 Games were given a dramatic start when the cauldron was lit by Muhammad Ali. On 27 July during a concert held in the Centennial Olympic Park, a terrorist bomb killed one person and injured a further 110 people, but the Atlanta Games are best remembered for their sporting achievements. A record-setting 79 nations won medals and 53 won gold. Carl Lewis became only the third person to win the same individual event four times and the fourth person to earn a ninth gold medal. Naim Suleymanoglu became the first weightlifter to win a third gold medal. Michael Johnson smashed the 200m world record to complete a 200m and 400m double.  

Blessed Sr. Alphonsa

Blessed Alponsa was born on 19th August 1910 as the fourth child of Joseph and Mary Muttathupadath, in the parish of Kudamaloor in the state of Kerala. She was baptized on the 27th August. Her baptismal name was Anna and her pet name Annakutty. Her mother passed away three moths after her birth.

Annakutty started her schooling at Arpookara and left for Muttuchira Govt. School for pursuing her studies from the fourth class onwards under the immediate supervision of her maternal aunt Annamma Muricken. The aunt brought her up extremely affectionately, but equally strictly also. Her one ambition was that the child should be brought up as a respectable housewife for a deserving bridegroom. Annakutty had a vision of St. Theresa of Liseux whose life in spired her to become a religious. She therefore did not yield to any marriage proposal. Finally when she was almost compelled to be betrothed at to the church, she extricated herself from it by voluntary burning her foot placing it an ash pit of burning husks. Against such determine resistance the aunt succumbed to her desire and permitted her to join a convent .

Annakutty joined Clarist convent at Bharananganam in 1927 on the feast of Pentecost. She recived the veil postulant on second August 1928 with the name Alphonsa. Her vestition was on 19th May 1930. Later she joined the St. Theresa’s School Chenganacherry for higher studies, on completing which she engaged in teaching for a period of one year at Vakakkad. Sr. Alphonsa entered the novitiate on 12th August 1935. During this period, she had a sever attack of hemorrhage and it was feared that she would have to be sent back. But on the ninth day of novena held by her and the community seeking intercession of Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavera, she was miraculously cured her. She completed the novitiate and made the solemn profession of her religious vows on 12th August 1936.

Sr. Alphonsa continued to have her repeated spells of sickness and pain. She was on a bed of thrones torn and tortured by excruciating pain and prolonged agony. Here was an rejoiced in the lord and magnified Him. She was longing to suffer even more for her own sanctification and that of the world.

She constantly advised her companions and novices to accept suffering cheerfully citing the biblical references to the grain of wheat which has to fall down and decay for raising new sprouts; it has to be ground in order to be turned into hosts for transformation as the body of Our Lord. She also reminded them of the grapes which have to be crushed for yielding wine to become the blood of the Lord. Her death(28th July 1946) was unnoticed by the public. The funeral was simple and thinly attended. But soon the school children , who loved her received favors through her intercession. Her tomb at Bharananganam turned into a great centre of pilgrimage attracting people from far and near.

H.E. Cardinal Tisserant inaugurated the diocesan process for her beatification on 2nd December 1953. The Long diocesan and subsequent apostolic processes bore fruit when on 9th November 1984 the Holy Father officially declared that she had practiced the Christian virtues heroically. A miracle wrought through her intercession was also formally approved by the Pope on 6th July 1985. Providence has been pleased to bestow on this generation the grace to see a daughter of the soil, a seed of the ancient Christian community of Kerala and India, beatified (8th February 1986) in her homeland by the Supreme Pontiff during his visit to this chosen land.

Now Sr. Alphonsa is to be declared as Saint by Pope Benedict XVI. All the canonization process was over.

Stamp Issue Date : 04/08/1996 Postage Stamp Dinomination : 1.00 Postal Stamp Serial Number : 1675 Postal Stamp Name : SIR FEROZ SHAH MEHTA

Stamp Information : Sir Pherozeshah Mehta was born in Bombay on 4th August 1845. He went to England to specialise in law and there he was influenced by Dadabhai Naoraji who became his political "guru". On being called to the Bar in 1868 he returned to India and was soon in the forefront of Bombay's legal luminaries. His eloquent plea for muncipal reform was later embodied in the Act of 1872 and Muncipak Act of 1988. he became the father of bombay's Muncipal Charter, founder of its glorious civic tradition. He was elected President of the Corporation on no fewer than four occasions 1884, 1885, 1905 and 1911.

Stamp Currency : R

Stamp Type : COMMEMORATIVE

Stamp Language : English

Stamp Overall Size : 4.06 X 2.73 cms Postal Stamp Print Size : 3.71 x 2.3 cms. Number of Stamps Per Sheet : 40 Stamp Perforations : 13 x 13 Postal Stamp Shape : Vertical Postage Stamp Paper : Unwatermarked adhesive Gravure coated stamp paper Indian Stamp Process : Photogravure Number of stamps printed : 0.4 million Stamp Printed At : India Security Press Indian Stamp's Color : Blue Gray 

Stamp Issue Date : 25/08/1996 Postage Stamp Dinomination : 2.00 Postal Stamp Serial Number : 1676 Postal Stamp Name : AHILYABAI HOLKAR Stamp Currency : P Stamp Type : COMMEMORATIVE Stamp Language :

English

Ahilyabai Holkar (1725-1795) was a great ruler and the Queen of the Kingdom of Malwa. Popularly known as Rajmata Ahilyadevi Holkar and she was born in 1725 in the village of Chondi in Maharashtra, India. She was the daughter of Mankoji Shinde who belonged to the Dhangar community, serving as patil of the village. Her father educated her himself and she grew up living a humble pious life, when one day, her destiny changed forever to eventually see her become the ruler of Malwa in the 18th century. Young Ahilyadevi's character and simplicity impressed Malhar Rao Holkar, who then served under Peshwa Bajirao's army as a commander. So great was his liking for the girl, that she was married to his son, Khande Rao, thus becoming a bride in the esteemed Maratha community of the Holkars.

After her husband's death in the battle of Kumbher in 1754, Ahilyabai was introduced to the administrative and military affairs of the state by her father-in-law, which saw her perform brilliantly under his guidance. After Malhar Rao's death, she requested the Peshwa to grant her the power to lead the administration of the region. His approval saw Rani Ahilyadevi take hold of the reins of the state in 1766, to become ruler of Malwa, with Tukoji Holkar appointed as her new military head. Receiving the full support of her loyal army, Ahilyadevi led them into several wars, whilst, she being a brave warrior and skilled archer herself, fought with valor atop elephant-back, even protecting her kingdom from the plundering Bhils and Gonds.

Stamp Issue Date : 28/08/1996 Postage Stamp Dinomination : 1.00 Postal Stamp Serial Number : 1677 Postal Stamp Name : CHEMBAI VAIDYANATHA BHAGAVATHAR Stamp Currency : P Stamp Type : COMMEMORATIVE

Stamp Language :English

Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar (1st September, 1896 - 16th October, 1974) , A great vidwan, who was also known for his affability and ready wit. He is credited with bringing to the fore a number of juniors.

He was born to Anantha Bhagavatar and Parvati Ammal in Chembai on 1st September, 1896. His father was a violinist and brother Subramanyam was a vocalist.

His gurus were his father and Kaliakudi Natesa Sastrigal and the well known artists like TV Gopalakrishnan and KJ Yesudas were the Sishyas (students) of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar. He bagged Gayana gandharva in 1940, Sangita Samrat in 1946, Sangita Kalanidhi in 1951, by the Music Academy, Madras, Sangita Natak Academy award in 1958.

Stamp Issue Date : 12/09/1996 Postage Stamp Dinomination : 1.00 Postal Stamp Serial Number : 1679 Postal Stamp Name : Stamp Issue Date : 12/09/1996 Postage Stamp Dinomination : 1.00 Postal Stamp Serial Number : 1679 Postal Stamp Name : RANI GAIDINLIU Stamp Currency : P Stamp Type : COMMEMORATIVE Stamp Language : English Stamp Currency : P Stamp Type : COMMEMORATIVE Stamp Language :

English

Born - 26 January 1915 Died - 17 February 1993 Achievements - Rani Gaidinliu from Manipur was a fearless Indian freedom fighter who joined the agitation at the age of 13 and headed the movement against the British in the Manipur and Naga belts. The Government of India honored her with the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 1993. Rani Gaidinliu, who was born at the Nangkao village in Manipur, was an active freedom fighter of India who joined the agitation at the age of 13. She spearheaded an inspiring socio-political movement to cast the British out from the Manipur and Naga belts. It was in 1932 at the age of 16 that Rani Gaidinliu was arrested and put behind bars for life.

She could be freed from the jail only after India's independence in 1947. Read this biography to know about the life history of the spunky Rani Gaidinliu. That Rani Gaidinliu was a charismatic girl was apparent from a very early age. While she was just 13, she grew restive witnessing the prevailing social and political ambience in the hills of Manipur under the British influence. It was at this time that she met prominent local leader Haipou Jadonang at Puilon Village and swayed by his ideas and principles, she launched the revolutionary movement against the British in 1927. However, just when this agitation was beginning to assume enough height to strike, Haipou was arrested by the British and put to death in 1931. It was from this moment onwards that the responsibility of directing the agitation in the Manipur and Naza hill regions fell on Rani's shoulders. Following this incident, Rani Gaidinliu immediately went underground. Though the British announced a reward of Rs 500 to anybody who would inform them about her whereabouts, the entire village stood together in support of Rani. But she was finally hunted own in October 1932. Rani Gaidinliu was put under life imprisonment for waging war against the British. Rani Gaidinliu continued to work for the welfare of her people even after her release from jail in 1947.

She even set up a resistance agitation against the Naga National Council (NNC)-led insurgents in 1966 and had to go underground due to this. Gaidinliu was respected by everybody for her role as a freedom fighter and was also honored with the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 1993. In her remembrance, the Government of India even issued a postal stamp.

English

Stamp Issue Date : 05/10/1996 Postage Stamp Dinomination : 2.00 Postal Stamp Serial Number : 1681 Postal Stamp Name : INDEPEX 97, NEW DELHI Stamp Currency : P Stamp Type : COMMEMORATIVE Stamp Language : English

The World Philatelic Exhibition - INDEPEX '97 will be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 15th December to 22nd December, 1997. It is being organised by the Department of Posts, Government of India, in cooperation with the Philatelic Congres of India (PCI) under the patronage of Federation Internationale de Philatelic (FIP).

The exhibition coincides with the Golden Jubilee of India's Independence and is a tribute, India Post, pays to the nation on this auspicious occasion. Hence, the Exhibition is named INDEPEX-97 - the first four letters 'INDE' stand for India, 'P' for Philately and 'EX' for Exhibition.

The logo of the Exhibition is a caparisoned elephant, a unique symbol of traditional ceremonial welcome in India. The elephant is considered auspicious, a loving and friendly creature in the Indian tradition. It signifies peace, prosperity and good will. The carpet on which the elephant stands has the semblance of a postage stamp. It symbolizes the journey of the stamp around the world as a country's little ambassador.

The objective in organizing Indepex '97 is to promote and disseminate information about Philately. Stamps, symbolising one's culture and tradition carry thematic messages to the people. The importance of Philately, therefore, as a medium of education is very significant. Different Postal Administrations and individual participants from India and the world will be displaying their wide range of precious collections in the exhibition. The exhibits will be displayed in over 3,500 frames. In addition, prestigious and invaluable exhibits will be displayed in the "Court of Honour Class".

Over 2,800 frames have been alloted in the "Competition Class" of which about 84 per cent are from abroad. Entry forms and other details can be had from the National Commissioners or directly from the Indepex Secretariat. The stamps will be judged by a panel of jury and experts from different countries.

Art works, colour proofs, trials, progressives of postage stamps etc. printed in India after Independence are banned from being exhibited.

Stamp Issue Date : 07/10/1996 Postage Stamp Dinomination : 5.00 Postal Stamp Serial Number : 1682 Postal Stamp Name : NATIONAL RAIL MUSEUM, NEW DELHI Stamp Currency : P Stamp Type : COMMEMORATIVE Stamp Language :

English

The National Rail Museum is a museum in Chanakyapuri, New DelhiIndia it opened on the Ist of February, 1977. It is located in over 10 acres (40,000 m²) of land[1] with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. A toy train offers rides around its site on regular days. The Museum houses the world's oldest operational steam locomotive the 1855 built Fairy Queen certified by the Guinness Book of Records which focuses on the rail heritage of

Main Exhibits

• Fairy Queen: Fairy Queen is the oldest running steam locomotive in the world. It was built in 1855.

Patiala State Monorail System at National Rail Museum, New Delhi

• Patiala State Monorail: This unique steam monorail was built in 1907. This unusual train is based on the "Ewing System", and connected Bassi with Sirhind (6 miles). This was designed by Col. Bowles. The unique train system consists of a track of single rail. This mono track, the load-carrying wheel are run while one big iron wheel at other side to balance it and to keep the train upright. This train as built by Orenstein & Koppel of Berlin. This train ran till October 1927. In 1927 the line was closed with advent of better and faster modes of transportation such as cars and buses. Somehow, an engine and Chief Engineer's inspection car escaped being sold as scrap and remained in railway's scrap yard. In 1962, the remains of Patiala State Monorail Trainways was discovered by a railroad historian Mr. Mike Satow. Thereafter,one engine was restored to full working order by the Northern Railway Workshops at Amritsar. They also reconstructed the Chief Engineer's private inspection car on an old underframe. The two are now in running condition after being restored and are on display at National Rail Museum, New Delhi. 

• Fire Engine: Morris Fire Engine was built by the famous fire engineers M/s. John Morris and Sons Ltd of Salford, Manchester in 1914. Only two Morris-Belsize fire-engine are known to exist in world today. Apart from the one with National Rail Museum, New Delhi, a 1912 model is preserved by the Enfield and District Veteran Vehicle. The fire engine preserved at the Enfield and District Veteran Vehiclehad been converted to use pneumatic tyres by Dennis Bros. Thus, the fire engine at National Rail Museum is the only one left in the world running on solid rubber tyres.

• Saloon of Prince of Wales: this saloon was built for Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) for his visit to India.

• Saloon of Maharaja of Indore: This is saloon of Maharaja Gaekwad.

• Saloon of Maharaja of Mysore: This is personal saloon of Maharaja of Mysore. The saloon is designed using teak, gold, ivory, etc.

• Electric Locomotive Sir Lislie Wilson

A Beyer Garratt 6594 Engine at the National Rail Museum

• Electric Locomotive Sir Roger Lumley

• CRANE TANK

• Kalka Shimla Rail Bus

• Matheran Rail Car No 8899

• Fireless Steam Locomotive

• Steam Locomotive A -885 HASANG

• Steam Locomotive X -373885 - This engine was used for trains to Ooty

• MG Diesel SR 203 ( Fowler Diesel )

• Electric Locomotive YCG -E1/21900

Betty Tramways ( Fowler Diesel ) - This use to run in Rajkot