A three-day philatelic exhibition - Shantipex - 2019 - began here on Thursday, with nearly 150 exhibits in more than 100 frames, to commemmorate 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Organised by the Department of Posts, the event also has release of special covers and post cards, competitions for students, workshops, and talks.
Speaking at the inaugural of the exhibition, Sheuli Burman, Postmaster General, Western Region, said the stamps on display speak about the values and life of Mahatma Gandhi. He stressed on education for all and employment for all, with focus on vocational training.
Mahatma Gandhi had visited Coimbatore thrice. She urged students to look at collecting stamps as a hobby. The stamps gather philatelic value over a period of time, she said.
Durga Charan Dash, Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Coimbatore, said there is a need for development of cottage industries, handlooms, etc. as it helps bring down unemployment. There should be initiatives to bring development in rural areas, he suggested.
N. Muruganandan, Senior Assistant General Manager (Sales and Distribution), The Hindu , Coimbatore, suggested that the expo could be made a permanent feature on the premises of a post office here as it is educative to the visitors.
According to Sudhir Gopal Jakhere, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Coimbatore Division, the messages of Mahatma Gandhi are relevant even now. The expo aims at making Coimbatore a philately hub and also showcase Coimbatore.
At the inaugural, the Department released special covers on Khadi and Aagar Coin Society, a philatelic passport, and also a pack of 10 post cards on “Rewind Coimbatore - A Journey through the Lens of The Hindu ”.
The exhibitiont on the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University premises has 13 philatelic stalls and over 25 non-philatelic stalls and will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. till September 7.
