12th State Level Philatelic Exhibition ‘Karnapex-2019’ held for the FIRST time in Mangaluru
Mangaluru : The four-day state level philatelic exhibition of the Indian Postal Service “KARNAPEX-2019” was held for the FIRST time in Mangaluru, and was was inaugurated on Saturday, 12 October by Former Lokayukta Justice Santhosh N Hegde at TMA Pai Hall, along with other dignitaries on the dais, namely- Vishva Pavan Pati-Additional DG Dept of Posts-New Delhi; Savio Mascarenhas- Group Art Director, Amar Chitra Katha; Dr Charles Lobo- Chief Post Master General, Karnataka Circle-Bengaluru; and Michael Fernandes-Ex-MLA, Bengaluru.
On the occasion India Post paying tribute to sons of the soil, namely George Fernandes, Anant Pai and Girish Karnad, released special covers to commemorate their contribution to the society. Thanking India Post for releasing a cover in memory of his brother Late George Fernandes, speaking on the occasion Michael Fernandes said, “Had George Fernandes been alive, he would have reacted differently to the present situation that India is facing. George’s contribution to the setting up of Konkan Railway should be appreciated by us all. People should understand the spirit of George’s life, the torture that George and his brother Lawrence endured during emergency”.
Also speaking Savio Mascarenhas said, “India Post has honoured the master story-teller in Anant Pai, aka Uncle Pai. It was his flair for story-telling that spawned a cultuyre of story-telling using comics as a medium and using it in turn to pass on information about Indian culture and mythology to the younger generation”. Vishva Pavan Pati praising the efforts put in by Charles Lobo, the CPMG of Karnataka Circle and his team in organizing the 12th edition of Karnapex 2019 to the coastal district, said [philately is regarded as the king of hobbies which has many dimensions. “It depicts socio-cultural aspect of any country, tracing India’s tryst with stamps from the time the Penny Black was first released to how postal stamps have narrated the country’s history. CBSE has included philately as one of the subjects in Political Science where children can learn about philately. We have taken out six octagonal stamps of Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of his 150th birth anniversary.”
Chief guest former Lokayukta N Santosh Hegde in his inaugural address said, “There is a lot one could learn from the lives of George Fernandes, Girsih Karnad and Anant Pai, and incorporate the same in one’s personal lives. My meeting with Fernandes during the Emergency has left a lasting impression on him. He was a revolutionary leader and fought for justice. I appreciate the release on special covers on him, and also on Ananth Pai and Girish Karnad by India Post. Anant Pai through his comic books for children kept them happy, and we should praise the efforts of Girish Karnad as a great artiste and writer.
Santhosh N Hegde also released picture post cards, the Divine Heritage of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, and released a book on special covers of Karnataka Volume II. Charles Lobo welcomed the gathering, while S Rajendra Kumar-Post Master General, South Karnataka Region-Bengaluru proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Gregory of India Post.
During the four-day programme from 12-15 October, there will be various activities held such as stamp exhibition, special cover release, cultural programmes, seminar, workshops, quiz competition for school children and treasure hunt. As part of the exhibition, on October 13, with theme as Environment Day, special covers on Mattu Gulla, Shankarapura Jasmine etc will be released. A book on the introduction of permanent pictorial cancellation Kannada alphabet through stamps will also be released. On October 14, the theme will be Cultural Day. Special covers on National Flag, Siddi tribe, Tulu cinema and Shreemanthi Bai museum will be released. The valedictory function will be on October 15.
