Former President of India : K R Narayanana

SPEECH BY SHRI K.R. NARAYANAN, PRESIDENT OF INDIA, WHILE INAUGURATING THE WORLD PHILATELIC EXHIBITION 'INDEPEX-97'.

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 15, 1997

I am happy to associate myself with this World Philatelic Exhibition organised by the Department of Posts to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of our Independence. I would like to congratulate the Federation Internationale de Philately, representatives of postal administration from several countries and the officers and staff of the Department of Posts for their effort in mounting this impressive exhibition.

It is said that postage stamps are "the windows of a nation through which the people overseas may behold its heritage and nature". In this way, philately fosters cultural understanding and strengthen universal brotherhood. We in India have always promoted philately as a means of building cultural bridges among nations and civilisations by sharing our great cultural heritage. In a sense, this exhibition which has participants from every continent reflects the role philately plays in promoting international understanding.

It is fitting that on this occasion, the Department of Posts has issued a souvenir stamp sheet in memory of Mother Teresa. She was a symbol of peace, mercy and compassion. Wherever there was suffering and despair, Mother Teresa and her Sisters of Charity brought love, hope and dignity. Her work and her message of selfless service transcends national boundaries and has inspired all humanity. In a very real and meaningful sense, she knit the peoples of the world together, particularly the underprivileged and the downtrodden, with her care and compassion. The souvenir stamp sheet is a touching and evocative tribute to this "Angel of Mercy".

This World Philately Exhibition, the fifth in a series organised by the Department of Posts, with its collection of rare and precious stamps is a spectacular event which offers an opportunity to viewers to witness, enjoy and marvel at the philatelic treasures of the world. I would also like to congratulate the Department of Posts for the interesting vignette presented in the exclusive pavilion of "India Post" which depicts the postal history of India from the days of East India Company to contemporary times.

Philately is a hobby which has immense educational value. Small stamps tell big stories about virtually every aspect of human life - art, science, culture, history and nature. It sharpens the curiosity and enhances the creativity, particularly among the youth. I am therefore delighted that this exhibition is promoting philately as a hobby through programmes such as quiz competitions and special workshops for the youth.

While it is true that this hobby is educative and informative, there is an interesting story of how it can also be very profitable and result in windfall gains for collectors. The famous One-cent British Guinea stamp, insured for 200,000 Pounds was once brought for display at a Stamp Exhibition in London in 1965. Not only did it arouse tremendous media interest - the BBC even broadcast a special programme - it was finally sold for a staggering 280,000 Pounds (in Indian Rs. 1.68 crores approx.).

I am sure this story would enthuse our stamp collectors of today. There is another very interesting anecdote, perhaps apocryphal, about the origins of stamp collection. A poor old lady in London could not afford to cover her walls with wall paper. She therefore covered the walls with a collage of used postage stamps. Not only did this look beautiful, but they inspired her to arrange this in an album. Thus started this great hobby which has fascinated generations of people throughout the world. Communication revolution with the introduction of Fax, Electronic Mail, etc., is to-day overtaking the postal mail which hitherto encircled the globe. But nothing could supercede the historical significance, the educational and cultural value, and the beauty, artistry and the romance of the postage stamp.

In India, the Department of Posts through its projection of our glorious heritage, achievements in science and technology and agricultural and industrial development has played a notable role not merely in encouraging stamp collection as a hobby but in creating greater awareness of our nation throughout the world. I am very happy to learn that a composite mosaic of all stamps issued on the theme of our freedom struggle has been arranged at this exhibition. This will enable the younger generation to learn more about our freedom struggle and the great leaders, men and women who made glorious sacrifices for the cause of liberty, equality and human dignity.

I am very happy to learn that the Department of Posts is bringing out a set of four commemorative stamps on the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi and that only today a stamp was issued in memory of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. I am sure that the Department will keep up its good work and also issue stamps which would commemorate the spectacular achievements made by India and Indians in various fields after independence.

With these words, I have great pleasure in inaugurating INDEPEX-97.

Jai Hind

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