Smt Radhika Doraiswamy, Secretary, Department of Posts inaugurated National Philatelic Museum here today. Speaking on the occasion Smt Radhika said that the museum attempts to showcase the great Indian panorama as presented through its postage stamps. Referring to a special display of stamps on Gandhiji on this occasion, she said Gandhiji is the most depicted personality of the world on postage stamps .Across the world 110 countries have issued postage stamps on Gandhiji, she added.
Located on the Ground Floor of Dak Bhavan, facing Patel Chowk Metro Station towards Rafi Marg, the National Philatelic Museum opened its gates today. In its new location, it provides for greater visibility and easier access. It is, therefore, expected to attract both veteran philatelists and amateurs, young and old, to walk through the avenues of Indian history, culture and environment through postage stamps. Collection on Gandhiji by philatelist Shri V P Sharma is the special attraction on display which includes stamps issued by other nations.
The Museum has bays dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and Prime Ministers of India, along with freedom fighters. It also has displays on several themes such as science and technology, transport and wildlife. There are glimpses of stamps from abroad, and displays from the Army Postal Service and India Security Press, Nashik. There is a view of some stamps created by Cartor, one of the leading Security Printers in the world today.
The Museum is studded with relics, models and pictures of postal life over the centuries. The Museum has an amphitheatre for talk shows and presentations, for sharing information and experience with philatelic groups. There is a reference library. In the Artists’ Corner the Department has showcased the actual designing of a stamp and will invite artists from time to time to give live demonstrations. The renovated Museum offers a much larger area providing for display and activities as well as a library, amphitheatre and souvenir shop. It will remain open on Mondays to Fridays, from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. It will be opened on Saturdays for school groups on request.
Change and transformation spell the dynamics of living. The National Philatelic Museum, Dak Bhavan, New Delhi, is an example of this truism: an evolving phenomenon, which the Department of Posts has transformed into a larger, enhanced and interactive platform for promoting philately and stimulating interest in the hobby.
