Kerala   

Drawing inspiration from Neelakurinji

FLORAL SPLENDOUR: A postal pack released by the Kozhikode Philately Bureau in connection with the release of a postal stamp on `Kurinji.'

The Neelakurinji about which the Sangam poets sang and with which tribal people reckoned time has inspired the Postal Department to release a stamp on this purple-blue flower that will bloom in splendour once again in September across the shoal grasslands of the Western Ghats after a gap of 12 years.

In a unique initiative the Kozhikode Philately Bureau has brought out a special postal pack `Bouquet of Western Ghats' in connection with the release of the postal stamp on the Neelakurinji (Strobilanthus kunthianus). Director Postal Services, Northern Region, Shibu M. Job released the postal pack here on May 29 to coincide with the release of the stamp. The Rs.15-stamp was released at Udhagamandalam on the same day.

The pack cover that sports a beautiful picture of the verdant landscape where the kurinji blooms is part of the `Explore the mysteries of Nature through India Postage Stamps' initiative of the Postal Department.

Inside, the pack has the depiction of the postal stamp on the Neelakurinji besides the maxim card (picture post card of the stamp). The product is a prized possession of the stamp collector.

"The Postal Department is in the process of bringing out a series of stamps as part of the Explore Nature through India Postage. Wildlife sanctuaries and lakes will be part of the series. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala will be featured along with other wildlife sanctuaries in the country such as Kaziranga in Assam, Muthumalai-Bandipur in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and Bandhavgarh wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh," Mr. Job said.

Also on the list of the Postal Department are landmark bridges, rainwater harvesting, woman's education among others. The Kozhikode Philately Bureau attached to the office of the Post Master General has earlier brought out postal packs on the Dandi March, 150 years of India Posts, and the armed forces titled `Suraksha.'

Maleeha Raghaviah

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