Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 30:
The Ist Manipur Philatelic Festival, 2004 was organized under the aegis of Department of Posts, Government of India at Kuki Inn here today.
Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Dr Ng Bijoy and General Postmaster of NE Circle Lalhluna, IPS attended the inaugural function as chief guest and president respectively in the morning session.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr Bijoy said stamp collection or Philatelic is a popular hobby which could enrich knowledge.
Stamps would provide a wealth of knowledge on national, international events as well as on wild life, culture, important personalities of the world, etc.
He informed the history of Philatelic or the hobby of stamp collection dates back to 1840 in Great Britain.
In his presidential address, Lalhluna compared stamp to a teacher who could provide with the knowledge of history, politics and socio-economy of any country in the world.
He informed that the General Imphal Post Office here at Imphal has a Philatelic Bureau from where interested persons may collect the stamp of their choice and liking every day on all working days from 9.30 am to 5 pm.
In the afternoon session, Joint Director of Art and Culture Dr K Sobita and chief editor of ISTV K Madhumangol graced the festival as chief guest and president respectively.
In her address, Sobita expressed desire for bringing out stamps to commemorate important personalities of Manipuri as well as on rare fauna and flora found in the State.
Stamp designing competitions on the theme of Peace and Harmony for students of class I to VIII as well as for students of class IX to XII were organized at the occasion.
In the competition for class IX to XII, RK Bhubansana of Manipur Public School, Koirengei secured first prize and Supriya Ngangbam of Maria Montessori contended with the second prize.
While, the third prize was shared between Rosana Nongmaithem of Maria Montessori and Konthoujam Maichael Meitei.