Mangaluru: The four-day long 12th state-level philately exhibition ‘Karnapex -2019’ was inaugurated by Former Lokayukta Santhosh Hegde at TMA Pai Convention Hall on Saturday, October 12.
Meanwhile, special covers on former union minister George Fernandes, creator of noted comic book series ‘Amar Chitra Katha’ Anant Pai, and Jnanpith awardee Girish Karnad were released on the occasion. The Additional Director General of Department of Posts (New Delhi) Vishva Pavan Pati released the special cover on Anant Pai
Former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde, after inaugurating the exhibition, said that the postal department had taken a good decision to conduct the state-level exhibition as it helps to know our own history. “The special cover release on three achievers like George Fernandes, Ananth Pai, and Girish Karnad by the postal department was a good move as youngsters will able to know about such great personalities,” he said.
Hegde also recalled his first meeting with George Fernandes during the “Emergency” period in India. “Some leaders like George Fernandes were against the move of the government’s ’emergency’ and they fought against the government’s decision. Everyone was scared to meet the opposition leaders in those days and I was also not an exception to that. But, within a few days after my meeting with George, he was jailed. Later, he become the union minister and executed several responsibilities and emerged as a great leader,” he recalled.
Amar Chitra Katha Group Art Director Savio Mascarenhas shed some light on how ‘Amar Chitra Katha’ first came into existence and what was the contribution of Anant Pai to comic books. “Anant Pai had a dream to do something for children which forced him to start Amar Chitra Katha. In this exhibition, the stamps tells stories and this is a special occasion for children.”
Additional director of general department of Post, Vishva Pavan Pati said that the postal department had taken out six octagonal stamps of Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of his 150th birthday celebration. He also informed that the CBSE board has included philately as one of the subjects in Political Science where children can learn about philately.
Mentioning the contribution of George Fernandes to the whole country, Former MLA (and brother of late George Fernandes) Michael B Fernandes said, “George Fernandes was a revolutionary politician and helped those people who were in distress.”
“The present generation should follow the ideas and idealism of George Fernandes,” he stressed.
The exhibition was organised by Karnataka Postal Circle and it will remain open from 10 am to 7 pm till October 15. During the four-day programme, there will be various activities such as stamp exhibition, special cover release, cultural programmes, seminar, workshops, quiz competition for school children, and a treasure hunt.
Earlier, Karnataka Circle Post Master General Charles Lobo welcomed the gathering. Post-Master General (south Karnataka region) Bengaluru Rajendra Kumar rendered the vote of thanks and Gregory compered the event.
