Kurinji flower 2006 India Stamp

Gregarious Kurniji is the famous flower which makes the Neelgirihills blue. Kurinji is a bright blue bell-shaped flower found on the hill slopes of the Western Ghats at an altiltude between 6000 to 7000 feet.

The unique feature of this flower is that it blooms once in 12 years! The species name kunthiana  has been derived from the River Kunthi which flows through the rich expanse of the renowned Silent Valley National Park in Kerala. Kurinji flower normally grows on the hill slopes where there is little or no tree forest. It is a tall, bushy, shrub which sometimes may grow to a height of eight to ten feet.

when it blooms, which is once in 12 years, the entire bush is covered with bright blue flowers. Robinson (1935) recorded a twelve year flowering cycle for this species from the Nilgiri Hills between 1826 and 1934, based on the diaries of one of the earliest European families to settle in the Hills.

Kurinji once used to cover the Nilgiri Hills and Palani Hills like a carpet during its flowering season. Now plantations and dwellings occupy much of their habitat. Besides the Western Ghats, Neelakurinji is also seen in the Shevroys in the Eastern Ghats, some parts of Idukki and sandur hills of Bellary district in Karnataka. In 2006, Neelakurunji flowered again in Kerala and Tamil Nadu after a gap of 12 years. Thereafter, the Strobilanthes cuspidatus species of Kurinji flowers were found blooming in 2016 in Udhagamandalam near a major road.

In August 2008, a group of plants at Thalakkulam, about 35 km from Munnar, flowered on a hill by the side of the Kochi-Madurai National Highway. The next flowering here will be in 2020 if the seedlings survive the onslaught of human interference.

Stray flowerings of kurinji do occur annually towards the end of the 12-year flowering cycle. A few plants here and there may throw up an inflorescence while the other plants remain without flowers. What triggers the massive flowering every 12 years is not known. However, here is an explanation for why they flower only once in 12 years. 

kurinji has been documented for 180 years. The first records of ten consecutive flowerings from 1826 to 1934 were published in the Journal of the Bombay Natural History (Vol. 38) by Mrs. Morrison.However, references in the Tamil Sangham literature (200 B. C.-300 A. D.) suggest that kurinji used to flower for hundreds of years.

Department of Posts Honoured Gregarious flower Kurinji  by  releasing  a commemorative postage stamp

Issued Date : 29. 05.2006
Denomination: 15.00 

Indian Agricultural Research Institute 2006 India Stamp

The institute was originally established in 1905 at Pusa, Bihar, as Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), which was changed to Imperial Institute of Agricultural Research in 1911 and then again in 1919 as the Imperial Agricultural Research Institute.with the financial assistance of an American Philanthropist,  Henry Phipps, Jr.. Phipps was a family friend of Lady Curzon, who was the daughter of American millionaire and wife of Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India. Phipps stayed as a guest of Curzons during his visit to India.

More importantly, Phipps left behind with them a donation of $30,000, which was utilized for the establishment of the institute. He laid the foundation stone of Agricultural Research Institute and college on 1 April 1905

However the institute was damaged during the devastating Bihar earthquake of 1934 which occurred on 15 January 1934.

Thereafter the Secretary of State approved the transfer in July, 1943. The Standing Finance Committee of the Union Assembly finally announced on 25 August 1934 in Shimla, the decision to shift the institute to New Delhi at the approximate cost of ₹3.8 million (US$56,000). to a place that is now called Pusa in New Delhi.

The new campus at New Delhi was inaugurated on 29 July 1936, while the new building of the Imperial Institute of Agricultural Research was inaugurated by then Viceroy of India, Lord Linlithgow on 7 November 1936.

Post-independence, the institute renamed Indian Agricultural Research Institute, and in 1950 the Shimla sub-station of institute developed Rust-resistant varieties of wheat, including Pusa 718, 737, 745, and 760. In 1958, it was recognized as a "deemed university" under the UGC act of 1956 of Parliament and since then it has awarded MSc and PhD degrees.

What remained of the institute at the original location was downgraded to an agricultural research station until 1970, when the Government of Bihar established the Rajendra Agricultural University at the location.

It will serve the cause of science and society with distinction through first rate research, generation of appropriate technologies and development of human resources. In fact, the Green Revolution was born in the fields of IARI and its graduates constitute the core of the quality human resource in India's agricultural research and education.

The Institute has all along been adjusting and improving its policies, plans and programmes to effectively respond to the needs and opportunities of the nation. During the fifties, the advancement of scientific disciplines constituted the core programme and provided the base for its fast expansion in the 1960s and 1970s in all its three interactive areas, namely, research, education and extension. Besides basic research, applied and commodity research gained great importance resulting in the development of several popular high yielding varieties of almost all major crops and their associated management technologies, which brought about an unprecedented increase in the national food and agricultural production.

The campus is spread over 500 hectares (5.0 km2), 8 km west of New Delhi Railway Station. This was initially outside Delhi, but over the decades the city has grown much beyond the campus. Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute is affiliated with and is located in the campus of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute.

Department of  Posts  released  a postage stamp to commemorate the centenary of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute

Issued Date : 30 - 03 - 2006
Denomination : 500 Paise

M. Singaravelar 2006 India Stamp

Shri M. Singaravelar was a freedom fighter, a lawyer, labour union leader and the first member of the Corporation of Madras.

He was born in a wealthy family, the third son of Venkatachalam Chetty and Valliammai on 18th February 1860. He had his schooling from Hindu High School at Triplicane and graduated from the Presidency College. He then took a degree in law and practiced as a lawyer at the Madras High Court. It was the time when he met the great poet Bharathiar, V. Sakkarai Chettiar, V.0. Chidambaram Pillai as well as some revolutionary Congress leaders. Inspired by the news of the Russian Revolution of 1905 and the working class struggle in Bombay in 1908, he was drawn to the nationalist movement and fought for the betterment of the conditions of the Indian working class. He worked tirelessly for the unity and welfare of the working class.

Singaravelar was instrumental in spreading the communist movement in India. Although he worked as a member of the Congress Party, after 1921 he dedicated himself to the establishment of the communist movement. Along with Kalyanasundaranar, a veteran trade unionist and congressman, he actively associated in the formation of Madras Labour Union.

He took active part in so many strikes. He sowed the seed for the celebration of May Day, which is celebrated in India since 1923. It was on that day when he announced the formation of the Labour Kisan Party. He served the people by getting their support and becoming a member of the Corporation. He led several agitations for the welfare of the workers.

He started many schemes to provide medical help to the people. He was also the man who paved the way for the midday meal scheme.

He responded to Gandhiji’s call for non-cooperation and gave up his practice as a lawyer and entered wholeheartedly into the freedom movement. He participated in the movement to boycott the Simon Commission. He was successful in organizing demonstrations in several parts of Chennai against the Rowlett Act. Singaravelars association with Periyar played a very important role in the Self Respect Movement. He authored numerous articles against superstitions, caste based and social discrimination while supporting liberation of women. This paved a new path and opened a wider horizon to the followers of Self Respect Movement.

As a prolific writer, he published several books on various topics. He started a fortnightly Labour Kisan Gazette and, Thozhilalan’, a Tamil Weekly.

Singaravelar visited many countries. Besides English and Tamil, he had good command in Russian, French and German languages. He had a valuable library of about 10,000 books, which he donated to the Communist Party of India.

Though in his advanced years, he withdrew from active politics, Singaravelar remained a staunch advocate of the causes he had pioneered till his death at the age of 85, He last his breath on 11th February 1946.

Department of posts Issued commemorative postage Stamp on Shri M. Singaravelar

Issued Date: 02-03-2006
Denomination: 500 Paise

Dr.U.V.Swaminatha Iyer 2006 India Stamp

Uttamadhanapuram Venkatasubbaiyer Swaminatha a Tamil scholar and researcher who was instrumental in bringing many long-forgotten works of classical Tamil literature to light. His singular effort over five decades brought to light major literary works in Tamil and contributed vastly to the enrichment of its literary heritage. Iyer published over 91 books in his lifetime, on a variety of matters connected to classical Tamil literature, and collected 3,067 paper manuscripts, palm-leaf manuscripts and notes of various kinds. He is affectionately called Tamil Thatha (Grandfather of Tamil).

Utthamadhanapuram Venkatasubramanian Swaminathan was born on 19 February 1855 C.E. in the village of Suriaymoolai in the house of his maternal grandfather near Kumbakonam in present-day Tamil Nadu. He belonged to the Ashtasahasram sub-sect of Iyers.

Swaminatha Iyer learned Tamil literature and grammar for five years as a devoted student to Mahavidwan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, a great poet and scholar. He was also a beneficiary of the reputed Saiva Mutt at Thiruvavaduthurai. Tyagaraja Chettiar was the head of the Tamil Department at the Government Arts College, Kumbakonam. A student of Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, he was a man of great erudition and was held in high esteem alike by his pupils and by the public. When Chettiar retired, he recommended that Swaminatha Iyer be invited to take his place. Swaminatha Iyer was duly appointed to that post on 16 February 1880. During his tenure at the College, Swaminatha Iyer met Salem Ramaswami Mudaliar, a civil munsif who had been recently transferred to Kumbakonam. The friendship between them proved to be a turning point in Swaminatha Iyer's life. Mudaliar was responsible for persuading Iyer to edit and publish the ancient Tamil classics. Swaminatha Iyer had till then confined his enjoyment of Tamil literature to medieval works. Mudaliar also gave him a handwritten copy of Seevaga Sindhamani for publication.

As the Civaka Cintamani was a Jain classic, Swaminatha Iyer went to the homes of learned member of the Jain community in Kumbakonam to get some doubts cleared. He also read the Jain epics and collated several manuscript versions and arrived at a correct conclusion. It was due to his efforts that the Cevaka Cintamani was published in 1887. From that time onwards, he began to search for Sangam classics with a view to editing and publishing them. After the Cevaka Cintamani, the Pattupattu was published.

Thus began Swaminatha Iyer's long search for the original texts of ancient literary works during which he regularly worked with S. V. Damodaram Pillai. It was a search that lasted until his death. Many people voluntarily parted with the manuscripts in their possession. Swaminatha Iyer visited almost every hamlet and knocked at every door. He employed all the resources at his command to get at the works. As a result, a large number of literary works which were gathering dust as palm-leaf manuscripts in lofts, storerooms, boxes and cupboards saw the light of day. Of them, the Cilappatikaram, Manimekalai and Purananuru were received by Tamil lovers with a lot of enthusiasm. Purananuru, which mirrored the lives of Tamils during the Sangam period, prompted scholarly research on the subject. In a span of about five decades, Swaminatha Iyer published about 100 books, including minor poems, lyrics, puranas and bhakti (devotional) works.

Swaminatha Iyer retired from active teaching in 1919. His research work increased several times after retirement. He travelled from place to place in search of palm leaf manuscripts so as to edit and publish them. From 1924 to 1927, Iyer was the Principal of the Meenakshi Tamil College in Annamalai University, Chidambaram. On health grounds, he resigned the post, came to Madras and continued his research.

Another significant contribution made by Swaminatha Iyer is in the realm of Tamil music. Until Swaminatha Iyer published the Cilappatikaram, Pattupattu and Ettuthokai, music was a grey area in Tamil research. During the previous four centuries, Telugu and Sanskrit dominated the music scene in Tamil Nadu in the absence of any valuable information on Tamil music. Swaminatha Iyer's publications threw light on the presence of Tamil music in the earlier centuries and paved the way for serious research on the subject. As the son of a famous musician of his time, Swaminatha Iyer learnt music from Gopalakrishna Bharathi, a musical exponent and the author of Nandan Sarithiram.

Swaminatha Iyer published his autobiography, En Sarithiram, serialised in the Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan, from January 1940 to May 1942. It was later published as a book in 1950. Running into 762 pages, the book is an excellent account of the life and times of villages, especially in the Thanjavur district in the late 19th century. The Tamil is simple and peppered with many observations on people as well as descriptions of school life, life in monasteries (Maths). The book also reveals the enormous perseverance of U V Swaminatha Iyer in his quest to master Tamil and save manuscripts.

It was due to his efforts that the world came to know the literary output of the ancient Tamils and their past. Tamil poet and nationalist Subramania Bharati, who inspired the freedom movement with his songs, admired Swaminatha Iyer. Paying tribute to Swaminatha Iyer in one of his poems, Bharati equated Iyer with Saint Agasthya when he called him "Kumbamuni". (Saint Agasthiar – Who was among the first exponents of Tamil – was supposed to have been born in a "Kumbha" – a kind of vessel- hence the name Kumbamuni) and said: "So long as Tamil lives, poets will venerate you and pay obeisance to you. You will ever shine as an immortal."

The meeting of Kabiguru Rabindranath Thakur from Bengal and the grand old man of Tamil literature in 1926 in Chennai was a historic moment. Not only did Tagore call on U. Ve. Swaminatha Iyer but also penned a poem in praise of his efforts to salvage ancient classical Tamil literary works from palm leaf manuscripts.

The honorary doctoral degree (D.Litt.) was conferred on Iyer by the University of Madras in 1906. In recognition of his outstanding literary accomplishments and contributions, he was also honoured with the title, Mahamahopathiyaya, literally: "Greatest of great teachers". In the same year, when the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Madras, a function was arranged where Swaminatha Iyer was honoured. Iyer was awarded the title of Dakshinathya Kalanidhi in 1925. In 1932, the Madras University awarded an honorary PhD to him in recognition of his services in the cause of Tamil.

His house  has been converted as a Memorial.

Department  of Posts issued a commemorative postage stamp on his  160th birthday 

Issued Date : 18. 02.2006
Denomination:500 Paise

3rd Battalion, the Sikh Regiment 2006 India stamp

The Sikh Regiment is one of the highest decorated regiments of the Indian Army, with 72 Battle Honours, 15 Theater Honours and 5 COAS Unit Citations besides 2 PVCs, 14 MVCs, 5 KCs, 67 VrCs and 1596 other gallantry awards. The history of the Regiment spans 161 years with heroic deeds of valour and courage which have few parallels if any.

Regimental Insignia: A lion, symbolic of the name Singh that all Sikhs have encircled with a sharp-edged Quoit  or Chakra.

Regimental Motto: Nischey Kar Apni Jeet Karon (I Fight For Sure To Win).

Honours & Awards:

 2 Param Vir Chakras,
2 Ashok Chakras,
14 Maha Vir Chakras,
14 Kirti Chakras,
64 Vir Chakras,
15 Shaurya Chakras,
75 Sena Medals 
25 Vishisht Seva Medals. 

Although the Regiment's official history dates back to 1846, the biological heritage has its roots in the noble teachings and sacrifices made by the ten Gurus. The Sikh Regiment of today has imbibed the culture and chivalry of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh's erstwhile Khalsa Army.

The ethos and traditions of the Regiment formalised  with the raising of 'Regiment of Ferozepore Sikhs' and Regiment of Ludhiana Sikhs' on 01 August 1846  by Captain G. Tebbs and Lieutenant Colonel P. Gordon respectively. A major portion of the substance of the Regiment traces its origins to Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Army. With a humble beginning of two battalions in 1846, today the Sikh fraternity has grown 20 battalions strong.

The battle of Saragarhi fought by 36th Sikh (now 4 Sikh) in 1897, is an epitome of Valour, Courage, Bravery and Sacrifice. Havildar Issar Singh with 21 Other Ranks made the supreme sacrifice repulsing 10,000 of the enemy.

This sacrifice was recognised  by the British Parliament, when it rose to pay its respects to these brave young soldiers. All 22 were awarded the Indian Order of Merit (IOM), the then highest decoration for the Indian soldiers. This 'Kohinoor' of the Sikh Regiment is one of the ten most famous battles of the world. Even to this date,

this battle forms part of the school curriculum in France. 12 September 1897, the day of the Battle of Saragarhi is celebrated as the Regimental Battle Honours Day.

Department  of Posts pevilage issued Commemorative postage stamps  during 150th Anniversary of the 3rd Battalion, the Sikh Regiment

Issued Date: 01.02.2006
Denomination :500 Paise

Happy Pongal 2006 India

India is a land of festivals and many of the great festivals are related to the traditional agricultural activities of its people. Pongal, one of the most important festivals, particularly of the Tamil people, is a thanksgiving ritualfor a bountiful harvest which is celebrated with great joy by one and all.

This festival follows a solar calendar and is celebrated on the same days each year. The actual festivities of Pongal begin on 13th  January and lasts for four days. From an astronomical standpoint, this is an important period because this is the time when the sun enters the Northern Hemisphere.

The sun traverses from the Tropic of Capricorn to the Tropic of Cancer via the Equator from 14thJanuary to 14th July, and this movement is termed as Uttarayan(summer solstice). The festival also marks the withdrawal of the North East Monsoons.

The first day of the Pongal festival is called Bhogi. The highlight of the day is the bonfire into which old items like rugs, mats, papers, clothes, etc. are consigned, marking the beginning of a new life.

The second day is ‘Pongal’, the most important day, when great importance is given to the Sun. Decorative motifs called ‘Kolams’ (Rangoli) are drawn on the floor by the women-folk, generally with rice flour. In the early morning, the family members gather outside their houses and cook sweet rice, known as ‘Pongal’, in clay pots. The overflowing pot is perceived as an auspicious sign of abundance and prosperity and excites the people to raise a chorus ‘Pongal O Pongal’. Specialities of the day include the venpongal (salty dish) and Chakkarai Pongal (dish made with jaggery). The celebration of ‘Makar Sankranti’ in other parts of India coincides with Pongal.

The third day is dedicated to cattle and is called Mattu Pongal. The cattle are gaily decorated with beads, bells and flowers – their horns painted and capped with gleaming metals. A cattle procession is taken out and people offer fruits and other goodies to the animals. However, in many places, the main attraction of this day is the bullfight (Jallikattu) in which young men participate with enthusiasm to show their skill and courage. The aim of the sport is to seize the reward, which is put in a cloth and tied to the horns of the bulls.

Kaanum Pongal is the fourth and final day of the festival. After so many days of merrymaking, people take things easy on this day. The spirit of sharing with all, animals and human alike, is embodied in the rituals associated with Kaanum Pongal.

Resembling the North Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan, when the sister ties a Rakhi on the wrist of the brother as a token of love and in return for protection, this day also celebrates the bond between siblings.In essence, the festivities of Pongal mark a reaffirmation of traditional values revolving around family and sharing.

The Department of Posts honours this great tradition and also shares in the happy festivities by issuing this commemorative stamp on Pongal.

Issued Date: 12.01.2006 
Denomination : 500 Paise

World AIDS Day India 2006

The red ribbon is the global symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS.

World AIDS Day is held on the 1st December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day, held for the first time in 1988.

World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

World AIDS Day is an opportunity to show support to and solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV. Wearing a red ribbon is one simple way to do this. Find out where you can get a red ribbon.

World AIDS Day is also a great opportunity to raise money for NAT (National AIDS Trust) and show your support for people living with HIV. If you feel inspired to hold an event, such as a bake sale, or simply sell red ribbons, visit our fundraising page. If you’d like to see events that others are holding please visit our events page.

Although World AIDS Day is a great opportunity to talk about HIV, it is important to keep the momentum going all year round. visit website,  HIVaware, for more information.

World AIDS Day, Observed by All UN Members designated on 1 December every year since 1988,  is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV  infection,  and mourning those who have died of the disease. Government and health officials, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world observe the day, often with education on AIDS prevention and control.

World AIDS Day is one of the eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Malaria Day and World Hepatitis Day. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day.

As of 2013, AIDS has killed more than 36 million people worldwide (1981-2012), and an estimated 35.3 million people are living with HIV, making it one of the most important global public health issues in recorded history. Despite recent improved access to  antiretroviral treatment in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claims an estimated 2 million lives each year, of which about 270,000 are children.

World AIDS Day was first conceived in August 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Bunn and Netter took their idea to Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Programme on AIDS (now known as UNAIDS). Dr. Mann liked the concept, approved it, and agreed with the recommendation that the first observance of World AIDS Day should be on 1 December 1988. Bunn, a former television broadcast journalist from San Francisco,  had  recommended  the date of 1 December that believing it would maximize coverage of World AIDS Day by western news media, sufficiently long following the US elections but before the Christmas holidays.

In its first two years, the theme of World AIDS Day focused on children and young people. While the choice of this theme was criticized at the time by some for ignoring the fact that people of all ages may become infected with HIV, the theme helped alleviate some of the stigma surrounding the disease and boost recognition of the problem as a family disease.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) became operational in 1996, and it took over the planning and promotion of World AIDS Day. Rather than focus on a single day, UNAIDS created the World AIDS Campaign in 1997 to focus on year-round communications, prevention and education. In 2004, the World AIDS Campaign became an independent organization.

Each year, Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI have released a greeting message for patients and doctors on World AIDS Day.

In the US, the White House began marking World AIDS Day with the iconic display of a 28-foot AIDS Ribbon on the building's North Portico in 2007. The display, now an annual tradition, quickly garnered attention, as it was the first banner, sign or symbol to prominently hang from the White House since the Abraham Lincoln administration.

Issued  Date: 1.12.2006 
Denomination : 500 Paisa