Governor Dr. Ashwani Kumar, his wife and others check out the postal stamps being displayed at Nagaland Philatelic Exhibition 2014 on March 7. The stamps belonged to collectors from within and outside Nagaland (Photo by Caisii Mao)
Governor calls for stamp & special cover on Naga women
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 7
The study of history, the growth and working of postal services in the world is a very informative and interesting subject, similarly, the hobby of philately and the study of stamps. Nagaland Governor, Dr Ashwani Kumar acknowledged this at the inaugural function of Nagaland Philatelic Exhibition 2014 (NAGAPEX-14) at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School here on March 7.
Philately and stamp collection are rare hobbies, but realizing its importance and to popularize the hobby of stamp collection among young children through workshops, lectures etc., Postal Services, Nagaland, organized the event.
Speaking as chief guest, the Governor stated that the hobby not only improves knowledge, but widens the mind. “It is amazing that we can learn a lot of history, geography, and read the continents, gain immense knowledge just by studying the small stamp on the top right hand corner of the envelop,” he added.
In the past, he said, sending messages, letters or other forms of communication was not only difficult and expensive, but only the rich and powerful could afford to do so. However, things changed with the introduction of the tiny postage stamp, the concept which was brought about by a school teacher, Rowland Hill, in England in 1837. The concept was implemented in 1840 with the introduction of a stamp costing one penny. Thereafter, the concept of prepaid postage was also introduced, the Governor said. According to Dr. Ashwani Kumar, the most important result of the postal service was that even ordinary citizen could send a letter at an extremely inexpensive price.
He asked the students to remember the two “very important” things to learn in school – “What and how you speak” and “what and how you write.” He stressed that proper use of language leads to a great extent to decide the response of the action of the receiver (letter). “If your words are sweet and your expressions meaningful you will always receive a positive response,” he exhorted.
Further, he told the students that letter writing involves three things – thoughts, words and expressions. “You must have very good command and proper control over language to make progress in life.” He asked them to be very careful about use of “abusive, derogatory, unparliamentary words.” He further encouraged them to control their minds and ensure that it goes in the correct direction. “One has to make concerted effort to train the mind and control the thoughts for ensuring that only good ideas and positive words come out.”
The Governor also requested for bringing out a stamp and a special cover to highlight the services of Naga women. “I think there is a need for us to acknowledge the contribution of women in Naga society, in Naga family, and in Naga economy and agriculture,” the Governor stated. “The Naga women have occupied many positions of eminence and faced many hardships in the past. I think we need to recognize their contribution...”
Meanwhile, director, Postal Services, Nagaland, Som Kamei in his welcome address stated that philately is a hobby which does not involve much money, but the rarest and famous stamps can be worth millions. Moreover, “it teaches us about our history, famous personalities, our culture, our flora and fauna.”
