Karnapex – Four day philately exhibition inaugurated

Mangaluru: A four-day state level philatelic exhibition Karnapex 2019 was inaugurated by former Lokayukta Justice Santhosh N Hegde at TMA Pai Hall on Saturday October 12.

Speaking after inaugurating the event Mr Hegde said, “This is a wonderful programme. I hope all the people get to know about philately through this event. Postal department has taken good initiative to conduct this exhibition. I appreciate the release on special covers of George Fernandes, Ananth Pai and Girish Karnad.”

“I remember George Fernandes during emergency period. He was a revolutionary leader. It is a proud moment to have a special cover on him. Ananth Pai has brought out comic books for children and contributed something great. Girish Karnad was a great artiste and writer. It is an honour to take part in this exhibition where special covers are released on such a great personalities,” said Mr Hegde.

Speaking on the occasion, additional  director of general department of Post, Vishva Pavan Pati said, “It gives immense pleasure to take part in this state level philatelic exhibition. We observe national postal week from October 9 to 15. In the same week, we have conducted state level philatelic exhibition here. CBSE has included philately as one of the subjects in Political Science where children can learn about philately. We have taken out six octagonal stamps of Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of his 150th birth anniversary.”

Addressing the gathering, former MLA and brother of late George Fernandes, Michael B Fernandes said, “George Fernandes was a revolutionary politician and helped who people in trouble. The Konkan Railway, which was a long pending demand, was successfully implemented by George. Today, we should follow the spirit of George Fernandes for the welfare of the people.”

Amar Chitra Katha group director Savio Mascarenhas spoke on the occasion and said,  “Uncle Pai had a flare to walk in a group and tell a story. Uncle Pai had a vision to do something for children to read so he started Amar Chitra Katha. The first story title was Krishna and it was told from generation to generation through Amar Chitra Katha. These days, children are unaware about letter writing, but this is a special occasion for children to see stamps which tells stories.”

During the four-day programme there will be various activities held such as stamp exhibition, special cover release, cultural programmes, seminar, workshops, quiz competition for school children and treasure hunt. As part of the exhibition, on October 13 the theme will be Environment Day where special covers on Mattu Gulla, Shankarapura Jasmine and Euphlyctis Aloysii will be released.

This is the 12th state level philatelic exhibition which, earlier has been conducted at Bengaluru, Mysuru and Dharwad.