Stamp exhibition draws significant number of visitors in Belagavi

Ikshupex stamp exhibition in Belagavi showcases sugarcane-themed stamps, promotes philately among youth, and honors local farmers and history.

Ikshupex, a district-level postage stamp exhibition, drew significant number of visitors on the first day at Mahaveer Bhavan in Belagavi on Wednesday. It is named Ikshu, Sanskrit name for sugarcane crop. The exhibition ends on Friday.

A special envelope on the mascot Sampark of Ikshupex, special postal envelopes on Satish Sugars celebrating its silver jubilee, a permanent pictorial postage stamp of Gokak Falls, Adinath Tirthankara drinking Ikshu Rasa (sugarcane juice) and printed postal cards on the tribals of India were released.

The Saga of Buddhism, written by stamp collector N. Sridevi, introducing the world of postal stamps and Buddha, was also released.

Sugarcane farmers Sidagouda Modagi, Shivananda Suldal, Prakash Kulkarni and Maruti Chavan were felicitated.

Superintendent of Police Bheemashankar S. Guled inaugurated the exhibition. He spoke about philately, the hobby of collecting stamps. He urged young students and youth to develop the hobby and maintain it lifelong.

He asked them to collect stamps not only from India, but also from around the world. He spoke of how the philately community has grown and evolved over the years. He described stamps as tiny records of history, heritage and culture and told students to realise that they offer great insights and learning into these subjects.

“The Indian Postal Department has released postage stamps of many eminent personalities and freedom fighters of the country. He said that by knowing the history of these, one can remember the contribution made by the eminent personalities and dignitaries to the country. Students can enhance their knowledge by participating in quizzes and various competitive examinations conducted by the Postal Department,” he said.