In order to celebrate the occasion, around 60-70 philatelists are expected to get together at the GPO on Tuesday.
Come Tuesday and the philately bureau at Mumbai's General Post Office (GPO) will complete 75 years of existence. What is interesting is that this bureau was the first in India and still remains the only international bureau in the country.
In order to celebrate the occasion, around 60-70 philatelists are expected to get together at the GPO on Tuesday.
"This year, the department of posts is completing 75 years of specialised philatelic services to philatelists. These services commenced with the first philately bureau of the country, which was opened on 21.06.1941 at Mumbai GPO," said Rupesh Sonawale, assistant director, postal services.
"Mumbai GPO is the oldest philately bureau in India, thus it is also the first international bureau in India and continues to remain the only international bureau in the country," said assistant post master general Shriniwas Vyavhare.
Explaining what an 'international bureau' is, GPO director VV Reddy said: "It is a bureau where foreign nationals can maintain their own account so that if there is any release of stamps or special covers, they get a copy of it at a certain fee."
Mumbai's philately bureau is one of the largest bureaus in India and in terms of footprint, among the largest in the world. There are around 100 foreign deposit account holders from various nations at this bureau.
It also has 4,948 domestic account holders, and it supplies them collections of philatelic material in the shape of newly-issued philatelic stamps, miniature sheets, special covers, etc on a month-to-month basis apart from serving a large number of walk-in philately lovers.
In order to mark the occasion of its 75th anniversary, a special commemorative cover will be released on Tuesday. A special pictorial cancellation for Mumbai GPO will also be introduced.
Prominent local philatelists will grace the event, which would be held in Mumbai GPO's historic bi-centennial hall.
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