Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India — Ministry of Communications · PIB Ahmedabad · Read the original release on pib.gov.in
- Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha can connect with India's rich cultural heritage through Philately– Postmaster General Krishna Kumar Yadav
- Philately serves as a beautiful bridge between the history and the present– MLA Balvantsinh C. Rajput
- Special Cover released on ‘Heritage of Patan’ – Rani ki Vav, Rudra Mahalaya, Bindu Sarovar, Sahasralinga Talav and Patan Patola featured
- ‘PATANPEX-2026’ Philatelic exhibition held in Patan district for the first time, Stamps issued in India and abroad attract visitors
Postage Stamp is truly a little ambassador that travels across countries and introduces them to a nation’s civilization, culture, and heritage. Every stamp has a story hidden behind it, and there is a need to connect Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha with these stories. These views were expressed by Postmaster General, North Gujarat Region, Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav, while inaugurating the first-ever two-day district-level Philatelic Exhibition ‘PATANPEX-2026’ in Patan district of Gujarat at the convocation hall of Gokul Global University, Siddhpur, on October 5, 2026. Earlier, as the Chief Guest, Postmaster General Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav and Ex Minister & MLA, Sidhpur Shri Balvantsinh C. Rajput formally inaugurated the exhibition by cutting the ribbon and lighting the ceremonial lamp. A total of 86 frames featuring stamps and philatelic items issued in India and around the world have been displayed at the exhibition. On the occasion, the Department of Posts also released special covers and special cancellations featuring the Heritage of Patan and Gandhi Ashram, Zilia.
Postmaster General Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav said that the main objective of the ‘PATANPEX’ Philatelic Exhibition is to foster interest in philately among the youth and acquaint them with its educational and cultural significance. Patan remained an important centre of Gujarat’s political, cultural and economic activities for a long period. Keeping this in view, the Special Cover on ‘Heritage of Patan’ released featuring Rani ki Vav, Rudra Mahalaya, Bindu Sarovar, Sahasralinga Talav and Patan Patola together, showcasing the glorious heritage of Patan across India and the world. The Government of India has previously issued commemorative stamps on ‘Rani ki Vav’ and ‘Patan Patola’ in 2017 and 2002, respectively. PMG Shri KK Yadav said that philately plays an important role in strengthening the education system. Through stamps, the Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha generations can gain exposure to India’s rich cultural heritage, historical events, known and unsung heroes of the freedom struggle, great personalities, literature, art and architecture, science and technology, IT, biodiversity, sports, space exploration, and a wide range of contemporary subjects and events. Philately can encourage the younger generation to move beyond excessive scrolling on mobile phones and social media and engage with a creative hobby like philately. Philately is known as the “King of Hobby and Hobby of King.”
Ex Minister and Siddhpur MLA Shri Balvantsinh C. Rajput said that the PATANPEX exhibition provides an opportunity to understand India’s diversity and glorious past through stamps. Philately serves as a beautiful bridge between history and the present. Philately play an important role in acquainting people with the rich and glorious history of the country and the state. He appreciated the efforts of the Department of Posts in organizing a philatelic exhibition in Patan district for the first time and in promoting philately among the youth.
Dean of Gokul Global University, Dr. Arvindkumar Chauhan said that philately is not only a hobby for students but also a powerful means of enhancing their knowledge.
Superintendent of Post Offices, Patan Division, Shri R. A. Goswami told that the exhibition would remain open to the public from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM on October 5 and 6. During the exhibition, various competitions such as letter writing, quiz, stamp design etc. will be organized for students. A special ‘My Stamp’ counter, offering visitors the facility to have their own photographs and those of their loved ones printed on stamps, was also a major attraction.
On the occasion, Assistant Director Alpesh Shah, Dean Gokul Global University, Dr. Arvindkumar Chauhan and Dr. Vipulkumar Dabhi; Manager, Gandhi Ashram, Zilia, Laljibhai M. Desai; Assistant Superintendent K. Balasubramaniam, Birang Shah, Postal Inspector Shahnawaz Ganchi, Nehal Patel, and Jitendra Adalia, along with several other officials, philatelists, university professors and students were present.
This is an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), reproduced as issued.
