Baramulla postal exhibition promotes philately, heritage, student participation
FARHAN BUKHARI
BARAMULLA, Sep 30: The two-day district-level philatelic exhibition VARMULPEX–2026, organised by the Baramulla Division of the Department of Posts, concluded on Wednesday at the Sir Syed Khan Auditorium, North Campus, University of Kashmir, Delina, with an impressive display of stamps, postal artefacts, philatelic collections and the rich postal heritage associated with India.
The exhibition brought together postal officials, students, teachers, academicians, philately enthusiasts and visitors, providing a platform to showcase the historical, cultural and educational significance of stamps and postal services. The event also laid particular emphasis on introducing the younger generation to philately and encouraging students to develop an interest in preserving and understanding the country’s history through postal memorabilia.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Adam Mohi-Ud-Din, IPoS, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices (SSPOs), Srinagar, who attended the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest. Prof. Bilal Ahmad Kaloo of the University of Kashmir North Campus was the Guest of Honour.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by the Superintendent of Post Offices, Baramulla Division, Assistant Superintendent of Post Offices (ASPOs), Sub-Divisional Heads and officials and staff of Baramulla Division, besides a large number of students and faculty members from participating schools.
Welcoming the guests and participants, Syed Roouf, ASPOs Baramulla, outlined the objectives behind organising VARMULPEX–2026 and emphasised the continuing relevance of philately in an age dominated by digital communication.
He highlighted how stamps and postal memorabilia serve as miniature records of a nation’s journey, capturing important personalities, historical milestones, cultural traditions, geographical features and achievements. Philately, he said, provides younger generations with an opportunity to explore history and heritage through a unique and engaging medium.
A major highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the release of a Special Cover on Habba Khatoon Peak, adding a distinctive regional and cultural dimension to the exhibition. The Special Cover served to underline the role of India Post in documenting and promoting places, personalities and themes of historical and cultural importance.
The first day of VARMULPEX–2026 also featured a Philately Workshop and Philately Seminar, aimed particularly at acquainting students with the fundamentals and wider significance of stamp collection.
Through these sessions, students were introduced to different aspects of philately, including stamps, postal history, thematic collections and the importance of preserving postal material. The workshops also provided participants an opportunity to interact with postal officials and gain a better understanding of how stamps can serve as valuable sources of historical and cultural information.
The second day of the exhibition featured a series of activities designed to combine education, creativity and public participation. These included a Philately Run, Quiz Competition, Painting Competition and cultural performances by school students.
The competitions witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, who showcased their knowledge, creativity and interest in philately and related themes. The cultural segment added further colour to the programme, with schoolchildren presenting performances before the gathering.
A special singing performance by Taju Mir and Group was also organised, drawing appreciation from the audience and adding to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the concluding day of the exhibition.
The valedictory ceremony marked the culmination of the two-day event and was attended by Col. Sagar Hanuman Singh, Chief Postmaster General, Jammu & Kashmir Circle, as the Chief Guest. The Director, University of Kashmir, North Campus, Delina, Baramulla, attended the ceremony as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Postmaster General spoke about the enduring significance of postal stamps and philately and their role in preserving and communicating aspects of India’s history and heritage.
He also highlighted the diverse range of postal products and services offered by India Post, underscoring that the postal system continues to serve as an important institution connecting people and communities across the country.
The CPMG appreciated the Baramulla Division team for organising VARMULPEX–2026 on a grand scale and for bringing together students, postal officials and other stakeholders around the theme of philately.
Another important highlight of the valedictory ceremony was the release of a Special Cover on Walnut, the One District One Product (ODOP) product of Kupwara district under Baramulla Division.
The Special Cover provided an opportunity to highlight the significance of walnut cultivation and the product’s association with the region, while simultaneously demonstrating the ability of postal initiatives to showcase local products, traditions and economic identities.
The release of the Special Covers on Habba Khatoon Peak and Walnut during the two-day exhibition added a strong local dimension to VARMULPEX–2026 and demonstrated how philatelic material can be used to document and promote regional heritage, landmarks and products.
The valedictory function also witnessed the felicitation of winners of various competitions organised during the exhibition. Students who performed well in the quiz, painting and other activities were recognised for their participation and achievements.
In addition to the student participants, best-performing postal officials of Baramulla Division were also recognised for their contribution and performance. The recognition served as an acknowledgement of the efforts of the postal personnel who contributed to the successful organisation and execution of the event.
The concluding session also highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts among postal officials, educational institutions, students and other stakeholders in making philatelic exhibitions meaningful and engaging.
Delivering the vote of thanks, G. R. Bhat, Superintendent of Post Offices, Baramulla Division, expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and all distinguished guests for attending the event and extending their encouragement to the organisers and participants.
Bhat also underlined the enduring value of philately and postal products and services in connecting people with India’s history, culture and heritage. He placed on record his appreciation for the dedication and coordinated efforts of the organising committee, postal officials and staff members who worked towards ensuring the smooth conduct of VARMULPEX–2026.
He particularly acknowledged the collective contribution of everyone associated with the exhibition and gave the organising team a well-deserved thumbs-up for successfully delivering what was described as a grand and successful philatelic exhibition.
The conclusion of VARMULPEX–2026 marked more than the end of a two-day exhibition, with the event reinforcing the importance of keeping philately relevant among younger generations. At a time when communication has increasingly shifted towards digital platforms, the exhibition provided students with an opportunity to appreciate the historical and cultural value of physical stamps and postal memorabilia.
The event also demonstrated how India Post’s extensive heritage can be brought closer to younger audiences through educational workshops, competitions, cultural programmes and thematic Special Covers.
With its combination of philatelic displays, educational activities, competitions, cultural performances and recognition of students and postal personnel, VARMULPEX–2026 provided a comprehensive platform for promoting awareness about philately and postal heritage.
The exhibition concluded with a renewed emphasis on encouraging young people to take up philately and appreciate stamps not merely as objects of collection, but as valuable windows into India’s history, culture, achievements and social evolution.
For the Baramulla Division, the successful conclusion of VARMULPEX–2026 also marked an important effort towards strengthening public engagement with India Post and highlighting its continuing role as a custodian of the country’s postal, cultural and historical heritage.
