Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 30: Two special covers on 'Mangaluru Tiles' and 'Invention of Khaki Color in Mangaluru', and 10 picture postcards on historical personalities on the theme 'Jina Ratna Bhushanaru' are released by Department of Posts, Karnataka Circle at Mangaluru Head Post Office.
The Popular Mangaluru Tiles which are being exported to many countries besides being used in many states of India, have originated in Mangaluru itself in the second half of 19th Century which is explicit in the name itself. The tile industry began in Mangaluru under the supervision of Missionary George Plebst, who combined knowledge of Tile manufacturing in Germany with observations of the traditional potters tiles in India. The new design triggered the founding of the first Basel Mission tile factory in 1865 at Jeppu, Mangaluru, the success of which sparked the establishment of competing factories in Mangaluru, including a Albuquerque & Sons, Rego and sons, Casia and Sujirkar’s Tile works. Mangaluru Tile has attracted world attention for its robustness and unique design. Hence, Department of Posts has released a Special cover on Mangaluru Tiles to commemorate this signature Product of Mangaluru.
Along with Mangaluru Tiles, Department of Posts, Karnataka Postal Circle has also released Special Cover on ‘ Invention of Khaki colour in Mangaluru’. Widely known colour Khaki, which is being used as uniform in various departments and armies of many countries was first invented in Mangaluru in the 2nd half of 19th century by a Basel Missionary-Sri. John Haller from the indigenous ingredients at Basel Mission Weaving Factory, Balmatta, Mangaluru in 1851. A British Indian Army Commonder in Chief Lord Roberts, during his visit to the weaving factory, was pleased with the Khaki colour. He introduced it as uniform of the British Army all over. Department of Posts, Karnataka Circle is commemorating this through release of special cover theme ‘Invention of Khaki in Mangaluru’. Both these special covers have been released by Rajendra Kumar S,IPoS, chief postmaster general, Karnataka Circe.
The date chosen for release of these special covers has historical significance. First 3 missionaries of Basel Mission who played a key role in the invention of khaki and Mangaluru Tiles at Mangaluru had arrived at Mangaluru on the same date(October 30) in 1834.
Apart from release of special covers, department of posts, Karantaka Cirlcle has also released 10 picutre post cards on 10 Jina Rathna Bhushanaru namely Chavundaraya, Atthimabbe, Chennabairadevi, Janna, Rathnakaravarni, Shanthala, Ponna, Rani Abbakkadevi, Pampa and Ranna) who contributed significantly for the Kannada language, literature and Kannada land. This will be a significant recognition on the eve of 67th Kannada Rajyothsava celebration. These picture post cards are also released by Rajendra Kumar, IPoS, chief postmaster genral, Karnataka circle.
Each one of these picture post cards contain unique QR codes. On scanning the QR Code, one can get web link giving details of personality represented in the picture post card. These picture post cards were also released by the chief phone master general S Rajendra Kumar Karnataka Circle.
Vijay Harvin, United Basel Mission, Sudhana Church has participated as chief guest. Dr Peter Wilson Prabhakar spoke on historical aspects of invention of Khaki dye and Mangaluru tiles. Prof. S P Ajit Prasad spoke on various personalities depicted in the picture post cards. Shriharsha N. IPoS, senior superintendent of post offices, Mangaluru Division welcomed the guests. Srinath N.B, assistant superintendent of Post Offices, Mangaluru gave vote of thanks. On this occasion, Dr Charles Lobo, Retd. Members(postal operations), Seethamma, senior postmaster, Mangaluru head post office, Nerenki Parshwanath, associate vice president, Mandovi Motors were present. Akshatha Mallya narrated the programme.