Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NR)  
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
 
Mangalore, Mar 11: A stamp exhibition on women was organized jointly by the Dakshina Kannada Philatelic and Numismatic Association (DKPNA) here at the head post office on Sunday March 9.  

This expo on stamps by philatelist Jane D'Souza commemorating 'International Women's Day" drew in many people who are the admirers of philately. In a way this exhibition is a suitable homage to women from different walks of life who have contributed their mite to the world at large in their respective arena.

The exhibition had on display stamps carrying pictures of women of national and international fame including Indian reformers Kittoor Chennamma, Jhansi Rani Laxmi Bai, Ahalya Bai Holkar, Kasturba Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, Savithri Bai Phule, Madame Bhikaji Cama, Rama Bai Ranade, Rameshwari Nehru, Vijayalakshmi Pandit, Mother Theresa and Indira Gandhi etc.
 
Some of the interesting stamps on display which seemed to visibly excite visitors here was a stamp released to commemorate the birth centenary of Madam Bhikaji Cama on January 26, 1962, a stamp released in 2004 in memory of air-hostess Neerja Bhanot who gave her life trying to save passengers on a hijacked plane, and was honoured with the Ashok Chakra posthumously and another stamp of Rama Bhai Ranade's birth centenary released on Aug 8, 1962.  

One of the rare and exclusive pieces of stamps on display among Jane's collection was a stamp with a picture of International Lenin Peace Award winner and social reformer Rameshwari Nehru, released in 1967. Jane's other collection of stamps on world famous personalities included one on Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana. Also on the occasion were released nearly 200 stamps of Queen Elizabeth's picture as well as postcard on Princess Diana by the Central African Republic which were quite a hit among the visitors and guests.
 
Dr K S Prabhakar Rao founder president of DKPNA, a recipient of the gold medal for his collection in the year 2003 also displayed his stamp collection - 'Rotary on stamps' at the exhibition.