Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Sep 30:

Climate change has become one of the most complex and challenging issues facing humankind, Odisha Governor SC Jamir said today while inaugurating the National Philatelic Exhibition on Nature and Environment (NATURPEX-2016) here.

SC Jamir

Governor Dr SC Jamir was all praise for the theme of the exhibition. He said that man has an intimate relationship with nature since time immemorial. It is our obligation to find tangible ways of preserving the natural environment. Climate change has become one of the most complex and challenging issues facing humankind.

Dr Jamir urged all citizens to realise the seriousness and save our planet nature and environment. Clean air and water, and a livable climate are inalienable human rights. And solving this crisis is not a question of politics. It is our moral obligation, admittedly, a daunting one, he added.

Philately is a hobby which has immense educational value. Small stamps tell big stories about virtually every aspect of human life-art, science, culture, history and nature. It is said that postage stamps are "the windows of a nation through which the people may behold its heritage and history". In this way, philately fosters cultural understanding and strengthens universal brotherhood said Governor Dr SC Jamir.

Our planet is unique and precious. We are grateful to this bounty as it is key for our very survival in many ways. But it is our greed that does the undoing and brings great damage of to our nature and environment. Humankind must become accountable on a massive scale for the cruel destruction of our collective home. Protecting our future on this planet depends on the conscious evolution of our species. For Earth to return to harmony it is to restore the harmonious principles within ourselves and to act as responsible caretakers, said Governor Dr Jamir.

Further he said that stamps are vehicles of knowledge for any age group. The educational value is limitless. Apart from educational value, philately is an exercise for artistic and creative abilities. He appreciated the efforts of India Post and Eastern Indian Philatelic Association in this endeavour.

India has a long history of philatelic services started with the first Philately Bureau of the country at Mumbai's General Post Office (GPO). This year, the Department of Post celebrates 75 years of specialized philatelic services. What is interesting is that this first Philately Bureau of the country still remains the only international bureau in the country.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister and President Eastern India Philatelist's Association Bijoyshree Routray, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi, Organising Secretary Anup Kumar Rout, Chairman NATUREPEX-2016, Ajit Kumar Das, Founder KIIT & KIIS Dr Achyuta Samanta, Director Accounts (Post) S. R Swain among others spoke on the occasion.