Childrens Day

Department of Posts has been conducting stamp design competitions/ photography competitions on various themes since 2015 on the occasion of Independence Day, Children’s Day and Republic Day at national level. Based on the entries received from participants, stamps are designed and released. Selected participants are given cash awards. This time, a nationwide stamp design competition on the theme “Communal Harmony” was conducted on the occasion of Children’s Day, 2018. The theme was chosen to mark the 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, for whom Communal Harmony was a matter very close to his heart. The competition elicited tremendous response and the Department is thankful to those parents and school authorities who encouraged their children to participate in this competition. Based on the selected entries, Stamps, Miniature Sheet, First Day Cover and Brochure have been designed.

India is a land of diverse cultures and religions; it is a heterogeneous space where we see a variety of traditions prevailing together. Each religious group/sect has its own set of beliefs alongwith individual festivals, yet we flourish as a democratic nation and celebrate the ideal of ‘Communal Harmony’. The word ‘Communal’ derives its identity from ‘Community’, therefore to understand the term ‘Communal Harmony’ we need to relate it to a sense of mutual respect existing amongst communities or religious sects. In other words, the diverse diversity of beliefs and customs, religious communities must not undermine each other’s traditions.

Each community thrives upon its vast network of folk songs, customary beliefs and a rich variety of traditions, which are specific to that particular community. Each community may differ in its culture, customs, traditions, food, everyday practices and clothing language, yet our identity as a nation comes into being as all communities collectively embrace the identity of India. When each citizen carries an inherent sense of patriotism, such individuals are tied together through a common thread of patriotism; which is to say that their national identity has more appeal and emotional depth over and above the sectarian community. The essence of ‘Communal Harmony’ lies in the ability to respect the socio-cultural differences maintained in their diversity. The Constitution gives equal respect to all communities/ religious groups. All citizens enjoy the same Fundamental Rights regardless of their community/ individual identities.

The cultural heritage of India is widely known for its dynamic versatility of communities and religious beliefs but at the same time, it is time and time immemorial that we all believe in the idea of ‘united we stand and divided we fall.’ It is a noteworthy fact that in order to take this tradition forward it is our moral responsibility to inculcate these values into our youth and reiterate the notion of brotherhood. The idea of ‘Communal Harmony’ is also upheld in school textbooks to sensitize the children and to ensure that they understand its essence in their tender age.

Mahatma Gandhi, father of the nation was a part of numerous freedom struggles throughout his life. He was an epitome of honesty and non-violence and a staunch believer of harmony amongst all communities. His vision was one of a nation where there is no space for malice, hatred or violence of any kind; in fact, he truly believed that any nation can prosper only when its citizens join hands together and become strong supporters of one another.

According to Gandhian philosophy Communal Harmony means “an unbreakable heart unity, the first thing essential for achieving such unity is for every Indian whatever his religion may be to feel kinship with everyone of the millions of the inhabitants of Hindustan”. Gandhi ji’s vision on Communal Harmony is alive even today and his thoughts take our nation towards path-breaking success. Our Nation is built on the very fulcrum of communal harmony that tends to bind different identities together despite absolute disparities.

Keeping this into consideration, Philately Division, Department of Posts organised a Painting Competition. Entries from participants were invited in categories according to their classes and the selected entries will be awarded exciting cash prizes. Based on the selected entries, philatelic items viz. Miniature Sheet, Stamps, First Day Cover, Brochure are designed and are being released on the occasion of Children’s Day 2018. The first three winners in the category of students studying upto class VII are Bipariti Malik, Agartala, Soumabaha Kar, 24 Parganas, West Bengal, Viha Amit Shah, Mumbai. Five consolation winners are Shivani V. S. Kerala, Aritra Karar, Howrah, Sekh Imran Kunu Bangladesh, Allahabad, UP, Bhumika Mishra, Kolkata, West Bengal, Shruti Chawla, Agra, Tripura. The first three winners in the category of students studying in classes VIII to XII are Fidal T. Antony, Kerala, Sudhir Kumar, Kapurthala, Punjab, Anand Anand, Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Five consolation prize winners are Sourjoi Pal, Howrah, West Bengal, Tuhir Sir A.R, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Masirah Reyaz Alam, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, Samiksha, Durg, Chhattisgarh and Arpita Das, Goa.