Children’s Day – Nest

National Stamp Design Competition

Every year, on the occasion of Republic Day, Independence Day and Children’s Day, the Department conducts a National Level Stamp Design Competition. Initiated in 2015, this competition aims to encourage creativity and artistic expression among children. The selected entries are honoured with cash prizes, and the winning designs are featured on postage stamps and various philatelic items.

For the current year, the competition was organised on the theme “Nest”. With the active support and coordination of 23 Postal Circle Offices across the country, the competition received an overwhelming response. The Department expresses its heartfelt appreciation to schools and educational institutions across India for motivating and guiding students to participate enthusiastically.

Understanding the Theme: “Nest”

A nest is a structure created by certain animals to hold their eggs, offspring, and sometimes even to shelter themselves. Nests are commonly built by birds, but many animals across the vertebrate classes and even some invertebrates are known to construct nests. These can range from simple ground depressions to intricately woven structures made of twigs, leaves, grass, or other natural materials. Modern nests may even include human-made items like string, paper, cloth, or plastic.

Nests are found in diverse habitats — from treetops and cliffs to burrows and even within human surroundings.

Nesting Instinct and its Significance

Nest building is guided by a biological urge known as the nesting instinct, particularly strong among birds and mammals. Each species has a unique style of nest, suited to its habitat and survival needs. Birds, in particular, build nests that vary from simple ground hollows to large communal nests capable of housing hundreds of members.

Some species, like prairie dogs and social insects, build nests large enough to support millions. Nesting is generally associated with the breeding season and symbolizes the continuity of life. Nests are vital for the growth, safety, and sustainability of many species and play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance.

Why “Nest” as a Theme for Children

Children naturally associate the idea of a “nest” with safety, love, protection, and care. Just as baby birds are nurtured within a nest, children grow under the warm care of parents, teachers, grandparents, and guardians.

The theme was intentionally chosen for children so they could express, through art, their imagination, understanding of nature, and emotional connection with the idea of a nest. It also encourages young minds to observe and appreciate the environment and wildlife around them.

The theme aims to build awareness among children about the importance of nature and ecosystems, conveying that any harm to nature disrupts the life cycle of all living beings connected to it.

Philatelic Releases Based on Winning Entries

Based on the selected artwork depicting the theme of bird nests, the following philatelic items are being released:

• Two Commemorative Postage Stamps
• Two Miniature Sheets
• Ten Maxim Cards
• First Day Cover (FDC)
• Brochure

The designs of these philatelic items are based on the entries submitted by the following participants:

Mr. Somesh Kumar, Mr. Baibhab Saha, Mr. Syed Abid Husain, Ms. Kritica Thakur, Mr. Vikash Prasad, Mr. Tiyasha Saha, Ms. K. Bhoomika, Ms. Sanmista Paul, Ms. Sreeja Das Gupta, Mr. Anurag Sutradhar, Mr. Nilaya, Ms. Urmimala Swain, Ms. Srinidhi Shet U., Mr. Raj Gourab Debnath, Mr. Janvinson, and Mr. Dikshant Kumar.

India Post proudly releases these commemorative stamps, celebrating the creativity of young artists and spreading awareness about nature and conservation through philately.