India and Turkmenistan – 30 Years of Partnership
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | April 3, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 25 |
| Quantity | 201600 |
| Perforation | comb 14 x 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Yvert et Tellier IN BF220 Stanley Gibbons IN MS3813 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Dance | Diplomacy | |
India enjoys friendly and historical ties with Turkmenistan. Archaeological finds in South Turkmenistan including near Ashgabat have revealed their contacts with Indus Valley Civilization. Traces of Soma drink preparation (mentioned in Rig Veda) in the ruins of Gonur Depe archeological site in Mary province supports the theory of early civilizational links between the two countries. Sanskrit Buddhist manuscripts, coins and Buddha statue found in the ruins of Merv (Mary province) suggest continuity of cultural and trade linkages. ‘Turkmen Gate’ built in Delhi in memory of great Turkmen Saint Shams-ul-Arifeen Shah Turkmen Bayabani, who is believed to have lived in India during 13th century, also bears testimony to this friendship.
In modern times bilateral relations have been strengthened by regular high-level visits. Hon’ble President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov visited India in May 2010. Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi visited Turkmenistan in july 2015. During these visits, several significant MoUs and agreements were signed covering areas such as Science & Technology, Defence, and Tourism etc.
Central Asia’s first Yoga and Traditional Medicine Centre was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in Ashgabat in july 2015. A Yoga Teacher and an Ayurveda Expert have been deputed to the Central from India and offer classes / consultations to interested people. They also teach at the State Medical University of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat.
The joint issue of Commemorative Postage Stamp celebrates this natural friendship of India and Turkmenistan through the traditional art of singing and dancing i.e. Sankirtana and Kushtdepdi. These traditional dance and singing forms of India and Turkmenistan are part of UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Kushtdepdi is a performing art involving creative poeticizing focused on good feelings and wishes. It involves singing with vocal improvisation and dancing with movements of the hands, gestures and footsteps in accordance with the tune of the song. The rite serves as a tool for conveying good wishes and is an inseparable part of ceremonies and national celebrations.
Department of Posts is delighted to commemorate the 30 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Turkmenistan through the Joint Issue of Commemorative Postage Stamp.