Stamp expo showcases heritage sites

Stamps are known as the windows of a country. Through stamps, one can understand a country’s heritage, culture, policies, achievements and great personalities.

The monthly exhibition of Dakshina Kannada Philatelic and Numismatics Association (DKPNA) in city on Sunday gave an opportunity to the stamp lovers a free tour to the heritage sites in India which UNESCO has listed in World Heritage Sites.

In fact, Nagendra Nayak’s collection of over 200 stamps in 48 sheets on the theme World Heritage Sites comprised Mughal architectures, South Indian kings’ architecture and the national parks and wild life sanctuaries in India. The collection also included stamps on Indian heritage sites issued by foreign countries - China, USSR, Czech Republic, St Vincent and Grenadines among others.This was the first exhibition for this textile businessman from Udupi, which mainly consist of Indian heritage sites and some from other countries.

“I started collecting stamps from very young age, but took it seriously only after joining DKPNA in 2000,” said Nayak. “The collection gives us the basic knowledge of almost all heritage sites in India. But some heritage site stamps have not been issued,” he added.

The Mughal architecture stamps include that of Taj Mahal, Qutab Minar, Red Fort and Agra Fort. The wild life sanctuaries and national parks stamps include Kaziranga, Manasa, Sunderban and Keoladeo.

Structures in Mahabalipura, Chola temples, Konark Sun Temple, Ellora caves, Mahabodhi Temple complex, Khajuraho etc are the other main ancient heritage sites in the exhibition.

Chathrapathi Sivaji Terminus, Churches and Convents in Goa, Mountain Railways of India includes in the modern heritage sites. Hampi and Pattadakal were the heritage sites from Karnataka depicted in stamps. Nayak also has a collection of stamps on the theme global warming and possesses a collection of post cards from over 100 countries.