The weeklong NIC, being attended by around 250 National Service Scheme
(NSS) volunteers from 10 states representing 21 universities, was inaugurated on October 29. The postal cover, emblazoned with the design of the famous Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), located on the historic Dhauli hill here and logos of NSS and SOA, was presented by Senior Superintendent of India Post, Bhubaneswar Division, Satyabadi Biswal to NSS Regional Director, R Gokulkrishnan at a function held at the Khandagiri Sub-Post Office.
SOA’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Amit Banerjee and NSS Programme Officers from 10 states participating in the camp and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Describing it as a ‘momentous occasion’, Gokulkrishna said it was for the first time that India Post had brought out a postal cover to mark the organisation of a National Integration Camp of NSS in the country. Explaining the significance of the release of the postal cover, eminent philatelist and Secretary of the Eastern India Philatelic Association Shanti Swarup Rath, said that India Post issues a special cover when a commemorative stamp is not released. Such postal covers are treated as a collector’s item, which are picked up thematically and are of immense value.
Prof Banerjee said the logo on the postal cover depicted the Shanti Stupa, a prominent landmark of Bhubaneswar, representing peace, the ingrained philosophy of Lord Buddha, and reflected the concept of ‘ahimsa’.
“The white colour of the pagoda signifies purity and peace. The cover is being befittingly released on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and 50th anniversary of the NSS as also observance of the Rashtriya Ekta Divas,” he added.Dean (Students’ Welfare) of SOA, Dr Jyoti Ranjan Das and SOA’s NSS Programme Coordinator, Dr Nachiketa Sharma, also spoke on the occassion.