Jain Journal 1978 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 38

Pictorial Date Stamp of Gomatesvara
S. N. ASHOK KUMAR JAIN
1.3 गोला
98407
When a letter is received from the postman one will see the date stamp to know from which place it is coming and when it was posted. If the curiosity is not there no one will give a glance to the date stamp impression. The round shaped and stereo-typed date stamp may not attract the eyes of the letter-receiver. But what will happen if a new designed and attractive date stamp is impressed on a letter? Certainly it will draw the attention of the eyes. The Postal Department is now coming up with this idea and providing very attractive date stamp impression at selected places to promote tourism.
19 8 78
RAVANABELAGOLA
The Karnataka Postal Circle has introduced special pictorial cancellation for one year during 1978 at Sravanabelagola, Belur, Halebeedu,Somanathapura,, Hampi and Nagarahole.
The statue of Gomatesvara can be seen in the date stamp used at Sravanabelagola. Since 2nd January 1978 all the letters posted at this place are despatched after affixing this date stamp impression.
It is not for the first time the Gomatesvara statue is being used for the special date stamp by the Postal Department.
In the year 1973 Hassan Philatelic Club had organised a memorial stamp exhibition in memory of the great philatelist Jal Cooper and on 15th August 1973 the cancellation depicted the statue of Gomatesvara of Sravanabelagola. (See Jain Journal, Vol. IX. No. 4).
Secondly during the year 1975 the Karnataka Postal Circle had organised a state-level stamp exhibition by name KARNAPEX-1975 and on the second day of the exhibition the special cancellation depicted the statue of Gomatesvara date-stamp (14th June 1975).
On both the occasions only a day was fixed for the use of the special date stamp where as this time entire year is fixed for the purpose. It will be taken back from its use from 1st January 1979.
The rich heritage of Jain monuments spred over the country can be utilised by the Postal Department in this regard.