December 1 Antarctica Day, Goa Post celebrates Dakshin Gangotri

The philately bureau in Panaji celebrated the 40th anniversary of India’s first research station, Dakshin Gangotri, set up in Antarctica. The exhibit showcased stamps and philatelic items about Antarctica. On December 1, observed as Antarctica Day, the department of posts released a first-day cover to honor the achievement. The exhibition also highlighted the connection between philately, history, and geographical significance. It showcased stamps, covers, and artifacts from India’s Antarctic expedition, including a glimpse of Antarctica’s icy landscapes.

As part of the celebration, a four-frame philatelic exhibition on Antarctica will be displayed at the Philately Bureau, Opposite Head Post Office, Panjim from December 1 to December 8, 2023.

With Antarctica Day being observed worldwide on December 1, the philately bureau in Panaji opposite the head post office, marked the 40th anniversary of India’s first research station, Dakshin Gangotri, set up in Antarctica. This milestone was celebrated locally through a four-frame philatelic exhibit which included a display of the frozen continent through a series of stamps and philatelic items about Antarctica.

For Goa this day holds dual significance as it was on this day in 1981, under the leadership of SZ Qasim director of the CSIR-national institute of oceanography (NIO) in Dona Paula, that the first Indian scientific expedition made its foray into Antarctica.The historic moment on January 9, 1982, marked India’s initial touch point with Antarctica’s icy landscapes. To honour this achievement, the department of posts released a first day cover on January 9, 1983. “Antarctica philately, a novel thematic pursuit within philatelic collectibles, encompasses numerous covers carried to Antarctica, cancelled there, and subsequently returned. This unique practice adds depth and rarity to the stamps and covers associated with this captivating theme,” said M R Ramesh Kumar, retired NIO chief scientist and member of the sixth Indian scientific expedition to Antarctica.

The exhibition pays homage to India’s endeavour in Antarctica but also highlights the connection between philately, history and geographical significance. Stamps, covers, and artifacts on the nation’s Antarctic expedition are on display along with a glimpse of Antarctica.