India on International Fleet Review 2001
Complete Set of 4 nos of special postage stamps on the International Fleet Review – 2001 (IFR 2001) :
Issued by India
Issued on Feb 18, 2001
Issued for : The Department of Posts is privileged to issue a set of 4 stamps on 18th February 2001 to commemorate the event.
Design : The first stamp depicting the potsherd painting of a boat belonging to Mohanjodaro period, is part of the official logo of IFR-2001. The Pal and Galbat, two types of ships which have participated in the fleet Reviews of the Maratha Navy in the 18th century in the port of Ratnagiri are depicted in two of the stamps. The portrayals are from the painting of “Ships of the Maratha Period”, c. 18th Century. The ‘Pal’ was a three masted fighter with guns peeping on the broadsides. The fourth stamp shows the Sail training ship, Tarangini, of the Indian Navy, which will participate in the present review.
The First Day Cover has a symbolic representation of the wide participation of ships in the Review. The cancellation is the crest of the Indian Navy, the host of the IFR 2001, with its motto “Shan-no-Varuna” meaning “May the Ocean God – Varuna – be auspicious unto us”. The First Day Cover symbolically depicts various ships from different directions, a ‘Compass Rose’, the Colaba Light House of Mumbai as also the theme of the review.
Credits :
Stamp & FDC : Based on inputs from Naval Headquarters, New Delhi.
Cancellation : Alka Sharma (Based on inputs from Naval Headquarters, New Delhi)
Type : Stamps, Postal Used
Colour : Five Colour
Denomination : 1500, 300, 300 & 300 Paise
Overall size : 2.90 x 3.91 cms.
Printing Size : 2.90 x 3.91 cms.
Perforation : 13 x 13
Paper : Matt Chromo
Stamps Printed : 0.7 million each
Number per issue sheet : 40
Printing Process : Photo Offset
Printer : Calcutta Security Printers Ltd.
About :
- The review of a Nation’s fleet of Warships, by the Head of State is along prevalent Naval tradition. It is an opportunity for the Head of State to satisfy himself on the operational readiness of his ships. Reviews are also held to mark events of historical importance.
- The President of India, in his capacity as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, usually reviews the Indian fleet as the Head of the Republic, once during his term in office. The present review is thus the 8th review of the Indian Fleet. To commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Indian Republic, the present review is being given a wider scope and will be an International Fleet Review (IFR-2001). A number of foreign countries have been invited on behalf of the Government of India to participate, by sending their warships. For the Review, the ships and submarines will be anchored in the harbour in designated static columns. The Presidential Yacht will sail past these. In addition, a mobile column of ships will also sail past the yacht.
- The Review will be a grand ceremonial occasion following a time honoured tradition, uniquely Naval and all the more historical due to the presence of ships from all over the world. It is expected to foster a lasting relationship among all the maritime nations participating in the event. Typically the Review has the theme “Bridges of Friendship“.
- Text : Based on inputs from Naval Headquarters, New Delhi.
