The district-level philatelic exhibition opened at the Dr. Manmohan Singh Auditorium in Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, setting the tone for two lively days of stamp culture, history, and student participation. Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice Chancellor of PAU, inaugurated the event in the presence of a large gathering that included hundreds of school children whose vibrant cultural dances added warmth and colour to the morning.
The exhibition, SUTLEJ PEX 2025, brings together an impressive spread of rare and thematic stamps issued in India and abroad. Visitors moved through displays that highlighted everything from historic events and global monuments to art, wildlife, and cultural traditions. The special cover released during the inauguration became a quiet highlight in itself. It features three iconic images of Ludhiana: the historic Clock Tower, the Golden Jubilee Gate of PAU, and the Museum of Social History and Rural Life of Punjab. The cover captured the city’s identity in a compact, elegant form that resonated with collectors and visitors alike.
Dr. Gosal spoke about the growing relevance of philately. He pointed out that the Department of Posts has modernised rapidly and continues to stay connected with people by merging tradition with new technology. What this really means is that activities like this exhibition help revive the charm of stamp collecting among younger generations. He noted that philately still plays a strong educational role by making history, geography, culture, and art more tangible. Stamps turn distant ideas into something a student can hold and study. They are tiny archives that encourage curiosity, careful observation, and an appreciation for design. He also appreciated the district postal administration for introducing features like ‘My Stamp,’ which lets visitors get their photographs printed on personalised stamps.
Sh. Balbir Singh, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Ludhiana City Division, described the exhibition as an effort to bring people closer to the world of stamps. He highlighted how stamps capture ancient and rare stories that often go unnoticed in textbooks. In his view, philately continues to thrive because it connects people across regions and generations and even offers a mindful break from routine life. A collector spends time researching, arranging, and studying these pieces of art, and that attention to detail becomes its own form of calm. With exhibits from across the world on display, he said the event offers a rare chance for the public to witness the evolution of postal heritage.
Sh. Yashpal Bangia, President of the Ludhiana Philately Club, praised the initiative and spoke about how stamp collecting strengthens a sense of community. He shared his belief that students who take up philately gain a deeper understanding of cultural heritage and develop stronger creative and cognitive skills. To him, philately is not just a hobby but a pathway to learning, discovery, and lifelong curiosity.
As part of the exhibition, an essay writing and stamp design competition drew more than 250 school students. Their participation suggested that the interest in philately is far from fading and can continue to grow with the right opportunities.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Sh. Prashant Singla, Deputy Superintendent of Post Offices, Ludhiana. Officials, including DPRO Puneet Pal Singh Gill and several prominent citizens, were present, rounding off a day that blended education, tradition, and community engagement in equal measure.