One District One Product X 75 Special Covers

 

Special Cover of District Gautam Buddh Nagar - Front

India is the seventh-largest country in the world, and it has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. Uttar Pradesh is the fourth-largest state in the country, with an area of 240,928 square kilometres (93,023 square miles). It is also one of the most populous states, with a population of 19.96 crores (0.1996 billion), as per Census 2011. The population of the state is nearly equal to that of the entire country of Brazil. There are a total of 75 districts in the whole state. Each of the districts of Uttar Pradesh is famous for some kind or other indigenous traditional craft or skill. Some of them have a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This GI certification means that those products or crafts are specific to those respective regions of Uttar Pradesh.

Special Cover of District Gautam Buddh Nagar - Reverse

It was observed that over the years, these traditional local arts have suffered from a dearth of patronage. Traditional skills, which are passed on from one generation to another, are losing charm and slowly dying.

In January 2018, ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP), a flagship scheme to create awareness and increase popularity of these products, was launched in 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. The objectives of ODOP are not only to preserve them but also to promote them worldwide. Through ODOP, such traditional skills have been given a boost, not only to survive but to thrive too. The scheme is also aimed at training 75,000 women in the state.

The objectives are manifold:

1) Preservation and development of local crafts/skills and promotion of the art.

2) Increase in the incomes and local employment (resulting in decline in migration for employment).

3) Improvement in product quality and skill development.

4) Transforming the products in an artistic way (through packaging, branding).

5) To connect the production with tourism (live demo and sales outlet – gifts and souvenir).

6) To resolve the issues of economic difference and regional imbalance.

7) To take the concept of ODOP to national and international level after successful implementation at State level.

(Source: http://www.odopup.in/)

District wise map of Uttar Pradesh (Courtesy: veethi.com)

Here is the list of the districts in the state, along with the district specific products under ODOP (within parenthesis), in alphabetical order:-

1. Agra (Leather Products)

2. Aligarh (Locks & Hardware)

3. Ambedkar Nagar (Textile Products)

4. Amethi (Moonj Products)

5. Amroha (Musical Instruments)

6. Auraiya (Food Processing - Desi Ghee)

7. Ayodhya (Jaggery)

8. Azamgarh (Black Pottery)

9. Badaun (Zari Zardozi)

10. Baghpat (Home Furnishings)

11. Bahraich (Wheat-Stalk Handicrafts)

12. Balarampur (Food Processing - Pulses)

13. Ballia (Bindi / Tikuli)

14. Banda (Shazar Stone Craft)

15. Barabanki (Textile Products)

16. Bareilly (Zari Zardozi)

17. Basti (Wood Craft)

18. Bhadohi (Carpet / Dari)

19. Bijnor (Wood Craft)

20. Bulandshahar (Ceramic Product)

21. Chandauli (Zari Zardozi)

22. Chitrakoot (Wooden Toys)

23. Deoria (Decorative Products)

24. Etah (Ankle Bells / Ghungroo, Bells and Brass Products)

25. Etawah (Textile Products)

26. Farrukhabad (Textile Printing)

27. Fatehpur (Bedsheets and Iron Fabrication Works)

28. Firozabad (Glassware)

29. Gautam Buddha Nagar (Readymade Garments)

30. Ghaziabad (Engineering Goods)

31. Ghazipur (Jute Wall Hanging)

32. Gonda (Food Processing - Pulses)

33. Gorakhpur (Terracotta)

34. Hamirpur (Shoes)

35. Hapur (Home Furnishing)

36. Hardoi (Handloom)

37. Hathras (Hing / Asafoetida)

38. Jalaun (Handmade Paper Art)

39. Jaunpur (Woollen Carpets / Dari)

40. Jhansi (Soft Toys)

41. Kannauj (Perfume - Attar)

42. Kanpur Dehat (Aluminium Utensils)

43. Kanpur Nagar (Leather Products)

44. Kasganj (Zari Zardozi)

45. Kaushambi (Food Processing - Banana)

46. Kushinagar (Banana Fiber Products)

47. Lakhimpur Kheri (Tribal Craft)

48. Lalitpur (Zari Silk Sarees)

49. Lucknow (Chikankari & Zari Zardozi)

50. Maharajganj (Furniture)

51. Mahoba (Gaura Stone Craft)

52. Mainpuri (Tarkashi Art)

53. Mathura (Sanitary Fittings)

54. Mau (Powerloom Textile)

55. Meerut (Sports Products)

56. Mirzapur (Carpets)

57. Moradabad (Metal Craft)

58. Muzaffarnagar (Jaggery)

59. Pilibhit (Flute)

60. Pratapgarh (Aamla Products)

61. Prayagraj (Moonj Products)

62. Raebareli (Wood Work)

63. Rampur (Applique work along with Patch Work, Zari Patchwork)

64. Saharanpur (Wood Crafting)

65. Sambhal (Handicraft  from Horn and Bones)

66. Sant Kabir Nagar (Brassware Craft)

67. Shahjahanpur (Zari Zardozi)

68. Shamli (Iron Arts)

69. Shravasti (Tribal Craft)

70. Siddharthnagar (Kala Namak Rice)

71. Sitapur (Carpet / Dari))

72. Sonbhadra (Carpets)

73. Sultanpur (Moonj Products)

74. Unnao (Zari Zardozi)

75. Varanasi (Banarasi Silk Saree)

On 29 Sept 2021, on a single day, 75 number of Special Covers, one each on these 75 districts’ products, were released in one go. Those were issued by Yogi Adityanath, hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, in presence of Kaushalendra Kumar Sinha, Chief Postmaster General, Uttar Pradesh Circle, India Post and other dignitaries at Lucknow, the capital of State of Uttar Pradesh. Each of the Special Covers have featured one speciality of handicraft of one district. The district specific Special Covers were also released at the headquarters of respective districts. In the history of Special Covers of India, possibly this is the first occasion when such record number (75) of Special Covers were issued on a single day at 75 locations, simultaneously.

A newspaper clipping

On the occasion of release of Special Covers,  Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India had stated -  

“The identity of Uttar Pradesh is famous on the world stage for the fine art of its skilled craftsmen. Chikankari of Lucknow, brass utensils of Moradabad, Locks of Aligarh, etc., each district has been known of a particular product. Yogi Adityanath ji’s concept of ‘One District, One Product’ will bring special benefits to backward classes, women and youth. Each district will write a new story of development and this will help in removing imbalanced regional development.”

At the release function, Yogi Adityanath, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh had highlighted -

“In schemes like ‘One District, One Product’, many sectors like skill development, co-operatives, cottage industries, employment, rural economy and inclusive economic development are moving towards betterment simultaneously. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy of promoting quality of goods and entrepreneurs will prove to have far-reaching impact on the international stage for India in the coming times.”

Out of 75 Special Covers, incidentally 15 Special Covers featured 15 Geographical Indication (GI) tagged products from 15 districts. In this limited space, it may not be feasible to speak about all 75 Special Covers and their significance. So for illustration purpose, we have taken Gautam Buddh Nagar district as an example.

Autographed by Mr. Pankaj Singh

Pankaj Singh is presently Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) of NOIDA Vidhan Sabha, District Gautam Buddha Nagar of Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly. He wrote 'Jai Hind', as the day he put his autograph coincided with 125th birth anniversary (23 Jan 2022) of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the great Indian nationalist. Pankaj Singh is son of Hon'ble Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defense, Government of India. 

District Gautam Buddh Nagar of the State of Uttar Pradesh is renowned as a hub of readymade garments (RMG) of northern India. About 3000 garment export firms are based in the district. The readymade garments industry provides job opportunities and livelihood of more than 13 million people, as direct or indirect employment. This is the biggest forex earner district of the state due to export of readymade garments to different parts of the world. As per estimate, out of forex earning of INR 40,000 crore per annum (USD 5.3 billion) by the state, the said district contributes about INR 32,000 crores per annum (USD 4.3 billion, about 80%). 

The particular Special Cover for Gautam Buddh District highlights the thriving readymade garments industry of the district. The cover bears a postage stamp of 'The Ambika Jacket' of 'Indian Fashion' series issued in 2020 by India pots.

Kangana Ranaut, ODOP Brand Ambassador & Yogi Adityanath,  Hon'ble Chief Minister (Courtesy: Internet)

On 02 Oct 2021, renowned Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut was appointed as Brand Ambassador of ODOP products of Uttar Pradesh. It will not be out of point to mention that on 08 Nov 2021, she was honored with Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award by Shri Ram Nath Kovind, Hon’ble President of India.

Kangana Ranaut receiving Padma Shri (Source: Internet)

Since launching in 2018, about 80,000 artisans of the state for different products have enrolled in the scheme. Products are available on various e-commerce platforms, including Amazon.com, Flipkart, eBay etc. An array of nearly 11,000 ODOP products can be booked through Amazon. According to the latest data available, products worth INR 24 Crores have been sold so far.

Business more than USD 0.05 billion in three days

These Special Covers for 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh will take messages to generate interests and awareness of rich heritage of the country all over the world. They will not only revive those traditional arts and handicrafts but also provide them a platform on the world scale to showcase their skills and talents.

 

Webliography:

http://www.odopup.in/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_districts_of_Uttar_Pradesh

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/75-spl-stamp-covers-for-odop-scheme/articleshow/86629237.cms

https://www.dailypioneer.com/2021/entertainment/

https://www.educationgyan.com/list-of-gi-tags-all-geographical-indications-tags/

https://www.ibef.org/giofindia/uttarpradesh

Disclaimer:

The information provided in the article is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith. This is only for the sharing of knowledge of Philately with philatelist fraternity. No commercial angle, whatsoever, is involved. No intention to infringe any type of copyright. Under no circumstances I shall have any liability for reliance on any information provided in the story.

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This article was published in the Dec '2021 issue of popular philatelic e-magazine Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin (issue no. 70). Here are the scanned pages of the story. 

Cover page

Index

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Deepawali on USA stamp

Diwali stamp of USA

Deepawali is a Sanskrit word. It means a necklace of lights. The word Deepawali in colloquial language has become Diwali. Whether it is Deepawali or Diwali, it is a festival of lights. It is celebrated with equal fanfare by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains and followers of a few other religions. Incidentally, the festival of lights is also celebrated by other countries, of course under different names. For example, the festival of lights is called Hanukkah, a Jewish festival, which is celebrated according to Hebrew calendar. A Joint Issue of Hanukkah and Diwali stamps was issued by Israel Post and India Post in 2012.

Diwali is one festival which has been featured in stamps not only in India but by a few other countries, like Fiji (issued on 26th Oct 1973, 10 Cents), British Guyana, Canada (issued on 12th Sept 2011), Singapore (2016), Malaysia (2017), and New Zealand as latest as Oct 2021.

Emission by Singapore Post (Courtesy: Vijay Kumar Singh)

Diwali Stamp (Courtesy: Vijay Kumar Singh)

Emission by Malaysia Post (Courtesy: Ong Pang Jin)

Diwali stamp by Malaysia Post (Courtesy: Ong Pang Jin)

From New Zealand Post (Source: Internet)

USA issued a postage stamp on the Hindu festival Diwali. The stamp was issued on 5th Oct 2016 in USA, much in advance of actual day of Diwali which was 30th Oct 2016 in India. Here is the story behind the screen.  

A vertical strip (Gifted by Siddhartha Chowdhury)

The resident Indian-American community in USA had long been trying for an official Diwali stamp. The efforts were on for nearly a decade. New York based Ranju Batra, Chair Diwali Stamp Project had picked up the mantle in 2010 with ultimate objective of official issuance of a Diwali stamp by United States Postal Services (USPS). She spearheaded the movement, with the active support of her husband Ravi Batra and other like-minded people. She organized petitions – both on-line and off-line. Later the strategy was changed and it was focused on offline applications i.e. petitions were sent through hard copies. She mobilized petitions to Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee who decides and approves the subject of the postage stamp in USA. The number of applications grew from tens to hundreds to thousands to tens of thousands!

Carolyn Maloney, the Congresswoman rendered her unconditional support and organized a meeting between Ranju and Stroman, Deputy Postmaster General. Hon’ble Indian Premier Narendra Modi, during his visit to USA (24-30^th Sept 2015), was kept informed about the effort and was requested to impress upon US President Barack Obama for issuance of Diwali stamp. Applications were sent to Barack Obama as well as Megan Brennan, Postmaster General, USA. In other words, no stone was left unturned to achieve the goal – Diwali stamp.

The hard work and continuous follow up with the postal authority finally bore fruit. With the emission of Diwali Forever stamp by USPS, a long cherished dream for Indian-Americans became a reality.

On 5th Oct 2016, the Diwali stamp was issued by United States Postal Service (USPS). It was officially released at Indian Consulate in New York. The function was hosted by Indian Consulate in association with the USPS and the Diwali Stamp Project. There was a cultural function and reception. The gala release was done in the august presence of Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das, Indian Consul General; US Congresswomen Carolyn Maloney and Grace Ming, USPS Mail Entry VP Pritha Mehra and Ranju Batra, Diwali Stamp Project Chair and others. M R Rangaswami of Bay Area, California who relentlessly, along with others, had followed up for the release of this stamp was also present.

A full pane (Gifted by Dr. Biswajit Maiti)

On the occasion, Pritha Mehra of USPS had said –

"The Postal Service is honored to issue this Forever stamp that celebrates the Festival of Diwali".

"We hope these will light up millions of cards and letters as they make their journey through the mail stream."

For the Diwali Forever stamp project, William J. Gicker of Washington, DC was the Art Director. Photograph of the oil filled earthen diya (lamp) with burning wick in full glow, featured on the stamp was clicked by ace photographer Sally Andersen-Bruce of New Milford, Connecticut. The whole stamp, keeping earthen diya at the center, with glitter of gold dust and glimpses of colorful flower petals at the base was designed by Greg Breeding of Charlottesville, Virginia. Each of Diwali Forever stamps was of worth 47 Cents.

President Obama lighting traditional Diwali lamp in 2016 (Source: Internet)

Diwali stamp is a symbolic acceptance of presence and recognition of significant contribution of Indian community on the soil of USA. 

The Diwali festival was first celebrated at the White House in 2003 by President George W. Bush, who joined Indian Americans in marking this special occasion. President Barack Obama carried on the tradition, symbolically lighting Diwali candles in the Oval Office. In 2016, President Joe Biden, then Vice President, hosted a Diwali celebration at his residence, and in 2017, President Donald Trump continued the custom.

US President Barack Obama while lighting the auspicious traditional Indian Diwali lamp at Oval House on October 30, 2016 stated:

“To all who are celebrating the festival of lights across America and around the world, happy Diwali. As Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists light the diya, share in prayers, decorate their homes, and open their doors to host and feast with loved ones, we recognize that this holiday rejoices in the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It also speaks to a broader truth about our shared American experience. It's a reminder of what's possible when we see beyond the differences that too often divide us. It's a reflection of the hopes and dreams that bind us together. And it's a time to renew our collective obligation to deepen those bonds, to stand in each other's shoes and see the world through each other's eyes, and to embrace each other as brothers and sisters - and as fellow Americans.

I was proud to be the first President to host a Diwali celebration at the White House in 2009, and Michelle and I will never forget how the people of India welcomed us with open arms and hearts and danced with us in Mumbai on Diwali. This year, I was honored to kindle the first-ever diya in the Oval Office - a lamp that symbolizes how darkness will always be overcome by light. It is a tradition that I hope future Presidents will continue.

On behalf of the entire Obama family, I wish you and your loved ones peace and happiness on this Diwali. “

And the tradition continued.

President Trump in Diwali mood (Source: Internet)

And the tradition continued further (2021)

It has turned into glorious tradition (Source: Internet)

2024 Diwali in East Room of White House.

Source: Internet

On October 28, 2024, President Joe Biden lit a diya in the White House’s East Room, its warm glow standing out against the brilliant lights of the grand chandeliers. He noted, "Diwali is celebrated openly and proudly here in the White House," affirming the commitment of successive U.S. Presidents to honoring this cherished festival.

An interesting event related to the promotion of this Diwali Forever stamp is worth mentioning here. There was an extraordinary offer for bulk buyers of Diwali Forever stamps. Indian national flag carrier Air India had given 10 free round trip tickets from USA to India as a promo of the stamp. It was through a lottery which was held on October 20, 2016 at Consulate General of India, 3 East 64 Street, Manhattan, New York, 10065. There was an eligibility criterion for participating in the raffle draw.

Participants had to buy the stamps either in person on October 5, 2016 at the inauguration venue or opt for special pre-sale by filling in a form which was exclusively designed for that purpose. The form had logos of USPS and Diwali Stamp Project. This was required to be sent before September 27, 2016 so that they are received by the Diwali Stamp Project positively by October 3, 2016. Only those travelers / philatelists, who had purchased pre-sale Diwali stamps through DSP or at Consulate General of India, New York on October 5, 2016, the very first day when USPS had unveiled, dedicated and released the stamp, were eligible for the raffle.

First 7 persons who bought Diwali Forever stamps worth US $ 10,000 or more through pre-sale got 1 free trip. Some lucky winners from the buyers who had bought Diwali stamp worth US $ 10,000 or more were H R Shah, CEO TV Asia, Madan Goel, Neeta Jain, Dr. Dhaval Shah, Ranju Batra etc. Other winners were Shashi Ravi, Surinder Kathuria etc.

No doubt that the first day sale of this stamp had beaten all past records of first day sale of USA stamps. On the very first day, 100,000 numbers of stamps which is equivalent to 5000 panes were sold.

The Diwali stamp was issued as Forever stamp which was equivalent to First Class Mail of 1 Ounce. Now clarity is needed about Forever stamp and how different it is from normal postage stamps.

USPS had introduced Forever stamps on April 12, 2007. Forever stamps are non-denominational First Class Postage stamps. These stamps are applicable for 1 ounce First Class domestic mail irrespective of postal rate at that point of time.

Firstly, Forever stamps are meant for mailing letters, within USA, which are not more than one ounce by weight. If it is heavier than the prescribed weight then additional stamp would be required else it would be returned by USPS to the sender for inadequate postage paid.

Secondly, they are non-denominational i.e. no value is printed on the stamp making it unique.

Thirdly, and most importantly, it is evergreen i.e. if someone purchased it today and in future if postal tariff goes up, one would still be able to send the 1 ounce envelope with same forever stamp of today.

For illustration purpose, let us assume today you've purchased one Diwali Forever stamp for 47 Cents. Now suppose in 2022 or 2030 or anytime in future the postal tariff goes up, you will still be able to send 1 ounce letter to your friend or relative within USA with the same 47 Cents worth Diwali Forever stamp!

Like any commodity or service, the postal tariff also moves northward with passage of time. Thus Diwali Forever stamp is not only a stamp but a good investment tools. However, there is a word of caution. On April 10, 2016, as per the directive of Postal Regulatory Commission, USA the price of Forever stamp was reduced by 2 Cents which was equivalent to 4%. This was first drop in postage rate in last 97 years!

This Diwali Forever stamp is a live example of patience, perseverance and persistence which are three pillars of philately.

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Webliography:

http://www.theindianpanorama.news/world/unitedstates/air-india-adds-color-diwali-stamp-celebrations-76102/

http://indiaamericatoday.com/article/interview-ranju-batra-talks-about-journey-diwali-forever-stamp

http://topyaps.com/us-postal-service-releases-diwali-stamp

https://www.facebook.com/potus/photos/a.428389484017564.1073741830.424207551102424/555043898018788/?type=3

Disclaimer:

The information provided in the article is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith. This is only for the sharing of knowledge of Philately with philatelist fraternity. No commercial angle, whatsoever, is involved. No intention to infringe any type of copyright. Under no circumstances I shall have any liability for reliance on any information provided in the story.

********************

This article was published as cover story in the Nov '2021 issue (Diwali was celebrated on November 4, 2021 in India) in popular philatelic e-magazine Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin (issue no. 69). Here are the scanned pages of the story. 

Cover page

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