NEW DELHI: In a historic enterprise tracing again to 1984, shortly after India’s inaugural expedition to Antarctica, the nation established its first-ever submit workplace on the icy continent at Dakshi Gangotri—the pioneering scientific base. Within a yr, the fledgling submit workplace had processed a outstanding 10,000 letters and parcels, marking the genesis of what officers now hail as a “unique experiment” for India’s postal neighborhood.
The saga continued with the eventual submersion of Dakshin Gangotri underneath ice through the late Nineteen Eighties, resulting in its decommissioning. However, on January 26, 1990, a brand new chapter unfolded as a submit workplace department emerged at India’s Maitri analysis station in Antarctica, heralding a brand new period of postal connectivity amidst the continent’s frigid expanse.
For over 35 years since its inception, lovers—significantly philatelists, collectors, and hobbyists—have diligently dispatched letters and postcards inside clean envelopes to the Maitri submit workplace, looking for the revered ‘Maitri North Goa’ postmark—a cherished memento amongst collectors worldwide.
Fast ahead virtually 4 many years and a monumental stride has been taken with the inauguration of a second submit workplace department on the Bharati analysis station in Antarctica, accompanied by the introduction of a brand new PIN code, MH-1718. The designation of this code as “experimental” aligns with normal protocols for nascent branches, based on officers.
Spanning a distance of three,000 km, India’s two Antarctic analysis bases—Maitri and Bharati—stand as a testomony to the nation’s enduring presence within the polar panorama, each falling underneath the purview of the Goa postal division.
In sensible phrases, letters meant for Antarctica discover their method to the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa, the pivotal hub for India’s polar endeavours. From there, researchers embark on expeditions carrying these missives, that are later ‘cancelled’ on the analysis bases earlier than being dispatched again residence through submit.
Explaining the importance of ‘cancellation,’ officers elucidate its position in defacing postage stamps or stationery, thereby stopping their reuse. These ‘cancelled’ letters bear very important info such because the date and submit workplace location, serving as invaluable artefacts for stamp lovers.
M. Sudhakar, a former scientist at NCPOR, underscores the strategic significance of the Antarctic submit workplaces. With Antarctica ruled by the Antarctic Treaty, which prohibits territorial claims and navy actions, establishing Indian postal amenities on this overseas terrain assumes profound significance, asserting India’s presence on the continent primarily devoted to scientific exploration.
In a heartfelt attraction delivered through video conferencing, Chief Postmaster General Okay. Okay. Sharma has urged the scientists stationed in Antarctica to embrace the standard artwork of letter writing, emphasizing its enduring worth amidst the digital deluge of recent communication platforms.
Driven predominantly by philately lovers and collectors, the mail flowing into India’s Antarctic submit workplaces fuels a requirement for ‘cancelled’ letters, seen as prized possessions by collectors worldwide. R P Patil, Director of Postal Services for the Goa area, underscores the rarity and attract of acquiring stamps from distant post-office outposts, catering to the fervent demand from philatelists.
