ALPINE 2018’s stamps and coins lures Darjeeling

DARJEELING, JUNE 3 : ALPINE 2018, a two day Philatelic and Numismatic Exhibition organized by Alpine Philatelic and Numismatic Society (APNS), Darjeeling ended with great enthusiasm on June 2, 2018. More than a thousand visitors on both days was the highlight of the event, said Vivek Yonzone, Secretary APNS. This shows that there is interest among all ages of life about the two intellectual hobbies, added Yonzone.

The first day of the two-day event saw four postcards released by Mr. Pranay Rai, Public Prosecutor, Darjeeling Bar Association, Chief Guest of the day, and Saroj Nembang, Assistant Superintendent, Postal Department, Darjeeling Division. The four postcards featured identities of Darjeeling i.e. Toy Train, Tea Plantation, Pine Trees, and the logo of APNS. The postcards were posted the same day through a vintage British-era post box placed inside the venue.

Trisala Gurung and Sulochana Tamang, Everester, Samantha Dong, Lady Land Rover Instructor, members of Mantra Band, Satika Subba, actress, and Heads of School were among the distinguished guests present on the first day. More than 20 schools from different corners of Darjeeling had participated in the Sit and Draw Competition and Letter Writing Competition. Members of APNS, Philatelists from Sikkim Philatelic and Numismatic Society, students from different schools had displayed philatelic and numismatic materials on different themes.

Mr. Ganesh Pradhan, President of Sikkim Philatelic and Numismatic Society was presented with a memento for being honoured with the Sikkim Sewa Samman by the Sikkim State Government recently. The display of Black Penny, the world’s first postage stamp drew lots of public attention and appreciation. The popular stamp owned by Vivek Yonzone was displayed in Darjeeling for the very first time.  Thousands of stamps and numismatic materials displayed at the Hayden Hall at the heart of Darjeeling brought back the charm of old Darjeeling philatelic days.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pranay Rai, the Chief Guest appreciated the efforts of Alpine Philatelic and Numismatic Society for organizing the event and helping Darjeeling reconnect with its glorious past. Mr. Vivek Yonzone in his address spoke in brief about the event and how it was planned. Mr. Anand Yonzone, Director of North Point Academy gave the welcome speech who is also a member of APNS. Students of North Point Academy performed a welcome dance choreographed by Srijana Yonzone.

The concluding day of the event had a Philatelic Workshop by Mr. Vivek Yonzone and Numismatic Workshops by Mr. Saibal Sengupta and Mr. Vikrant Yonzone.  Mr. Sushil Karthok, President APNS distributed trophies and certificates to the winners of the Sit and Draw Competition and Letter Writing Competition. Tokens of ‘Outstanding Improvement’ in the philatelic and numismatic display were awarded to Dr. Ranjana Yonzone (Moktan), Mr. Palzer Sherpa, Mr Sitesh Chettri, and Mr. Saibal Sengutpta respectively. Mementos of Gratitude were also received by Rabin Sharma, Darjeeling Postal Department, Shital Pradhan, Sikkim Philatelic and Numismatic Society, and Nelima Yonzone, North Point Academy for their support towards ALPINE 2018.