10 February 2016

Stamp on President’s International Fleet Review...


 International Fleet Review...

Date of Issue : 6 February 2016



A commemorative stamp on International Fleet Review was released by President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Visakhapatnam on 6th February, 2016.


In addition to Commemorative Stamp, First Day Cover and Brochure, the Department of Posts has also released a booklet (folder) in commemoration of past President’s Fleet Reviews titled “AIKYA”. The booklet contains write ups, photographs and images of stamps brought out on the occasion of past President Fleet Reviews. The booklet was released by Member (Planning), Postal Services Board, Mr. Shekhar Kumar Sinha in presence of Mrs. Sharda Sampath, Postmaster General, Visakhapatnam, Mr. M. Sampath, Postmaster General, Vijaywada and Commodore Amit Vikram on 7th February 2016 at the function held at Visakhapatnam. The booklet is priced at Rs. 325 and can be obtained from Philatelic Bureau, Visakhapatnam.


A special pack consisting of first day cover, block of 4 stamps and a brochure was also released by Department of Posts. The Department of Posts had established two stalls, one at slipway jetty and another at IFR 2016 village in Visakhapatnam.





President’s international Fleet Review




A Naval Fleet Review is a long-standing tradition followed by Navies all over the world. It is a grand occasion when every operational ship is spruced up, proudly displaying its crest and its company in spirit of loyalty and allegiance to the country. The idea of a Review was perhaps conceived as a show of naval might or an inspection of readiness for battle at sea. It still has the same connotation, but assembling the warships for peaceful purposes is now the norm of modern times. Later reviews were used as a celebratory demonstration for victories in battle or for other special occasions. Sometimes ships have sailed across seas to participate in fleet reviews of friendly nations. These reviews inspired the sailors to avow their allegiance to their country and preserve it sovereignty. It is indeed a strong bond which links seafarers of the world and often follows exactly the same drill even on different continents.

Post independence, traditionally, the President, as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces reviews the Fleet once during his tenure. In this most formal of naval ceremonies, ships, submarines and aircrafts from all the Naval Commands, ships from the Indian Coast Guard and vessels from the Merchant Navy(during war /adversities some of the merchant ships also join to support the Naval effort in fighting the enemy), are ceremonially dressed up with families embarked, and anchored in lines at the precise spot allotted to them. Where International Fleet Review’s are conducted even Foreign War ships from friendly countries take part in the ceremonial event.

After a 21 gun salute, the President embarks on the Presidential Yacht, distinguished by the Ashoka Emblem on her side and reviews all the ships by cruising past them. Each ship is manned by her ship’s company, dressed sparkling white ceremonial uniforms. In a moment that stands still in time, white caps are doffed in unison in a grand salutation. The resounding sound of three “jais” echoes over the waves, carrying the promise of the allegiance of each and every sailor and officer to the Nation and the President, their Supreme Commander. It is this bond that will carry them through the adversity of war and make the supreme sacrifice, if needed.

          The present Fleet Review, which is the 11th review, was held on the East Coast for the second time. The First Fleet review in the East coast was held in 2006 and reviewed by President APJ Abdul Kalam. Incidentally this is the second International Fleet Review  held in India and the first in East Coast. The last international Fleet review was held in Mumbai in 2001 reviewed by then President Dr K.R.Narayanan. For the present International Fleet Review, all the Indian Naval ships and war ships from friendly countries submarines, coast Guard and Merchant ships and vessels will be anchored in Bay of Bengal off Visakhapatnam harbour and will be reviewed by President


Pranab Mukherjee on 6 February, 2016







4 Stamps and First Day Cover issued for Fleet Review 1984





Stamp and First Day cover issued in Fleet review 1989 






Stamps and First Day cover issued during International Fleet Review Mumbai 2001




President’s Fleet Review 2006 Visakhapatnam 




Stamps and First Day cover of President’s Fleet review 2011 , Mumbai








Cdr G.Sriramarao,I.N(retd) is a philatelist, and Numismatist  of National Repute,exhibited his collection on the theme of Music and the Indian Navy in the Naval section of Visakha Museum from 4 to 8 Feb 2016.





Philatelic Notes from  Cdr G.Sriramarao,I.N(retd)




Here is 'My stamp' issued by postal department during 'President's Review'. The entire 5000 sheets produced  were booked by Indian Navy and we had to approach them and register with them to get my stamp. This was sold for Rs.240 compared to the normal 300 Rs charged for my stamp.

 In the my stamp I am  in the typical Modi Jaket and head gear which we wore during the International city parade. I was one of the 8 retired officers selected to take part in the parade. As a souvenir I made this my stamp for me.

Secondly the First day cover of PFR with a stamp of Rs.5 was sold for Rs.16. This to my knowledge is the first time in the history of India post that a first day cover was sold for Rs.16 with a stamp of Rs.5.. Further they issued another cover with cancellations of both IFR and Naval base Visakhapatnam sold for Rs.21.




The stamp used in the My stamp is different from the stamp released on 6 Feb by President of India.

This stamp in my stamp is different and has the submarine at the rear of the Air craft carrier and the aircraft in the right hand just on top of air craft carrier where as in the original stamp submarine is in front of air craft  carrier and the the  aircraft is on the right hand corner. The stamp used in my stamp also has My stamp and Indian Navy inscribed in it and where as in the original stamp International fleet review is mentioned.

The postal dept in addition to the special Commemorative folder issued on IFR and sold for Rs.320 also put up on sale  the same folder with all the stamps issued so far on President's fleet reviews totaling 21 stamps for Rs.3000(though none went for it due to the exorbitant cost).

The special Folder with FDC  & four stamps and information folder was sold for Rs.200 . It contains 4 stamps of Rs.5 each one FDC and one information folder(total cost 41).



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