BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 29th October 2025: The Department of Posts’ Northeast Circle inaugurated its three-day philatelic exhibition, ‘TRIPEX-2025’, today at Nazrul Kalakshetra and Lalit Kala Akademi in Agartala. The event showcases rare and historic postage stamps from India and abroad, highlighting the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of philately beyond its traditional role in mail exchange.
The exhibition, which runs until October 31, was formally opened by Maharaj Kumari Pragya Debbarman, convenor of the Tripura chapter of the Indian National Art and Cultural Heritage. Joining her at the inaugural ceremony were Joseph Lalrinsailova, Regional Postmaster General of Northeast Region; Rajesh Jhunjhunwala, juror and member of the Philatelic Congress of India; and Rahul Ganguly, president of the Prayagraj Philatelic Society.
In his welcome address, Lalrinsailova emphasized stamp collecting as a meaningful hobby and expressed hope that the exhibition would serve as an educational and informative platform. Jhunjhunwala echoed the sentiment, noting that stamps reflect a nation’s heritage and traditions, and can spark curiosity among students. Ganguly encouraged young attendees to take up philately, describing the exhibition as a celebration of global history through miniature art.
Delivering the keynote, Maharaj Kumari Pragya Debbarman underscored philately as a journey through legacy and tradition. She recalled how members of Tripura’s royal family, including the late Maharaja Kirit Bikram Debbarman, were avid stamp collectors, and noted the historical use of revenue and postage stamps in the administration of Tripura by descendants of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya.
Following the ceremony, Debbarman inaugurated the stamp gallery at Lalit Kala Akademi, where rare stamps including India’s first post-independence issue are on display. Special commemorative stamps and postcards featuring the flora and fauna of Northeast India and Tripura’s iconic Ujjayanta Palace were also released.
To engage younger audiences, the exhibition includes student-focused activities such as stamp-themed poster drawing, letter writing, mailbox art, and a philatelic quiz. Students from various Agartala schools participated enthusiastically.
This year’s showcase features approximately 2,000 stamps across 130 frames, with special emphasis on Tripura’s Neermahal and Unakoti heritage sites. Participants from Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh are exhibiting their collections, which will be evaluated by a jury panel for awards.The exhibition stands as a vibrant tribute to the enduring legacy of postage stamps and their role in preserving cultural narratives across generations.
