Onlykashmir.in News Desk
The first-ever District-Level Philatelic Exhibition of the Baramulla Division, VARMULPEX-2026, commenced on Tuesday at the University of Kashmir North Campus, Delina, Baramulla. The two-day exhibition has been organised by the Department of Posts, Baramulla Postal Division, with the objective of promoting philately and creating awareness about India’s cultural, historical and natural heritage among students and the general public.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Adam Mohi-U-Din, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Srinagar Postal Division, in the presence of faculty members, postal officials, students and philately enthusiasts. Among those present were Bilal Ahmad Lone, Senior Professor at the University of Kashmir North Campus, G.R. Bhat, Superintendent of Post Offices, Baramulla, and Syed Roouf Ahmad, Assistant Superintendent of Post Offices, Baramulla.
Addressing the gathering, Mohi-U-Din spoke of the educational and cultural value of philately, describing it as a hobby that enhances knowledge of history, culture, art and nature. He said stamp collecting remains a meaningful medium for connecting younger generations with the country’s heritage and traditions, and encouraged students to take it up as an enriching pastime. Exhibitions such as VARMULPEX, he said, offer an opportunity to learn about India’s diverse legacy through postage stamps and special covers.
A highlight of the opening day was the release of a special cover on Habba Khatoon Peak, Gurez Valley, showcasing one of Jammu and Kashmir’s prominent natural landmarks. The peak in north Kashmir carries the name of the celebrated Kashmiri poetess, and its commemoration on a philatelic cover gives the region’s landscape and cultural memory a place in the national postal record.
VARMULPEX-2026 features nearly 2,000 rare postage stamps and special covers depicting different aspects of India’s history, culture, art, biodiversity and national achievements. The exhibition also highlights One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives and GI-tagged products of Jammu and Kashmir through special philatelic material issued by India Post.
To draw young people towards the hobby, the programme includes quiz competitions, stamp design competitions, workshops and awareness sessions for school students. A seminar on philately was also held on the opening day to introduce participants to the significance and scope of stamp collection.
Being held at the district level for the first time in the Baramulla Division, the exhibition places the postal department’s heritage work directly before a student audience in north Kashmir, and it is scheduled to conclude on its second day.
