Geographical Indicator tag is given to items
which trace their origins to a particular location. They have unique
characteristics - style of weaving, colours, recipe, crafting etc, which
originated in that location. Thus the name of these items are usually linked to
the location name. Kolhapuri footwear, Kuthampally weaving, Palakkadan
Matta rice, Wayanad ghandakasala rice, Tirur betel leaf and Our very own
Kasaragod Sarees.
It is our identity and we should celebrate it. GI
tagged items have a special market as they are original, authentic, traditional
and are pride of a place. India Post has taken special efforts to promote
GI tagged items and handicrafts by releasing Stamps on them. These Stamps have
great Philatelic value and are popular among art connoisseurs and philatelists
in India and abroad. More than
that, these postal stamps and special covers will ensure that these GI tagged
heritage items are forever etched in the memory of public. These special
covers and Stamps have now gained historical importance.
Kasaragod Weaver s ’ Co-operative Production &
Sales Society was established in 1938 and is the producer of the ethnic,
traditional, branded “Kasaragod Sarees” , a well-known Handloom product of
Kasaragod, registered and recognized with “ India Handloom Brand” and
Geographical Indication Tag (G.I.Tag) under the Geographical Indication Act
1999. It has become an Intellectual Property of India. These Sarees are
entirely handmade, inexpensive and highly durable. The traditional technique
used in sizing the warp on the loom is the specialty of its making. This type
of making is used only in “Kasaragod Sarees” which results in Zero finishing
effect. Kasaragod Sarees are created by using natural fibres like cotton and
silk and therefore handloom clothes are eco friendly.
The special cover on GI Tagged Kasaragod
Sarees has a very unique design. The intricate hard work which goes into the
weaving process is depicted in the front of the cover along with the name and
logo of the Kasaragod weaver's Co op society. The stamp affixed on the
cover depicts the picture of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi with the
Charkha. The Charkha is a symbol of the clarion call of self reliance during
the freedom struggle. It's relevance exists even today when we are
promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat. The cover also has a write up about the
Kasaragod Sarees. India Post is honored and privileged to release the
special cover on GI Tagged Kasaragod sarees on the National Handloom Day on
07.08.21.
Kasaragod is the extreme north Postal Division
in Kerala Postal Circle which was formed on 15.10.1980 by bifurcating Kannur
Postal Division. This Division consists of 2 head Post offices, 29 Sub Post
Offices and 195 Branch Post Offices. The main services provided by Post Offices
are Mail Services, Parcel Services, Post Office Savings Bank, Postal Life
Insurance, Money Transfer Services, Aadhaar Services, CSC services (like
payment of Electricity/ water bills, mobile recharge etc) . India Post also
enables internet banking, mobile banking, Aadhaar enabled payment services
through our innovative product IPPB, which delivers all these services at door
steps. With the excellence of its 155 years of tradition, India Post is moving
forward with a new facelift in every nook and corner of India with its
technology based services. Post Offices are on the path of change with the
advent of new entrepreneurs as per the expectations of the customers while
providing traditional services with the excellence of modern technology.
The function was held at Office of
Superintendent of Post Offices Kasaragod Division, Kasaragod. Smt T Nirmala Devi, Postmaster General
Northern Region released the cover in the presence of Sri. N A Nellikkunnu Hon’ble
MLA Kasaragod. Kasaragod Weavers
Co-operative Production and Sales Society President Shri. Madhava Herala received
the cover. Smt V Sarada Superintendent
of Post Offices Kasaragod Division welcomed the gathering and Assistant
Superintendent Smt. P R Sheela thanked them. The cover will be available at
various Philatelic bureaus in India for Rs 5/-.
