Indian Post today released a special set of postcards featuring the Penguins of Antarctica. The postcards will be carried by the 44th Antarctica Expedition from the Bharati Branch Post Office and Maitri Post Office to Mumbai in the hands of Vandita Kaul, Secretary (Posts), Ministry of Communications. Directors of National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) from Antarctica Maitri Post Office and Bharati Post Office joined virtually. Kaul emphasized that the Department of Posts plays a vital role in preserving India’s cultural heritage.

Kaul also released a permanent pictorial cancellation of Strawberry at Mahabaleshwar Post Office, Pune to commemorate Mahabaleshwar Strawberry’s Geographical Indication (GI) status. During her visit, at a function at Mumbai General Post Office (GPO), she reviewed the progress of the Mumbai GPO Heritage building’s conservation and renovation.

Kaul also released a special slogan cancellation featuring the mascot and tagline “Collect, Connect, Celebrate-The Festival of Stamps” for Mahapex 2025, scheduled for January 22-25, 2025, at the World Trade Centre, Mumbai. This cancellation will be affixed to deliverable articles at head post offices across Maharashtra and Goa.

Dignitaries present at the event included Mr. Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, Ms. Suchita Joshi, Postmaster General of Mumbai Region and , Mr. R K Jayabhaye, Postmaster General Pune Region. Directors senior officers, and Staff of the of Department of Posts and Philatelist were also present.