Saturday, December 5, 2015

Commemorative Stamps on Zoological Survey of India – 3rd December 2015.


The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on 1st July, 1916 to promote survey, exploration and research leading to the advancement in our knowledge of various aspects of exceptionally rich life of the erstwhile ´British Indian Empire´. The survey has its genesis in the establishment of the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875. By gradually strengthening its staff and expanding its research programme, the Survey has met the challenge of the past and is on its way to meet the demands of the future. It has maintained its primary objectives unchanged from its inception.
 
Initially, the Survey acquired the Zoological collections of more than a century old from former Museum (1814 -1875) of the Asiatic Society of Bengal and Zoological Section of the Indian Museum (1875-1916) in Calcutta. With the increasing interest in the life sciences and with the advent of country´s Five Year Plans, the expansion programme of the survey was initiated. The Survey has established so far 16 Regional and Field Stations, and has developed into a major National Institution. It functions as the guardian of the National Zoological Collections, containing over a million identified specimens from all animal groups ranging from Protozoa to Mammals. Extensive and intensive field explorations are undertaken by the Survey in different parts of the country for the studies of fauna, systematic zoology, animal ecology, wildlife and zoogeography, animal behavior, animal population and also marine fauna and the results of the explorations and research are published in its own journals as well as National and International periodicals of repute regularly.
 
The Zoological Survey of India is celebrating its 100 years this year. On this occasion Minister of C&IT, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad released Commemorative stamps and Miniature Sheet on Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) at the function held at Conference Hall, National Media Centre, Raisina Road, New Delhi on 3rd December 2015. Set of two stamps is in denomination of Rs. 5 and Rs. 25. The Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Independent Charge), Shri Prakash Javadekar, Mrs Kavery Banerjee, Secretary, Department of Posts and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
 
Commemorative Stamps on Zoological Survey of India
 
Courtesy: PIB