Governor N.N. Vohra inaugurated the Jammu Philatelic Festival cum Exhibition which has been organized by the Department of Posts, Government of India, at the Kala Kendra, here today.Governor released a Special Cover of the India Post on Gharana Wetland which is situated in Jammu region and known for the large variety of migratory birds which visit this waterbody. He complimented Sh. Sanjay Sharan, Chief Post Master General and his colleagues for organizing the Philatelic Festival cum Exhibition and for popularising the Gharana Wetland through its Special Cover.Governor observed that the Department of Posts, which is one of the oldest institutions in the country, has rendered invaluable contribution towards development of the country. He urged Sh. Saran to involve students and general public to take up philately as a hobby and collect postal materials including letters, post cards, stamps etc which would, in later years, comprise historical material which reflects J&K’s rulers, economy, political personalities etc. Governor expressed concern that the number of migratory birds visiting the Gharana Wetland may not be increasing due to certain anthropogenic factors which are destroying its ecosystem. He urged the State Forest authorities to conduct conservation studies in respect of this wetland which has the potential of becoming a major tourist attraction in the State. Governor was presented “My Stamp” on Mata Vaishno Devi. “My Stamp” is the brand name for personalized sheets of Postage Stamps of India Post.Governor presented prizes to the winners of the “Dhai Akhar” letter writing competition which had been organized by the Department of Posts. In the category of up to 18 years, the 1st prize was won by Ms. Kasak Katoch of Army Public School, Kaluchak; 2nd prize was won by Ms. Sanya Mahajan of KC International School and 3rd prize was won by Mr. Kanhaiya Lal Sharma of Government Higher Secondary School Vijaypur, Samba. In the above 18 years category the winner was Mr. Hamid Ali Shah from the University of Jammu.Sh. Sanjay Saran, Chief Post Master General, in his introductory remarks briefed the gathering about the services being offered by the Department and about the main attractions of this two day Philatelic Exhibition. The Welcome Address was presented by Sh. Gaurav Srivastava, Director Postal Services, and Vote of Thanks was given by Sh. G.R. Parrey, Sr. Superintendent Post Offices, Jammu.Sh. H.K. Verma, CGM, Telecom, Jammu Circle, Sh. Kuldeep Khoda, former CVC of J&K, teachers, school children and others were among those present on the occasion.