Post Office honours the national body of architects with a Commemorative Cover

The Department of Posts released a Special Commemorative Cover on 12th May 2016 at Mumbai to mark the commencement of the centenary celebrations of Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), the national body of Architects in the country. 

The journey of the Indian Institute Of Architects began on 12th May 1917. On that day the past students of Sir J J School of Arts, Bombay met in the sylvan surroundings of the school and formed what was then called the Architectural Students Association. 

VVS Reddy, Director GPO releases the Special  Cover

The institute evolved over the decades and today, plays a major role in promoting the profession and practice of architecture in the country. Even as contemporary Indian architecture grapples with challenges like population explosion, lack of vision among the planners, a less than satisfactory standard of architecture education, inadequate funding and the existential dilemma of “Revivalism vs. Modernism”, IIA holds the fort with self assurance,  promoting aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession both in Practice and Education.

Dignitaries with the Special Cover albums

The Department of Posts released a Special Commemorative Cover on 12th May 2016 to celebrate the fruitful journey of IIA. Titled “The Indian Institute of Architects 1917-2017”, the Cover was released at Sir J J College of Architecture, Mumbai by VVS Reddy, Director Mumbai GPO and presented to Divya Kush, President of IIA and Vilas Avachat, Vice President, IIA.

Special Covers are valued collectibles across the world. They are collected, exchanged and traded by philatelists globally. They also get exhibited as part of carefully curated collections, thus propagating the message of the subjects commemorated on them around the world.