These stamps are a homage to the mass movements which led to a free India.

The stamp with the unfurled `tiranga' over Red Fort and charkha symbol of freedom struggle in denomination of Rs 3 represents Independence Day.Another stamp in the denomination of Rs 8 depicts India's achievements in post-Independence years. The stamp design portrays progress on scientific, industrial and technological fronts for the vision and growth of modern India. The spirit of adventure and exploration in Geophysics and Oceanography is also reflected in the stamp.

The first day cover depicts the first slogan postmark heralding the historic day, August 15, 1947, along with the first postage stamp issued by the independent India.

But Pulak Gupta, secretary, Philatelic Society, says: ``The design is good but both the stamps do not relate to 50 years of India's Independence. True, they have been issued on the occasion of goldenjubilee of India's Independence but the theme of development of modern technological India does not justify homage to martyrs. Neither is Red Fort a symbol of sacrifices of martyrs. It is a hackneyed and over-used imagery.''

Gupta praises the stamp on `Youth Hostels Association of India' which was issued to mark the golden jubilee year of the Youth Hostel Association of India and the 42nd conference of Indian Youth Hostel Federation. The release of this stamp coincided with the conference in which many foreign delegates participated. Gupta says: ``Design is good and it has international relevance. Because of the multiple subjects presented on the stamp, it is a collector's bonanza fitting in with various subjects -- building, plants, science, fountains etc.''

Youth hostels promote fellowship and community interaction by bringing together youth from diverse backgrounds. The stamp has a hostelling international logo. And the first day cover is imaginatively designed depicting multiple activities of camping,workshops on national integration, control of environment, pollution and training courses in youth leadership for self discipline, self initiative in youth. These are a good collector's item for the theme as well as for design.

Another stamp of relevance was that of football player Gostha Paul to mark his birth anniversary. The stamp will have significance for sport- lovers, especially collectors interested in football. Gostha Paul is remembered for his famous words: ``In an era when we Indians were humiliated and insulted in every step of life -- the football arena was the only place where we could fight Britishers incessantly.'' He captained Mohun Bagan from 1921-26.

Yet another stamp was released in August, this time in honour of Acharya Shivpujan Sahai, reformist writer, editor and academician.