NEW DELHI, INDIA, April 24, 2019 (The Statesman): Indonesia released a special commemorative Ramayana stamp on Tuesday to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with India. The stamp, featuring a scene from the Ramayana epic in which Jatayu valiantly fought to save Sita, has been designed by renowned Indonesian sculptor Bapak Nyoman Nuart, recipient of Padma Shri. “As agreed during Prime Minister’s visit in May 2018, the Department of Posts of the Government of Indonesia released a special commemorative stamp on the theme of Ramayana to mark the event,” said a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Jakarta. A specially signed version of the Ramayana stamp will be on display at the Philately Museum in Jakarta.
The stamp was unveiled at an event organized in Jakarta on Tuesday to flag off the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat and Indonesia Deputy Foreign Minister Abdurrahman Mohammad Fachir jointly presided over the event. Limited edition covers of the commemorative stamp were distributed by the Department of Posts during the inaugural event. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Rawat underscored the significant strides that both nations had made in their bilateral relations in the last 70 years “with a high point being the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2018 during the milestone visit of Prime Minister Modi,” said the statement.