The India National Philatelic Exhibition (INPEX -77) being organised by the Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department from October 12 to 16, 1977 at Bangalore is the third one of its kind, the first and second having been held in New Delhi (1970) and Calcutta (1975) respectively. India has also staged two International Philatelic Exhibitions in 1954 and 1973. Besides a series of Philatelic Exhibitions at the State and District levels have also been held in various Postal Circles.

There is no doubt that the Philatelic Exhibitions, held periodically, have  gene­ rated considerable interest in this educative hobby. It is particularly gratifying to note that more and more people, particularly from the younger generation, have been enthused  to  take  to  this  creative pursuit.

The Exhibition which will have a capacity of 1,000 frames will display  some of the rare and outstanding collections in the country.

The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department is happy to bring out two postage stamps on the occasion of the Third India National Philatelic Exhibition on October 12, 1977. The stamp in Rs. 2 denomination has for its motif a reproduction of the famous 'Lion & Palm Tree' design which was  never  brought into use. One of the two essays prepared at the Calcutta Mint in 1853 had  this design which was roughly copied from Wyon's  design  for  Gold Mohur.  A  die of this design was engraved and  experiments were carried out at the Mint to produce embossed stamps. A second and somewhat similar  die was  also  engraved in 1853 and essays in various colours and on various papers were printed from  this die. The stamp reproduces one of the colour trials from die II of this design which is on display in the, National Philatelic  Museum,  New  Delhi.

The stamp in 25 paise denomination depicts an early Postman of Punjab. The photo adopted for the design of the stamp is taken from 'History of the  Post  Office' by  I  Hamilton.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India