The Apollo University Philatelic Club hosted Apollo Pex 2025, drawing 5000 visitors to explore the magic of stamps

The Apollo University Philatelic Club, in collaboration with the Manipal Philatelic & Numismatics Club (MPNC), orchestrated a spectacular celebration of stamps, stories, and global heritage through Apollopex 2025 – The Stamp Expo, held on 20th September 2025 at Apollo Knowledge City. The day-long exhibition, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, brought together rare collections, living history, and an enthusiastic audience that turned the campus into a vibrant hub of culture and learning.

The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. H. Vinod Bhat, Vice Chancellor, The Apollo University, who delivered a deeply inspiring keynote address. He reminisced about his early childhood days spent on historic premises, and letter writing where his love for stamps first took root. A passionate philatelist himself, Dr. Bhat spoke warmly about how his hobby of stamp collecting has grown with him over the years into a remarkable collection that he proudly exhibited at Apollopex 2025. In a touching moment, he shared how this passion has beautifully transferred across three generations—from himself to his son, and now to his grandson, who has become a specialist collector in the family and perhaps the most enthusiastic of all. His reflections highlighted how philately is not merely a hobby, but a legacy that nurtures curiosity, discipline, and a love for history. He concluded stating that how philately bridges generations, nurturing curiosity and knowledge in young minds.

The Guest of Honour, Prof. M. Potharaju, Registrar, The Apollo University, portrayed the significance of such platforms in nurturing students’ passion for culture, research, and creativity, while appreciating the collaborative spirit that made Apollopex a reality.

The Special Guest, Mr. Bhanavanth Lakshman Naik, Superintendent of Post Office, Chittoor Division, spoke on the evolving role of postal communication in society and its enduring place in history. His presence added a unique touch of authenticity to the expo. Mr. Naik thanked The Apollo University for exhibiting such a timeless treasure and for promoting philately as a passion. He also briefed the audience on the various services offered by India Post and how these services continue to benefit the general public in a reasonable and affordable manner.

The exhibition was further enriched by the special invitees from Manipal, whose contributions elevated the grandeur of Apollopex.

• Dr. Kiran Acharya, Professor & Head, Dept. of Orthopaedics, KMC, Manipal and President of MPNC,
• Dr. Nishant Bhat, Professor of Microbiology, Dept. of Basic Medical Sciences, MAHE and Vice President of MPNC,
• Dr. V. P. Ramprasad, Professor and Former Head, Dept. of Community Dentistry, MCODS, Manipal.

They brought with them priceless treasures of international postage stamps, award-winning collections, rare envelopes, and postcards, turning Apollopex into a confluence of heritage and artistry.

In his address, Dr. Kiran Acharya, Professor and Head, Dept. of Orthopaedics, KMC, Manipal and President of MPNC, highlighted the exhibits and their importance, emphasizing how stamps are powerful storytellers of history, culture, and human progress. He assured the audience that there are still passionate philatelists like him who believe in the value of posts and stamps, and who will always remain the backbone in promoting philately and supporting the postal department. He also spoke in detail about the rich and diverse collections displayed at the exhibition, which included The Tiger – Majestic Big Cat, Water Birds - Maximaphily, Climate Change, A–Z of Philately, British Raj – Servants of the Civil Servants, Special National and International Days, Hindu Temples, The Rotary International, Zodiac Signs, Submarines - Watercrafts, Medicine on Stamps, and Space on Stamps.

The Expo Highlights

The Expo featured 60 Frames of Global Treasures that beautifully narrated stories of nations, revolutions, and cultural milestones. Visitors were captivated by International Postage Stamps from across the globe, with each frame serving as a window into history. Adding to the richness of the display were rare envelopes, special covers and postcards, each carrying the essence of journeys across continents and eras. The event also hosted exclusive stamp sale stalls, where enthusiasts had the opportunity to collect and exchange timeless pieces, making the exhibition both engaging and memorable.

Adding to the prestige of the event, Chittapuli Narendra Padal, IAS, Assistant Collector (Under Training), Chittoor District, graced the exhibition and appreciated the efforts of the organizers in promoting philately as an intellectual pursuit.

One of the most heartening aspects of Apollopex was its overwhelming footfall of nearly 2000 school students from in and around Chittoor and 2500 students of Apollo Knowledge City. Wide-eyed and filled with curiosity, they explored the frames with enthusiasm, marveling at the miniature artworks that carried centuries of stories. The event was not only a showcase of collections but also an educational journey that left an indelible mark on young learners.

A Festival of Collaboration and Spirit

Apollopex 2025 stood out not just for its exhibits, but for the seamless coordination and collective passion that went into its making. Special acknowledgment goes to Mr. K Yugavardhan, Student Coordinator, Philatelic Club of The Apollo University and the Faculty Coordinators of various clubs who extended their wholehearted support:

• Dr. Anwesha Paul, FC, Event Management Club
• Dr. Asha P Johnson, FC, Craft Club
• Mr. Leyon Selvin Raj, FC, Fine Arts Club
• Dr. Shaik Jakeer, FC, Media Club and
• Dr. Jeevan Kumar, FC. Photography Club

Their dedicated contributions ensured that the event sparkled with creativity and warmth. The organizing committee also extends heartfelt thanks to Prof. Dr. K. Bhaskar Reddy, Professor & Dean, SoHS and AIPS whose support helped in the collaborating with postal department, Dr. G B Hima Bindu, Deputy Director, ICT, for technical support, and Dr. D. Kothandan, Deputy Director, Admissions, for coordinating with the PRO office to make the event a success.

Conclusion

Apollopex 2025 was an inspiring journey into the past, a platform for cultural exchange, and a reminder of the power of stamps as storytellers of human civilization. It left every visitor, from dignitaries to students, with a renewed appreciation for heritage and an eagerness to preserve it for future generations. In its true essence, Apollopex 2025 was not just a stamp expo—it was a stamp on history, a stamp on hearts, and a stamp of inspiration.