On the occasion of International Vulture Awareness Day 2025 (September 6th), the BNHS–Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre (VCBC), Bhopal, in collaboration with the Postal Department, released a Special Postal Cancellation to mark the day. The event was organized at the Indore General Post Office (GPO), highlighting the significance of vultures in maintaining ecological balance and the urgent need to conserve them.
Mr. Shivansu Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Indore City Division, and Mr. Shriniwas Joshi, Senior Postmaster, Indore GPO, graced the programme. Dr. Arockianathan Samson, Centre Manager, VCBC Bhopal, also participated in the ceremony and delivered a keynote address.
During the occasion, the Special Cancellation dedicated to vultures was formally released. In his talk, Dr. Samson emphasized the critical role of vultures as nature’s clean-up crew, preventing the spread of diseases by efficiently disposing of animal carcasses. He highlighted the pioneering efforts of BNHS in India’s Vulture Conservation Breeding Programme, which has achieved significant success in captive breeding and reintroduction initiatives. He also drew attention to the dangers posed by harmful veterinary NSAIDs such as Diclofenac, Aceclofenac, Ketoprofen, Nimesulide, and Flunixin, and the continuous advocacy to restrict their use.
Mr. Shivansu Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Indore City Division, and Mr. Shriniwas Joshi, Senior Postmaster, Indore GPO. Dr. Arockianathan Samson, Centre Manager, VCBC Bhopal release the special cancellation.
Dr. Samson further underlined the importance of Vulture Safe Zones, community participation, and the responsibility of every citizen to become a ‘Vulture Advocate.’ He praised the Postal Department’s unique role in raising awareness among the public through stamps, cancellations, and outreach activities, which help spread conservation messages to the grassroots level.
The event concluded with an appreciation of the joint efforts of conservationists, government departments, and the public in securing a future for India’s vultures. The initiative was well-received and is expected to enhance public awareness about the plight of vultures and the need for urgent conservation measures.