stamps issued in 2001

march

The GSI is the premier national organisation which provides basic earth science information to the country. Started in 1851 with the sole objective of locating coal reserves for the railways, the GSI has over the years expanded its role and emerged into a multi-disciplinary organisation making significant contribution to the national mainstream. The major functions of the GSI are locating mineral resources and generating and updating of geosciences information through ground, marine and air surveys. The organisation is also involved in management of natural hazards like earthquakes, floods etc., providing geo-technical advice to all major civil engineering, communication and urban development projects, geo-environmental resource appraisal and up gradation of geo-scientific expertise through training. The stamp design features three ore forming minerals, Bauxite -an aluminium ore, Chalcopyrite -a copper ore and Psilomelane - a manganese ore.

The Maratha Light Infantry is one of the oldest , regiments of the Indian Army, famous for exploits and achievements that have exemplified the meaning of duty, honour and courage. Formed as the 103rd Maharattas in 1768, the Regimental Group was awarded the title of 'Light Infantry' in 1922. Light Infantry was a corps d'elite, a special honour bestowed for proven merit. Lightly armed and equipped for speedy movement, their capabilities for swift reconnaissance and outflanking movements as well as counter-guerrilla action were widely recognised. The present 4th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry had its origin in the 2nd Battalion 8th Regiment raised in Mangalore in 1800. The fighting spirit, steadfastness and total reliability of the Battalion was an asset to the British rulers, and the unit saw active service. In the post-independence era the 4 Maratha LI, in the highest traditions of the Indian armed forces, contributed its energies to the wars that the country has fought as well as to peace-time operations. The Battalion etched its name in the battlefields of Rajasthan in the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. The unit had been deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, where they added one more brilliant page to their history by effectively battling militancy.