New Commemorative Issue: 2012: Swami Vivekananda

[dheer]

Great!! Awaiting photo's

[drkrish]

Expecting the first look on this forum .... Really excited...

[paisepagal]

As I understand, these venues are Hugh security and people are requested to switch off their cell phones and cameras at such events... But I hope our very own Sanjay will be able to a copy of one of the official photos... After all , if a simple collector such as he can get an invite, he will find a way to get the pic through   

[kansal888]

The newspaper cutting

[$$]

Awesome photo finish

Samir

Released simultaneously in the US....

[The Oracle]

The newspaper cutting

kansal ji

plz post real coins   

[dheer]

The Release Function as informed earlier by kansalji did happen today
Kansalji may still be busy with the party ... until we get better pictures, we may have to live with these ...

[drkrish]

Accepting with left hand and with a displeasure facies , Chidambaram does it again...

[Coinsforever]

Another photo of event.

Coin releasing




 Stamp releasing

Cheers

[drkrish]

good pics   Expecting a closer look soon...

[kansal888]

The Vivekananda coins were released yesterday. The denominations are Rs 5 & Rs 150. Normally a bust is depicted on our coins. In Vivekananda coins, he is show in his famous standing posture (above waist). Both arms are crossed. He is in a robe with a turban. A whiff of curly hair can be seen below the turban.

The date of issue is not present. But the date of commemoration is printed (1863-2013).

Normally date is printed at bottom in curved fonts. In a bit unusual design, the Vivekananda date is printed in horizontal fonts.

[kansal888]

I reached the Rashtrapati Bhawan bit early. Army units were sweeping the roads with mine sweepers to rule out possibility of any buried explosives. The place was teeming with dozens of spooks in suits and earphones. However, they were very friendly if you asked for any directions or help.

Cabinet ministers like P Chidambaram, AK Anthony, Kapil Sibal etc were first to arrive. Governors of few states were also present. Then Mrs G arrived. She was looking stunning in maroon saree and tiny ear rings. Finally the President arrived. The national anthem was played as soon as the President arrived.

After the coin release, a high tea was organized.

I had the opportunity to have cup cakes, cheese cutlets and Mysore -pak with 'The P' & 'Mrs G'.         

Presidential staff in red angrakha (blouse with attached skirt) & white turbans were serving the goodies in huge trays.

The President's Bodyguards (a regiment of Indian Army) was playing melodious Hindi songs. (I can still remember -ajeeb dastaan he yeh..kahan shuru kahan khatam..)

A truly memorable & regal evening!!

I have only one regret.. I was not allowed to carry mobiles or cameras inside the main venue..

[kansal888]

The gates of the most famous address of India opens for a moment

[kansal888]

If you have appropriate 'authorizations', these tough guys can be very friendly & helpful..
The majestic dome is visble in the background..

[paisepagal]

Excellent stuff.... The vivekananda motif seems very very promising ... I think it'll look REALLY good. The divided date looks like a throw back to the FAO series... Very nice !