Chandigarh, November 9
As cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar pads up for his swansong at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, the government has decided to make the occasion a memorable one for him and his countless fans.

A special stamp with the portrait of the sporting icon would be released by the Indian postal department on November 14 - the day Sachin plays his 200th (and also his last) Test match, said Union Minister of Communication and IT, Kapil Sibal today.

As per the current policy of the postal department, stamps are not issued in the honour of living iconic personalities. However, it made an exception for the first time on August 27, 1980, when a special stamp was released in the honour of Mother Teresa.

After 33 years, the postal department will make yet another exception --- this time to celebrate Sachin’s glorious contribution to the game.

Sibal said Sachin deserves the honour and the department of post was very excited to release the stamp to celebrate his achievements at the time of his retirement. “His contribution can’t be described in words. He has ruled nation’s hearts for over two decades. We all are proud of his achievement,” said Kapil. The Minister said the department was mulling a change in its policy and in the future there are chances that it will issue special stamps to commemorate the achievements of other living legends. 

Making an exception

* A special stamp with the portrait of the sporting icon would be released by the Indian postal department on November 14 - the day Sachin plays his 200th (and also his last) Test match in Mumbai