Washington, DC – The United States Postal Service (USPS) on Thursday (October 20) refuted claims from some Indian American organizations, that the department will discontinue the production of the Forever Diwali Stamp if there are not enough sales.
In a statement to IAT, Mark Saunders from the Corporate Communications Division of the USPS Headquarters in Washington, DC said, “The Postal Service is excited about celebrating the Festival of Diwali on a Forever stamp and has no plans to remove them from sale.”
On the other hand, the statement reiterated the record-breaking popularity of the stamp saying, “Due to the popularity of the stamp some Post Offices may have temporarily sold out. The easiest way to purchase the stamps is online at usps.com and then click the buy stamps icon. and scroll down to the Diwali stamp.”
Earlier, in mass emails addressed to Indian American communities across the US, some organizations and individuals including Maryland based social activist Mayur Mody cautioned, “Please order your stamps today and use it to send Diwali and New,Year cards etc.,” warning, “If this stamp does not sell enough, this will be discontinued. Please do not let this happen, do your part TODAY!” They further advised people to forward, “this message to all Indian communities, friends and families living in the USA.”
On October 5, the USPS commemorated the joyous Hindu festival of Diwali by dedicating the Diwali Forever stamp and holding a first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony at the Consulate General of India in New York City.
“The Postal Service is honored to issue this Forever stamp that celebrates the Festival of Diwali,” said USPS Vice President of Mail Entry and Payment Technology Pritha Mehra. “We hope these stamps will light up millions of cards and letters as they make their journey through the mailstream.”
At the event, Diwali Stamp Project Chair Ranju Batra told the audience, “Now for the first time there is a stamp that celebrates Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists as Americans forever. The Diwali stamp will be a matter of pride for generations to come,” she added.
The Diwali stamp is issued as a Forever stamp. This Forever stamp is always equal to the value of the current First Class Mail 1-ounce price.