Mysore/Mysuru: Padma Shri awardee Hindustani classical vocalist Pt. M. Venkatesh Kumar, opined that both profession and passion are equally important in every individual’s life.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the valedictory ceremony of the 38th All India Postal Cultural Meet (AIPCM), organised by the Department of Posts at the Postal Training Centre in city recently. He stated that organising a cultural event in the cultural city is highly meaningful and added that the Postal Department is known for its integrity.

Presiding over the programme, the Postmaster General of Karnataka Postal Circle, K. Prakash, said that in today’s era  of digitalisation, when people are under stress, music brings  peace and relief.

The programme was attended by Sandesh Mahadevappa, Director (Headquarters), Karnataka Postal Circle, V. Tara, Director, Bengaluru Central Postal Region, Shriharsha, Director, North Karnataka Postal Region and Dr. Ashish Singh Thakur, Director of the Postal Training Centre, Mysuru.

Prizes were distributed to  the winners of the cultural   competitions.

The National-level Cultural Meet was held from Feb. 16 to 20 at the Postal Training Centre (PTC) and Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) premises in the city.

A total of 293 participants (employees of the Postal Department and their children), representing 21 Postal Circles from across the country, took part in the event.

Overall Results

The results of various cultural competitions, based on overall performance, are as follows:

• Kerala Postal Circle secured the Championship trophy with 108 points, winning a total of 22 prizes (17 First prizes, 4 Second prizes and 1 Third prize).

• Karnataka Postal Circle secured the Runner-Up position with 105 points, winning a total of 34 prizes (16 First, 14 Second, and 4 Third prizes).

• Odisha Postal Circle secured the Third position with 38 points, winning a total of 11 prizes.

Outstanding Individual Performances

Several participants delivered exceptional performances across various categories. The prominent award winners are as follows:

S. Charmi (4 Awards), Abhimanyu (3 Awards), K.R. Pratham (3 Awards), D.M. Punyashree (3 Awards), Shambhavi Degavimath (3 Awards) and G.S. Srushti (3 Awards) from Karnataka Postal Circle.

S. Durga Ram (3 Awards), V.R. Srihari (3 Awards) and Teertha Prakash (3 Awards) from Kerala Postal Circle.

The 38th AIPCM-2026 served as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange, promoting unity, team spirit and national integration among Postal employees. The Meet reflected India’s rich cultural heritage through classical music, dance, instrumental performances, folk traditions and contemporary cultural programmes.

By organising such National-level cultural events, the Department of Posts has once again reaffirmed its commitment to employee welfare, creative expression and organisational unity.