Hyderabad’s Rajasekhar Tummala Wins International Recognition for Showcasing India’s Medicinal Plant Heritage Through Stamps
Hyderabad: Hyderabad-based conservation ecologist and philatelist Rajasekhar Tummala has brought global recognition to India by earning a Silver-Bronze Medal at the prestigious Boston 2026 World Philatelic Exhibition for his book, Medicinal Plants on Indian Stamps.
A second-generation philatelist, Tummala inherited his love for stamp collecting from his late father, Dr. Surya Prakash Tummala. What began as a childhood hobby has evolved into an internationally acclaimed effort to preserve and promote India’s rich medicinal plant heritage through the fascinating world of philately.
His award-winning publication documents the medicinal significance, historical importance, and conservation value of plants featured on Indian postage stamps from the pre-Independence era to the present day. The book highlights how postage stamps can serve as powerful educational tools, creating awareness about biodiversity and the importance of protecting native medicinal plant species.
The Boston 2026 World Philatelic Exhibition, held under the patronage of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), is one of the world’s most prestigious philatelic events, conducted only once every decade. Entries are evaluated based on originality, research, documentation, and presentation, making Tummala’s international recognition a remarkable achievement for Hyderabad and India.
With academic qualifications in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Medicinal Botany, Environmental Management, Business Development, and Intellectual Property Rights, Tummala has dedicated his career to biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, and medicinal plant research. He has contributed to several national and international conservation initiatives and has worked extensively on threatened plant species.
His research explores not only modern Indian stamps but also rare issues from the French and Portuguese colonial periods, revealing the historical significance of medicinal plants such as Kutaja, Lotus, and several indigenous species represented through philately.
The book also carries a strong conservation message by highlighting endangered medicinal plants including Guggul (Commiphora wightii), Red Sanders, Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina), Brahma Kamal, and Rhododendron, emphasizing the urgent need to protect India’s native biodiversity.
Looking ahead, Tummala plans to document nearly 140 medicinal plants featured on postage stamps, explaining their pharmacological importance, traditional uses, and conservation status. He believes native species such as Neem, Jamun, Indian Laburnum (Cassia fistula), Wild Mango, and Sacred Ashoka should be widely planted to support birds, pollinators, and urban biodiversity.
India Post has consistently celebrated the country’s botanical heritage through commemorative stamp series, including the 2025 Traditional Medicine Set featuring Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Mandukparni, Pippali, and Guduchi, along with earlier releases honoring Tulsi, Brahmi, Amla, and Guggulu.
Rajasekhar Tummala’s remarkable achievement demonstrates how a lifelong passion for philately can contribute meaningfully to environmental education, biodiversity conservation, and the preservation of India’s traditional medicinal knowledge, inspiring future generations to appreciate both nature and history.