Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their area for publication. Short write ups by the readers about their journals, societies, publications and philatelic requirements can be sent for inclusion in this bulletin to j.jyoti9@gmail.com or rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com
Maharshi Bulusu Samba Murthy
Maharshi Bulusu Samba Murthy was an eminent lawyer and freedom fighter. Born at Dulla village in East Godavari district on March 4, 1886, became an eminent lawyer and had a close association with Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu with whom he had worked in the Madras High Court for quite some time. Soon Murthy gave up his profession and had joined the Indian National Congress and got involved in the freedom struggle. He was highly regarded by the topmost leaders of the party that spearheaded the freedom movement. He is acknowledged as one of the greatest leaders of the Congress party and was known as a very kind hearted person who cared a lot for the fellow human beings.
New Meghdoot Cards
• Girl Star - Beautician, Hindi
• Girl Star - Beekeeper, Hindi
• Tamil Nadu Power Finance, English
• Meghalaya Tourism, English
Special Covers
12 Jan 2008 Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama Centenary, Vrindaban
30 Jan 2008 Gandhi Stamps Coins Exhibition Nanayamela, Thiruvananthpuram
8 March 2008 Valley of Flowers, Dehradun
In The News
Shri B. C. Mehra another noted philatelists of Kanpur passed away on 4 March 2008 at Gurgaon. Mr. Mehra was a very active philatelist of U.P. Philatelic Society and played a lead role in organizing Quiz and philatelic workshop at philatelic exhibitions. Besides an ardent philatelist Mr. Mehra was well known for his beautiful handwriting in italics. Years back when computers were not common, handwritten collections or type written collections were displayed in exhibitions by the philatelists. Mr. Mehra had the credit of writing many award winning collections of some well known philatelists of Kanpur.
Shri B.J. Kumar was a veteran philatelist of Kanpur. He had participated in various philatelic exhibitions and written articles on philately in different newspapers and philatelic magazines. His magazine U-Phil Times was published from Kanpur for a long period but few years ago he could not edit it because of his old age illness. Uttar Pradesh is proud to have such great philatelist from Kanpur who spent a long time in promoting philately. He organized philatelic exhibitions at Kanpur with the help of Deptt. of Posts and always donated special prizes for youth class from his Philatelic Society “United Philatelists”. Sometimes we meet some persons in life unknowingly who make our life special in some way for a lifetime. We are always grateful to them. Shri B.J. Kumar was such a person for me who showed me the spectacular picture of stamp collecting. I found that stamp collecting was not just hoarding stamps but much more than it. I had a long association with him since my school days. In fact I entered the field of Philately under his guidance and was able to participate in International Philatelic Exhibitions Mladost-84, Bulgaria and Mophila-85, Germany from youth class. I learnt about philatelic journalism while working as sub-editor of U-Phil Times from him. With his blessings I am able to edit this magazine independently today. He was the guest of month for March issue of Rainbow Stamp News, but unfortunately he passed away on 5th march 2008. I am presenting here his article in his loving memory as well as a philatelic tribute to him- EditorIn the 1971 war with Pakistan, the big thrust in the Barmer area gave India effective control right upto Umarkot and Naya Chor, 45 Kms, inside Sind. At the time the war ended, Indian troops were occupying a position only 1.5 Kms from the town. Another thrust was launched some 150 Kms. To the south of Rann of Kutch area. The major gain here was the elimination of the bulge into Indian territory at the centre of which stood the sub-divisional town of Nagar Parkar. This India gained an area of 375 Sq. Kms. Now the Indian column edged northward to join with the forces launched from the Barmer border at Chachro, about midway between the two thrusts. Chachro town is 73 Kms. From Gadra Road, a town on the Barmer border from which the Naya Chor thrust was launched. Its peace time population was 10,000 of which only 4,000 remained behind. Chachro town was a very important Communication centre of the enemy. Its name was derived from the name of the father of the ruler of Sind, Raja Dahir. His father’s name was CHACHRI. It was first called Chachri meaning town of CHACH. Its history is traceable from 644 A.D.
To serve the area round about Chachro a Sub Post office was opened on the afternoon of 11-1-72 in the Office of the Head master of Govt. Primary School. Chachro as the original building of the Post Office was destroyed in the war by fire and it was now used as mess by 4 Madras regiment. In the beginning the letters etc. were cancelled with “EXPTL. P.O. J-519” date stamp which was replaced with “Chachro P.O.” date stamp on 28-6-72. Pin Code No. 344503 was also allotted to this P.O. when it was introduced in the other towns of India. Only four defacing seals were provided to this office; viz, Date stamp, Seal stamp, Name stamp and Due stamp. Registered letters were also accepted by this post office. On the average 250 to 300 letters were received daily at Chachro for delivery. There also existed Army Post Office (F.P.O. 1932) and A.P.O. was responsible for carrying Dak between India and Chachro. Chachro P.O. was not only delivering Dak in the village round about Chachro; viz; Bapardya. Dhokla, Khivsar, Rajora, Amad Katarah etc. Chachro P.O. was closed on 15th Dec. 1972 when the Indian Forces were withdrawn from occupied territory of Pakistan. It is the only civil Post office opened on the soil of any foreign territory since India attained freedom in 1947.
Naresh Agrawal, Bilaspur
Through this letter, I would like to congratulate my friends Mr. Satyendra Agrawal and Mr. Dinesh Sharma both in particular for their achievements in INPEX 2008.This has proved me wrong or have shown me, come what may, a thematic philatelist too can get GOLD in Indian National Exhibition also. (Because I had taken up the issue that why GOLD is not awarded in Thematics) Well done, my friends. I know for you it was easy to get Gold abroad but in India, it was very - very difficult. So you have proved that the knowledge, the research, the display, the presentation techniques, the material, the variety, the rarities can not be neglected for a longer period and it has to be awarded and recognized one day or the other. I request both of my dear friends to start giving their comments on how to build a thematic collection step by step. Though so much is being written on this, but every one has his own way of putting up the things and to explain. So, their experience in this regard will help the other philatelist. Firstly I shall learn much from their views. Very frankly speaking, during Inpex-Empirepex 2001, I learnt from the exhibit of Mr. Satyendra Agrawal that variety of material certainly gets appreciation and this shows how broad one can think about usage of variety of philatelic material and how much search and research needs to be done. There was much more to learn from exhibit of Mr. Dinesh Sharma too. It might not have attracted the public in general because of the lack freshness and the fragrance of roses which are very close to the hearts of the public in general but the material shown, the philatelic knowledge reflected was tremendous. The rarities, the storyline, the placements were marvellous. What I want to say is that with so much of hard work done by them, they should get recognition as veteran and masters of philately. I hope this message of mine will be suitably conveyed to them and they will prepare themselves to serve the philatelic fraternity. In fact, what I am thinking is that now the initiative is to be taken by us ourselves to see that the philatelists get better guidance so that they get better awards in the future exhibitions instead of cursing the jury. We must not forget that there can not be foolproof jury and there can not be the result which would satisfy each and every one. So, my dear Dinesh, I want you to take up the torch of knowledge to enlighten the thematic philatelists and dear Satyendra Ji you take out your roses so that every one could smell the fragrance of these. Further, I would like to tell my friends who are annoyed with the jury of Inpex 2008 for not giving them proper awards which they feel they deserved. Friends, why don't we excuse the jury? I will write on this later in some other article. But my personal advice is that 'gone is gone' now we should concentrate on the future exhibitions and should see how can we improve our exhibit.Looking forward to the response from dear Satyendra Ji and Dinesh Bhai.
A magazine requires research papers so it will be more useful to collectors. You see how many news bulletins are giving research papers other than regular news?? Now the internet has given a wide scope for news as well research works. But I found instead of enjoying the hobby with a dedicated research work. We are more interested in investment oriented and prizewinning spirit. Once you collect then the same will be investment. Regarding prize winning it’s like choosing a girl for marriage. A girl may not be appreciated by you but will be appreciated by others, so the juries. I have seen last 20 years in all exhibitions that philatelists complain about their collections not deserving the good marks. How we expect our expectations when the persons examining the collections are not well informed/not adhering to guidelines for judging and favoring the competitors.We are talking about the INDIA POST regarding mismanaging the exhibitions and failure to create awareness about the philately. Why this is going on? In my opinion we the senior philatelists are responsible for this .There is no well managed Apex association .We are busy in infighting among ourselves and finger others. But we should know once we finger others there are another three fingers directed to us. So first we assess ourselves before fingering others as a result we will get the answers from ourselves for all our questions.
Penny Black was the first postage stamp of the world. On May 6, 1840 adhesive stamps for the prepayment of postage were on sale for the first time in England, and in fact, for the first time anywhere in the world. This idea was developed largely by Sir Rowland Hill, and was the beginning of postage stamps as we know them. After much research into postage costs and administration, he proved that there was no benefit in charging according to the distance over which a letter was carried. His scheme for a prepaid postage charge of one penny-regardless of distance- was introduced after much hostile Government and official opposition.
The first stamp- The 'Penny Black' - was a black stamp with a portrait of Queen Victoria, and the words 'Postage' and 'One Penny' and various check letters in the bottom corners. Since it was the world's first stamp, there was no need to put the name of the issuing country on it. Do u think? Is the Penny Black the world’s most expensive stamp? No, it’s not. But it is the world’s most famous stamp. The total print run from all plates was 286,700 sheets with 68,808,000 stamps. An unused Penny Black stamp is valued in the 2001 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue at $3,000, and a used one is valued at $180. After all, as the world’s first pre-paid postage stamp, it heralded the greatest communication boom in history. On the first day over 112,000 letters were posted, each with a used Penny Black affixed. Over 168 million letters were posted in 1840. However, mint examples remain rare. Why? A penny in 1840 was a considerable amount of money. If you paid a Penny you made sure you posted your letter. You can see from the image that the Penny Black did not incorporate the United Kingdom’s name on the stamp. It had no need to. It was the first to this day the UK remains the only country that does not use its name on its stamps. The Penny Black is an important part of world history, a major part of British history. And of course a favourite item for philatelists all over the world.
No emblem of the 20th century is more universal than Mickey Mouse; no signature is more widely recognized than that of his creator, Walt Disney. The Disney version - whether of a favorite fairy tale or of that famous 'signature' -is simplified, idealized and uncomplicated. Though not faithful to the original, it invariably takes the place of the original in the world market place. His creations appeared in the form of Comic Books, Animated pictures and now on STAMPS.
Collecting Disney postage stamps is one of the fastest growing specialties in our hobby. The Disney stamps have probably done more to recruit new collectors, young and old, than any other stamp issues. The Disney stamp has representative in every continent. Every kind of philatelic material appears here -essays, proofs, archival prints, letters, postcards, wrappers, stamps, cancels, meters, souvenir sheets, postal cards, special printings, specimen, Cinderella, cachets, etiquettes and corner cards etc. 
The first Disney topical stamp was issued by United States on 11 Sept. 1968 features portrait of the man responsible for it all -Walter Ellis Disney. His success as an entrepreneur is astonishing, but it was his talent with the pencil and the brush that made him beloved of all around the globe. He created famous cartoon characters like "Mickey Mouse", "Donald Duck" and "Goofy". He also established world biggest amusement park -Disney Land and EPCOT Centre in USA.150 million copies of this stamp were sold throughout the US in the first seven days.
The second commemorative set was released by San Marino two years later in 1970. This set is the first time that any Disney character appeared on postage stamp. The highest value of the set (220L) is the first time that a scene from an animated feature film was pictured on a stamp. This is also significant because "The Jungle Book" (appeared on 220L) was the last animated film that Walt made. San Marino FDC for this issue is considered the rarest of the Disney Covers. The regular issuance of Disney stamps started from 1979, the year the United Nations designated as "International Year of the Child". Many countries began to issue co-coordinated omnibus sets of Disney stamps and S/Ss, so that a group from several countries fits a common theme. Some are already scarce and expensive, notably the 1980 Easter set from Barbuda.
Disney stamp series are produced for Christmas, the Olympic Games, International Stamp Shows and the United Nations annual programmes, as well as for such topics as famous authors and space. The early issues generally were based on fantasy, but more recent emissions have included historical topics, landmarks, cultural highlights from countries hasting international stamp shows and athletic events. Stamps depicting Disney characters as well as known figures from classic literature and fairy tales e.g. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, Aladdin, Pinocchio etc. are very popular among Disney phillies Disney Comic Book covers and early Disney Toys are other favorite stamp series widely collected today. One way to organize a thematic Disney Collection is by individual Disney Cartoon Characters or stories. Life history of world famous Disney Cartoon characters is also available in full detail on Disney stamps. It includes, how they are created, the changes occurred in their shape and style with time, their famous movies and shorts, family, friends and their funny activities. These stamps and covers are also very popular among Topical Philatelists.
To keep Disney topicalists up-to-date on new issues, new meter slogans, cancels, covers and background information on the stamps and characters portrayed thereon, a quarterly newsletter "DISNEMATION" is publishing regularly from Canada. "Hand book of Disney Philately" is also released by Iridore Baum of the Wonderful World of Stamps in Montreal in 1990. The official catalogue of Disney Stamps is published by Barrett Warthen. Disney topic is growing fast and has a good future too. Many Disney collections have won highest awards in National and International Stamp Exhibitions. Some are "Walt Disney- Master Showman" by Corky Lynch, "The Sun Never Sets on Mickey Mouse" by Ken Lawrence, "Disney Philately" by William Silvestre, "Happy Birthday Donald Duck" by Tushar Agrawal etc.
The Last Post
- By Anil Dhir
The Last Post is not only a piece of Postal History, but also a literary piece. Some of you must have read about it but here it is in own words of Anil Dhir. Those who love to read short stories would appreciate it very much. He has well portrayed the life of Nila Nayak. The 20 minute short film is recommended to be shown in Schools, colleges and all the philatelic Bureaus of India for it is keeping the tradition alive. It should also be telecast on television so that people would be able to know about it. Philatelists will appreciate the film very much. As most of the dialogues are in Oriya but English captions are also given. The well presented film showing the life of Nila Nayak as well as the living tradition of existing Tonga mail Service shows the technical skill of Mr. Dhir in making a film also besides being an avid philatelist and philatelic author.-Editor
THE SAD TALE OF NILA NAYAK - THE LAST DAK TONGA MAN OF INDIA
This is the story of Nila Nayak, his two horses Budhhu and Sania, and the rickety mail cart in which he carries the mailbags for the Post Office in the picturesque town of Jeypore in Eastern India. It is a story of a small town man, caught up in the agony of existence, his own and his family’s, a man who has sacrificed his present and his future for the sake of the past. Nila Nayak belongs to the breed of maverick individuals, for whom the quote “the meek shall inherit the earth” is very appropriate. This is his story, the story of a man, who in spite of all adversities still maintains a family tradition that was set by his great grandfather, and in spite of all odds, he still trudges through and ekes out a meager living from a job that he and his family have being doing since his living memory. The story encompasses the lives of Nila, his wife Chanchala, his son Padmanabh, the postal department and the people of the small town of Jeypore. This is the story of how, in spite of the radical changes that have happened in a century, Nila’s small microcosmic world remains unchanged, unaffected and pristine. Most of the inhabitants of this small city would describe Nila Nayak as an uncouth alcoholic, who gets punch drunk from the morning and meanders his way thru the day, carrying the mail for the post office in his ramshackle and creaky one horse cart. He is a very familiar sight, and a character that is known to every one in the place. In the course of the many trips he makes to the Bus Stand, where he drops the mail bags, he stops to listen to people, who either call him a no good drunk and enquire whether he has had his morning tipple, or ask about his health and the health of his horses. They usually pass their judgment on the overloaded mail cart and express their doubt whether he would make it to the bus stand in one piece. This is not without reason, as the overloaded mail cart frequently breaks down, and Nila Nayak can be heard hurling invectives, swearing and cursing the Post office mandarins and calling them names that he would not dare use even for his horses.
Why does Nila still do a job that is not remunerative? Why has he passed on the baton to his son and convinced him that his future too lay in carrying the mail? Why does the Post office, which boasts of modernizing all its services, still carry the mail in the horse Tonga? These are the questions, which intrigued me, and made me journey into Nila’s world. What I learned has culminated in this book. It was just plain curiosity, triggered by my philatelic interests that made me go down to Jeypore to meet the man. I had heard of him, tidbits from different sources, small newspaper stories and short news clips, where the fact that the mail was still carried by a horse drawn cart was the point that was emphasized. Little mention was given to the human face that undertook the work. It was more of a horse story. The week that I spent with him, going about on his Tonga, loading and unloading the mailbags, and being drawn into his and his family’s lives was an experience which was very soul stirring.
I have written the book and made the film from the different perspectives of Nila, his family members, the post office, the community and citizens of Jeypore and in the end given my own inferences. His two horses too, in their stable equinine senses, must have had their theories, but I have left their perspectives unpenned. This is not a story of man animal relationship, tradition versus modernity, modern postal history or of crumbling family and social values, but it is rather a human interest story which speaks of one mans determination to live life on a path set by his forefathers, his frustrations at the metamorphosing world where his mettle remains unchanged, the bleak uncertainness and chill penury which has driven him to drunkenness and despair, and a state where there is no silver lining behind the dark clouds that loom on his life’s horizon.
The proceeds and earnings of this book and film will all go to Nila Nayak, with the abject intention that he and his mail cart keep rolling, uphill and downhill, carrying the mail as has been done for nearly a century.
Achievements
Winners of Large Vermeil medal at INPEX 2008 Chennai
Competitive Class
S.No. Exhibitor’s Name Title Marks Medal /Sp. prize
1 Moses Mathuram G Essays Proofs, Repaints& Specimen stamps of India 87 Large Vermeil + Sp Prize
2 Narendra Kumar sahoo Portuguese India 85 Large vermeil
3 Abdul Hai Pre Independence India 85 Large vermeil
4. Binod Kumar Kasera Definitive Stamps of India 85 Large Vermeil
Class Postal History Sub Class: India Pre Adhesive Period
5. G. Amarchand Hand struck stamps of India 89 Large vermeil
Sub Class: India after Independence
6. Gopal Biswas India Pre Independence postmarks 89 Large vermeil + sp prize
7. Shruti Kishore Chandak Classic Period of India’s RMS 85 Large Vermeil
Sub Class: Indian Feudatory States
8. Somani Shag Chand Postal history of Kishangarh state 85 Large Vermeil
9. Prakash O K Cochin Anchal History 85 Large Vermeil
Class: Postal Stationery
10. Valmick K. Desai Pre Independence postal stationery 85 Large Vermeil
Class: Thematic class
11. Lallan Prasad Singh How’s and why’s of Birds 85 Large Vermeil + Sp Prize
12. T. Ramlingeswar Rao Railways 85 Large Vermeil + Sp Prize
Rainbow Stamp News congratulates all the winners of INPEX-2008
Editor’s Note- Readers are requested to write about their achievements and details about their exhibits whether small or big for inclusion in this column. We respect all those who are associated with the hobby of Stamp Collecting. It doesn’t matter what award you win it matters how closely you are attached to this hobby.
New Issues from other countries
Australia
Cartoon Characters and Harry Potter on Australian Stamp Souvenir Sheets 2007
1. Mickey and Friends- souvenir stamp sheets bring together favorite Disney characters including Mickey Mouse.
2. Disney Princess - This features five of the most famous Disney princesses, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Belle and Snow White.
3. Winnie the Pooh -This souvenir stamp sheet features the main Winnie the Pooh characters in the stamp tabs and commemorate Winnie’s 80 years of adventures.
4. Donald Duck 70 fantastic years- It Celebrate 70 years of Donald Duck with this special released stamp pack featuring 10 x 50c stamps with various images of Donald Duck on the tabs.
5. Cars Disney Pixars- Celebrating the theatrical release of Cars from the studios of Disney Pixar, this unique stamp sheet features characters from the film.
6. Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix -Celebrating the cinema release of Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix, this unique stamp sheet features artwork from the movie along with characters from the film in the stamp tabs.
7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Coinciding with the release of the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Australia Post has released a stamp sheet featuring ten of the most memorable characters from the film.
8. 19 Feb 2008 Centenary of Scouting in Australia from 1908 – 2008 – 50c, $1.35, $2.00The centenary of the Scouting movement was celebrated worldwide in 2007 marking the first experimental camp for 20 boys at Brown sea Island, England in August 1907. The founder of Scouting, Lord Robert Baden-Powell, used the opportunity to test his ideas for an outdoor education program that "developed pluck, intelligence, initiative, and a spirit of adventure". The success of this initiative led to two publications: Scouting for Boys and Scout both appearing in installments in 1908. Scouting quickly spread around the world and the arrival of these pamphlets in Australia led to the rapid development of scouting in this country.The 50 cent stamp depicts Joeys, Cubs and Scouts in an action shot that highlights the resourcefulness and teamwork sentiment so strong within the Scouting culture. The international stamps feature a more global image that depicts the goodwill of Scouts from around the world including an Australian Scout in an orange shirt, and a commemorative profile of international founder Lord Robert Baden-Powell.
9. 26 Feb 2008 visiting birds to the CoCos Islands- 2 x 50c, $1.00, $1.45Of the approximate 60 species of birds recorded, 25 have been seen on North Keeling Island (Pulu Keeling National Park) in recent times.The bird population of Cocos (Keeling) Islands can be classified as endemic; birds that breed on the island; migratory non-breeding visitors; and vagrants; irregular visiting birds that periodically “drop in” on their migratory route. This new bird issue features four of the visiting birds to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
10. 3 March 2008 Gorgeous Australia -$1.35, $2.00, $2.70, $4.00This international issue showcases four spectacular gorges occurring in different landscapes types in Australia. The gorges featured on the stamps are: Grose River Gorge, NSW - $1.35 Wa lpa Gorge, NT - $2.00 Katherine Gorge, NT - $2.70 Geikie Gorge, WA - $4.00
China
24 March 2008 The Games of the XXIX Olympiad- Torch Relay - 2 Stamps + 1 M/SValidated by IOC, the Olympic Flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece according to tradition on March 24, 2008. From March 24-29, the Torch Relay will travel across Greece, ending at the Panathinaiko Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. After the handover ceremony in the stadium, the Olympic Flame will arrive in Beijing on March 31, 2008. In Beijing, a ceremony will be held for the arrival of the flame into China and Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay will commence.Ukraine26 Jan 2008 XXIX Olympic Games Beijing 2008 – 1.00 Archery, 1.30 Fencing, 2.47 Cycling, 3.33 Rowing
United States
6March 2008 Four Legends of American Science-1. Theoretical Physicist, John Bardeen 2. Biochemist, Gerti Cori 3. Astronomer, Edwin Hubblle 4. Structural Chemist, Linus Pauling - 4 X 41c
Editor’s Mail Box
Col Suresh Bagga, Panchkula
I wish to thank you for sending me 'Rainbow Stamp News'. It is very informative, and one can see lot of hard work done to bring out a newsletter / magazine of this nature. I very much appreciate it. I am an ardent philatelist and numismatist with varied thematic interests. In your Second Issue in Editor's Mail Box Sh Arun Tendulkar has requested for sources to down load images of stamps. The sources you have suggested have images of stamps issued for only a few years. I have my webpage which have 21 albums containing images of all the stamps issued since 1947. The link is – http://community.webshots.com/user/baggasuresh
Dr. Satyendra Kumar Agrawal, Varanasi
At present I can say that this e bulletin has bright future and inclusion of illustrations gives it an international look. Photo Journalism is the need of the time. A balance with text as you kept in the Feb issue of this e- bulletin makes it eye catching and more interesting while reading.
Naresh Agrawal, Bilaspur
My heartiest well wishes to you to initiate the task of spreading the essence and fragrance of the philatelic roses all around congratulate you for this nice e-newsletter which has come up in a very nice shape and of course, the contents too are very impressive and close to the hearts of philatelists in general.
Pradip Mohanty, Cuttack
I have gone through your news letter and find very useful. Your efforts are commendable and being a seasoned editor I hope lot of research oriented articles on your website. I again thank you for the effort. Keep it up.
Current Philatelic magazines and Newsletters
• Stamps of India Collectors’ Companion- India’s first and most updated weekly e-newsletter edited by Madhukar and Savita Jhingan from Stamps of India, New Delhi. E-mail: mjhingan@yahoo.com Website: http://www.stampsofindia.com/ . All issues carry updated information of new issues, postal stationery, special covers and exhibitions and auctions. Hot and healthy discussions of philatelists on “judging at exhibitions” in Views and Opinions Column.
• Fila Capsule (Jan.-Feb. 2008)- Bi-monthly stamp Bulletin of Eastern India Philatelists’ Association, Bhubaneswar, edited by Ajit Dash E-mail : akdash2000@yahoo.com – Detailed report on Inpex-2008 by Kashinath Sahoo, well illustrated with details of new Indian issues, special Covers and other Postal stationery and details of forthcoming philatelic exhibitions
Vadophil (Oct.2007-Jan.2008) - Quarterly News Bulletin of Baroda Philatelic Society edited by Prashant H. Pandya and Timir R. Shah from Vadodra e-mail : vadophil@indianphilately.net & trs_shah@rediffmail.com Website: www.geocities.com/vadophil/ - Detailed report on Gujpex 2007, well illustrated with full information on Postal Stationery & Army Covers, Details of Vadophil- Auction No. 4
GPA News (Dec.2007 & Jan. 2008) edited by Ilyas A. Patel from Gujarat Philatelists’ Association, Ahmedabad. E-mail : iap_ip@yahoo.com & altoexim@yahoo.co.in - A candid report ‘Inpex-2008 & Aftermath’ by Ilyas Patel and a comprehensive article on Unpaid Postage Due Internal mail of India1854-1947-A Review by Dr. P.S. Dixit and other latest information on Stamps, Miniature sheets,Se-tenants and sheetlets issued in 2007.
• ITS Stamp News (Jan-March 2008) Quarterly magazine of Indian Thematic Society Ludhiana, edited by Suraj Jaitly e-mail surajjaitly@gmail.com - Detailed report of Inpex 2008 by Dr. S.K. Sondhi, special article “ Personalized stamp as a philatelic element in a Thematic Display by Dr. Avinash B. Jagtap with regular information on new issues and philatelic exhibitions.
Popular Websites on Philately
http://www.stampsofindia.com/ - it is the most informative and updated Indian website providing latest information on philately and postal services of India. Articles on different topics of philately, complete information on stamps, stationery covers and other philatelic products, auctions , various links and many other useful information is available on this website. This site is devoted to philately and Postal History of India, Princely States and post offices abroad. It has various sub - links some more of them are as under -
http://www.stampsofindia.com/lists/meghdoot.htm - For complete illustrated list of Meghdoot Post Cards.
http://www.stampsofindia.com/lists/pmk/2007pm.htm - For an illustrated list of special Postmarks & Covers
http://www.stampsofindia.com/newssite/south_asia_new_issues.htm - Information on new issues of South Asian Countries
http://www.indiastudycircle.wesitewizard.com/ – This is the website for all those interested in Indian stamps, Postal Stationery, Indian States stamps, Revenue Stamps and all areas of Indian Philately.
www.geocities.com/indian_antarctica/ - This website has been created by Abhai Mishra of Dehra Dun on Indian Antarctic Expeditions. Philatelic Material related with Antarctica has been displayed on this site.
http://community.webshots.com/user/baggasuresh - The images of stamps of India from 1947 onwards can be downloaded from this link. This webpage has been created by ardent philatelist and numismatist Col Suresh Bagga of Panchkula.
http://www.linns.com/ – website of the world’s largest weekly stamp news paper. Articles, latest philatelic news on stamps, quiz, book reviews, new topical issues and much more is available at this site.
Readers may write about their webpages or websites related with Philately in this section. – Editor
Promotional Section
STAMPS OF THE WORLD SET 2008 (5 VOLUMES)
Complete set of volumes 1-5 covering countries A-Z. Since it was first published in 1934, Stanley Gibbons simplified 'Stamps of the World' catalogue has become accepted as a standard work of reference around the world. With its easy-to-use, simplified listings, mint and used prices for almost every one of its 474,000 plus stamps, color illustrations and helpful introductory notes, this is the catalogue for the thematic or all world collector. The 2008 edition continues the long tradition of expansion and improvement, which has been the key to the catalogues ongoing success. The cover has been completely re-designed with a new look for this edition. All miniature sheets are now included. Price: £175.00
India's Freedom Struggle through India Postage Stamps
A philatelic publication, titled "India's Freedom Struggle through India Postage Stamps" brought out by the Department of Posts, India, in Hindi and English is now available for sale at the Philatelic Bureaus for Rs.500/- with 40% discount. However, packing and forwarding charges will be paid in advance with the cost of the Book by the purchaser. Charges payable within India on account of forwarding by registered letters are Rs.220/- and by registered parcels are Rs.60/- .The net amount may be remitted by Money Order or demand draft ( not cheque) after deducting the admissible discount and adding the packing and forwarding charges. For registered letters, therefore, the total amount is Rs.520/- and for registered parcel Rs.360/-. For over - seas orders, the net amount of Rs.830/- for countries falling in Category-I and Rs.1070/- for countries falling in Category-1I is required to be remitted to Mumbai GPO only, who is authorized to handle such orders.
ITS Postal Auction No. 40 of Indian Thematic Society
It contains 155 Lots from India, Postal Stationery, Philatelic books & Thematic material from different countries. Last date for sending bids is April 19, 2008 Scans of lots available at – http://www.flickr.com/photos/its_offers .You can also sell your duplicate material through forthcoming ITS Postal Auction. For more information contact surajjaitly@hotmail.com
ITS COLLECTORS DIRECTORY, third edition 2008 by the Indian Thematic Society. Edited by Suraj Jaitly, Price Rs.250/- OR US $8 OR Euro 6 OR £4 [Post paid] Contact at surajjaitly@hotmail.com or indianthematicsociety@gmail.com
Azadi Express Special Covers- For requirement of covers readers may contact to-Mr. K. Venkat Rao, Opp. Veterinary Staff Quarters, Berhampur-760001, Ganjam (Orissa) Ph. 0680-2214113 Mob. 9437455356 E - Mail: kvrao2008@rediffmail.com
COURTESY - News and Image Resource to this issue – Stamps of India, Stanley Gibbons, Australia Post, Abhai Mishra, Ajit Kumar Dash, Suraj Jaitly, K.V.Rao, Ajay Agrawal and India Post
Stamps are tiny colourful pieces of paper full of life and information, Make your life coloruful with the beautiful world of Stamps.
Happy Holi Happy Holi Happy Holi -----
--Till Next Month Happy Collecting….
Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti, from Chopal, Distt- Shimla-171211 (H.P.) India.
