Rainbow Stamp News: December 2009

Merry Christmas !

Shimla December 2009 Issue # 24

Monthly e-Stamp Bulletin Edited by Jeevan Jyoti for free circulation among philatelists

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 and by post to –

Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Director, Great Himalayan National Park, Shamshi, Distt. Kullu. PIN 175126. (H.P.) India

Note- This bulletin is only for circulation among a limited group of philatelists without any commercial purpose. The bulletin will be sent to the readers only on request. Those who wish to receive it regularly please reply giving the name of your city/country with the subject SUBSCRIBE RAINBOW

Dear Readers,

I am pleased to release 24^th issue of Rainbow Stamp News. Now it has completed two years. I thank all of you for your contribution and support which you have provded me in in these two years. I will try to put my best efforts in providing update information through this newsletter in future too. The countdown for one of the biggest philatelic events of this year, Stampmania 2009 has started and I wish you all a great success in this exhibition and hope the show will be memorable for all. This is a special issue for Stampmania 2009 and also the bulletin completes two years of publication. Please go through the special interview with Dr Avinash B Jagtap which I am publishing in connection with Stampmania 2009. My best wishes to all team members, participants and all those attending Stampmania 2009. Please make it a grand event and attend the exhibition as far as possible. See you at Stampmania 2009, Vadodara ! This is all for this Month ! Till Next Month …..Happy Collecting !…

….Jeevan Jyoti

Contents

Recent Indian Issues

In The News

Interview

Beginners’ Section

Specialized Section

New Issues from Other Countries

The Lighter Side

Blogs & Websites on Philately

Promotional Section

Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

Editor’s Mail Box

Recent Indian Issues

1 Nov Dr Raj Kumar – Rs 5

2 Nov Apollo Hospital – Rs 5

2 Nov Dr Mahendralal Sircar – Rs 5

8 Nov Verchand Raghavji Gandhi – Rs 5

9 Nov Indigenous Horses of India – Rs 5 x 4 + MS

11 Nov Rajabahu Khoragade – Rs 5

13 Nov 60 Years of the Commonwealth - Rs 5

14 Nov Children’s Day – 2 x Rs 5

16 Nov India – Philippines Joint Issue – Rs 20, Rs 5

18 Nov Ganpatro Govindrao Jadhav – Rs 5

Special Cover – Postmark

Oct 11: Mumbai, Kamla High School Centenary

Oct 12 : Lucknow, 2^nd Ahinsapex 2009
Oct 13: Dehradun, Philately Day
Oct 15: Mumbai, National Postal Week

Oct 15 : Bangalore Int. White Cane Safety Day
Oct 20: Calicut, Thikkodi Kadalur Light House

2 Nov 2009 Bali Yatra, Cuttack

14 Nov 2009 World Diabetes day

In The News

'Red' China stamp fetches record

A Chinese stamp pulled from circulation the day it was issued because it failed to show Taiwan as part of China has fetched a record price in Hong Kong.

The rare 1968 stamp was picked up at an auction by an unidentified buyer, for HK$3.68m (US$475,000, £290,000).

"The Whole Country is Red" - except the designer left out Taiwan

It features a worker holding a book filled with Mao Zedong's quotations and a red map of China in the background. However, self-ruled Taiwan was left uncoloured. China sees the island as a renegade province of its own. The stamp is entitled "The Whole Country is Red". Its sale sets a record price for a Chinese stamp. Its designer, Wang Wei Sheng, who watched the hammer fall, said he had feared he would be punished for his mistake. "For a long time I was really worried that I would be jailed," he told AFP news agency. "Officials told me that it was a really big mistake, but in the end nothing happened."

Mr Wan and other designers had been commissioned to make a series of stamps during the Cultural Revolution, a decade-long period of mass political and social upheaval in China starting in the mid-1960s. Taiwan split from China in 1949 at the end of a civil war and has been self-ruled since, but Beijing still considers the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8337729.stm

Stamp Mania 2009

Special Postcard on Sardar Patel Jayanti

A Special Printed Postcard to mark the Sardar Patel Jayanti was released by Baroda Philatelic Society on 31st October 2009. The Postcard was mailed from Nadiad, the birth place of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and was delivered at Karamsad. (Home town of Sardar Patel) Two different self adhesive labels depicting Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi with motif of ‘Swarnim Gujarat’ (Glorious 50 Years of Gujarat) were also released. Images of Postcard and labels can be viewed at philatelic issue link of website www.stampmania2009.com

A special prize is sponsored by Rainbow Stamp Club for the best exhibit by female participant. Eastern India Philatelists' Association, Bhubaneswar has also sponsored a special prize for the Best Exhibit on Environment. Organising committee of Stampmania 2009 welcomes befitting trophies/special prizes from philatelic organizations and individuals for Stampmania 2009.

All visitors to Stampmania 2009 will be provided badges at the registration counter of Stampmania 2009. Those who are visiting Stampmania 2009 (including exhibitors, dealers' booth holder, visiting dealers, visitors) are requested to register their names through Online registration system, this will enable orgsnizers to keep the badges ready with name of visitor. Please click on Visitor Registration Form link at www.stampmania2009.com

Live Philatelic Auction will be held on 19th December 2009 at Exhibition Venue by Oswal Antiques (Mr. Girish Veera), Mumbai. Printed Catalogue for this auction will be available in first week of December. Online Auction Catalogue will also be made available at www.indiacoingallery.com For more information please email to Oswal Antiques: girishvira50@hotmail.com

JOBURG 2010 INTERNATIONAL STAMP SHOW

The 26th Asian International Stamp Exhibition, 'JOBURG 2010 International Stamp Show' will be held on October 27 to 31, 2010 at Johannesburg, South Africa.Mr. Madhukar Jhingan mj@stampsofindia.com is the National Commissioner for India. The regulations for JOBURG 2010 and the Exhibit Application

form are available online at http://www.stampsofindia.com/other/Joburg%202010%20Individual%20Regulations%20March%202010%20Close.doc and http://www.stampsofindia.com/other/Joburg%202010%20Exhibit%20Application%20Form%20March%202010%20close.xls respectively.

JOBURG 2010 will have all exhibit classes -- Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Astrophilately, Maximaphily, Revenue, and Thematic Philately subdivided as: A) Nature, B) Culture, C) Technology, and Youth Philately class subdivided by age as of January 01, 2010:

1) Collectors aged 13 to 15 years,
2) Collectors aged 16 -- 18 years,
3) Collectors aged 19 -- 21 years, and

Literature class subdivided into:

1) Philatelic books, pamphlets and studies (issued after January 01, 2005), 2) Philatelic journals, periodicals (issued after January 01, 2008), 3) Stamp catalogues (issued after January 01, 2008), and

One-Frame Exhibit Class subdivided into: A) Traditional, B) Postal History, C) Postal Stationery, D) Aerophilately, E) Astrophilately, F) Thematic, G) Maximaphily, H) Revenue.
JOBURG 2010 will also have 'Open Class' as an Experimental Class. Exhibits in this Class can include material from any other competition class plus non-philatelic material. The exhibit must contain at least 50% philatelic material. The non-philatelic material should not overwhelm the philatelic material. Awards will be made as per One-Frame Exhibits.
There is no participation fee for Youth Philately Class. The participation fee for other Competitive Classes (except Literature, and One-Frame Exhibit Classes) will be US$35 per frame. The fee for participation in Literature is US$35 per exhibit. The fee for participation in One-Frame Exhibit is US$70 per exhibit.
Those desirous of participating in JOBURG 2010 please go through the Regulations for JOBURG 2010 and send the duly filled Exhibit Application Form along with a copy of the introductory page describing the exhibit to the National Commissioner for India, Mr. Madhukar Jhingan, 49-D, BG-5, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi 110063 by February 28, 2009. For any assistance in this regard please email or call 0 9350537037.

BEIJING 2009 AEROPEX
The international airmail show BEIJING 2009 AEROPEX was a real success! The palmares and photos of the show are online at http://www.ezep.de/aeropex2009/aeropex2009.html

ZEPPELIN STUDY GROUP meeting at MonacoPhil2009
The ZEPPELIN STUDY GROUP is meeting at the MonacoPhil2009 stamp show in Monte Carlo: The meeting takes place on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Columbus Hotel near the show.

Indian Mythology on Czech Stamp

Czech Republic issued a stamp on 18th 2009 March on paintings of Indonesia which is on Ramayana showing Rama,Sita & Hanuman

3 D First Day Cover

Mr Jigar Desai, a philatelist from Mumbai has a passion for designing unique covers. Recently he has brought out a first day cover for the Rs 25 Mahatma Gandhi special definitive stamp issued on October 2, 2009. The cover features a 3D image of a composite sand sculpture of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi made by Ballabha Mohapatra on Juhu beach on Mumbai. Viewing the image with 3D glasses gives a complete 3 D picture of the cover.

The covers are available with 3D glasses. Mr Desai was awarded a Bronze medal in STAMPEX 2009 which recently concluded in Pune on 1 November 2009. For more details contact Mr Jigar Desai E-Mail : jigarjdesai1977@gmail.com

3 D stamps on Dinosaurs from South Africa

Since the discovery of the first nearly-complete dinosaur skeleton in 1858, dinosaurs have captured the imagination of scientists, writers, film-makers and the general public world wide. Although these pre-historic creatures have been extinct for millions of years, this discovery has virtually brought them back to life as they live on through films, books and scientific writings. With this set of ten dinosaur stamps, the South African Post Office is combining pre-history with modern technology by using the anaglyph method to create a three-dimensional effect. This set of stamps is the first ever with a 3D effect to be issued by the South African Post Office. It will also be the first time that a pair of viewing glasses will be supplied with each stamp sheet and commemorative cover.

An anaglyph is a stereo image that requires special glasses with red and green (or blue) lenses for 3D viewing. To achieve the effect, two views of a picture are printed in two colours, usually red for the left eye and blue or green for the right eye.

The stamps were illustrated by Chantelle Basson, a second-year Graphic Design student at the Open Window Academy in Pretoria. Five of the stamps depict skeletons of different types of dinosaurs, while the other five stamps show images of what scientists believe these creatures most probably looked like. All the dinosaurs depicted on the stamps have an African connection.

To see 3D view of stamps just click to following link -

http://www.stampnews.com/stamps/stamps_2009/stamp_1258020335_664694.html

World's First Multimedia Stamp

, "A new series of stamps entitled 'The Tang Dynasty's Three Hundred Poems' is stirring up a wave of excitement in a market that has remained pretty quiet for almost two decades." According to an article by report Chu Daye,"Some say that this new stamp collection is nothing short of a milestone in China's postal history, surpassing the importance of the famed Dragon Stamp of the Qing Dynasty or the Monkey Stamp of the 1980s, no less."

Yao Wei, CEO of Beijing Huaqi Information Digital Technology's aigo pen unit, introduces an aigo pen specially designed for the Chinese Language Council International, on November 6, 2009. The pen has the shape of a traditional Chinese calligraphy brush and subtly echoes the cultural identity of the agency. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com/Chu Daye]

Daye writes, "The product behind all this frenzy is the world's first multimedia stamp, containing within it enough information to recite famous poems from the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD)." "Touching the stamps with a special pen-shaped device, called the aigo pen, allows a chip in the pen to recite some of the greatest poems from the Tang Dynasty, including work by Li Bai, Du Fu and Bai Juyi. Receiving a letter in the post will never be the same again," he says.

A product of Beijing Huaqi Information Digital Technology, China's leading producer of electronic consumer goods, the aigo storyteller pen is a unique gadget that combines an infrared recognition system, mass data storage and an MP3 player.Shown above, Yao Wei, CEO of Beijing Huaqi Information Digital Technology, with aigo pens . To read more details visit : http://english.cri.cn/6826/2009/11/08/168s527770.htm

1986 Iraqi stamp showing Saddam Hussein in military uniform

Saddam Stamps Skyrocket in Iraq

Stamp prices showing Saddam Hussein are rising sharply in Iraq according to a report by Sammy Ketz of American Free Press (AFP).Kamal Kamel, who runs a stall selling stamps in the Bab al-Muazzam district where the Iraqi Philatelic and Numismatic Society meets is quoted in the piece as saying, "Before 2003, the country was closed in on itself and we were cut off from the international market. But now business is going well. American and British collectors snap up stamps with Saddam on them."

He goes on to say, "Unlike us, they couldn't get enough of him -- they could not buy the stamps, because of the embargo," referring to UN sanctions on trade with Iraq introduced after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990.
"A series showing Saddam Hussein which was worth 200 dinars sells today for 5,000 dinars (4.3 dollars). My monthly revenues have passed from 200 to 1,500 dollars. Prices really have risen," according to Kamel.
http://stampcollectingroundup.blogspot.com/2009/11/saddam-stamps-skyrocket-in-iraq.html

1851 Canadian stamp fetches $300,000 at auction

An unused, 158-year-old Canadian stamp that sold for 12 pennies when it was issued in 1851 was auctioned Thursday in the U.S. for $300,000 — the most ever paid for a single stamp from this country.The exquisitely preserved specimen, a rare "Twelve Penny Black" featuring a portrait of the young Queen Victoria, was the highlight of a New York auction in which a world-class collection of more than 100 treasures from Canadian postal history netted about $2 million.

The auction, organized by the Spink Shreves Gallery, also featured an 1851 envelope with a cancelled Twelve Penny Black that sold to an unidentified Canadian collector for about $280,000.And a rare trio of Newfoundland stamps on an envelope mailed in 1857 — described as one of the finest examples of its kind "in all of philately" — sold for more than $150,000.

Gallery president Charles Shreve said the record-setting Canadian single was in "extraordinary condition" and drew interest from collectors around the world. "It's an iconic stamp," he told Canwest News Service following Thursday's sale. "An extremely fine gem in every regard," the auction catalogue had gushed about the stamp, describing it as "an absolutely super mint example of this legendary classic rarity, brilliantly fresh and crisp overall, with intense colour and a highly detailed impression."

The stamp has been a centerpiece in the collection of acclaimed New York philatelist William Gross. He recently decided to sell his Canadian stamps, along with a "one-of-a-kind" collection of Civil War-era Confederate stamps, to finance a $3-million donation establishing a historic stamp gallery at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C.

In 2006, a single Twelve Penny Black sold at a Sotheby's for about $225,000. Considered Canada's most famous stamp, the Twelve Penny Black is prized among collectors for its extreme rarity and historic connections. It was issued in 1851 as part of the country's very first series of stamps, and features an image of a teenage Queen Victoria taken from a celebrated portrait by artist Alfred Edward Chalon.

Only 1,450 of the stamps — considered expensive for the time — were ever sold, and the remaining stock was destroyed in 1857. Only a handful of them still exist, including a few held by the Canadian government in its national postal collection.

Couretsy - Canwest News Service

http://www.canada.com/travel/1851+Canadian+stamp+fetches+auction/2242719/story.html

News from Philatelic Societies & Clubs

News from EIPA, Bhubaneshwar

Eastern India Philatelists' Association, Bhubaneswar has sponsored a special prize for the Best Exhibit on Environment for the Stampmania-2009. The prize will be in the shape of Filigree work of Orissa in silver. The enrollment fees for the life membership of EIPA has been reduced to 50% ( i.e. from Rs.1000/- to Rs.500/-) during Stampmania-2009 at the exhibition only. Orissa is representing a good number of exhibits to Stampmania-2009. Hence any philatelist who will be interested to be the life member of EIPA may take the opportunity during the exhibition at the venue only. The forms will be available with Mr. Shanti Swarup Rath at the venue. EIPA also going to organise a State level philatelic exhibition during January, 2010 at Bhubaneswar on the theme Environment. The final date will be decided very shortly

Interview

Dr Avinash B Jagtap is a renowned philatelist and has been writing articles on philately for a long time. His articles on a variety of philatelic subjects, published in different philatelic journals and newsletters have been a guideline for every class of philatelists. It is my pleasure to present here an interview with Dr Jagtap. Now the countdown for National One Frame Stamp Exhibition Stampmania 2009 has begun. This interview has a special reference to one frame exhibits. Hope the readers would like this special Interview.- Editor

Dr. Avinash B. Jagtap was born in Pune on 22nd December 1932. After passing his B.Sc. examination he joined the L.M.Pharmacy College in Ahmedabad, where he stood first class first at B.Pharm examination in 1957 and was awarded B.A.Gold Medal. He joined National Chemical Laboratory in Pune. In 1959 he proceeded to Bonn (West Germany) for his Doctorate in pharmaceutical technology and completed his research in 1961. Thereafter he joined the R & D Division of Sandoz Pharmaceutical Ltd. Basel in Switzerland. He got retired after 32 years in pharmaceutical research. He lives with his family in Binningen in Switzerland. Dr. Jagtap has been a keen stamp collector since his childhood and is a serious philatelist in postal history of India and thematics. His two collections “The First Fifty Years of Indian Cancellations “ and “ The Handstruck stamps of India” have earned him Gold Medals at the Swiss National Philatelic Exhibitions and his thematic display “Costumes of the World” was awarded Large Vermeil at the international philatelic Exhibition “China 99”. He is a well-known philatelic writer and has written series of articles, both on the postal history of India and in thematics in “IND DAK”, “ITS Stamp News”, “Stamps Today” in English and also in German language in “Thema International” of Thematic Collectors Tri-monthly of Switzerland,”Schweizer Briefmarken Zeitung” and in the bulletin of “Swiss Postal History Association, and in “Indien Report” the organ of Forschungsgemeinschaft “INDIEN” in Germany. He has also contributed to the “Q & A” column of “India Post” in Great Britain and to the supplements of “The Catalogue of Handstruck Postage Stamps of India” of Late Mr. D. Hammond Giles.

Q.1. What do you think about organizing “One Frame National Philatelic Exhibition” in India? Will it gain popularity among veteran philatelists in India?

Ans. “One Frame Exhibit” is a new development in exhibiting philately, not only in India; but also internationally. It is well-known that Federation Internationale de Philatélie (FIP) introduced this new class of exhibits in 2004 as an experimental class. This is still considered to be at experimental stage, in contrast to the well-established classes, such as “Traditional Philately”, “Postal History” or “Thematic Philately”, in as much as the rules and regulations regarding these classes are well-defined and the displays devoted to these classes are examined by jury, who have exact concepts regarding examination of these exhibits and the number of points to be allotted to them. Also according to F.I.P. no (metallic) medals are awarded to the successful candidates in One Frame Exhibition, but certificates with the grades achieved by the candidate.

The organizers of this very first “One Frame Philatelic Exhibition” to be held at Baroda are to be congratulated for holding this first ever One Frame Exhibition in India. In the recent years more and more youngsters have been showing their interest in this hobby. As most of us know that long ago many Indian philatelists earned coveted prizes for their exhibits in the classes, such as Postal History of India and Indian States; Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Thematic Philately and fiscals at international levels. Naturally, one has to spend a lot to get hold of the materials, in order to be eligible for earning higher honours and awards. Those who want to enter as exhibitors in a philatelic exhibition; but can not afford to spend or invest in the beginning, for them “One Frame Exhibit” philatelic show is a good start, provided their themes are based on relatively obtainable philatelic material.

As F.I.P rightly points out, “Veteran” or advanced philatelists are equally welcome to participate in “One Frame Exhibit” class of a philatelic exhibition to show their ability in presenting a “narrow” subject.

Q.2. Do you think that a participant can show his/her potentials in a “One Frame Exhibit”?

Ans.: Absolutely, the great German poet Goethe has said, “In the limitations one shows who is the master”. So the philatelist has to manifest his/her ability even when the number of frames is reduced to one, which means he/she has ONLY 16 pages at his/her disposal and he/she has to arrange the theme in such a way so as to cover all the topics of his/her theme with as many philatelic elements as possible. He/She must have all types of philatelic elements, not only just stamps (including errors and varieties); but also cancellations, postal stationeries, maximum cards, etc. The most important thing in compilation of “One Frame Exhibit” is the theme (Caption) of the exhibit. Many times even the Jury may not know, if the theme chosen by the exhibitor is adequate or appropriate for “One Frame Exhibit” or not! Philatelists or Jury in India may not know the “size” of a certain theme, unless they have frequently referred to foreign philatelic magazines, have visited philatelic exhibitions at international level or have surfed international websites on philately on Internet. Nowadays there are thousands of stamps and philatelic materials which are produced by postal authorities all over the globe and we soon feel confronted with a question, if there is any appropriate theme left for compilation for a “One Frame Exhibit”!

The organization committee should be very careful in granting permission to an applicant who wants to participate in the exhibition. It is better that the participant is warned right in the beginning that his/her theme is not appropriate for “One Frame Exhibit” and not in the end when he has taken troubles to prepare his display and has already exhibited the same!.

Q.3. What is required for an excellent exhibit, especially in case of a thematic exhibit? Is it the skill of the compiler? high quality of material, with some scacre items? or a balanced combination of all these?

Ans.: As I have already mentioned even One Frame Exhibit requires all types of materials. If the theme of the exhibit is a modern one, then naturally there is no need to search for pre-stamp material. Pre-Stamp material is scarce and so it is costly, but should be included wherever it is possible and necessary, this will depend upon the theme. One Frame does not mean that one is free to display moderate or “cheap” material. The participants should always bear in mind that if they are craving for higher rewards, it will always be associated with the financial position of the participant. After all the Jury know (or rather should know) which “star” items must be there in the display! When you mention the word “Skill”, I understand “the way the candidate presents his/her theme”. The presentation should have continuity and the choice of proper material arranged in the best possible way. Scarce items are always sought after, not only by the Jury but by the compiler him-/herself. A scarce item does not necessarily mean a costly item. A compiler may be searching for a certain item for years together, despite his willingness to pay lavishly for such a piece. In India such material is very scarce or rare. Importantly the arrangement on the display sheets should be well-balanced, the write-up should be short and legible, displayed material should be in best possible condition. All this will contribute towards the beauty and success of the display.

Q.4. Which F.I.P. philatelic class is best suited for “One Frame Exhibits”

Ans.: Normally all philatelic classes which have been recognized by F.I.P., such as Traditional Philately, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Astrophilately, Fiscals and Thematics are well suited for One Frame Exhibits. However thematic collectors are warned to be careful in choosing “Birds” and “Animals” as themes, as there are a lot of stamps and other philatelic materials available on these most favourite themes. “Kingfisher” and “Dragonfly” could be good themes; but no “Elephants” or “Cats”! Perhaps “Sunflower” but not “Rose” or “Orchids”! Since there are 16 pages (A4 Size) to be displayed, the subject or theme chosen should not be such that not much material is available to fill in these 16 pages.

Those who have been collecting stamps of Feudatory States of India are in a better position to compile “One Frame Exhibits” on most of these states, but it will not be a “cheap” theme, as it demands presence of varieties and errors, which are rare and costly. But the pictorial stamp series such as “Air Mail” (1929), “Inauguration of New Delhi” (1931) and “Silver Jubilee” (1935) or “Refugee Relief” stamps issued during Bangla Desh Liberation War (1971) or “Indian Expeditionary Forces”(1900-1914) and “Indian Forces in Korea, the Congo, Gaza and Indo-China”(1953-1965) present as “complete” or “closed” themes with limited philatelic material as best suited venues for One Frame Exhibits. Another themes which strike me, are: “Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and his Indian National Army” (but these stamps issued by Nazi Germany and also by INA were never used, the mint copies are now rare!) and “The great sage and soul of India: Rabindranath Tagore”. So far as postal history is concerned some typical cancellations such as Duplex Cancellation Renouf Type 9 or Cancellations of a particular town or city could form a nice theme for one frame displays.

Taking into consideration the post-independence stamps issued by India Post, the following themes could be suggested for brain-storming, if they are “appropriate” for One Frame Displays such as Indian Temples, Indian Railways, Children’s Day, Indian Women, Indian Heritage Buildings (not necessarily on UNNESCO List!), “Taj Mahal”, Great Indian Epics, Indian Cinematography, Indian Cricket, Indian Music, Personality Stamps with respective autographs on them, Indian War of Independence 1857 etc.

When I have sited some of the Indian themes for “One Frame Exhibits” (with exception of Traditional Philately and Postal History) I must bring this fact to the notice of the collectors and compilers, that with pure Indian themes, exhibitors may achieve the highest possible awards in Indian exhibitions; but may fail to qualify themselves to be accepted as exhibitors at the international level.

Q.5. It is a common observation that higher awards usually go to the exhibits having some rare, outstanding and costly items. Do you agree with the prevalent fact, “To win a higher award one needs high skill to use correct philatelic knowledge, very high quality of materials and a heavy pocket to purchase some rare items?”

Ans.: Unfortunately, my answer to this question is affirmative. Especially, in case of Postal History and Traditional Philately it is very true. With time such collections grow brick by brick. It is also true that many times certain items are so rare that a compiler has to wait for years to get hold of some exquisite items, although a desperate collector is willing to offer any amount to acquire it. In case of thematic some pieces are really unique, but since there are other equally important pieces, the grade of rarity may not be so “acute” as in case of postal history. I shall also add, that when a collector or compiler of a thematic display has spent a lot on building his/her collection, when it comes to disposal of the collection, may be due to advanced age of the collector or monetary crisis in life, the owner of the collection may get disappointed, because especially in case of thematics it is difficult to sell the collection at a price acceptable or “agreeable” to the owner. In this case fun, personal satisfaction and the knowledge earned while building the collection, should be looked up on by the compiler as a personal reward, which can not be weighed in terms of silver and gold.

Beginners’ Section

Do You Know ?

- Naresh Agarwal, Bilaspur

CAMEL MAIL (Camel Mobile Post Office)

Camel mail service has been used for long since ancient period in different places of the world. Camels were in rampant use not only in the desert areas of present Rajasthan, i.e. the North-Western States, but also arid zones of Orissa, like Jajnagar, particularly by Ashoka in the 4th century B.C.. India is still continuing the functioning of mobile camel Post Offices in the Thar Desert. Generally camels used to bear the postal articles on their back and wait in a particular time of a day in different locations of the desert. People know these timings and come to meet their postal needs. This stamp was released by Indian Postal Department in 1986 to commemorate its national philatelic exhibition. The 200p value Postage stamp shows a mobile camel Post Office in the desert of famous Thar Desert.

First Missile launch Commemorative Cover

What is a MISSILE MAIL ?

Mail by missile is the technology which remains only a footnote in the history of mail delivery. On June 8, 1959, in a move, a postal official heralded as "of historic significance to the peoples of the entire world," the Navy submarine U.S.S. Barbero fired a guided missile carrying 3,000 letters at the Naval Auxiliary Air Station in Mayport, Florida. "Before man reaches the moon," the official was quoted as saying, "mail will be delivered within hours from New York to California, to Britain, to India or Australia by guided missiles - missile mail." History proved differently, but this experiment with missile mail exemplifies the pioneering spirit of the post office when it came to developing faster, better ways of moving the mail.

Specialized Section

RAGAMALA PAINTINGS – Jewels of Indian Miniatures

- Dr. Satyendra Kumar Agrawal

Note – This article was recently published in Topical Time Oct. Nov. 2009 issue - Editor

For about three centuries from 16^th to 18^th, three aspects of Indian Art such as poetry, music and painting developed parallel with one another. It is a rare example in the history of the world’s culture that such a collaboration of the arts expressing the vision of people could be cited. Ragamala paintings represent a confluence of these three Indian artistic traditions.

In music literature from the 14th century onwards, ragas and raginis are frequently described in a short Sanskrit verse (dhyana, 'contemplation'). In these poems they are personified as a particular deity, as first described in Sangeeta Ratnakara, an important treatise of the 12th century A.D. on the classification of Indian Ragas, or as a hero and heroine (nayaka and nayika) in various traditional love scenes. Later, these raga-ragini images were portrayed in series of paintings, known as ragamalas (garlands of ragas).

Romantic or devotional themes are mainly used in these Ragamala paintings. In these paintings, themes such as separation, anger, anxiety etc are beautifully highlighted. The heroines are painted as playing instrumental music to animals like the deer or to snakes, which appear mesmerized by this enchanting music.

It also depicted the theme like the hero and heroine in various situations such as dancing, singing, the heroine waiting for her lover and later angry with him. These paintings mainly sketch the “Rasa” or flavor of a particular raga. In the 19th century, ragamala painting ceased to be a living art.

Ragamala paintings, of which there are 130 sets still in existence, were always produced as an album of between thirty-six and forty-two painted folio sheets or in sets of six. They are organized according to families. Six male Ragas, who personify the six principal musical modes, each possess a harem of five Raginis (wives), or secondary musical modes, and often head a family of several Ragaputras (sons) and their wives.

The paintings are copious creations from the six principal ragas — Bhairava, Dipaka, Sri, Malkauns, Megha and Hindola.Each melody was meant to be sung during the six seasons of the year — summer, the monsoon, autumn, early winter, winter and spring. Besides the seasons, the ragas are associated with a particular time of the day or evening.

Male ragas are usually depicted as performing feats of velour and raginis are shown as women in love. Nature does not merely provide a backdrop to the men and women in the paintings. The flora and fauna are a metaphoric part of the emotion that the raga or ragini portrays.

Under the patronage of the aristocracy, artists explored in great depth the relationship that governs sound and sentiment and the Ragamala art form soon became a dynamic, vibrant movement, making music and dance the subject of art through colour and mood. The earliest Ragamala paintings are from the Deccan and were probably painted for Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur, who was an authority on painting and a fine artist and illuminator himself. Unusually for a Muslim leader, he actively encouraged the artists in the royal studios to explore this relationship between sound and sentiment through Hindu themes, depictions of court life, nature and the performing arts. Hence, the ragamalas of Deccan were produced in a variety of styles. The main features of these paintings are decorative costumes, jewelry and typical Deccan hills within landscape besides the balanced colour scheme.

Raga Hindola -“Hindola” which literally means the Swing, is associated with the swing festival of Sravan month and also with the Jhulana festival of Radha-Krishna cult. It is interesting to note that even palaces were constructed in shape of a cradle, like “Hindola Mahal” at Mandu, once the capital of Malwa (India).

A beautiful example of Deccani ragamala painting is available on a M/S of Zambia (Scott 728) depicting a 17^th century painting personifying Raga Hindola. It is now in Bharat Kala Bhawan, Varanasi.

A leaf from Deccani Ragamala painting personifying Raga Hindola Zambia (Scott 728)

As the title of the raga suggests, the nayak and the nayika are seated on a cradle tied up with ropes. The romantic scene is highlighted by the presence of white swans flying in the sky and few sitting on the tree. There is a feeling of aunomotopia in the painting because of the delicate and beautiful constitution of the nayika seated by the side of her lover, swing of the cradle and rhythm of music while swinging the cradle by two beautifully drawn ladies along with a lady playing a musical instrument.

Ragini Vasanti is all about celebration of spring India (Scott 1556)

Ragini Vasanti is the wife of Raga Hindola and a 17^th century Kangara ragamala painting based on this is depicted on a stamp (Scott1556) of “Ritu Rang” series of India. Original painting is now kept in National Museum, New Delhi. Ragini Vasanti represents advent of spring marked by new leaves, blossoming flowers and songs of birds. Here celebration of spring is shown amidst the yellow and white blossoms of trees while a pair of belle charmed by the nature’s beauty are plucking flowers and rejoicing the season.

Raga Vasant is a beloved melody of the singers and the audience and of the Ragamala painters, depicting the outpouring of happiness at the onset of spring. A painting from Uniara ragamala set painted under the patronage of Rao Sardar Sing (1740-77), the Thikanedar of Uniara portraying this raga was the subject of a Greeting Card and imprinted stamp on the matching greeting Envelope issued by India post in 2003. The original painting belongs to National Museum, New Delhi.

It portrays a fair-coloured Krishna with the gopikas holding musical instruments — the dholak (drums) and the khartal (wooden cymbals with strings). Brimmed with the joy of spring, fair coloured Krishna wearing crown of lotuses, dances blissfully with a Veena (a string instrument like lute) in his hand. He is also accompanied with gopikas holding musical instruments- the Dholak and the Khartal . The ecstatic dance movement adds life and vigor to the entire composition. The winds blow trumpets and the sky drums, which effect the artist has created adding to the raga theme - musical human accompaniments.

In the fore front blooming plants of Vasant in the valley are also evident. The two trees with white plum blossoms, symbolic of spiritual strength and beauty while the pink peach blossoms representing sensuous beauty are also helpful in illustrating the mood of the season. In combination, exuberant depiction of the sparkling colours of the dress, ornaments and the vegetation, and the spontaneous, vibrant movement and rhythm, all are not only capable of illustrating the mood of the season but also helpful in personifying the soul of Vasant raga beautifully.

Raga Megh Malhar is a melody of clouds and rains and is meant to be sung during the mansoons.It is depicted as Krishna enjoying himself with the gopikas against a background of dark rain clouds and streaks of lighting.

“Flower-bow (Kamdev) takes an arrow in his hand and Rati is considering in her heart the battle of love. He lays a loving hand on her breast and turning her face (lotus). He wins love’s answer.”

Hindi poets wrote verses of the joy of rains and artists of Indian paintings have given expression to that joy. Here the forms are poems and colours are melodies. Raga Megh Malhar deals with the pleasure of love in union.

Two beautiful examples of paintings visually representing this raga are available on stamps of India Scott 1559 and Zambia Scott 727d.Krishna and Radha are hailing rain clouds. The peacocks are shouting with joy against dark blue sky. The companions of Radha are playing musical instruments and singing songs in praise of rain. This raga is also associated with Bhadon. The mystical affinity between nature and man, the beauty of clouds and flying birds finds lyrical expression in these paintings on stamps with vibrant colours.

Raga Megh Malhar is a melody of clouds and rains

India (Scott 1559) and Zambia (Scott 727d)

A third example of Ragamala painting personifying Raga Megh Malhar is again on an Indian 2003 issues of Greeting cards based on Indian Miniature paintings with matching Greeting Envelopes depicting the same painting as imprinted stamp on it.

The depicted painting is a folio from Uniara (Rajasthan) Ragamala painting album of circa AD1770 and kept in original in National Museum, New Delhi. In this painting blue skinned Krishna being attended by female musicians and a dancer, with gods showering petals over him. The background has been painted most effectively. It clearly shows that the air is heavy with excess of moisture than it can hold. The snakes that seem to be falling down are representing the lighting. Flowers are shown to be blooming, and the feeling of general joy at the outbreak of the monsoon is quite obvious. This mystical affinity between nature and man, the beauty of clouds are a rare combination of motion and emotions represented the high watermark of Uniara painting.

”Lovers on a Camel” by Naser-ud-din is a leaf from one of the best known ragamala album

personifying Maru ragini India (Scott 579)

Maru Ragini is a visual depiction of an Indian musical mode sung to ignite sensuality and passion of love, manifests visually in a gold complexioned and gold bejeweled maid who, when at her evening rendezvous towards the end of Hemant, the earlier half of winter, kisses her beloved. As a ragini “Maru” has been identified also as “Malavi”, the consort of Sri raga, personified as loving ones who meet at the rendezvous and fly to each other to kiss and embrace, and under the stress of passion their bodies meet and unite.

Despite Maru ragini’s textual base painters made alternations, and sometimes their own innovation. Rupee 1/- denomination stamp “Lovers on a Camel” of Indian Miniature Paintings series of India 1973 (Scott 579) depicts an early Rajasthani Ragamala painting personifying Maru ragini. Here the artist has recoursed to Rajasthan’s popular love-lore, Dhola-Maru, the prince and princess, who were united at long last by the devotion of a faithful camel, for finding a similitude for depicting Maru ragini’s likeness. This love-lore was composed by Kallol in AD1560, a poet who lived in the region of Raval Hariraj of Jaisalmer.

This one of the best known ragamala album of 42 leaves consisting of paintings based on 6 male ragas and 36 female raginis and is attributed to the painter Naser-ud-din near about 1605 AD. Originals are found in the collection of Gopi Krishna Kanodia, Kolkatta.

In this painting, bright colours like yellow, blue, green and orange have been used to highlight the love of Dhola and Maru riding on their favorite camel.

Raga Lalit is a dawn raga Greeting Card and imprinted Envelope, India 2003

Raga Lalit is a dawn raga and is ragaputra of Raga Bhairav, the head of the first family of Ragas. The world famous Kangra School was born at the end of the 18^th century. There seems to be a combination of the Mughal and Rajasthani paintings in this school. The main subject matter of Kangra painting is love which has been shown with rhythm, grace and beauty. There were many moral restrictions to be followed in the life of Rajputs. This was the reason why the kings encouraged romanticism in paintings which gave them some mental satisfaction.

In the romantic scenes of Kangra all the sentiments and love acts have been beautifully depicted through the symbols of flowers, clouds, moonlight, music, red and yellow colours etc.

Ragamala paintings of Kangra are confluence of all. Kangra painters also followed Shastras to a great extent to paint beautifully these themes.

A folio from Ragamala painting of Kangra School, circa 1785-90 personifying this raga is the subject of another Greeting Card and imprinted stamp on the matching Greeting Envelope from the set of 9 cards issued by India Post in 2003 based on original Indian Miniature paintings displayed in National Museum, New Delhi.

In this painting Raga Lalit is represented as a love lorn handsome young man standing near Lotus lake flanked by a pair of cranes. A Mango tree entwined by a creeper is also conspicuous in the picture. In Hindu mythology, Mango tree is a symbol of a lover while creeper signifies a frail young woman clinging for support to her lord, master and lover. And cranes symbolize true love and fidelity.

Todi ragini is usually portrayed as a lady playing Veena with deer in the forest. Germany (Scott 2007)

Todi Ragini is wife of Raga Dipak and a 17^th century Indian painting personifying this painting is kept in Berlin Museum. It is also depicted on a stamp of Germany Scott 2007. This ragini is usually portrayed as a lady playing Veena (a string instrument like lute) with deer in the forest. “Divided from her darling, most unhappy in love, like a nun renouncing the world. The Todi abides in the grove and charms the hearts of the deer.” This charming painting depicted on above stamp gave use of remarkable imaginative and attractive representation of the dove eyed ragini.

Ragini Kamodi is also wife of Dipak raga and a 16^th century Rajasthani painting portraying this ragini is depicted on a stamp of Yemen’s “Famous art of India” set of stamps issued in 1973 (non Scott).In this painting the impatient royal is seen entreating and driving the lady to his couch where they unite in love but lady, out of her feminine reluctant nature draws her hand back. The passion in royal’s eyes has routed in and is well settled. It will satiate with nothing less than union in love. Lady’s passion lurks in her eyes to yet have a definite shape. Unless the passion lurking in her eyes reaches her heart, her feet will not route to royal’s couch. The ripe branches of trees and the greenery all adds to this mood of love being the soul of this ragini.

Ragini Asavari is a morning raga and it creates a gently erotic atmosphere at the same time tender and melancholy. Germany (Scott 2008)

Ragini Asavari is designated as a consort or wife of Sri Raga in the raga-ragini system used by many Ragamala painters. But the scale and melodic outline of Sri and Asavari are quite different. Asavari is a morning raga and should create a gently erotic atmosphere at the same time tender and melancholy. Another stamp of Germany Scott 2008 depicting Indian painting kept in Berlin Museum, personifying this ragini portrays a fair skinned lady seated on a rocky outcropping under a tree, holding up a black serpent, surrounded by further snakes of different colours wound around tree trunk with birds in the lotus filled river at the foreground backed by a rocky mountain. The coiling bodies of snakes are symbolic of the emotional upheaval the woman experiencing at the thought of her lover.

There may be more stamps and other Postal stationeries available portraying Ragamala paintings yet to be explored.

I can only say that- though the Ragamala paintings are miniature in size, their creators were gigantic in their imagination and their greatness was in their humble anonymity. These pictorial representations of raga not only added another dimension but also to lend it a colour and a shape, transforming an ordinary raga into a vibrant, living and unforgettable sound. And addition of a chapter in any philatelic collection on Indian Paintings will be of great philatelic as well as of thematic importance.

(Courtesy: TOPICAL TIMES, Sept-Oct 2009)

Rules and guidelines for release of a special cover as prescribed by the Department of Posts

Compiled by Ajit Kumar Dash, Secretary, Eastern India Philatelists’ Association, Bhubaneswar

Cont. from last issue…..

CHAPTER-VI

Cancellation

Rule-46. Cancellation: Cancellation provided by philatelic bureaux can be of the following types:

i) Special First Day Cancellation

ii) Special Place Cancellation

iii) Philatelic Exhibition Cancellation

iv) Pictorial Cancellation

v) Special cancellation provided to commemorate any event, institutions and inaugural flights.

Rule-47. Special First Day Cancellation: Special first day cancellations and first day issue cancellation are provided on the first day covers, private covers and album pages having the commemorative stamps affixed thereon at the philatelic bureaux for four weeks from the day of release of the stamp(s). The philatelic counters do not provide special first day cancellation' though they use a standard cancellation with words "First Day of Issue" along with changeable date stamp of the office of issue on the date on which a commemorative/special postage stamp is released.

Rule-48. The Philatelic Bureaux/Counters are supplied with date stamps with the inscriptions "Philatelic Bureau" or "Philatelic Counter" and a hand stamp with the legend "First Day of Issue". These stamps must be kept in the personal custody of the Postmaster/Asst. Postmaster/Supervisor/In-charge of the Philatelic Bureau/Counter and he Will be held responsible if the stamp is put into improper use. The types meant for this stamp should not be used for other stamps in the office.

48.1. The ordinary date stamp with the inscriptions "Philatelic Bureau" or "Philatelic Counter" will be used by the Bureau or the Counter to cancel the postal stationary bearing the advertisements. The stamp bearing the legend "First Day of Issue" will be used by the Philatelic Bureau and the Counter whenever new stationery with the new design is released. In case of Philatelic Counters these stamps will be used whenever special commemorative stamps are released since special cancellations cachets are not supplied to them.

48.2. A common design of the cancellation cachet to be used for the particular special/commemorative stamp(s) is sent to all the Heads of the Circles by Philately Branch of Postal Directorate, well in advance of the actual date of release. The Head of the Circle will get the cancellation cachet for all philatelic bureaux in his jurisdiction manufactured and supplied so as to reach the bureaux before the date of release. The cachet should be in consistence with the specification indicated in rule 16 of the Handbook. The special cancellation cachets should on receipt and after checking be kept under the personal custody of the Postmaster. They must be used only on the designated dates.

48.3. Care must be taken to see that cachets bear correct date, month and year before bringing them in use. This should be checked up by the clerk and supervisor personally and they should place their initials in the Book of Post Marks against the impression taken in token of having carried out the check. The use of ink of any colour other than black is prohibited. The cancellation should be provided using black ink only.

Rule-49. Return of Special Cancellation Cachet: The special cancellation cachet after use should be returned to the Supdt. Postal Forms and Seals, Aligarh. The 'First Day Issue Cancellation' on the First Day Covers continues to be provided for a period of four weeks from the actual day of release of the commemorative stamp. The special covers also remain on sale and special cancellations are provided at the nominated post offices for a period of one month from the date of release. It may sometimes happen that some orders for the first day covers and special covers placed before the date of issue of stamp(s) and special covers may be received by post at the Bureau even after the date of issue. The philatelic bureau will retain the cachet under the personal custody of the postmaster after the date of issue of the new stamp or the date of the release of the special cover for executing the mail orders and for providing the special cancellation on the First Day Covers and special covers. The cancellation cachet should, however, be returned positively to the Supdt. Postal Forms and Seals, Aligarh after four weeks of the release of the stamp or one month in case of special cover after executing the mail orders and supply to deposit account holders.

Rule-50. Special Place Cancellations: Sometimes special cancellations are provided by the Department at the places other than the philatelic bureaux and philatelic counters which have a special significance in relation to the special/commemorative stamp issued by the Department. Information in regard to such cancellations is issued by the Department in the form of circulars to the official agencies and in the form of newsletter/postal notice for the benefit of the philatelists and collectors.

Places having special significance in relation to the commemorative stamp are described in the brochure of the stamp. The collectors may desire to have the special place cancellation on the articles carrying the commemorative or other stamps. The Post Offices at places of special significance should provide their own cancellation on the article on demand. Whenever possible a pictorial cancellation may be provided. It is not necessary to send the articles to the philatelic bureaux/counter unless it is asked for, if a pictorial cancellation is available at the place of posting.

Rule-51. Philatelic Exhibition Cancellations: Philatelic Exhibition Cancellations can be approved by the Heads of the Circles on the occasion of the philatelic exhibitions organized properly by philatelic clubs, societies and organizations. Such cancellations can also be provided on the occasion of philatelic exhibitions held by non-philatelic organizations, such as educational institutions, clubs, and associations like Rotary or Lions International etc. Periodically, philatelic exhibitions are also organized by the Postal Department at the circle level or district level. National and International Philatelic Exhibitions are organized by the Postal Directorate, New Delhi. Heads of the Circles also have the power to permit to provide cancellations in advance of the philatelic exhibition organized by the Department in order to give advance publicity for the exhibition. Such cancellations are provided at selected post offices in the circle. The Postmaster General may approve special cancellations for philatelic exhibitions departmental or non-departmental in consultation with the Head of the Circle.

Rule-52. Pictorial Cancellations : Pictorial Cancellations are provided by the Department in post offices which are located at places of major historical importance or tourist attraction. Such cancellations are introduced on a specific date. Information in this regard, is issued through circulars/notices and newsletter for advance publicity so that the collectors know about the introduction of such cancellations. These cancellations will replace the ordinary round date stamp cancellation of the particular post office and will be in use as a regular measure in the post office until the discontinuance is ordered by the Head of the Circle. The Postmaster General may approve these cancellations in consultation with the Head of the Circle.

To be contd….

New Issues from other countries

Australia

2 Nov 2009 Christmas – 5 x 50c

2 Nov 2009 Christmas – 50c, $ 1.25 + MS

Austria

24 Nov 2009 Charles Darwin Bicentenary of his Birth – 3 x 55 Eur souvenir sheet

Charles Darwin is known for his position that he took on evolution. He believed that evolution occurred and that the evolutionary changes took place over millions of years. He also believed in a process called "natural selection" which is one of the current concepts of modern biology. His final theory about evolution is that all species came from a single life form. His beliefs in evolution contradicted many religious beliefs then, and still do today.

Canada

2 Nov 2009 – Christmas - The Natinity Scene

Gibraltar

17 Nov 2009 Charles Darwin – 4 val

Iceland

5 Nov2009 Birds of Island – 2val

Japan

11 Nov 2009 Tiger Year 2010 – 50 Yen 80 Yen

Monaco

4 Dec 2009

2010 International Cat Show

Organized by the Association Féline de Monaco, the 3rd International Cat Show will be held on February 20 and 21, 2010 at the Rainier III Auditorium. The cat on the stamp is a Bengal female named Junglewhisper Elia of Jaipur’s Angels, winner of the world championship title in 2009.

50^th Anniversary Of Ayrton Senna’s Birth

Ayrton “Magic” Senna was born in São Paulo in 1960. He is considered one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time: three times world champion, he won 41 grand prix races and was in pole position 65 times. A genuine idol in Brazil, Senna gave generously to his country’s charity organizations. After his death on May 1, 1994 at Imola, his sister, Viviane Senna, completed his project to aid the most underprivileged children by creating the Ayrton Senna Foundation.

10 Dec Monte Carlo Int. Circus Festival 2010- .70 €

Organized and presided over by HSH Princess Stéphanie, the 34th Monte-Carlo international Circus Festival will be held from January 14 to 24, 2010, around the theme of the traditional circus in its modernity.

Taiwan

12 Nov 2009 Happy Times NT$3.50, NT$5.00 (10 stamps)

Reader’s Right

Editor’s note- The aim of this stamp newsletter is to provide instant information and facts on philately to the readers and not to hurt anyone’s feelings. Readers may express their views, anguish and resentment through this column on philately. The platform is not used for any vested interest to cause derogatory to philately. When writing your views be sure that it should be related to philately only. It should not be used to express personal feelings between persons or groups in any manner.

Letter to the Editor

In the beginning of this year, when I did not get (in Toronto, Canada) my registered quarterly packet of the philatelic items (FDC, Brochures, etc.) from the Philatelic Bureau (PB), GPO, Mumbai, India, I personally went at the Mumbai GPO during my India visit. The packet was with PB returned back undelivered from Canada Post (CP) since long time, with sticker - with two notes: 1. Not admitted to Canada and 2. No sender name in Arabic Numerals and/or Roman Letters. About ten such packets to Canadian addresses were lying there undelivered - returned!

Indian Post neither wrote to me of this return nor did they inquire with CP, why it was not admitted - though sender's name was in English, still returned!. I wrote to India Post (IP) with suggestions to avoid similar situation in future plus refund of the postage charges of plus reimbursement of actual expenses incurred. PB wrote that it is not their responsibility of either informing or refunding of the postage & reimbursement of expenses. Unfortunately, PB & IP are one organization!

On my inquiry with CP, they told that it was not returned by them! After follow up, it was found that the Canada Customs (CC) had returned it with the above sticker affixed. CC told that if the sender's name/address is not completely/correctly stated at proper place, they return the item. After further chase with CP for neither informing nor reimbursing of expenses, they sent me a letter denying their liability!

I am bringing the attention of your readers and all senders from anywhere of the Universal Postal Union's (UPU) requirements to be complied. This educating is necessary, more so by the Postal authorities of all countries. Postal authorities, should not accept any registered items, if it does not comply the UPU requirements, to avoid any hardships later for the receivers as well as the senders.

Finally, to cut the story short, advice is to write the sender's (From:) name & address on the top-left corner and addressee's (To:) name & address in a specific style of first line - name, second line - address, third line for City with State and Postal Code and last-line separately for the country name, all slightly above the bottom end, If using rubber stamp of the sender then that should also be on top-left only and not else-where as it confuse the postal sorter!

I had to go through lots of troubles, time and money in locating, what happened where and who did what! With the hope others don't have to go through similar hardship, I have written this letter.

Sincerely thanking you,

Prakash Mody, Toronto, Canada

--------------------------------------------

Prakash Mody

Daytime Phone (416) 491 5560.

37 Tuscarora Drive,

North York, ON, M2H 2K4,

CANADA

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Blogs & Websites on Philately

http://www.stampmania2009.com/ - The website of forthcoming one frame National Philatelic Exhibition

www.stampsofindia.com – This is the website of India with complete information on Indian stamps.

http://setenantsofindia.blogspot.com – This is a new blog on se-tenants stamps of India by Mr. Shrikant Parikh of Ahmedabad.

http://www.vadophil.org/ - Website of Baroda Philatelic Society.

http://prashantpandya.blogspot.com - A new Blog in Hindi by Mr. Prashant Pandya of Vadodara. It is the only blog for philately in Hindi and created to have awareness about philately amongst philatelists as well as non philatelists.

http://letstalkstamps.blogspot.com – A new Blog created by our member Commodore Vijay Kapre of New Delhi.

http://www.indianstampghar.com/ - A very popular Blog by Nr Vinod Sabharwal of New Delhi.

www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com – This is the e – Stamp Club Blog to bring philatelists together on blogosphere and share views with each other.

http://www.myfavouritestamps.blogspot.com - A blog on my favorite stamps.

http://mbstamps.blogspot.com/ - A Blog by Mr Mansoor B of Mangalore.

The Lighter Side

From the collection of Praful Thakkar

Indian Commemorative Medals - Old Medal of Philatelic Society of India

'The Philatelic Society of India was established in March 1897 at Calcutta by a band of fifty Englishmen stationed in India. The first President of the Society and Editor of its journal was Mr. C. Steward Wilson (later Sir) who later became the Director General of Post & Telegraphs. It has a distinguished record of service to the cause of Indian Philately for a 100 yeas, being one of the ten oldest philatelic societies in the world and probably the oldest in Asia. The first Indian member of the Society was Mr. C.K. Dutt of Calcutta who joined in the year 1907.' Though there is a mention of this medal in the Mint archive, actual medal was not seen by me till date.

Obverse and Reverse of this medal which had been awarded to Mr. G. Norman of Ceylon in 1908. On obverse, Lion & Palm Tree are shown which are usually seen on British British Gold Mohurs and different medals.

- Praful Thakkar, Ahmedabad

For Autograph Lovers

Autograph Please……A Guidebook for Autograph Collecting by Santosh Kumar Lahoti, has been recently published by Reesha Books International, Mumbai. The book gives various details about autograph collection. It is a very useful book for those who love to collect autographs. Many postage stamps also show autographs with the photo of eminent personalities which can be also collected. The book illustrates autographs of many famous personalities and some stamps with the autograph of famous personalities. The author of the book Mr Santosh Kumar Lahoti has been collecting autographs for the last 30 years and has built a collection of more than 4000 autographs of all conceivable themes. His name has been entered in Limca Book of Records for having the largest collection of celebrity autographs. For more details about the book contact sklahoti@hotmail.com or info@reeshabooks.com

Promotional section

ITS Stamp News edited by Suraj Jaitly – The stamp journal dedicated to Thematic Philately

For more details Contact: surajjaitly@hotmail.com or indianthematicsociety@gmail.com

INDIAN THEMATIC SOCIETY
MIG # 3464, PHASE TWO, DUGRI ROAD, LUDHIANA - 141 013. INDIA
Mobile: +91 98728 51244 Telfax: + 91 - 161 - 2521244

Mobile Philately………What it is?

Mobile Philately is mobile technology based philatelic community with short messaging service (SMS) that allows the community members to get latest updates related to Indian Philately directly into mobile message box.Type your Name, Mobile Number, City, Pin Code, Email ID & Collecting interest and send a SMS to 09890373344 or you can also email this information to modi.philatelist@gmail.com For More Details Contact: Deepak Narendraji Modi , 1-09-123, Dr.Rajendra Prasad Road, Badi Sadak, JALNA – 431203 (M.S.) OR Log on to www.mobilephilately.webs.com

Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

-Stamp 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: www.stampsofindia.com

VADOPHIL October 2009 edited by Prashant Pandya & Timir R. Shah, Published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara E mail : info@vadophil.org Website www.vadophil.org

e ZEP Newsletter Editor : Dieter Leder email zpj@arcor.de website www.eZEP.de

Editor’s Mail Box

Hemant Kulkarni, Milwaukee USA

November, 09 issue has been very nice. I found that Anil Dhir's contribution (without a stamp) has been brilliantly written with an emotional touch. Also, the new Constellation (Astronomy related) sheetlet from Aland reminded me of a 2004 USPS issue.

Naresh Agarwal, Bilaspur (CG)

For me the November issue has so far been the best of the bulletins of Rainbow so far. This showed that Rainbow has achieved and acclaimed the status of highest recognition. Though it is late to react but I could not resist giving my reaction and comments on it.

Firstly “The Last Post” by Sri Anil Dhir has touched the hearts as he showed his love for an old junked letter box, a treasure which he discovered under a sacred Banyan tree probably last operated 10years back. The observations followed by efforts and then the thoughts he put in the article shows his selfless philatelic interest and dedication. He in fact, paved a way to different field of philately “ I will call it “Physical Philately”. Thanks to Mr. Dhir who has written and placed such nice thoughts.

Secondly, the interview of Sri Pradeep Jain has been found very nice which shows the clarity of thoughts,vision, honesty and truthfulness. Such interviews of stalwarts of Indian philately will guide and give way to Indian philately which needs proper guidance and direction looking in to the future trends for development of this hobby and trade.I hope in future we will have opportunity to have such interviews.

Thirdly, the article of Dr. Satyendra Agrawal………his offerings are always an attraction to we people as every time he come up with a new title from his philatelic treasure. In fact, his deep knowledge on each and every small subject of thematic field of philately places him apart from others. I eagerly look for his article in the bulletin. “The art of Khmer” is wonderfully elaborated and described philatelically. My thanks to him.

Mr Ajit Kumar Dash too deserves thanks for his efforts to tell us about rules and regulation of deptt. of post for issuance of special covers. Such information is really a necessity of the day. I request him to keep enlightening us on other such matters too.

Last but not the least,the editor of this bulletin, deserves all thanks for providing this platform to us and giving her valuable time, efforts and energy.I hope the future bulletin will also have such philatelic gems.

Naresh Agrawal , Bilaspur (C.G.) Ph 09425530514 E-mail: nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

RAINBOW STAMP CLUB

This is a blog of e-stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com . The idea of this blog is to extend philatelic fraternity in all corners of the world. Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share new ideas with other philatelists. Those who are interested may send following details for publication on blog. If they wish they may also send their photo for publication. New Post on recent issues, news on stamp activities and Contribution by members are published everyday on this blog.

Name…………………………………………

City/Country………………………………..

E-Mail………………………………………..

Postal Address…………………………….

Collecting Interests……………………….

Brief write up about yourself……………

Readers may also express their views on any philatelic matter which will be published under Club News at Rainbow Stamp Cub Blog. Philatelic Clubs and Societies may also send brief write ups. News about new issues of India and abroad and other information related with Philately are regularly posted on this blog. Readers may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic activities of their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor

Courtesy- News and Image Resource to this issue - Stamps of India, International Stamp News, ; Shrikant Parikh- Ahmadabad, Prashant Pandya-Vadodara, Mobile Philately – Deepak Modi, Dieter Leder, Germany;Ajit Dash - Bhubneshwar; Pradip Mohanty – Cuttack; Leeza Padhi – Cuttack; Lion Ajoy - Bangalore

Address for communication:

Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Director, Great Himalayan National Park, Shamshi, Kullu (H.P.) PIN 175126 India

E-mail – j.jyoti9@gmail.com or rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com

Last date for receiving write ups – 25th of every month. Kindly send images in jpg compressed format & text in MS Word only.

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A Request to Readers & Contributors-

Please do not send the text in scan form. Send your write ups in MS Word only.

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