Commonwealth Games Stadiums

Date of Issue – 1 August 2010

Shimla    August 2010   Issue # 32     Vol. 3

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 Reader,

With this issue of Rainbow I wish all the participants and organizing team of Stamps of India National Exhibition a grand success as this is the second national stamp exhibition to be organized by noted philatelic organizations of India after Stampmania 2009. This exhibition is being held to create philatelic fraternity among all the philatelists from different states which will be memorable for ever. I hope it will be a sincere effort by the organizers to hold a model exhibition in the country, away from criticism & controversy. It is being organized to flourish this hobby among one and all. It will be an endeavour to recognize genuine philatelists and create an opportunity to every class of philatelists to join hands together. It is very unfortunate that often there is rivalry between local clubs, especially at the places where two or more clubs/ Societies exist. Now it is high time for whole philatelic community to join hands  and promote this hobby in its own way. Mr Naresh Kumar Agarwal of Bilaspur (CG) expresses his views in beautiful lines, given in the Lighter Side….These few lines penned by Mr Naresh are dedicated to the thoughts of the organizers for this forthcoming exhibition….I quote here a line from the editorial of Stamps of India bulletin “ A lifelong dream that philately like everything else has to change, evolve and develop and hence cannot be modeled on archaic set ways.” These words are very true...It is the time to change old set ups and enter a new era….This is our dream…. The dream of every true philatelist….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

Reader’s Right

The Lighter Side

Philatelic Clubs and Societies

Blogs & Websites on Philately

Promotional Section

Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

Editor’s Mail Box

Recent Indian Issues

 

May 6 : Velu Thampi – Rs 5

May 7 : Robert Caldwell – Rs 5

May 8 : Dr.Guduru Venkata Chalamon  - Rs 5

May 13 : Postal Heritage Buildings – 6 stamps of Rs 5 each + MS

May 19 : CV Raman Pillai – Rs 5

June 5 : Int year of Biodiversity – Rs 5 & Rs 20 + MS

June 14 : Deshbandhu Gupta – Rs 5

June 25 : Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games – two stamps of Rs 5 & Rs 20 +MS

June 27 : World Classical Tamil Conference-Kovai 2010 & on Kumaraguruparar Swamigal -      Rs 5 each

7 July Indian Naval Air Squadron 300 – Rs 5

9 July Sparrow & Pigeon – 2 stamps –Rs 5 each + MS

12 July Puri Rath Yatra – Rs 5 Stamp + MS

1 Aug : Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, 2 Stamps – Rs 5 each, Jawahar Lal Nehru              

     Stadium, Talkatora Stadium

2 Aug : Syed Mohammed Ali Shihab Thangal – Rs 5

See detailed list of India Post Issue Programme 2010 at

http://www.indiapost.gov.in/philatelycalendar2010.htm

Forthcoming Stamp Issues

Aug 12: Legendary Heroines of Indian Cinema, 6, Stamps,
Kanan Devi, Devika Rani, Savitri, Meena Kumari, Leela Naidu, & Nutan
Aug 18: P Jeevanandam
Aug 25: O P Ramaswami Reddiyar
Aug 30: G K Moopanar

Special Cover – Postmark

18 May 2010 National Academy of Audit and Accounts, Shimla

23 May 2010 Centenary Year – Our Lady of Miracles Chruch

21 June 2010 Golden Jubilee of BP Indian Public School, Bangalore

Jun 23-27: Coimbatore, World Classical Tamil Conference, 5 postmarks

Jul 29 : Sp Cover Centenary Celebration of Deptt. Of Zoology, Bangalore University

5 July Queen’s Baton Relay - Shimla

6 July Queen’s Baton Relay - Dehradun

9 July Queen’s Baton Relay – Lucknow

9 July KUMARIPEX 2010, Nagercoil

14 July Queen’s Baton Relay – Patna

20 July Queen’s Baton Relay – Guwhati

Postal Stationery with INDIPEX Logo

India Post issued new Postal Stationery with the Logo of INDIPEX -2011 - The world Philatelic Exhibition to be held at Delhi from 12 to 19 Feb 2011.

In The News

Award for India Post

India Post has been awarded the Juror's special prize for the year 2009 for the stamp 24th January National Girl Child Day by the Jurors of the 40th Asiago International Award for Philatelic art.

Jury member for JOBURG 2010

Mr Yogesh Kumar of Bareilly has been appointed as the member of Jury for JOBURG 2010, South Africa. Mr Madhukar Jhingan is National Commissioner for this exhibition.

Stamps with Volcano Ash

Iceland Post issued 3 stamps on July 22 with ash from the eruption of Eyjafjallajkull. All three stamps are silk screened printed with very fine-grained ash from the volcano. Each stamp includes volcanic ash from the eruption of Eyjafjallajkull earlier this year. This will be a unique set of stamps from Iceland.

Stamp on Rainbow Parade

Here is an unusual stamp featured above issued by Austrian Post on 3rd July 2010, commemorating the 15th Rainbow Parade in Vienna. This is the first time in the world that a postal authority has issued a special stamp on a gay/lesbian occasion. “Austrian Post has written a philatelic history by issuing a stamp for this event, With a face value of 55 euro cents, the postage for a standard letter or postcard within Austria, 250,000 stamps have been printed.

Mail Model at Art Show

A male mannequin covered in postage stamps is one of about 3500 works by 500 selected artists for sale at the New Zealand Art Show at TSB Bank Arena. Mail Model, by Paraparaumu artist Rachel Goodman, took about 120 hours and a thousand stamps to complete.

Response to the piece has been mixed. "People either really love it or really hate it," Goodman said. The stamps - some dating back to pre-decimal days - brought back memories for some. "People will look at a stamp and remember what they were doing or how old they were." Show director Carla Russell said all art in the show was priced between $100 and $5000, with an average price of $500 to $600.

Smithsonian's National Postal Museum Honors Philatelic Achievement

WASHINGTON, DC.- The National Postal Museum announced two recipients of the 2010 Smithsonian Philatelic Achievement Award—Michael Madesker and Robert P. Odenweller.The Smithsonian Philatelic Achievement Award celebrates outstanding lifetime accomplishments in the field of philately, including original research that significantly advances the understanding of philately and postal history, exceptional service to the philatelic community and the overall promotion of philately for the benefit of current and future collectors. The honorees were selected by the National Postal Museum Council of Philatelists, a 29-member body of American and international philatelists, from open nominations submitted this past year.

The awards will be presented at the 2010 National Postal Museum Gala Awards reception Saturday evening, Oct. 16. This year’s biennial event will celebrate philately and the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery. “The Postal Museum is honored to celebrate these distinguished individuals’ lifetime achievement in philately,” said Allen Kane, director of the museum. “The museum continues to focus on exhibits and programs that promote stamp collecting and looks forward to the opening of the William H. Gross Stamp Gallery.”

Madesker of Canada is a fellow of the Royal Philatelic Society London and The Royal Philatelic Society of Canada. He is also a signatory of the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists and is motivated by his passion for youth philately. Between 1960 and 1975, Madesker was a frequent guest of Doug Patrick’s CBC Stamp Club, which gave him the opportunity to share his knowledge and establish his interest in working with young people. His devotion to youth and humanity was exemplified in the work he did with the disabled and underprivileged as he taught philately seminars and workshops in the local hospital and libraries. Due to the success of these programs and in conjunction with the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie, Madesker directed the International Youth Exhibitions in Toronto and Montreal.

In 1992, he was elected to the Presidency of the Fédération of Internationale de Philatélie Commission for Youth Philately, serving an unprecedented three terms ending in 2004. During his tenure, he helped to establish a philatelic program in Asia, similar to the one he created in Canada. Madesker is the recipient of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal and the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada’s President Medal for Outstanding Philatelic Achievement, among countless others.

Odenweller of the United States is a researcher, writer and judge. His national and international leadership in each role has demonstrated his exceptional knowledge and expertise while he has mentored scores of now-accomplished philatelic leaders. His research has produced the seminal works The Postage Stamps of New Zealand: 1855-1873: The Chalon Head Issues and The Stamps and Postal History of Nineteenth Century Samoa. In addition, he has written many exceptional articles, and his exhibits have won the American Philatelic Champion of Champions and the Fédération of Internationale de Philatélie Grand Prix d’Honneur. Odenweller edits the Collectors Club Philatelist and was governor for the Board of the Collector Club of New York, president of the Fédération of Internationale de Philatélie Commission for Traditional Philately, director of the American Philatelic Society board, director of the International Association of Philatelic Experts and on the board of trustees of the Philatelic Foundation. Odenweller signed the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists and received the Alfred. F. Lichtenstein Memorial Award. He holds honorary fellowship in the Royal Philatelic Society London, the Royal Philatelic Society New Zealand and is a Distinguished Philatelist of the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society.

http://www.artdaily.org/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=39597

 

Inverted Jenny' and $1.3m Chinese stamp to auction in Hong Kong

 

The most famous stamp in American philately... the Inverted Jenny

Described as "a rare fine to very fine sound example of this iconic stamp.. the most famous stamp in American philately and one of the best-known World rarities," Interasia's Inverted Jenny will appear with an estimated value of HK$ 3,500,000 - 4,000,000 ($512,997).Over 2,200 lots of Chinese, Hong Kong and Asian stamps and postal history are going under the hammer at Interasia's next series of auctions, from July 31-August 1 in Hong Kong.

 

The nine-of-a-kind 'Red Lady in the Green Dress'

Regarded as a trial printing, there are only nine properly recognised examples of this rarity of which only seven examples are available to collectors (another is in the China National Postage Stamp Museum).

Recent Philatelic Exhibitions

BANGKOK 2010

The BANGKOK 2010 – 25th Asian International Philately Stamp Exhibition is organised by TCEB from August 4th – 12th, 2010.

POTUGAL 2010

Portugal 2010- A philately exhibition is to be held from 1st - 10th October 2010 in Lisbon.

JOBURG 2010

From 27 October 2010 to 31 October 2010 at Johannesburg / Republic of South Africa

INDIPEX – 2011

The world philatelic exhibition will be held in New Delhi from 12th to 18th Feb. 2011, to commemorate the centenary of world's first airmail. It will be organized by INDIA POST in Collaboration with PCI and under Patronage of FIP and under auspices of FIAP (Federation Inter Asian Philately). The details of INDIPEX 2011 can be found on following websites -

http://www.indipex2011.com/index.php

http://www.filatelista-tematico.net/india2011.html

PHILANIPPON 2011

World Stamp Exhibitions are held all over the world every year with aims to develop philately, opening world-renowned stamp collections to the public and promote stamps of the member countries of the F edration Internationale de Philatlie (FIP). In Japan, World Stamp Exhibition takes place once every ten years and held in 1971, 1981 and 1991, and 2001, and will also be held in 2011.
The theme of PHILANIPPON 2011 is “Stamps Link the World”. It will be a rare opportunity for the first time in 10 years in Japan to promote philatelic culture in Japan, publicize Japanese stamps overseas and nurture cultural exchange and international friendship through stamp collection.

Date : July 28 – August 2, 2011

Venue : Pacifico Yokohama, Exhibition Hall.1-1-1.1 Minatomirai,

Nishi-ku, Yokohama 220-0012, Japan

Patronage : Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP)

Auspices : Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP)

The theme of PHILANIPPON 2011 is "Stamps Link the World". It will be a rare opportunity for the first time in 10 years in Japan to promote philatelic culture in Japan, publicize Japanese stamps overseas, and nurture cultural exchange and international friendship through stamp collection. Click following link for more details about the exhibition.

http://www.philanippon.jp/english/

STAMPS OF INDIA NATIONAL EXHIBITION

The Regulations For Exhibitors and Exhibit Application Form are now available at http://stampsofindia.com/ChaloDelhi/sine.html Please download and study the Rules and Regulations carefully and print the application forms. the duly filled form should be mailed to SINE GHQ, BG-5/49-D, Paschim Vihar, New Delhi 110063. the last date to submit the application form is August 31, 2010.

The last date to submit application form is now extended to August 31, 2010.

The Rules and Application forms for Sales Stalls are also available at http://stampsofindia.com/ChaloDelhi/sine.html However the bookings of Sales Stall will only commence on June 27, 2010 from 8am. By then the floor plan will also be available online and the applicants can book the Sales Stall of their choice.

Stamp Bazar

West Delhi Philatelic Society is holding Stamp Bazaar on 25-26 Sept 2010 (Saturday & Sunday) in Delhi. For more details contact Mr Vinod Sabharwal e-mail :vksabharwal@gmail.com

Venue : Ambedkar Bhawan , Rani Jhansi Road, Opp. Bapu Smaj Sewa Kendra, New Delhi-110055

Timming:-9.30 A.M. to 5.30 P.M.

EXPONET

Virtual International Philatelic Exhibition

http://www.exponet.info/

Prize winning collection of Mr Pradip Jain

The Development of the Airmail Route Cairo - India 1918 - 1929

The exhibit provides the details of the airmail route between Cairo and India until 1929 showing all the relevant and important items. This exhibit was awarded Gold Medal and best of Class Award in LONDON 2010.

View the whole one Frame Exhibit On-Line at : http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0630/index0630a.htm

EXHIBIT: CLIMATE CHANGE

EXHIBITOR:  AJAY SRIVASTAV, KULLU, HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0632/index0632a.htm

EXHIBIT: MEMORIAL ISSUES OF MAHATMA GANDHI - 15th AUGUST 1948

EXHIBITOR:  THAKKAR MAULIK, BOMBAY, INDIA

http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0465/index0465a.htm

EXHIBIT: MAXIMAPHILY - FELIDAE - WILDCATS

EXHIBITOR:  SUNDAR BANSAL, NEW DELHI, INDIA

http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0601/index0601a.htm

AUSTRIA FROM JUNE 1th, 1850 - 1883 - JIRI WINTERLING, VELKE MEZIRICI, CZECHIA
http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0636/index0636a.htm

POSTA CESKOSLOVENSKA 1919 - MIROSLAV STEFEK AND JAN KYPAST, OSTRAVA, CZECHIA
http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0635/index0635a.htm

POSTMARKS ON CSL. POST STAMPS IN PLEBISCITARY TERRITORY IN EAST SILESIA
MIROSLAV STEFEK AND JAN KYPAST, OSTRAVA, CZECHIA
http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0634/index0634a.htm

THE CROSBY EXHIBIT OF 1935 CALIFORNIA PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL EXPOSITION
COVERS - GREGG LAWRENCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0633/index0633a.htm

THIRD PHILATELIC EXHIBITION - ZAGREB SEPTEMBER 12th 1943, COMMEMORATIVE
NDH EDITION - MIRKO MERLAK, RIJEKA, CROATIA
http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0631/index0631a.htm

EUROPE - AUKTIONSHAUS CHRISTOPH GÄRTNER GmbH & CO, KG, GERMANY
http://www.japhila.cz/hof/0629/index0629a.htm

INTERVIEW

Shri Dhirubhai Mehta is the most senior and renowned philatelist of India. He has won many National and International awards and served as member of Jury in many philatelic exhibitions. He is National Commissioner for World Stamp Exhibition PORTUGAL 2010. I wish to mention here that Mr Mehta’a wife Mrs Kusum Mehta is also a renowned philatelist. Both of them have specialized in collection of Postal Stationery of Indian Native States. Dhirubhai Mehta, editor of the Philatelic Journal of India is one of the pioneers in establishing Philatelic Congress of India (PCI). Mr Mehta is still a very active philatelist and his love and enthusiasm for philately still continues. It is a great pleasure to publish his Interview in this issue. – Editor

Interview with Dhirubhai Mehta

1. Could you please tell me what is the future of Philately in India ?

Ans .      Having spent my life in Philately in different positions I am of the opinion that Philately has to continue as it is. Efforts need to be made to educate the parents about the do’s and don’ts of Philately, take interest in the hobby themselves. In Philately there is knowledge in all facets, art, science, commerce, industry and the past , present and future aspirations of a nation. The efforts made by the individuals, organizations and the DOP will go a long way in keeping the hobby at the highest pinnacles.

2. Thematic Philately is more popular these days and this class is dominant in the exhibitions. What is the scope of other classes of philately in the exhibitions in the years to come…?

Ans .    You have rightly said that more and more are taking to Thematic Philately. The items are many and cost is less. Even some serious traditional collectors have taken to Thematic Collecting. The Postal History. Early Indian Cancellations, Aerophilately  have still much scope. Postal History is one in which one has to do much research and study which makes one to communicate with fellow philatelists.

Today general impression is to get rich soon financially. Look for such material which can be marketed for better price. Buying and selling is not philately.

3. We see that new generation is not taking interest in traditional Philately. Most of the philatelists are moving towards Thematic Philately. Is it good in the interest of philately? As the most Classic Class of Traditional Philately seem to be dying down ?

Ans .   I think that lack of material of the choice for which one has to pay a heavy price or are unobtainable which makes them to go for other classes and that’s why, Thematic which is gaining ground and right so instead of the collectors walking out. It cannot be attributed to philately. What is the changed pattern due to circumstances beyond one’s control? One must satisfy that the collectors are not going out but adopt other classes in philately.

4. What is the future of newly introduced class “Social Philately and One Frame Philately Class “ ?

Ans .   I think both are good and keeps the hobby alive with limited material available as well as giving one scope to exhibit the subject with items which will be other wise not acceptable.

5. Do you agree that “ The Internet has changed the way you collect and communicate with other stamp collectors ?

Ans . I think internet has made communications faster and for that reason it is fine. All modes and methods of communication to communicate should be acceptable.

6. Do you believe, “people will  collect stamps in future or Stamp Collecting will soon become a dead hobby?'” Say few words about the future of philately .

Ans .  I believe that Philately is not dying and cannot be so. I have seen newer collectors are coming in possibly as investors or as real students of philately. As a matter of fact a better guidance to the new comers or those already collecting to educate the new ones to finer issues will keep the interest alive and create interest in new comments.

      It is time that the Department of Post who is the ultimate beneficiary and eager to make money for the administration must play a great part in the promotional activities and support the Philatelic Organizations which do a fine job to keep the hobby alive. It is education - it is money – it is investment too if done with proper advise and guidance.           

The DOP should welcome with open arms practical suggestions coming after lot of experience. The members of the Philatelic Advisory Committee have useful suggestion after years of collecting experience and their suggestions and advice will be very useful. The tenure of the Advisory Committee need to be longer. 

Philately also plays important role not only in National integration but the World as a whole. The meetings become mini United Nations.  

Shri Dhurubhai Mehta may be contacted at e-mail : dhirubhai_phil@yahoo.com

Beginners’ Section

Do You Know?

STREET TRAM WAY CABLE CAR MAIL

-- Naresh Agarwal, Bilaspur (CG)

A cable car or cable railway is a mass transit system using rail cars that are propelled by a continuously moving cable running at a constant speed. It is basically any of a variety of transportation systems relying on cables to pull vehicles along or lower them at a steady rate, or a vehicle on these systems. These have different types such as Horse drawn, steam, cable pulled, electric (Trolley cars),and other power sources. Further they have subtypes such as Low floor, Articulated, Double Decker, Tram Train, Cargo Trams etc

Tramway and Cable cars postal service : short distance postal service

At many places of the world, experimental mail carriages were done through this mode of transport. Short distance mail carriage could be done easily through this medium. Though it was no accepted widely.

Mr Naresh Agarwal may be contacted at email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

Historical Moments in Philately

- Dr. K. Jaya Prakash

Singapore released World’s First Beaded stamp on 8 April 2008 .A distinctive aspect of the Pernakan culture is its exquisite beaded work. Peranakan ladies used brilliant coloured miniscule glass beads to create intricate designs. This beaded wedding purse as depicted in this pouch shaped collector’s sheet is an excellent example. This tiny caviar beads are manually fixed on the stamp.

Austria on 5.5.2008 had produced an official stamp using lenticular printing technology .48 images of a TV recording have been superposed, so to the viewer the optical effect looks like a film sequence of 3 seconds. The stamp features the goal scored by Audi Herzod Austrian footballer in 76^th minute.

-Dr Prakash may be contacted at : Dr.K.Jaya Prakash, Sankeethanam, Chembukavu, Thrissur.680020 Email - k.jayprakash@gmail.com Mob: No: 9846041941

Members of Philatelic Advisory Committee of India Post

Mr. J.M. Dhor (Jaipur)

999 Dhor Building, Gopal Ji Ka Rasta, Jaipur - 302003. Ph. 141 -2578900

e - mail : dhorjatanmal@yahoo.com

Mr  Dilip Shah,
799 - GOL BAZAR, JABALPUR - 482002, M.P.  Off : 0761-424456 Fax :0761-312047

e- mail  : rajesh_id2001@yahoo.com

Mr. Manik Jain,
M/s Philatelia, One Moti Sil Street, Kolkata 700 013. Telephone: (033) 2228 8549, 2228 7777, Fax: (033) 2228 8888

Mr. Vispi S. Dastur,
D.J. Jasavala & Co., Charted Accountants, E/1 Rustom Baug,  Gr. Flr., Byculla, Mumbai- 400 027.
Tel:- 23721062 e-mail: xerxes@vsnl.com

Specialized Section

SAMUDRA MANTHAN in KHAMER ART (Pt I)

© Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal

e-mail - rosephila@hotmail.com

While visiting Angkor Wat Historical Park in Cambodia, I was amazed to see Demon and God like figures and multi-headed serpents in bas relief’s and sculptors in ample.

Rows of Demon and God like figures

Multi-headed serpent

The close observations unfolded it as a part of the scene depicting “Samudra Manthan” or Churning of the Ocean of Milk, a famous Pauranik episode related to the second incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Tortoise.

Second Incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Tortoise

Every culture has its own legend of evolution of life on earth and this incarnation of Lord Vishnu is symbolic of development of amphibious creatures capable of living both on land and water, what the tortoise is.

Several versions of this episode are available in ancient Pauranik texts and Hindu epics e.g. Valmiki Ramayana, Mahabharata etc. but essence of all is same.

The mythological version of this episode based on Bhagvat Puran tells that Indra, the King of Devatas (gods), while riding on an elephant, came across a sage named Durvasa who offered him a special garland.

“Indra”, the King of Hindu Gods on “Airawat-the three headed divine elephant

Indra accepted the garland, placing it on the trunk of the elephant who threw it to the ground. This enraged the sage as the garland was a dwelling of Sri (fortune) and was to be treated as prasad . Durvasa Muni cursed Indra and all devas to be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune.

In battles that followed this incident, Devas were defeated and Asuras (demons) led by King Bali gained control of the universe. Devas sought help from Lord Vishnu who advised them to treat asuras in a diplomatic manner. Devas formed an alliance with asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality and to share it among them. However, Lord Vishnu told Devas that he would arrange that they alone obtain the nectar.

Desirous of immortality, the rival divinities temporarily put aside their differences and cooperated in setting up a dredging operation in order to recover the elixir.  They wrapped Vasuki, the king of the serpents, around Mandara, a mountain positioned next to the ocean.  The Asuras grabbed Vasuki by the head while the Devas seized him by the tail.  Using the mountain as a churning staff and the serpent as a cord, they set to churn the waters of the ocean. However, once the mountain was placed on the ocean, it began to sink. Vishnu in his second incarnation, in the form of a turtle Kurma, came to their rescue and supported the mountain on his back.

“Samudra Manthan” or Churning of the Ocean of Milk

The combined efforts of the rival divinities greatly stirred up the ocean depths releasing 13 Ratnas (treasures). These are Goddess Laxmi, Kaustubh Mani(the most valuable jewel in the world), Parijat tree, Varuni (female consort of Varuna and the goddess of wine and intoxication ), Dhanvantari, Moon, Kamdhenu cow, Kalpvriksha(wishing granting tree), Airawat elephant, Apsaras , Sharanga (the bow of Vishnu), Shankh, Uchhaishravas( devine seven headed horse).

Laxmi, the Goddess of Fortune and Wealth- Vishnu’s consort

                                 

   Kamdhenu – the wishing divine cow         Parijat – the divine flowering tree

                                                                                           with blossoms that never fade or wilt

                      

                 Vishnu’s conch Shankha                      Apsaras, various divine nymphs

Finally, after 1000 years of churning, Dhanvantari, the heavenly physician, emerged with a pot containing “Amrita”, the heavenly nectar of immortality.

  

Dhanvantari, the heavenly physician and Kumbha (the pot containing Amrita)

Predictably, the tenuous alliance between Devas and Asuras disintegrated at its sight, and they set to fighting greedily for the prize.  Recurring to both subterfuge and might, the Devas prevailed in the struggle and drank the elixir, thus reserving to themselves the decisive advantage of immortality.  Henceforth, the Devas ruled the cosmos alone, while the Asuras found themselves compelled to flee into the bowels of the earth and the depths of the ocean.

This incarnation figures prominently in Khmer art. As with the architectural features, much of the artistry was derived from concepts imported from south India, but because of the Khmers remarkable artistic talents they were able to embellish these concepts in many wonderful ways.

Khmer sculptors of 12^th century Angkor, portrayed this episode in grand style in bas relief of Angkor Wat and the so-called “Naga Bridges” of Angkor Thom and Preah Khan conceptualizing their own relationship with the Cham ( now southern Vietnam) , with the Khmer corresponding to the Devas and the Cham corresponding to the Asuras. The hypothesis is supported by the observation that the major Angkorian depictions of the churning were created in the 12th century A.D., a period of regional rivalry and intermittent warfare between the Khmer and the Cham.  Thus, in 1145 A.D. the Khmer king Suryavarman II, the builder of Angkor Wat, invaded Champa and conquered the Cham capital of Vijaya.

MUSICAL POST OFFICES

Here is a wonderful collection of a distinguished philatelist from Vishakhapatnam, Cdr. G. Sri Ramarao. It is a unique collection of covers with cancellations from Post offices having musical names. It is a novel idea of Cdr G. Sri Ramaroa who is also a great music lover. His love for music & philately has come up with an excellent collection which will be delighted by both music lovers & philatelists.  The collection is a blend of melody and  philately…It might be the only collection on this particular theme ….Hope readers would like it. – Editor

.

- A specialized exhibit of covers with cancellation from Post offices with musical names by Cdr. G Sri Ramarao,I.N,(Retd.),Vishakhapatnam

The discovery of a post office named ‘MOZART’ (The famous musician) in the province of Saskatchewan in Canada and another named ‘TOSCA’ in the Northern Cape sparked off the idea for this collection of “MUSICAL POST OFFICES’ namely post office cancellations which could be linked to a published musical work through the title of the work of the composer. There are in total 80 special covers collected mostly in 1981 and each of these covers have the title of the musical score same as the name of the post office.

Each envelope bears an excerpt from the musical work and this matches with the cancellation of the post office. Where ever possible, a stamp having to do with music is used on the envelope, and in every case the stamp is the one issued by he country in which the post office is located.

Some examples

Name of the Musical work                                          Name of the post office

(with notation) on the envelope                                   cancellation

Presto                                                           -               Presto(penna)

Tosca                                                            -               Tosca (Republic of South Africa)

Bridge of Avignon                                      -               Avignon(France)

Swan Lake                                                   -               Swan Lake(Idaho)

Tulips of Amsterdam                                -               Amsterdam(Netherlands)

O Little town of Bethelham                      -               Bethelham(Israel)

Mozart                                                           -               Mozart(Canada)

Grand March by Verdi                               -                Verdi(Minnesota)

Chicago                                                          -               Chicago(Illinois)

These are in total 80 envelopes with postal cancellations of post offices in various countries.

Some post masters in replying to the request for the official cancellation, also provided information regarding the naming of the town(post office) where such information is given it is shown in the relevant page. The post masters were kind enough to take personal interest to provide excellent and clear cancellations on the envelopes and musical scores.

View following links for Album of Musical Post Offices -

_http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/2010/07/musical-post-officespart-ii.html

http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/2010/07/post-offices-with-musical-names.html

New Issues from other countries

Algeria

21 July 2010 Year of peace and security in Africa – 1val.

Australia

29 June 2010 – Dogs - Adopted Adored – 5 X 60 c

This special issue seeks to raise awareness of responsible dog ownership and support the dedicated work of organizations re-homing lost and abandoned dogs. Australia has one of the highest levels of dog ownership worldwide, with an estimated 40 per cent of Australian households having at least one dog. This means that there are around 4 million dogs nationwide. But while Australia enjoys a high level of dog ownership, a high number of dogs are admitted into shelters. During 2008-09, the RSPCA alone recorded 69,383 admissions into its shelters across the country. Each of the dogs featured in this stamp issue has been given a second chance. All five have spent time in a shelter before being adopted into adoring new families.

Belarus

23 July - "Medal winners at XXI Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver".  -3 val

Great Britain

27 July  LONDON 2010 – Second set of stamps – 10 val.

The second set of the Royal Mail's London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games stamps feature work by ten different illustrators across ten stamps.

Marking two years until the opening ceremony, each stamp depicts one of 29 Olympic and Paralympic sports. This new set follows an initial set of ten, and a third and final set will be issued in 2011.

Ireland

15 July : Irish Fashion Designers – 6 val

Jersey

3 August : Vintage Cars – 6 val

The stamps feature: 39p - 1912 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost 45p - 1926 Bugatti Type 37 55p - 1933 Austin 7 60p - 1938 Citroen Light 15 Roadster 72p - 1946 Morris 10/4 Saloon 80p - 1949 Rover 75 Sports Saloon

Malaysia

15 July Threatened Habitats – 3 val.

Poland

15 July 600 Years of Grunwald Battle

UNPA

28 June 65^th Anniversary of the UN

The United Nations Postal Administration has issued three sheets of 15 stamps and three souvenir sheets on the occasion of the sixty-fifth anniversary of the United Nations.

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.

Discussion on Maxim Cards

Dear Mr. D. H. Rao,

I had written profusely in the earlier issue of "Rainbow Stamp News" (September 2009) on the three
different elements which must have optimum concordance with each other so as to form a Maximum
Card. In that article I did write about requirements of the Postmark or Cancellation. As you have again
raised this question in the July issue of "Rainbow Stamp News", I shall once again repeat these requirements.

1. The cancellation, if it shows the postmark of the very first day, it carries the maximum points.
    This First Day Cancellation could be a pictorial or an illustrated cancellation. Nowadays most of these     First Day Cancellations also show the elements (or one of the prominent element) of the illustration  on the stamp and also subsequently that on the view card.     It is also possible that this first day cancellation is without any illustration. In that case the name of     Post Office (or the nearest post office, where the monument stands or if it is a person, then his birth     place or where he had worked or died) and the date should be visible.

2. It is possible that the person, who wants to prepare his (self-made) maximum card (a view card plus     stamp) could not approach the post office or for one reason or the other and fails to obtain the     cancellation on the stamp on his view card on that day, but obtains it on some other following day,     but not too far away from the actual date of issue of the stamp. It can still be a Maximum Card but   with less points. In this respect your observation that the cancellation on the maximum card must not necessarily read the date of issue of the postage stamp (or First Day Cancellation)   is correct.

3. A third case is possible, that no such special cancellation is issued by the post. So one should try to
get his view card with the appropriate stamp cancelled with a so-called neutral cancellation, for 
  example, a stamp is issued to commemorate Kutub Minar, one can easily get a view card with Kutub   Minar, on which he/she can affix the stamp with Kutub Minar and get a simple cancellation of Delhi   Post Office with the date on which this stamp is issued.

4. There is no fixed rule as regards the "appropriate" date of the postmark. But this should not deviate 
    itself too much from the date of issue of the stamp (certainly not more than a month). This will still 
    be a "tolerable" maximum card.

The cancellation essentially contains the date and the name of post office, this requirement is there in
the Guidelines for Judging Maximaphily Exhibits. but there is no mention about the requirement of "Date" in the cancellation (Art.3.3) in the "special Regulations for the Evaluation of Maximaphily Exhibits at F.I.P. Exhibitions (SERV)". This is certainly a grave anomaly, which I have brought to the notice of F.I.P. Commisioner Mr. Nicos Rangos. He writes in his reply, that it does imply, that the cancellation should show the name of the post-office and also date of cancellation. (I personally feel that I did not get the proper answer ftom Mr. Nicos Rangos, perhaps Mr. Nicos Rangos remains himself of the opinion that the date shown in the cancellation must be the date of issue of the stamp).

Mr. D.H. Rao also writes about the "non-availability" of a picture postcard to suit the stamp issued. This problem will always be there in India, where good quality of picture postcards are not available. So the philatelists are compelled to make their own picture postcards. I know that Cdr. U.N. Acharya had prepared a picture postcard of "Tarangini", which was a very commendable effort on his part. Although F.I.P. is not in favour of creation of a picture postcard with the help of computer, in a country like India, where no  nicely printed picture postcards are available, one has to get his/her picture postcard made with the help of a computer. The other way will be, that India Post issue such picture postcards well before the issue of the stamp and make it available to the enthusiastic philatelists throughout the country. But today India Post is not able to reach each and every philatelist even with their newly issued stamps. How can we expect that India Post would ever be so much generous that it issue picture postcards?

Thirdly, I completely agree with the final remarks of Mr. Rao, that many superior officers in Indian Post Offices do not have even the preliminary knowledge of philately. So the postman or even the higher office bearers will not be willing to deface the stamps on their view cards! In this respect  India Post should "train" or better "educate" their personnel in philately. I must write about my own experience in the head post office at Pune, a few years ago. I had put a new commemorative stamp on an envelope and approached the lady at the counter, requesting her to cancel the stamp affixed to the envelope. I was refused and was asked to put my envelope in that red letter box outside the post office! India is a poor country, but why we should have this poverty of philatelic knowledge, and that too within the four walls of a post office of a mega-city like Pune? 

Regards
Sincerely,
Avinash B. Jagtap   

India Post…

Dear Sir,

Less said the better. Staff of India Post owes our thanks for their in-efficiency. I do not blame them as their official working hours are spent in pleasing the ministers and their non working hours are not meant for any work.

I was in Panjim, on 7th July, to collect Panjim cancelled covers of the INAS 300 stamp release. To my horror I found out from the DPS there, that the function for the release of the stamp was scheduled for 2000 Hrs on the same day and no stamps or other philatelic elements would be sold on that day. Little did it matter that in GPO of Bangalore and Chennai stamps and FDCs were sold on 7th July, 2010.

The officials of Indian Postal Department, claim that INDIA POST is the largest in the world but forgets it is the least efficient one. In these days of connectivity, They did not have the time to inform postal circles to stop sales of the stamp on 7th July. What does it matter to them. They have only to please ministers.

More over, what is the sanctity of a cancellation, if the same is issued, by the official release of the stamp, at 8 p.m., when Post Offices, all over India, except night post Offices, are closed. Shame on INDIA POST but who cares, they have hearts of stone and could not care for philatelists any way.

I make a clarion call to all philatelists to boycott World Philatelic Exhibition 2011, but there will always by the few philatelists who write adversely about the INDIA POST but would run after them for favours any way.

Cdr. (Retd) U.N Acharya
Secretary,
NAVAL PHILATELIC SOCIETY , INDIA

New Blogs & Websites

"Flags at Sea", "Ships & Ship building" and Philately -

http://flagsaudrapeaubandeirasandstamps.blogspot.com/ - This is anew Blog by Mr Sekhar Chakrabarty . This blog showcases important philatelic items on "Flags at Sea" and items related to Indian Naval Ships, Commercial Ships, Shipping and Ship Building through relevant philatelic items and brief notes.

Blog on Railway stamps - www.railphilatelist.blogspot.com – It is a new blog on stamps related with Railways by Mr Sandeep Chaurasia of Gorakhpur.

Se- tenant Stamps of India - http://setenantsofindia.blogspot.com/ Specialized Blog on se-tenant stamps.

Join Mobile Philately & Stay Updated - http://mobilephilately.blogspot.com/ It is a blog by Mr Dipak Modi of Jalna, Maharashtra. Mobile Philately is a 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.

Ship Stamps - http://stampinformation.blogspot.com/ - A new Blog created by by Mr Prashant of Pune on Ship Stamps

Philately News – http://philatelynews.com/ - A website on new issues of the world.

MB Stamps - http://mbstamps.blogspot.com/ - A Blog by Mansoor B. of Mangalore with latest news about Indian stamps and other philatelic material .

Flags & Stamps - http://flagstamps.blogspot.com/ - This blog is all about flags and stamps from the collection of a veteran philatelist and vexillologist, Mr Sekhar Chakrabarty. Kolkata.

EUROPA stamps - http://europa-stamps.blogspot.com/ - A specific blog on EUROPA & SEPAC stamps

Philatelic Clubs & Societies

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

Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - http://www.filacapsule.blogspot.com/

Indian Stamp Ghar - http://www.indianstampghar.com/

Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana - http://indianthematicstamps.webs.com/

Ludhiana Philatelic Club

Mobile Philately - http://www.mobilephilately.webs.com/

Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur

Rainbow Stamp Club - http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/

South India Philatelists Association - http://www.sipa.org.in/

Stamps of India - http://www.stampsofindia.com/

The Lighter Side

Few lines by Mr Naresh Agarwal….his dream for philately….

"These few lines are just the shape given by me to the thoughts of the organizers of the SINE ( Stamp Of India National Stamp Exhibition) ". Of course, we all feel ourselves to be part of SINE and have the same feeling as the organizers have…. - Naresh Agarwal

 

OUR DREAM

Our dream is to fulfill our life long dream

A pure ghee with no butter, no cream

Our dream is nothing but love for stamps

A healthy system with no sprains, no cramps

Our dream is to make philately our friend

To leave aside traditional, adopt new trend

Our dream is make philately our second love

Every one is our part either individual or a club

Our dream is to show how to get involved

Just be supportive, every thing will be solved

Our dream is to know how philately is loved

Passion, dreams, love, care… all clubbed

Our dream is to show how to hold a show

Every thing to catch, nothing to throw

Our dream is to generate philatelists who are true

A new generation will born, once we are through

Our dream is make philately easy to understand

Pure and pure philately, no types, no brand

Our dream is to set aside the in genuine ones

Genuine to flourish, others to go in guns

Transparency, standard, and efficiency

We will see that there is no deficiency

Our dream is to set standards for judging

Everyone satisfied, no place for any sledging

Our dream is to set new paths and new ways

We love you and will do it always

Our dream is to see you enjoying the award you get

With no anger, no resentment and no regret

We love philately because it is our

We love it all the day and every hour

We invite you all to be part of the show

Once you enter it, you won’t like the way to go

A new era to start, a new system to come

A love will develop, with the new system

Our dream is to give philatelic world a new message

To introduce new ways and prepare new passage

Our dream is to tell the world what we are

Our dream is tell the world what they are

Our dream is to be part of your dreams

Our dream is to make you part of our dreams

 

Fastest Issue of a Stamp after the event…

Canada has issued stamps of 57c on 17 Feb 2010, celebrating Canada's first Olympic Gold on Canadian soil, within minutes of winning the gold medal. How they did it? Canada was hopeful of winning the gold medal but was not sure, as no one can be assured. The stamp issuing authorities in Canada took action secretly by forming a very small team to do the task of designing the stamp, getting the approval and getting it printed and keeping it ready for issue.. All these operations were kept secret and when Canada won the Gold they issued the stamps immediately. They took the risk, that in case Canada did not win the gold, all stocks of the stamp will be destroyed by the secret team. They had printed 5 million stamps and and 300000 souvenir sheets.

- Sundar L. Bansal, USA

Promotional section

PHILATELIC LITERATURE

VOL. 20: Classic India & Scinde 1600-1858 • The Jochen Heddergott Collection

This Edition Book of Classic India & Scinde 1600-1858 is the most special book ever published on classic India. Yokes Heddergott Grand Prix classic India collection

page in original colour plate housed in this book . It will be an opportunity to view the great India collection while turning the pages of this book . This book was officially released in London 2010.

Jochen Heddergott documents the historical developments of India with stamps, letters and stamps with his India collection. The collection begins with the earliest well-known letters in Privathand of Portuguese (1624) and Englishmen (1632) in India and with the earliest stamps used in India.

The first stamps of India, the ' Scinde Dawks' , on numerous letters are shown; the Lithographs is represented in largest varieties with units, rare letters and Frankaturen. In particular the Frankaturen abroad shows a large part of the most important letters of this area. It participates of special importance that numerous post office routes are documented in both directions.

Mr Pradip Jain may be contacted for this book e-mail: philapradip@gmail.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

ITS Stamp News - Quarterly - Editor: Suraj Jaitly Publisher: Indian Thematic Society website - http://itsstampnews.blogspot.com/

Phila News, Editor Rajesh Pahariya and published by Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur

VADOPHIL, Editor - Prashant Pandya and published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/

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

SIPA Bulletin (2009 Joint Issue ) edited by Mr G. Madan Mohan Das and published by South India Philatelists’ Association, Chennai website : http://www.sipa.org.in/

FILA Capsule – Editor : Ajit Dash and  published by EIPA, Bhubaneshwar.

GPA News – Editor- Ilias Patel and published by Gujarat Philatelists’ Association, Ahemadabad.

Kar Phila News published by Karnataka Philatelic Society & edited by by Akshay Borad E –Mail : akshayborad@hotmail.com

Acknowlegement

• Phila News  March – Apr 2010 Issue
• Vadophil  Jan – Apr - July 2010 Issue

Editor’s Mail Box

Cdr. G Sri Ramarao,I.N,(Retd.)

Vishakhapatnam

I am very happy to read your newsletter regularly, which I find very informative and it also gives the details of new and interesting stamps issued by various countries. and also interesting articles  and news on various activities exhibitions etc  - though many of us can't get them we can at least see and enjoy.

Naresh Agarwal, Bilaspur CG

Rainbow is becoming better and better with every bulletin.Interview with Mr. Praful K. Thakkar is excellent. Virtual International  Exhibits is an other charm  and attraction. Beginner's section is beautifully endowed with CD Rom stamps. the bulletin will certainly enrich the readers with latest up dates and know how about philately. I do miss the fragrance of flowering person  i.e. Dr. Satyendra Agrawal.

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, Mansoor B. – Mangalore; International Stamp News ;Paul Fraser Collectibles , , ; Pradip Jain, Patna; Prashant Pandya – Vadodara; Bret Janik – Czech Republic; Deepak Modi –Mobile Philately ; Bhumika Sharma – Shimla; Sreejesh Krishnan – Trivandum ; Ashwani Dubey – Gorakhpur ; Abhai Mishra – Dehradun; Jagannath Mani – 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.

If you liked this issue please forward it to your friends and help in promoting philately.

A Request to Readers & Contributors-

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

Kindly specify your contribution such as article/News/ Reader’s Right / Beginners’ Section/ Lighter Side etc.

Please do not send forwarded messages for promotional section if you want to give any information for promotion please write personally with brief write up. As this newsletter is not used for any commercial purpose in any manner.

Attention -
Please send limited number of images in compressed jpg format only with your article. Please send text and images separately. Please do not send text or image for publication in PDF.

Till Next Month …..Happy Collecting…………………………………………………………………

Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti, from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) India.