Date of Issue – 16 November 2010

Happy Christmas ! !

Shimla December 2010 Issue # 36 Vol. III

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

Rainbow completes 3 years of publication !!

Dear Reader,

With this issue, Rainbow Stamp News completes three years of publication. I am very pleased to release this issue and express my gratitude to all my readers and contributors. It was started in January 2008 with an endeavor to provide regular updates of the stamp world . When I started this newsletter I was not sure whether I would be able to continue it on a regular basis but I have tried my best to maintain the continuity and published regularly for 3 years, receiving lot of support and appreciation from readers and contributors. In fact the purpose of this newsletter is to highlight every color of philately and making it a rainbow publication which could be interesting for philatelists and non philatelists both. It is always important to get feedback of the readers which enables me to include the contents that are most demanded by the readers. In these three years Rainbow got recognition in three International stamp events, Hong Kong 2009, Portugal 2010 & Joburg 2010 by winning two silver bronze and a Bronze medal. Its credit goes to all my readers and contributors. I am sure I would be able to give you more colorful issues in the years to come ! Thanks to all of you ! From this issue I am going to start a new column "Something of interest, also for non-philatelists". Hope readers would find it quite interesting. For this special issue, I an giving here an article by Mr. Sekhar Chakrabarti on Colors of Aerobatics. Two big events SINE & INDIPEX are ahead….My best wishes to all participants and the organizers. Have a Great Time …& Enjoy this special issue with added pages of more articles !!.

                                                                                                                                                             …. Jeevan Jyoti

Contents

Recent Indian Issues

In The News

Aerobatics - Sky Dancing and Painting colours in the air by Sekhar Chakrabarti

Interview

Beginners’ Section

Specialized Section

 Something of interest, also for non-philatelists

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

 

3 October XIXth Commonwealth Games Delhi 2010 – MS + 4 Stamps of Rs 5 each

6 October Indian Postage Stamps : Princely States – MS + 4 Stamps

23 October Doon School Dehradun – Rs 5

25 October Sant Shadaram Sahib – Rs 5

27 October Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai – Rs 5

29 October Ktanti Trivedi – Rs 5

10 November KAP Vishwanathan – Rs 5

14 November Children’s Day – 4 stamps each of Rs 5 + MS

15 November Laxmipat Singhania – Rs 5

16 November Comptroller & Auditor general of India – Rs 5

See detailed list of India Post Issue Programme 2010 at

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

Special Cover – Postmark

2 Oct Ahinsapex 2010 - Lucknow Special cover with two different cancellations for 2^nd & 3^rd October

2 Oct Gandhipex 2010 - Cuttack

5 Oct 2010 The Valley of Devine Peace, Baru Sahib. Sirmaur (HP)

6 Oct Railways, Mumbai

7 Oct. Raj Kumar College, Raipur

8 Oct Wildlife Week Celebration 2010 – Chandigarh

 

 

9 Oct Indian Pitta, Jamnagar

10 Oct Palindrome Date - 10.10.10 – Bangalore

17 Nov Epilepsy Foundation – Mumbai

20 Nov 8th World Congress for Oral Implantology & AAID Global Conference, 2010 – New Delhi

In The News

Moving Postage Stamp Created with the World's Smallest and Shortest Film

The world's "smallest and shortest film" - lasting one second - appears on a new lenticular stamp created for the Dutch postal service TNT.

The stamp is a unique collaboration between advertising agency KesselsKramer, director Anton Corbijn and Dutch actress Carice van Houten. It features Van Houten pictured in front of a typical Dutch windmill on a polder landscape, the scene of which is a nod to a Dutch children's stamp from 1951.

Depending on the angle from which the stamp is viewed, an animation appears where Van Houten bites down on a man's middle finger.

The stamp is made using lenticular printing, whereby a series of sequential images are superimposed enabling the picture to seemingly transform by changing the angle from which it is viewed. "A postage stamp offers a very small surface area to work with, therefore it's even more challenging to be creative with that surface. Simultaneously we wanted to optimize the technical possibilities that the medium of a postage stamp offers," says Pieter Leendertse from KesselsKramer. Corbijn shot 120 frames of film of which 30 are used: the finger biting was a playful, spontaneous interaction that made it to the final cut.

Canada Post launches stamp design contest to raise awareness of mental health

Stamp aficionados and philatelist wannabes now have the chance to design a new stamp, Canada Post has announced. It's the first design competition in the corporation's 159-year history where the public will help make the final choice in the design. Canada Post hopes to use the contest to raise awareness of mental health.

" Canadians can submit designs online until Jan. 17. A short essay of up to 100 words should be included to explain why entrants think their design will raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues. The winner will be announced in April.

As well as having their original artwork produced by a professional design firm and the resulting stamps issued for sale in September 2011, the winner will receive a framed enlargement of the stamp and a $500 honorarium will be donated to a mental health charity of their choice.

Canada Post made mental health its cause of choice in 2008, and a special stamp has been issued each year since then. Some $2.5 million has been raised for the foundation. A surcharge on the mental-health stamp helps generate more funds for the foundation. The foundation provides funding to community-based, non-profit groups helping people living with mental illness.

New Festival Stamp Using Holographic Foil Technique to Create a Spectrum of

Changing Colours, Reflecting Singapore’s Multicultural Heritage

Singapore, 19 October 2010 - After premiering the world’s first beaded stamp in 2008, and in 2009, Singapore’s first embroidered appliqué stamp, SingPost introduces an innovative stamp design using the holographic foil printing technique. Singapore’s rich and vibrant multicultural heritage is best reflected in the many colourful festivals celebrated throughout the year. Beautifully illustrated with traditional motifs andsymbols, this set of eight festival stamps celebrates the four most important festivals in Singapore - Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali and Christmas.

Forthcoming Philatelic Exhibitions

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

See final list of exhibitors in INDIPEX 2011

http://www.indipex2011.com/download/FinalList.pdf

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

STAMPS OF INDIA NATIONAL EXHIBITION

Stamps of India national exhibition will be held from 10 – 12 December 2010 at NSIC Exhibition Ground, New Delhi. For updates visit : http://stampsofindia.com/ChaloDelhi/sine.html

EXPONET

Virtual International Philatelic Exhibition

http://www.exponet.info/

1938 - 1948: A turbulent period for Czechoslovak Field Post from Lubor Kunc, Prague, Czechia
Funicular Railway at the Vesuv from Marco Occhipinti, Roma, Italy
Geology from Marco Occhipinti, Roma, Italy

Rajpex -2010

Rajpex -2010 is rescheduled from 2nd Dec to 5th Dec 2010 at Jawahar kala Kendra , Opp Commerce College , JLN Marg , Jaipur.The Exhibition prospectus are being distributed from all philatelic bureaus of Rajasthan.

The Exhibition programme apart from Painting Contest on 2nd and Philately workshop & Quiz on 3rd  will also include Philatelists' Seminar on 4th Dec 2010.

- Rajesh Paharia, Gen Secretary , Philatelic Society of Rajasthan,Jaipur 

email : shreeshell@hotmail.com   (Mob) 9351716969,(0) 0141-2218283,2213714,(R) 0141-2213761,2215012

HIMPEX 2010 postponed..

The 1st State level philatelic exhibition HIMPEX – 2010 which was earlier proposed to be held at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, Shimla from 10 - 12 December 2010 has been postponed. The new dates will be declared later.

75 INLAND LETTER CARDS on one single day !!

BELIEVE IT OR NOT !!!

India-Post issued 75 INLAND LETTER CARDS on one single day !! First time in the history of Indian Postal History, so many numbers are issued on the same day - 30.05.2009.

On 250p "Indira Gandhi" Inland Letter Cards', 5 messages of Sayani Rani (Wise Girl) are printed in 15 different languages. Mr Shrikant Parikh, Ahmedabad reports..

See all images at :

http://setenantsofindia.blogspot.com/2010/11/75-inland-letter-cards-issued-on-same_1056.html

 

Stamps on Shanghai World Expo 2010

This year many countries issued postage stamps dedicated to Shanghai World Expo 2010. Some of the popular stamps on this theme can be viewed at :

http://www.stampnews.com/stamps/stamps_2010/stamp_1290423039_172491.html

 Israeli philatelist wins vermeil at Int. show for  collection on Ramayana

 

Dr Eli Moallem, noted philatelist of Israel won a vermeil medal at recent International stamp exhibition "Jerusalem 2010   held in Israel from 21 – 25 November  2010. for his thematic collection on Ramayan. Dr Eli is a molecular biologist by profession and has prepared a specialized collection on Indian theme “ Ramayan” Dr Eli has also written articles on this theme for various philatelic newsletters including Rainbow Stamp News.

The exhibit on Ramayan by Dr Eli may be viewed at :

http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/2010/11/exhibit-on-ramayana.html 

Collector’s Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India reviewed worldwide..

 

The recently published book “Collector’s Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India by noted philatelists of Ahmedabad Mr Praful Thakkar got recognition worldwide and was recently reviewed in two famous American Philatelic Journals “ First Days”, journal of the American First Day Covers Society. and “The Philatelic Communicator” of American Philatelic Society Writers Unit . Mr Parful Thakkar may be contacted at email : pkthakkar@yahoo.com

IMPORTANT ERROR IN THE FOLDER OF PRINCELY STATE STAMPS SET

There is an important error in the Folder of Stamp Set issued on Princely states issued on 6th October 2010. In the details of Holker State it has been mentioned that Rani Ahilyabai Holker was the daughter of Maharaja Malhar Rao Holker. It is not correct. Actually Rani Ahilyabai Holker was daughter of Mankoji Shinde and Maharaja Malhar Rao Holker was father-in-law of Ahilyabai Holker. This correct fact was printed in the folder of Ahilyabai Holker Stamp issued on 25th August 1996. This error was pointed out by a senior Philatelist of M.P. Mr. Sushil Parashar (Khandwa) in the news papers of Indore.

- Sudhir Jain, Secretary, Central India Philatelic Society, Satna (M.P.) 485 005.

Wedding Bells

Heartiest Congratulations to Prof. VK Gupta & Mrs Manjul Gupta on the auspicious occasion of the wedding of their dear daughter Neha with Varun on 27^th November 2010. Our best wishes to the wedding couple for A very Long and Happy Married Life !!.

AEROBATICS - SKY DANCING AND PAINTING COLOURS IN THE AIR

By Sekhar Chakrabarti

During the ongoing process of the XIX Commonwealth Games, New Delhi -2010, an advertisement issued by the Income Tax Department in all the major national dailies, ostensibly to glorify and well up patriotism, turned out to be another blunder that actually shamed our nation.

The advertisement shows star shuttler Saina Nehwal celebrating victory against the backdrop of a fighter aeroplane formation. The nine-fighter formation is shown releasing “tri-colour plumes”, the caption next to Shera (the Game’s mascot) reads; "Income tax: commitment for a secure India". At the bottom of the advertisement, it says, "Enhancing India's Glory -- Creating A Success Story." So far there was nothing wrong in it. But it was reported immediately in the news papers based on revelations by some Indian Air Force (IAF) officers and aviation photographers that the military aircrafts in the background releasing the tricolor smokes are not the saffron-white-green “Tiranga” and the fighter formation is also not of the Indian Air Force, but the Italian Air Force’s world famous Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team.

The aforesaid advertisement (said to be created by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity) considered as an affront to our dignity and rightly so, had a silver lining too, it immediately sprang up my memory that there exist several philatelic items highlighting the theme of ‘Aerobatics’ in general and in particular ‘aircrafts showing coloured smoke trails’ to emphasise the patterns flown and/or the colours of a national flag. Precisely, therefore when the editor of the Rainbow Stamp Magazine approached me to contribute an article on FLAG, which may give an idea to develop a “One Frame” thematic collection on an unexplored (!) subject (to the best of my knowledge), I started looking for what is in store for us.

German picture postcard of 1910 – featuring aerobatic flight pioneer pilot Adolphe Pégoud and his Blériot monoplane http://www.philasearch.com

This British stamp features the breathtaking Red Arrows aerobatic team in action.

Thousands of people craned their necks to watch aerobatic planes and jets climb into the air and loop, swoop and drop at air shows and ‘flypast’(Flypast denotes ceremonial or honorific flights by groups of aircraft) by the death-defying pilots with dazzling aeronautic displays. Aerobatic flight is defined as “an intentional maneuver involving an abrupt change in an aircraft’s attitude, an abnormal attitude, or abnormal acceleration, not necessary for normal flight.” A more general, description perhaps by those who are not aviators might be “Sky Dancing” .

‘FAI’ World Aerobatic Championship - 1980

The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the world's air sports federation, was founded in 1905. It is a non-governmental organisation with the basic aim of furthering aeronautical activities worldwide.

Italian Tr icolour plumes emitted by the Frecce Tricolori (Tricolour Arrows), officially known as, 313° Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico. The famous Italian Aeronautica Militare’s demonstration team was formed in 1961.

India has three State-sponsored aerobatic demonstration teams under the Ministry of Defence, viz. Surya Kiran (Sun Rays) formed in 1996 to serve as the "Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force" and to "showcase the professionalism, the calibre and the mettle of the Indian Air Force" and Sarang (Peacock), the helicopter formation display team also from the Indian air Force and Sagar Pawan (Sea Breeze), a four fighter combination of the Indian Navy’s aviation arm.

Red Arrows is the name of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows are renowned throughout the world as ambassadors for both the Royal Air Force and the United Kingdom. Since the Team was officially formed in 1965, the Red Arrows have completed over 4,000 displays in 53 Countries. The smoke trails left by the team are made by releasing diesel into the exhaust; this oxidises straight away, leaving a white smoke trail. Dyes are added to produce the red and blue colour.

The First Class stamp features the Red Arrows flying at the Dartmouth Air Show in 2006 with their trademark blue and red vapour painting the sky.

The 100 Years of Aviation Generic Sheet, containing 20 x 1st class Red Arrows stamps, features archive photography taken at air displays over the past 100 years, including Samuel F Cody, the Bristol Bulldog, the Cierva autogyro, English Electirc Lightning, Sikorsky R-4, Airbus A380, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Supermarine Spitfire. Columns 1-3 include double-size pictorial labels..

Tenth anniversary of the Red Arrows, 1975 (Signed FDC from Jersey)

International Air displays by the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Teams. Jersey, 2007

This souvenir sheet features the SST Concorde flying in formation along with the famous RAF Red Arrows. The formation was flown as a flypast for the Queen.

This souvenir sheet of six stamps is titled Concorde and the Red Arrows. This set of stamps features the SST Concorde flying in formation along with the famous RAF Red Arrows. The formation was performed during Air Tattoo as well as flypast for the Queen.

Flight with G-BOAG at RIAT, This was a flight where Concorde G-BOAG had been the first to be given the new BA Landor Livery . They flew in formation during the Air Tattoo in 1985

Flight with G-BOAG along with the Royal yacht ‘Queen Elizabeth 2’. This occurred during the Sunday formation flight at the 1985 Royal international Air Tattoo .
(Picture s by Tony Rogers)

It is not only the Red Arrows that represent the Royal Air Force(RAF)in aerobatic shows, “Battle of Britain Memorial Flight” also performed flypast and aerobatic shows.

The Snowbirds are the most famous military demonstration team ever formed in Canada. The Canadian Air force has a strong history involving other teams prior to the Snowbirds. In 1929, the first ever Canadian demonstration team, the Siskins was formed by the RCAF. The Golden Hawks followed in 1959, and in 1967, the Golden Centennaires were formed to commemorate Canada's centennial year. The Golden Centennaires flew only that one year. Not until four years later were the Snowbirds formed.

Issued in September of 1999, this se-tenant four-stamp pane celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the Canadian International Air Show. The eye-catching pane features a quartet of distinctive aircrafts against a background of sky, with a formation of Canada's world-famous Snowbirds soaring across each pane.

Canada 2006 Snowbirds Jet Airplanes Coin and Stamps Set with $5 Pure Silver Proof with Double Hologram.

Thunderbirds- the air demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force (USAF) performing their dazzling signature bomb burst maneuver.

The Thunderbirds were activated, in an unofficial status, on May 25, 1953 as the 3600th Air Demonstration Team . They were officially activated as the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron on February 13th, 1967. Toured much of the world, performing aerobatic formation and solo flying in specially-marked USAF jet aircraft.

Patrouille Aerobatique de France (PAF), French Aerobatic Patrol producing colored smoke during air shows. PAF commissioned in 1931 is considered as one of the world's oldest and most skilled demonstration teams.

Netherlands 2009 Booklet.

"Ruiten Vier" (Diamonds Four) was the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF) aerobatic display team founded in 1955. In 1962 the aerobatic team officially received its name "Whiskey Four" from the Flight Training School call-sign ‘Whiskey’. In 1967 after a fatal crash during training involving F-84F Thunderstrak fighters, the Whisky Four demonstration team was disbanded.

Turkey 2004, Display Stars M.S.

Turk Yildizlari (Turkish Stars) aerobatic display team was established in November of 1992. In Januaruy of 1993 the team received its present name Turkish Stars.

The August 1st or 81st Aerobatics Team is the aerobatic demonstration team of the China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Founded in 1962.

Thunder Tiger Aerobatic Team of R.O.C. (Taiwan).

Sanmueang (Royal Thai Air Force) Aerobatic Team

The IAF Aerobatic Team is the aerobatic display team of the Israel Air Force

To augment the effect of aerobatic maneuvers and flypast smoke trail is generated. The smoke helps viewers to see the path travelled by the aircraft. For safety precautions, the smoke is not produced as a result of combustion but is generated by the vaporization of fog oil into a fine aerosol, achieved by injecting the oil into the hot engine exhaust or by the use of a dedicated device for pumping smoke oil directly into the exhaust pipes which vaporizes, not burn, producing white smoke.

It is claimed that the first military aerobatic team to use smoke at will during displays was Fleet Air Arm 702 Squadron “The Black Cats” at the Farnborough Air show, UK in September of 1957.

Coloured smoke trails are emitted to emphasise the patterns flown and/or the colours of a national Flag. Coloured smoke released from aircraft teams use specifically prepared liquid dyes or pigments and gas oil, light mineral oil or a food grade white oil without harmful chlorinated solvents.

Mr Sekhar Chakrabarti may be contacted at email : sekhar.chakrabarti@gmail.com

INTERVIEW

Mr. Ronny Wong is a keen philatelist from Malaysia. He loves to collect stamps on Birds of Prey, Pigeons and churches. He has a special interest in varieties and error on Malaysian Bird Stamps. Ronny has created a wonderful Blog and writes regularly on a variety of subjects related with philately. His blog is one of the best philatelic blogs which not only gives information about stamps world but often gives discussion on several topics of interest which every philatelist would love to read. In fact his nice blog initiated me to make him guest of this month and share his views on philately with the readers. Ronny answers here to some of my questions which readers would like to read… - Editor

Mr. Ronny Wong may be contacted at email : angelic_ryder@yahoo.com

Ronny’s Blog : http://ronlovestamps.blogspot.com/

Interview with Ronny Wong

Q1 You have a passion for stamps on Birds & Churches. Any specific reason to choose these topics for your collection as both topics are absolutely different.

As a thematic collector, I believe it is very important that the topic/theme we choose should relate to our passion; else more than often we will end up in another cross road. Like all other collectors, I started off with world wide stamps but as time goes by I realized Birds and Churches tend to have great attraction for me. Birds are very special to me as my Dad loves birds a lot and even my first pet was a bird; a white rumped sharma to be exact. I guess the natural path for most philatelists would be philatelic exhibition hence the decision was made to be more focus on Birds of Prey especially on Eagles.

Why Eagles? I guess I need not elaborate too much as Eagles are the King of our skies and moreover, being a Christian, Eagles has been mentioned numerous times in the Bible.

On churches, it just seems natural for me as a Christian to collect stamps on Churches. Many have asked, why not collect Christmas stamps? For me, Christian stamps today are very much commercialized and there are just too many issues every year. It will definitely burn my pocket if I had chosen that path. HAHAHA

Q2 Besides Thematic what are your other philatelic interests?

Besides thematic, my passion is on varieties and error  of Malaysian Birds specifically from the 1965 National Bird Series. I'm interested in all varieties with regards to watermarks, perforation, cataloged errors, un-catalog errors, constant flaws and not forgetting plate blocks.

Definitive collection is definitely one of the areas that amaze me the most. There are just so many areas where we can explore and the joy of completing a study on a definitive series is beyond understanding. Being a Malaysian, I feel we ought to dedicate some of our time to study at least one area of our native collection. Since the 1965 definitive’s are birds, all the better. To be frank, I have a very long journey to go but I’m sure it will be a worthwhile journey.

Q3 what fascinates you most? Modern stamps or old stamps as both have different values. Old may be gold but not beautiful. Modern stamps are beautiful but might not be valuable in terms of its long term value.

Both modern and old stamps fascinate me. IMHO, both modern and old stamps are beautiful. The Basel dove is definitely one of the most beautiful Bird Stamp I’ve ever seen. Beside that, I guess we can’t deny the beauty of Czeslaw Slania's work on Bird stamps. In this modern era, who else if not the great JJ Audubon and Buzin? Definitely modern day work of arts. I guess in the end of the day, beauty lies in the beholder. Some love modern designs while some prefer old stamps. To me it doesn’t matter which era of stamp you like; what’s really important is your love for stamps in general. With time, I’m sure we will learn to appreciate stamps from all era as each design represents imagination of a nation at that point of time. We will able to see a certain trend and the amazing effort and detail put into each design. Trust me, its amazing.

I’m one person who never likes putting value on stamps but since value is always associated with stamps, I would like to point out that "OLD does not necessarily means GOLD". Many young philatelist tend to think old stamps have higher value but in reality its the scarcity that counts. I definitely believe the recent hype about the Audrey Hepburn stamps definitely proved its point.

IMHO, we should collect stamps for solely for our passion and love; too much emphasis on the value of stamps just kills off the hobby.

Q4. What is the role of Philatelic Blogs in the promotion of Philately? As Blogging is the latest internet activity that has been taken up by philatelists and general collectors these days?

As Blogging is the new "IN" thing of the world, I guess philately can’t run from it also. As an avid blogger, I truly believe that philatelic blogs do play an essential role to promote philately to the younger generation. We can’t deny the fact that the new generation is more interested with the World Wide Web than stamps. Hence, IMHO we ought to put more effort to promote philately via blogs/websites as it is currently the only channel to get through to the younger generation.

I understand that some bloggers only post on covers they received. Some argue that it does not value add but mind you, whenever someone post on the covers they received, it is actually part of a modern Postal History study. In addition, we will always be aware of the latest special postmarks, and covers that are rarely highlighted.

However, it is advisable that a blogger takes up the initiative to update readers on the philatelic activities in his/her country. That will definitely help to promote philately as in-dept knowledge gives young philatelist a clear view of the future of philately. Last but not least, “Sharing is Caring”

Q5 I congratulate you on creating a wonderful blog with substantial regular posts. Since a number of collectors and philatelists are on blogosphere, most of the blogs are based on showcasing the covers they receive from fellow bloggers and friends. In your opinion what type of Philatelic Blogs are more popular with the collectors? What type of Blogs you love to visit?

Thanks for the compliments and I'm really happy that my blog is appreciated. IMHO, I believe that it does not matter if the blog showcases the covers they received or updates philatelist on the latest updates from their countries. The most important element here is the commitment and effort put into the blog. It should be a continuous effort and definitely not a one off effort.

However, when it comes to a philatelic blog, I truly appreciate if the owner could add more spice by updating fellow philatelist on the latest updates with regards to the philatelic scenes in their country. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rainbow Stamp Club for the continuous updates especially on the philatelic scenes of India. As a blogger, I truly know its never easy to put so much effort hence hats of to you, my dear friend.

Q6 As a thematic collector, name your 5 favorite countries that issue best stamps in the world in terms of design and quality. What appeals you most in a stamp, its theme, innovative design or its value?

As for me, I do not have any specific country that I like. If its stamps, I love them mattering not their design or quality. Some collector/philatelist are so particular about the quality of paper used but for me mattering not what type of paper is used; it still represents a portion of philatelic studies. I guess what it takes is to put more effort to study on how to take care of the. We are very fortunate as the web is loaded with studies on how to keep different types of paper and we should be more creative to adapt this into our passion.

However, when it comes to appeal, theme and innovative design is a priority. I usually plan ahead and will carefully select designs that I can incorporate into my collection. It can be dirt cheap or very costly; for me what’s more important is how it takes its place in my collection. As I’ve said numerous times, I don’t like to put value on stamps as for me they are priceless little things in life. I’m sure many would agree.

Q 7 What is the best part that you enjoy in Thematic Philately and what's your opinion about Traditional Philately?

Being a thematic philatelist and partially into traditional, I believe both are equally challenging and exciting but IMHO, thematic philately provides a horizon beyond our imagination. Just look into famous exhibits on trains and birds. We can clearly see that in order to come up with a quality exhibit, more than often, we ought to go the extra mile towards traditional philately. The intensive study on a certain theme naturally opens up new doors and again more often than not, it usually leads us back to our roots, traditional philately.

Q8 You are from Malaysia, do you find this hobby is popular in your country among young generation? How do the youngsters collect stamps? By exchange, purchasing through local stamp dealers or govt. philatelic counters?

This is something I’ve highlighted in my blog and I guess its best if you could go through it and appreciate some input and comments.

http://ronlovestamps.blogspot.com/2010/09/is-philately-dying-hobby-among-youth.html

Q 9 Last but not the least, what you feel about this hobby? Is it for knowledge, relaxation, investment or just collecting beautiful images on stamps for pleasure? Would you ever like to participate in a philatelic exhibition?

Philately is a passion for me. Like everyone else, I started off very early but with time, I back slide as I was just too busy with exams, work, etc. However, I guess philately is just in my blood and I just can’t let it go. Philately gives me an adrenaline rush that no other sport/activity could give me. Mind you, I love extreme sports like drifting. Somehow, whenever, I’m in a Philatelic Exhibition, I just can’t explain the excitement I feel; the opportunity of finding something interesting for your collection is always there. Though it’s never easy, but i guess its all the part and parcel of philately.

Philately has brought great joy, knowledge and relaxation to my life but what I love most about philately is its ability to bring people from all over the world together; mattering not what race, color or religion. We come together purely because of our love for these little wonders of the world. IMHO, nothing beats it, not even the most expensive stamp (though it will be great to have it..LOL).

On your second question, I would love to be in a philatelic exhibition one day. Moreover, I hope to become a juror too. However, I also understand the commitment level of preparing a philatelic exhibit is very high. It looks easy but take my word for it; it is never easy to come up with an exhibit of the highest quality.

IMHO, I always believe aligning one's collection towards exhibition is a very good decision moving forward. First of all, it is cost effective. Ooops, please don’t shoot me. When I say cost effective, what i really mean is the ability to plan what you really want and need to buy. Yes, agreed that initial planning does not guarantee a cost effective mentality but at least we will be much focus hence the bargaining power is our side. Rather than spending for all the materials in the world, we can be more specific. I guess in the end of the day, it all depends on the philatelist; do you prefer quantity or quality. For me, it doesn’t matter what u prefer; more importantly is that it gives you joy. We are living in a world where stress tends to be a common thing; so please do not put stress on our beloved passion. Just follow the flow and be happy with what we have.

Finally, please understand that each and every philatelic material you have in your collection is valuable; just think of the effort you go through to ensure they stay fresh. We go to the extent of using high quality mounts, stock sheets, etc. Isn't that enough to justify that everything we have is valuable?

Beginners’ Section

Do You Know?

THREE NEW COUNTRIES ARE BORN!

The Netherlands Antilles is separating into 3 pieces, each of which will issue its own stamps.

The first new country is the island of Curacao, which will issue stamps under the name CURACAO. 

Second, St. Maarten will issue stamps under the name SINT MAARTEN and will have its own currency. 

Third, the small islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba will issue stamps under the name CARIBISCH NEDERLAND.

- Dr SK Sondhi

Solomon Islands

Formerly a British Colony known as British Solomon Islands located north-east of Australia and south-east of Papua & New Guinea with an area of 28,450 sq.km.The group attained self-government status on the 2nd January,1976 with independence two years later. The two northern islands of Bougainville and Buka remained part of Papua & New Guinea.

and an empty government treasury culminated in economic collapse. RAMSI has enabled a return to law and order, a new period of economic stability, and modest growth as the economy rebuilds.

Postal History of the Solomon Islands 

Mail was initially sent unstamped to Sydney where New South Walestamps were applied and cancelled. Later the British Resident Commissioner kept a stock of New South Wales stamps which were still not cancelled until arrival at Sydney.From April 1906 a British Solomon Islands Paid handstamp was used, but postal authorities in Sydney still added New South Wales stamps.

Stamps inscribed 'British Solomon Islands' continued to be used after the change of name., though a new set was introduced in November,1975 with an overprint to obliterate 'British'

On achievement of self-government, membership of the UPU lapsed, though stamps continued to be circulated to other member countries. The islands became a member of the UPU in their own right in 1983.

Members of Philatelic Advisory Committee of India Post

Mr. Ronalds Nelson, G3. No1 Second Avenue,7th Main Road,Sandeswaram Nagar,Velechery,Chennai 600 042. Cell : 09841017154 Email:  sipagold@gmail.com

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

ROSE WINDOW–Glory of Gothic Cathedrals

 ©Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal

From 12th century until 1500 Gothic expression ruled in all the northern countries. The outstanding glory of the entire Middle Ages is the Gothic Cathedrals. Stained glass and rose windows in particular have been a source of great beauty and inspiration throughout the centuries.

In the sixth century, Pope Gregory the Great had made a plea that scriptural scenes be depicted on the walls of churches for the benefit of the unlettered faithful. A Synod at Arras in 1025 reiterated the recommendation, for "this enables illiterate people to learn what books cannot teach them." The fresco on the wall of the Church of St. Mary in Kempley is an example of such wall paintings.

As cathedral rose to dizzy heights and the openings grew larger painting was transferred from the walls to the glass of the Windows.

The reason for big Windows in Cathedrals was in fact geographical rather than beauty. In northern Europe, climate was colder as compare to the southern Europe and sky was not clear all the time. Therefore it was necessary to keep in mind about the light and cold during construction of buildings. Since glass has both the characteristics, with advancements in construction, glass eventually replaced wall space and big Windows with glass mosaic were included in the building.

Stained glass and rose windows owe much of their design and themes to those early paintings and the religious art of the Byzantine and Christian churches of the Middle East.

In these Windows the colours are luscious shades of rich reds and deep blues, yellows and greens in smaller quantity. The pieces of coloured glass are very small and when viewed from a distance the difference between the colours is lost, the whole becomes a purple of wonderful richness. Details were painted in brown enamel with the glass. The figures always small in the early 12th Century glass -were used in a series of medallions each one telling some sacred or legendary story usually taken from the scriptures and included scenes from the lives of Christ, the Saints and the Virgin Mary.

 

The abbey church of Saint-Denis is considered the first Gothic building.

Abbot Suger commissioned the church to his own specifications, and upon its completion in 1144, was awed by the splendor of the stained glass that transformed 'that which is material to that which is immaterial.' The combination of stained glass with ribbed vaulting that allowed greater space, flying buttresses that allowed greater height for walls opened the building in way that the heavy, solid Romanesque style of building could never achieve. However, Saint-Denis did not have a rose window--it merely led the way.

Thirteenth century glass was much the same except that some larger figures appeared which dominated in the 14th Century as did a whole range of delicate halftones.

These great windows glowing with the fires of stained and lead glass, painted with scenes from the Scriptures, became a symphony of beauty and exaltations. The origins of the rose window has many roots, however, it is definitely a phenomenon of the French Gothic period.

The window itself is a descendant of the Roman oculus--which is a small round opening in a wall. During the Romanesque period, this opening developed into a window. These large circular openings let in light and air, the best known being that at the top of the dome of the Pantheon.

The first rose window was probably created about the year 1200. Within 50 years, its use in cathedrals had propagated throughout France--mainly in the north.

Some rose windows appeared in England, Italy, Spain, and Germany, but they are primarily French in origin.

Another factor may have come to bear on their popularity and development, as suggested by the German art historian Otto von Simson, who considered the origin of the rose window to lie in the six lobed rosettes and octagon window which adorned the external wall of the Umayyad palace Khirbat al-Mafjar built in Jordan between 740 and 750 CE. The theory suggests that crusaders brought the design of this attractive window to Europe, introducing it to churches.

Such Windows have been among the most prominent embellishments of Gothic Churches. Notable examples are in the French Cathedrals of Notre Dame de Paris,

 

Charters, Amiens, Reims and Strasbourg, the cathedral at Lincoln, England and the cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.

 

In Gothic cathedrals and churches, where a rose is often found above the West Door, the most common subject of the stained glass that it contains is the Last Judgment, which by a long tradition is depicted either in mural or glass on the western wall of the building. In such windows Christ is shown seated in the centre "light" and within the lights around him are the symbols of the four Gospel writers, Apostles, Prophets, Saints and Angels.

 

Some windows show God's dominion over Heaven and Earth by including Zodiacal signs

and Labors of the Months.

When rose windows are used in the transept ends, and then one of those windows is frequently dedicated to Mary as the Mother of Jesus.

Rose Windows are not only famous for their architectural details and stained glass paintings but they are also as a symbolic of religious persecution in Christianity because ROSE itself has an important place in Christian religion. Also, Rose Window as a mandala represents the “expression of human aspiration towards wholeness and coherence” in the same way the center of Eastern mandalas depict the “godhead” or divine aspect of the world.

It operates on many levels: spiritual, meditative and emotional. How deep an emotional and spiritual chord is struck by the play of light that passes through the glass. The instructional aspect of Rose Window is plainly visible by the subject chosen for display in each petal-the medieval calendar year, the virtues and vices, the saints, etc.

Typically Christ or Virgin and Christ found in the central rosette of most of windows depict the “godhead” or divine aspect of the world, saints depicted in petals can be seen as intermediaries (or paths) to Christ.

Stained glass paintings of such Windows are the popular subject of Christmas issues of many European countries. Stamps with such motifs were also released to mark the anniversaries of Great European Cathedrals.

Dr SK Agarwal may be contacted at e-mail - rosephila@hotmail.com

THE STORY OF PIGEON POST

By Naresh Agarwal

 

PIGEON POST OF CANADA

The pigeon mail service was being used in unorganized way in the coastal area of the Canada for the safety and rescue of the boats and sailors. Looking in to that existing pigeon messenger service, an odd facet of the long struggle to save ships and men from the insatiable appetite of Sable Island, prospective in the regular and organized way of this service; in the early eighteen nineties, Major-General Donald Roderick Cameron, then Commandant of the Royal Military College(RMC) of Canada recommended an international pigeon service for marine in the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger and military service in a paper entitled "Messenger Pigeons, a National Question". The ministry of Marine and Fisheries supported the pigeon policy. Officers of the Royal Artillery and the Royal Engineers carried through the plan. The pigeon post between look-out stations at lighthouses on islands and the mainland at the citadel in Halifax, Nova Scotia provided a messenger service from 1891 until it was discontinued in 1895. The pigeon post faced a heavy mortality among the pigeons as many were lost on the operations. The flight from the Citadel in Halifax to Sable Island, for example, was difficult for the pigeons to complete. However, there were some administrative reasons too for discontinuation of the services. Hence, that gave a set back to the development of the pigeon post in that area.

NEW ZEALAND 1978 PIGEON POST FLIGHT COVER PLUS FLIMSY

( Message sent by carrier pigeon during Stamp Week Philatelic Exhibition )

 

PIGEON POST OF GREAT BARRIER ISLAND ( NEW ZEALAND )

The only regular connection between the community on Great Barrier Island (92 kms. NE of Auckland) and the mainland was provided by a weekly coastal steamer before the pigeon post service was established. The island's isolation was highlighted when the ship SS Wairararapa was wrecked off its coast in 1894, with the loss of 134 lives, and the news took several days to reach the mainland. Then the dire necessity of pigeon post was felt as it served very efficiently and effectively.

Pigeon-gram stamp from early pigeon-post service between Auckland and Great Barrier Island, New Zealand.

The regular pigeon post service began between the island and Auckland in 1897 initially with. two rival pigeongram agencies established at Port Fitzroy, Okupu at island, both of which issued distinctive and attractive stamps which. were eagerly collected for their novelty value, and some have become extremely rare. Initially, the service operated only from Great Barrier Island to Auckland, the reverse route being considered uneconomic.Birds were sent over to the island on the weekly steamer and flew back to Auckland with up to five messages per bird written on flimsies and attached to their legs/ claws. This service ended in island when the first telegraph cable was laid between the island and the mainland in 1908.

New Zealand - 1948 Pigeon Post commemorative cover with Golden Jubilee Pigeon Post label tied to cover. Mailed at Okupu, Great Barrier Island to Auckland.

Later, in the 19th century, the pigeon was used for commercial purposes, carrying messages for financial institutions and news agencies in Europe providing an airmail service in New Zealand

PIGEON POST OF CATALINA ISLAND

From 1894 to 1898 pigeons carried mail from Avalon across the Santa Barbara Channel to Los Angeles. Two pigeon fanciers, brothers Otto J. and O. F. Zahn, reached an agreement with Western Union where it would not build a telegraph line to the isolated island so long as the pigeons did not compete with it on the mainland. Fifty birds were trained, carrying three copies of each message because of the danger of hunters and predators. They made the 48-mile passage in about one hour, bringing letters, news clippings from the Los Angeles Times, and emergency summons for doctors. In three seasons of operation only two letters failed to come through, but at $.50 to $1.00 per message the service was not profitable, so in 1898 the post was ended.

PIGEON POST IN CEYLON

EXPRESS PIGEON POST DURING 1850 TO 1858 :

There was “Express”pigeon post service between 1850 and 1858 between Colombo and Galle which was established by the Ceylon Observer, a news paper on September 24,1850 to carry news dispatches. The mail ships brought the latest news dispatches and these were sent to Colombo via pigeon post. The pigeons were housed at the Galle lighthouse. Each bird carried enough manuscript to fill one small typed page of the newspaper. It is said that the birds could, in good weather conditions fly from Galle to Colombo a distance of 72 miles in 45 minutes, i.e. 96 miles per hour.

They carried selected commercial and political news items, which had been extracted from London newspaper and printed on special flimsies. It became the first commercial pigeon service when it carried news of the Crimean War in 1855 between Galle and Colombo, Ceylon

WHITE PIGEON RELEASED TO SIGNIFY PIGEON POST DURING OPENING OF RATMALANA AIRPORT

On February 28,1938, during the formal opening of Ratmalana Airport for civil aviation and the official inauguration of the first direct regular airmail service under the British Empire Air Mail Scheme (AMS) from Ceylon, a plane provided with tricycle landing gear carried three official mail bags containing messages to the Secretary of State for the Colonies and the Governors of Bombay and Madras, to Captain of the American Waco 4-Seater cabin plane of Messrs. Tata Sons Ltd., of Bombay, India.

As the plane took off on that historic day at 9 a.m. sharp, two white pigeons signifying the earlier carriers of the post (The Pigeon Post), were released by a member of the then flourishing Aero Club of Ceylon

PIGEON POST IN INDIA

Pigeon post references can be found very ancient in India. Various Indian epics have reflections of the usage of flying birds to carry messages.

NAL AND DAMYANTI :

In Mahabharata , King Dhrupad dispatched the message instructing King Dhritirashtra to give away half the kingdom, through the Royal Priest. Centuries down, the practice of using Brahmin priests for carrying letters in a private postal system called the Brahmini Dak , reflects the importance accorded to such trusted human carriers. Mahabharata too has a romantic legend mentioning how a swan was used to convey the message of prince Nal to princess Damayanti.

MEGHDOOT,THE CLOUD – MESSENGER

Chanakya’s ( 350–283 BCE) Arthashastra refers to doots who doubled up as spies, collecting information and revenue data for the King. The practice of using homing pigeons as message carriers also prevailed from the earliest times. Amazingly, they were being officially used by government departments as pigeon posts in remote areas even now a days. Orissa State Police is one such department which used pigeons as mail carriers till 2004.

King Chandragupta Maurya,( c. 340-293 BCE) Emperor Ashok and the Mughal Emperors used pigeons as message carriers during their reign.

Tipu Sultan, an Indian ruler (1782 – 1799 ) used carrier pigeons. Pigeons used to return to the Jamia Masjid mosque in Srirangapattnam which was his headquarters. The pigeon holes may be seen in the mosque's minarets to this day.

TIPU SULTAN

PIGEON POST DURING MUGHAL PERIOD : ( King Akbar’s reign period 1556-1605)

During Akbar’s reign, Pigeon post was in random use, as also camels and camel caravans primarily in desert areas. camels were also used in non-desert zones, specifically for carrying royal or State Mail.The pigeon carriers were housed in the royal palace, where Royal pigeons were trained to carry news over the far-flung territories of the state. Kabutar-Khaana is still found even today in the relics of Mughal palaces

The introduction of pigeon post is attributed to Akbar, and not Jahangir, as mentioned in many accounts. Urgent missives were carried by them over short distances, mainly for royal purpose The practice continued to be favored by Jahangir who extended its use to special occasions.The Mughal emperor Babar inherited this mail carrying method from his forefathers and the pigeon post was in use throughout the Mughal period.

The Mughal emperor Babar wrote in his biography about the sport of pigeon keeping, but Akbar the great was crazy about pigeon keeping. Abul Fazal (one of his senator) wrote that whenever king (Akbar) goes on a trip his men carry pigeons with him. Normally more than two thousands birds went with him. They were kept in special carriers.

Between 1931 and 1941 semi official carrier pigeon services operated in India, using specially printed flimsies, often of a commemorative nature, and latterly raising funds, for the war effort.

PIGEON POST IN ORISSA :

The Orrissa Police is the only state force in India which adopted and maintained this method of communication since 1946. They procured 40 pigeons from the departing colonial government at the close of the WWII. The force had a strength of 1926 Homing Pigeons spread over 17 police districts of the state in 2004.The pigeons were trained on three courses-static, mobile and boomerang. The static category formed a batch in which pigeons were moved with the forces leaving headquarters for remote areas and were released in the sky whenever the need arose for communication with Hqtrs. In the mobile category, the police took the trailer along with pigeons to the place of operation. In the third-boomerang-category, the pigeons were trained to deliver and return with the message within their flying area, usually restricted to 50 miles both ways.

Orissa police carrier pigeons: facing the sack.

India's Police Pigeon Service - which for more than half a century has provided a lifeline during frequent floods and cyclones in eastern Orissa state - is to be scrapped, according to a government proposal

Unfortunately this, the world’s last pigeon courier service - had been stopped on the ground of its high cost of procurement and maintenance in comparison to the latest developments in the telecommunication and satellite services encouraging the usage of internet and mobile phones etc.. And hence, in 2004 all the birds were retired from their services and were freed from their lofts. Orissa police pigeon fleet has served the state during various calamities and situation of urgency.

To be continued……

Naresh Agarwal may be contacted at e mail : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

Something of interest, also for non-philatelists….

By Dr Avinsah B. Jagtap

A CURSE BEFORE WRITING DOWN THE ADDRESS………

In the year 1567 the army led by the Moghul emperor Akbar (1556-1605) invaded the state of Chittor in North-West India (today Rajastan) with a surprised attack. At that time the Rajput Prince Udesing was on the throne of Mewar. Akabar had a mighty of army behind him and Udesing was knowing that it was not easy to offer a good combat against the invading Moghul forces. But he was also determined not to surrender to Akbar without giving a staunch resistance. The Rajput started for the historic fight for the honour for their territory and religion. They all put on their saffron-coloured clothes and vowed to fight unto the last man. The Rajput ladies performed their traditional “Johar”, by offereing themselves to the flames in order not to allow their molestation by the invading forces. The final outcome of this historic battle was gruesome. The Moghuls literally butchered about 30’ 000 Rajputs in the sanguinary battle. They had put their traditional threads “Yadnyopavit” or “Janav”, hanging from the left shoulder down to the right. After the furious battle was over and as the lull spread all over the battlefield the Moghul warriors collected all these sacred treads from the bodies of the dead Rajput soldiers. They weighed 74.5 Maunds (about 2700 kg!).

 

Since that time the shopkeepers (“Banias”) and the Jewellers, particularly in Rajastan write this number “74.5” before they begin with the address on an envelope. This figure is meant to warn the person (excepting one, to whom the letter enclosed is addressed) whosoever opens the envelope in order to read the contents, will carry on him the curse of 74.5 Maunds of the holy treads of those slain Rajput soldiers, killed in the battle of Chittorgarh by the Moghul forces. This is the symbol of the curse and is called “Chittormaryaka Paap”.

New Issues from other countries

Albania

26 August 2010 – Mother Teresa – 1val

Australia

26 Oct - Australian Kingfishers 4 val

Belarus

10 November Hounds – 3 val

12 November Holiday stamps – 2 val.

Belgium

8 November Christmas – 2 val

Canada

1 Nov Christmas – 3 val + SS

Italy

31 October : Made in Italy – Wine, Biscuits – 2val.

 

Greenland

18 October Christmas – 2 val

Expeditions – 2 val

Germany

11 November – Christmas – 2val

Ireland

4 November Christmas – 3 val

Israel

21 Nov Bible Stories – 3 val + MS

Israel issues, a set of three stamps and one souvenir sheet "Bible Stories" on 22 November depicting Adam and Eve, Samson fights the lion and Jonah and the fish (whale). The souvenir sheet depicts Parting of the Red Sea by Moses.

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.

On completing 3 years of publication of Rainbow Stamp News…..

"My heart leaps up when I see Rainbow...."

I have been witness to the progress of "Rainbow Stamp News" since its very first rise of this internet journal on the horizon of philatelic India. Every successive issue shows the maturity of its editor, Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti. It is certainly not an exaggeration, when I say that she has been one of the most important persons, who have spread philatelic interests in India in particular and at the same time in the whole " world in general.
Those who have been receiving this news letter would surely be of my opinion, when I say that she has succeeded in "educating" not only budding- but also grown-up philatelists in India, enhancing their appreciation and expanding their knowledge of philately, which today has become a unique mixture of art and sciences.  She has also contributed to increase the philatelic vocabulary of Indian philatelists.

Her Rainbow Stamp News is free and this indicates that she spends her own spare-time (if it could be!) in editing and posting her news letter in all the directions of the world. I think there has been virtually no country left, where Rainbow" is not known. In doing so, she also has been performing the selfless duty to propagate Indian philatelic circles, including India Post, without causing any monetary burden on any person or association. Taking into consideration the present day nightmare of scams and scandals, which have unfortunately sparkled the name of our country worldwide, we have here a ray of hope in form of "Rainbow"!
The second thing for which I appreciate the efforts of Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, is the possibility to see various philatelic items in their original colours, form and size, which are not be seen in printed journals, if at all they are made available, they are in black & white and are never of a fine grade or quality. The editors of philatelic magazines cannot afford to furnish coloured pictures of the philatelic matters of public interest, which is understandable. There are also interesting and useful articles by renowned philatelists in each and every Rainbow News Letter, almost a feast of general philatelic knowledge.
The third remarkable point which I must add, is the interviews with the known or experienced philatelists and philatelic writers  which are published in each Rainbow News Letter. This imparts general knowledge to the readers of "Rainbow".  All the interviews are almost gold-mines of thoughts, experiences, ideas and aspirations of these stalwarts of philately. On the same lines the other chapter contains the queries and the appropriate answers to these queries by readers or philatelists, who possess more knowledge so as to throw more light on the subjects concerned.
The fourth point is the introduction to personal blogs of individual collectors or philatelists through “Rainbow". The knowledge is after all is the only unique thing in the world which increases when we give. In this respect I thank "Rainbow" and her editor and publisher Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti for her dedicated service to the philatelic world and wish her Rainbow a grand success and national, as well as international appreciation and recommendation.
- Dr. Avinash B. Jagtap, Switzerland

Many thanks to Dr Jagtap for his kind words about Rainbow. I don’t know how The journey of 3 years passed and it is still continued in the years to come…..Though it was not easy for me to bring out this bulletin timely every month without any break as sometimes it was difficult to publish it due to my preoccupations but somehow I managed and would try my best to publish it regularly in the coming years with more varied topics. Once again I express my deepest gratitude to all my contributors especially Dr Satyendra Agarwal & Naresh Agarwal, friends and readers who helped me to present philately in a Rainbow form. - Editor

New Blogs & Websites

Medical Stamps by Dr Tuto : http://medicalstamps.blogspot.com/ : It is a wonderful blog on medical theme.

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.

Se- tenant Stamps of India - http://setenantsofindia.blogspot.com/ It is a specialized Blog on se-tenant stamps.

Flags & Stamps - http://flagstamps.blogspot.com/ - It is a specialized blog on Flag Theme

http://www.stampshopy.com/ - A new site on Indian Stamps and other philatelic items.

http://indiastampsdetails.blogspot.com/ - A new Blog on Indian Stamps by Sundar R. of Salem, Tamilnadu

http://ronlovestamps.blogspot.com/ - A new blog by Ronny Wong of Malaysia. The blog gives updates and discussions on philately related topics

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Stamps-Philately-1610/indexExp_69442.htm - It is a site based on Question & Answers on Philately. Mr Prashant Pandya replies to queries.

http://bestnetguru.com/tourindia/ - Tour India through Stamps – A nice site by Shoban Sen.

http://philamirror.info/ - A new site with recent updates from stamps world.

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

Logos of the post offices of the world

StampNews.com editorial team presents an updated set of the Post Office logos from different countries of the world. The list counts 136 countries. To view the logos click following link :

http://www.stampnews.com/stamps/stamps_2010/stamp_1257245043_605703.html

Products were advertised on the back of stamps?

Sometime before 1883 advertising for various products was printed on the back of U.S. three-cent stamps.

Candles were once used to determine the postage rates?

In 1693, letters were held in front of a candle to determine the postage rate. The less the light shone through, the more costly the rate. This was known as candling.

Can you believe Cats were used to deliver the mail!

I've heard of many different types of animals being used to deliver mail - camels, reindeer, horses, dogs, pigeons, but CATS? Well it's true. In 1879 Liege, Belgium employed 37 cats to carry bundles of letters to villages. This service didn't last long as cats proved to be thoroughly undisciplined.

Promotional section

Newsletter dedicated to Maritime Heritage

“Light House”  is a specialized Newsletter on naval theme, edited by Dr M S Naravane and published by Maritime Heritage Foundation, Mumbai. It is a very informative  newsletter for maritime stamp collectors. The recent issue of the newsletter gives a comprehensive article   “ Ship’s Crests” by Cdr U N Acharya with  lot of color illustrations.  Wg.Cdr. (Retd.) Dr M S Naravane may be contacted for more details about the newsletter at  email :  naravanemukund@gmail.com

Philatelic Literature

Famous Stamps: “ The Romance of Rarities”. - By Anil Dhir

Contact address : Amadeus Press 112, Vaishno Villa, Satyanagar, Bhubaneshwar – 751007 email : anildhir123@gmail.com & amadeusbooks@yahoo.co.in

Year Book of Indian Philately 2009

Contact Address : Madan Middha, Saket Vihar, Phalka Bazar,

Gwalior 474001. e mail : madan_middha@yahoo.co.in

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 http://www.ezep.de/zpj/zpj.html Editor : Dieter Leder

email zpj@arcor.de website www.eZEP.de

SIPA Bulletin Editor - 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

Editor’s Mail Box

Vijay Deshpande, Mumbai

The prompt Nov issue of Rainbow Stamp club magazine was too good.. So much informative and educational too. Most fascinating was the cover depicting the the unique date of 10.10.10 ..I was in Bangalore and I travelled by the airport bus which has this unique date on it. How I wish I had got it cancelled in the local post office that day. That’s why it is said in such cases - Now or Never !!! Heartiest compliments for this usual fantastic magazine .

Shrikant Parikh, Ahmedabad

November RSN is indeed an excellent job. Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal and Mr.Naresh Agarwal are doing amazing work. Please convey my sincere gratitude to both of them.

Abhai Mishra, Dehra Dun

Please accept my heartiest congratulation on winning the silver-bronze at Joburg 2010. Well done ! keep up the fantastic work.

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, Deepak Modi –Mobile Philately ; Mansoor B.- Mangalore, Shrikant parikh - Ahmedabad International Stamp News ; , Shrikant Parikh – Ahemedabad; Trivandum ; Ashwani Dubey & Sandeep Chaurasia – Gorakhpur ; Thevarayan, Klang – Malaysia; Eli Moallem – Israel; SK Sondhi – USA; Raman Mandal - Gorakhpur

Address for communication:

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.

 

The postage stamp is a flimsy thing
No thicker than a beetle's wing
And yet it will roam the world for you
Exactly where you tell it to - EV Lucas

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

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