First Khadi Stamp

Shimla  March 2011  Issue # 39  Vol. IV

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,

The long awaited biggest philatelic show INDIPEX 2011 concluded at New Delhi on 18^th February. It was a memorable event  for all those who visited this exhibition. Philatelists from  all states  of India and different places of the world visited this mega show. Everyone  seemed to be  very busy in  the exhibition in various activities like discussing the exhibits, buying material…meeting old friends…..clicking pics…..hurrying to get My Stamp… Standing in queue for covers and cancellations  and many more activities……. The show gave  a smile to one and all….as visiting a World Exhibition is a thrilling and lifetime experience. The introduction of unique Khadi stamp and personalized stamp  by India Post attracted all the philatelists.. The exhibition was inaugurated by President of India and  13 special covers were released during the exhibition with the celebration of  Centenary of first Aerial Post. The one week grand show was visited by large number of philatelists from India and abroad. This exhibition gave a big platform to meet philatelic community from different parts of the world . I am pleased to write that Rainbow Stamp News won a Bronze medal at this show. My sincere thanks to all readers and contributors for their great contribution and appreciation to this newsletter ! I am also very  pleased to write that Dr Satyendra Agrawal’s book “ My Rainbow of Philatelic Articles” won a Silver Bronze medal in Literature Class. The book contains the  series of articles  published in Rainbow Stamp News.  Dr Agrawal also won Large Vermeil  for his collection on Roses in Thematics Category. Distinguished contributor of Rainbow Mr Naresh Agarwal,  won a Silver medal for his collection on Automobiles. Heartiest congratulations to Dr Satyendra Kr Agarwal, Mr Naresh Agarwal and all the members and Readers of Rainbow who  won awards at the exhibition.  During the exhibition, I got  a chance to meet  many readers of Rainbow . It was a great moment….I thank them all for their love and appreciation for Rainbow Stamp News and Rainbow Stamp Club Blog.….Hope the memories of INDIPEX will be unforgettable for every visitor….We hope to see more big shows in future……..Please enjoy detailed report of the exhibition in this issue with other interesting features.

Till next month…Happy Collecting !!

                                                                                                                                                              …. Jeevan Jyoti

 

Contents

Recent Indian Issues

In The News

Interview

Beginners’ Section

Specialized Section

Something of interest, also for non-philatelists

New Issues from Other Countries

Reader’s Right

Philatelic Library

Philatelic Clubs and Societies

Blogs & Websites on Philately

The Lighter Side

Promotional Section

Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

Editor’s Mail Box

Recent Indian Issues

  

15 January : Doot – Rs 5

27 January : Krishnadevaraya – Rs 5 + MS

1 February : Chaudhary Ranbir Singh – Rs 5

2 February : Mary Ward-Loretto Institutions

4 February : Corps of Signals – Rs 5

7 February : Venkata Subbiah - Rs 5

8 February : Census of India - Rs 5

11 February : V.Venkatasaubba Reddiar

12 February Khadi MS – Rs 100

12 February 100 Years of aerial Post – 4 Stamps Rs 5 each + MS

13 February Legendary Heroines of India – 6 Stamps of Rs 5 each + MS

2011 Stamp Issue programme of India Post is available at following link.

http://www.indiapost.gov.in/Netscape/PhilatelyCalendar2011.htm

Special Cover – Postmark

15 January 2011 : Sarpex 2011, Chapra – Rajendra College

16 January 2011 : Sarpex 2011, Chapra – Gajgrah Sonepur Fair

23 January 2011 : Chennai Builders’ Association of India, Southern Centre

16 February 2011 : Jainism 2 covers

Special Covers during INDIPEX 2011

12 Feb : .Special Cover – ONGC. – 1 cover

13 Feb : Special Cover – Gujarat Tourism. & Special Cover – Western Union. – 2 covers

14 Feb : Special Cover – SPMCIL. & Special Cover – St. Michael Group of Institutions.

- 2 covers

14 Feb : Mangalore – Canara Bank

15 Feb : Special Cover – HCL & Special Cover – Sethu Educational Trust Institute of Technology & Special Cover – HP – 3 covers

16 Feb : Special Cover – Incredible India. & Special Cover – Arya Vaidya Salar Kottakal.- 2 covers

17 Feb : Special Cover – On Environment Day by India Post & Special Cover – ICICI Prudential Life. – 2 covers

18 Feb : Special Cover – Air India. – 1 cover

In The News

INDIPEX – 2011

 

World Philatelic Exhibition INDIPEX 2011 concluded on 18^th February with the celebration of Centenary of First Airmail. 75 countries participated in this show. There were 555 exhibits in the competition class with 147 exhibits from India. Indian entries won 131 medals. 7 Gold medals were awarded to Indian participants in different categories. Mr Jagmohan Kapur achieved 93 marks for his 8 frame exhibit 'Handstruck Stamps of India' bagging Gold medal with Special Prize. Anil Suri's Fiscals of Cochin in 8 frames scored 92. Mr Kishor Chandak's Handstruck Postage Stamp of India in 8 frames scored 91 marks with Felicitations of the Jury .  Mr S C Sukhani won the highest score of 94 for an Indian exhibit for his one frame exhibit 'The Indian Lithograph 1854 Four Annas Third Printing' .

In Thematic Category Dr Satyendra Kr Agarwal won Large Vermeil with 88 points. 6 participants were awarded vermeil medals in this category. In Literature Class, Pratisad Neurogaonkar won Large Silver with 77 points, In Youth Group S. Santosh won Silver. Detailed list of Indian winners is available at : http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/2011/02/indian-participation-in-indipex-2011.html

  

The show was visited by a large number of collectors, dealers and non-philatelists including school and college students. The introduction of personalized stamp and Khadi stamp was great attraction of the show. The show was successfully organized at a very appropriate venue with good quality of display frames. It appears that India Post earned good money through Khadi Miniature Sheet. But its cost is very high in presentation pack. It should have been sold at Rs 100 separately. It was announced earlier that Khadi stamp will also be available separately apart from Miniature sheet but it was not so. Separate stamps were not available. The cancelled special covers were also not available at the counter. Blank covers, stamps and cancellation were at different counters which caused lot of inconvenience to collectors. Many could not collect covers due to long queue at the counters. The same situation was at the “My Stamp Counter”. It could have been managed more properly to provide maximum satisfaction to the collectors.

The website of INDIPEX 2011 should have been updated regularly but it became dead website as it did not give any updates of the show even the results have not been put on the website so far. This caused lot of dissatisfaction among Indian and foreign participants. As everyone was eager to know the result who could not visit the exhibition. Besides all these shortcomings the exhibition was enjoyed by one and all. Let’s hope we would have more organized International philatelic exhibitions in future.

Limited awards were give at a small award ceremony.

 

Great Moments at INDIPEX 2011….

 

It was observed that some deserving Indian exhibits were downgraded in the exhibition where as exhibits from other countries were awarded better. One might say that this is the part of each and every exhibition. Variations are always seen in judging, but no one can deny that the injustice has been done with an Indian entry in Literature Class which deserved a medal but was awarded just a Certificate of Participation. The entry was of Mr Praful Thakkar of Ahmedabad. Please go through the details given below…..

See complete award list of INDIPEX 2011 at following link..

http://www.stampsofindia.com/Indipex2011-Awards.htm

Justice Demanded in Literature Class ….INDIPEX 2011

It refers to an entry submitted in Literature Class of INDIPEX 2011by Mr Praful Thakkar which had won two International awards in past four months at JOBURG 2010 and PORTUAL 2010. But in INDIPEX 2011 it was awarded just Certificate of Participation. How is it possible??? Is this a fair judging ????? The judging in Literature class creates a question before us ??? If any experienced member of jury could explain it ….??? It should be noted that Out of 20 entries in Lit. Class from India 7 entries have been given just CP out of 12 CPs awarded in whole Literature Class. – Editor

‘Collector's Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India 1947-1964 - Official & Private’ is the book that  catalogues Official & Private First Day Covers (FDCs)of India from 1947 to 1964 (Anna Value to NP Value). It also covers the gamut of Commemorative and Definitive stamps along with their folders, Presentation folders and Souvenir Albums.
In the first decade of Independence, India Post was not fully geared up to come out with First Day Covers of stamps. At this point of time, some creative philatelists/dealers realized the importance of such FDCs and took this opportunity to bring out some artistic and ornamental FDCs to commemorate respective events.  Their beautiful creations filled the Postal gaps for FDC collection and provided the continuity in collection of Commemorative and Definitive FDCs. This early period of Indian Philately is highly fascinating and attracting because of variety of First Day Covers with various sizes, color shades, cancellation marks, legends and creative designs which are appropriate to the theme of respective stamps.
In this book an effort is made to illustrate with colored photos about 80 Official FDCs, 70 Folders, Presentation folders & Souvenir Albums along with FDCs of Indian Army Postal Service and Overprinted Military Postage stamps. It also contains more than 250 Private First Day Covers (including about 24 Private FDCs of Gandhi mourning issue of 1948) with colorful, creative and charismatic designs made by the philatelists and dealers of early days.
Through this book 'Collector's Guide to Covers & Folders of India 1947-1964 - Official & Private’ the author has tried to give a dimension to Philatelic facet of early classic period by cataloging Official FDCs, Private FDCs and Folders of this time.

The book has received

1. Silver Bronze Medal in World Philatelic Exhibition POTUGAL – 2010 in October 2010

2. Silver Bronze Medal in International Stamp Exhibition JOBURG 2010 in October 2010

3. Silver Medal at National Exhibition SINE 2010 at New Delhi November 2010

All these International & National awards have been given to the book in just last 4 months.

But very surprisingly in INDIPEX 2011 in February 2011 the book is awarded only Certificate of Participation...not even a Bronze Medal. It is unfortunate that the book is not appreciated in our own country. The book has been awarded only 58 marks and the Bronze requires just 60 marks.

The Book is the first of its type for the First Day Covers & Folders of India in the form of a catalogue. The book is reviewed by some Journals of American Philatelic Society also. Thus there is an appreciation of an effort from countries like USA.

Honour for Pradip Jain

During INDIPEX 2011, Noted aerophilatelist of India Mr Pradip Jain was elected a member of the Aerophilatelic Hall of Fame (AHF) by American Airmail Society (AAMS) and Canadian AirMail Society (CAS)  for his outstanding research on Indian Airmails and leadership in International Aerophilately.

 

Centenary of the World’s First Official Aerial Post

2011 marks the centenary of two of the world’s most important pioneer airmail flights. The first official Aerial Post flight took place during the United Provinces Exhibition at 5.30 p.m. on Saturday 18 February 1911. Less than seven months later the first United Kingdom Aerial Post from London to Windsor on Saturday 9 September 1911 was flown by the intrepid English pioneer aviator Gustav Hamel. In this special report, Peter Jennings FRPSL, FRGS, reviews the first of these historic flights. Read full article

'International Stamp Exhibition in Japan 2011' issue

On 21 January, Postal Services Corporation of Japan in collaboration with the Philatelic Federation and the Japan Philatelic Society Foundation issued a stamp set dedicated to the Japan International Stamp Exhibition 2011.

2011 Japan International Stamp Exhibition will be held from 8 of February to 28 of July 2011 at the Pacific Yokohama. The aim of this exhibition is to promote overseas Japanese postage stamps as evidence of improvement and development of philately in Japan, and to increase international friendship through cultural stamps exchange. The first International Stamp Exhibition was held in Japan in 2001 and since it's organized every year.

2011 International Stamp Exhibition in Japan is expected to promote the anime. Part of the cultural history, Japanese anime gained popularity among different people regardless their age and nationality. The stamp set illustrates the famous Japanese Anime characters - Astro Boy, Doraemon, Pokemon, Hello Kitty and wildlife cartoon characters.

PHILANIPPON 2011: World Stamp Exhibition

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/

Top stamp of 2010

Stamp rated No. 1

In January 2010, France released a stamp in a demonstration of solidarity with the victims of Haiti's earthquake. It features the traditional drawing of Marianne and a Red Cross sticker. For each stamp sold for the price of 1 euro (US$.1.45), the French Red Cross received euro 0,44 (US$. 0.638), to help the victims of Haiti. This stamp has been rated No 1 by Stamp News.Com . In 2004, when a tsunami ravaged Asia and Indonesia, the Post Office also issued a stamp in support of victims. Some 5 million copies of that edition were sold.

Others stamps could be seen at following link ….

http://www.stampnews.com/stamps/stamps_2011/stamp_1297331889_487278.html

Marie Curie stamp from France

The United Nations has proclaimed 2011 the International Year of Chemistry. To commemorate this event the French Post is issuing a stamp dedicated to the famous French chemist Marie Curie. Marie Sklodowska Curie (1867-1934) was a Polish-born French physicist and chemist famous for her work on radioactivity. She was a pioneer in the field of radioactivity and the first person honored with two Nobel Prizes - in physics and chemistry. She was also the first female professor at the University of Paris. In 2011 France celebrates the 200th anniversary of the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to Marie Curie.

Longest stamp marks Viceroy Special 25th anniversary

Sri Lanka has issued five stamps including the longest ever stamp to mark 25 years of service of the Viceroy luxury coal powered steam train. The 123mm long and 30mm wide stamp was issued at the Rambukkana Railway station under the patronage of Post and Telecommunication Minister Jeewan Kumaratunga and Transport Minister Kumara Welgama.

Design a Stamp for World Design Capital Helsinki 2012

An online design competition open to everyone began today at the www.futurecity.fi website.

Future City is the theme of the stamp design competition organized by Itella Posti Oy/the Itella Philatelic Center (Finland). The competition is part of the World Design Capital Helsinki 2012 program, and the winning stamps will be sold publicly and used by the World Design Capital Helsinki.

"The traditional visual themes of urban stamps deal with prominent buildings and monuments. We are now looking for fresh, innovative ideas for both stamp themes and implementation. I'm confident that the online competition, open to everyone, will help us obtain a large number of new, open-minded proposals," says Markku Penttinen, Director of the Itella Philatelic Center.

"The design competition is an excellent match with the theme of the World Design Capital Year: Open City - Embedding Design in Life. Everyone may participate in the competition, and design as part of life will show in the stamp design, the themes and the final product. The official stamps of Helsinki's year as the World Design Capital will be the outcome", says Pekka Timonen, Director of the International Design Foundation, in charge of World Design Capital Helsinki 2012.

The competition period is February 3 - April 4, 2011. During this time, contributions should be uploaded to the competition website in digital format as instructed. The competitors may freely select the implementation method of their contributions. For example, the competitors may depict a future living environment in their stamp, a place where they would like to live, or give their visions about tomorrow and a better life.

Everyone may vote for the contributions at the competition website from April 7–25, 2011.

Based on the public voting and the selections by the jury, 30 contributions will be eligible for the finals.

Eight contributions will be selected and made into stamps, and each author will receive ˆ1,500. In addition, four contributions will be selected to be made into postcards, and each author will receive ˆ500. The winners will be announced in May 2011.

Itella Posti Oy/the Itella Philatelic Center will process the winning stamps in their final format. The winning stamps will be released, and they will be available for public purchase in early 2012.

The Jagannath Sadak Yatra

- Anil Dhir

A journey back into time is being led by me along with a hundred other Jagannath Bhaktas from the 6^th March 2011. The expedition is being held as the “Sri Sri Jagannath Sadak Sagada Yatra”. The journey will take around twenty days.

The Jagganath Sadak was the old pilgrim road from Calcutta to Puri. It took form sometime in late 1700’s and was the lifeline for all pilgrims who came to the Lord’s abode at Puri. It was, from 1825, known as the Orissa Trunk Road, but for the devotees who descended on this path and made the slow way to Puri, it has always been the Jagannath Sadak. The road wound its way touching Medinapore, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar before ending at Puri. The travelers covered the distances by bullock carts, hackneys, palanquins, horses and elephants, but most of them trudged on foot. This was the overland mail route too, as mail was carried to the various post offices that were established from 1803 onwards. Prominent among these were Tamluk, Kedgeree, Balasore, Soro, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Puri and Ganjam. The Government of Bengal introduced the Zamindari Dak Cess Bill in 1962 to improve the postal system prevalent in the times.

There were staging bungalows later called Dak Bungalows all along the route (some of them still exist) and this road was the lifeline for trade and communication. Even the Dak Palanquin service was in force during the period 1861-64.

The road was a well travelled one with many amenities for the pilgrims and travelers. There were Choultries, Dharamshalas, Wells, Tanks, Culverts, Bridges, Temples, Rest sheds, Ghats etc. Many remnants of these are still visible on the isolated stretches of this once grand road.

With the advent of the railways in 1892, the Jagannath Sadak fell into disuse and over the next few years was lost for ever. The railways shortened the travel time from three weeks to fourteen hours. Many stretches of the road just vanished with time, it was encroached upon by villages and some lengths now form the National Highway No 5.

This journey is being undertaken to highlight the sad plight of this once great and now forgotten road on which the pilgrims travelled to visit the gods at Puri. It is a humble attempt to revisit and revive the lost glory of Kalinga, and to relocate and retrace the road with the help of modern scientific survey equipments.

The Sadak Yatra is a purely voluntary one. It is based on research that was done by me for the last four years. I have sourced old maps, travel accounts, revenue, settlement and land records, archival material etc. from various sources in India and abroad. I have personally conducted three recce trips in the last two years and have found more then two hundred archeological remains of this road. Many more will be found during this trip. Most of what remains is in ruins, but nevertheless they still resonate with what the pilgrims underwent on their way to Puri.

The Sagada Yatra has a two fold objective, one will be the emotive and religious aspect, there will be a group of more then a hundred Jagganath Bhaktas who will wind their way thru this ancient road, spreading the message of the Lord’s all encompassing love, affection and brotherhood. There shall be two bullock carts; one carrying the holy trinity, the other shall have a huge cauldron in which water shall be collected from all the rivers, holy tanks, temple ponds, pushkarinis which lay enroute. This shall start with water collected from the Ganga at Kolkatta, and all along the way devotees will be allowed to bring water from their holy sources. We shall collect water from every river and holy tank enroute. On reaching Puri after the completion of the Yatra, this amalgamation of sacred nectars will we mixed with the waters of the Bay of Bengal in a Maha Samudra Arti which will be preformed at the revered Mahadodhi beach at Puri under the auspices of the Jagadguru Sankaracharya of Puri.

Besides the journey and the scientific cartographic, archeological, historical and geographical survey of the Sadak, many other events are being organised by us. We expect people in the thousand to participate with us in the Yatra. We will be accompanied by volunteer students from the faculties of Archeology, History, Geography and other allied departments from all the major universities of the State. They will interact with the villagers and visit the ruins that dot the terrain of the route of the Jagganath Sadak. There is a very rich oral and folk tradition history of the Sadak, and we will be recording all of it. A one hour documentary will be produced on this ancient road.

I shall be carrying 500 numbered covers in the bullock cart from Kolkatta to Puri. These will be way stamped at all the major Post Offices that fall in the way and the envelopes will be carried inside the Jagannath Temple and stamped at the Singha Dwar Post office at Puri. Two hundred covers will be given away to Philatelists on a first come basis. They will be affixed with the Jagganath Temple Rath Yatra Stamp. These will be signed covers by both me and fellow philatelist Kasinath Sahoo who too is participating in the Yatra.

A special cover on the Jagannath Sadak will be released on the completion of the Yatra.Any philatelist who is interested in getting a cover may send me a mail on jagannathsadak@hotmail.com. We also invite philatelists who are interested to participate in the Yatra. All we can provide is basic food and accommodation. It will be tough, very tough, but it is all for a good cause.

In the name of the Lord of the Universe, Jai Jagannath.

- Anil Dhir email : anildhir2k5@hotmail.com

JAINISM PHILATELY GROUP FORMED DURING INDIPEX 2011

TWO SPECIAL COVERS RELEASED

During the World Philatelic Exhibition INDIPEX 2011, a meeting of Philatelists collecting Jainism and allied themes was organised on 15th Feb. 2011 at the main exhibition Hall No. 11. 43 stamp collectors from all over India attended this meeting who collects stamps on Jainism, Non-violence, Peace, Vegetarianism etc. Meeting was started with Navkar Mantra prayer by Geetaben VeenubhAi bhavishi of Akola.

 

Senior Philatelists Mr. Pradip Jain Patna (Member INDIPEX Organising Committee), Mr. Jatan Mal Dhor Jaipur (Member Philatelic Advisory committee, Govt. of India), Mr. Ajeet Jain Kolkata, Mr. Nemichand Chopra Bikaner and Maj. Gen. A. R. A. Shah Addl. D.G. Army Postal Services were on the dais and given their valuable suggestions.

 

Mr. Deepak Modi Jalna, wellknown Philatelist running Mobile Philately gave welcome speech and Dr. Pradip Jain Balod described the aim of holding this meeting. All the Philatelists formed an association of the collectors of Jainism and allied themes titles as “JAINISM PHILATELY GROUP”. Following office bearers have been elected unanimously –

Mr. Sudhir Jain (Satna, M.P.) – National Chairman

Dr. Pradip Jain (Balod, C.G.) – Vice Chairman

Mr. Pramod Kumar Jain (Pondicherry) – Vice Chairman

Mr. Deepak Modi (Jalna Maharashtra) – General Secretary

It has been decided that every State will have a State Representative in the National body. Some of the names announced for the State Representative were Mr. Sanjay Kumar Jain Patna (Bihar), Mr. Ajeet Jain Kolkata (W.B.), Mr. Vikas Jain Ajmer (Rajsthan), Mr. Atul Jain Bilaspur (C.G.), Mr. Sanjeev Jain Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Mr. Yogendra Kumar Jain (U.P.), Mr. Hemant Kumar Jain Mandla (M.P.), Mr. Vijay Shah Bhavnagar (Gujrat), Mr. Chhganraj Jain Bellary (Karnataka). Philatelists of other States collecting above themes will be added shortly. Those philatelists who wants to join this group can contact the above mentioned office bearers at sudhirjain@unistar.co.in or jain_pradeep2000@yahoo.com for details.

Two beautiful multicolored special covers have also been issued on this occasion. Mr. Pramod Kumar Jain of Pondicherry (9894252549) designed these covers. These covers attracted the visitors of INDIPEX and huge demand was there for these covers.

It was resolved that a strong persuasion should be made for issuance of a commemorative stamp on Aacharya Gyansagar Ji Maharaj and Shrimad Rajchandra Ji Maharaj. As presently there are four Jain members in the Philatelic Advisory Committee of Govt. of India, it will be easy to pursue the same. All the members congratulated to Mr. Sanjay Kumar Jain for his Jainism exhibit displayed in the INDIPEX 2011.

Chairman elect Mr. Sudhir Jain assured that this Group will spread the massage of Jainism, Non-violence, Peace, Harmony, Vegetarianism through Philately. Meeting was concluded with the condolences to the senior Philatelists of Jainism Late Naresh Kumar Jain (Patna), Late Gaurav Dalal (Ahmedabad) and Late M.L. Bafna (Jodhpur)

INTERVIEW

 Mr Naresh Agarwal needs no introduction to readers as he has been writing regularly for this newsletter. Recently at INDIPEX 2011, he won a Silver medal for his exhibit on Automobiles . Mr Agarwal, a well known philatelist with a variety of interests in different philatelic fields, an engineer by profession entered the stamp world in early childhood when he first joined JPC ( Jullundur Philatelic Club in 1975 as junior member and won prizes regularly in its yearly exhibitions and other exhibitions held till 1983 which included two Circle level exhibitions i.e. NORPEX 81 and Norpex 83.  Later, he participated in National level exhibitions and won VERMEIL for his exhibit on Automobiles. He also edited  CHHAPEX (quarterly bulletin of Chhatisgarh Philatelic Club) . He loves philatelic writing and his articles have been published in both print and electronic media . He prefers to write new and promotional articles on a variety of subjects. Recently he participated in three International exhibitions, Hong Kong 2009, Joburg 2010, Indipex 2011 in which he won Silver Bronze, Silver and Silver medals respectively. He owes to Jalandhar philatelic Club for his nice crafting as philatelist during his childhood / teenage and also to Chhattisgarh Philatelic Club in recent past times.

It is a great pleasure to publish interview with Mr Naresh Agarwal Here he answers some of my questions after visiting INDIPEX 2011 ….which readers would like to know… Editor

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

Interview with Naresh Agarwal

1. You have just visited INDIPEX 2011, what is your first reaction ?

Wow! In totality leaving aside a few shortcomings and small discrepancies , the show was very very good. High quality frames, high quality exhibits, nice venue and spacious halls, participation of different Posts of the world, visits of foreigners in good number, issuance of special covers, special events like commemoration of first aerial flight, Khadi stamp, My Stamp etc. were the major attractions for the philatelists all over.

2. What was the best part of the exhibition ?

For me the best part of the exhibition was undoubtedly the display of high quality exhibits. This time we all witnessed very high quality of philatelic displays which helped the viewer philatelist to learn a lot. Frames were of good quality. For other sections ,I was more impressed with the issuance of personalized stamps i.e. “My Stamp”.

3. Regarding the exhibits, which class of philately dominated the show and why ?

This time thematic philately saw an ascending graph of medal tally with good number of Large Golds, Golds, Large Vermeil and Vermeil medals. At this level, this is nothing but a sought of dominance by this class. However, other sections as usual had their impact.

4. Now, coming to your own collecting interest what prompted you to collect  on Automobiles ?

My collecting interests are in the thematic branch of philately as I feel thematic is the one branch which attracts most of the philatelists and also the viewers in comparison to traditional, postal history or country collections. My collecting themes are Automobiles, Road Traffic Safety, Insurance, Freedom movement of India and some other. Being an insurance professional dealing in insurance automobile claims, I have been deeply involved in automobiles. This created my love for automobiles and I started thinking about automobiles in terms of philately and so started collecting on “Automobiles” and prepared a collection which earned me reputation at international level.

5. What are your other favourite branches of philately ?

My favorite branches of philately are Thematic and Social Philately. As I told above, these branches give ample opportunity to the collectors to select, expand and mould their themes according to their choice and pockets. These themes have wide scope of selection of topics with the plenty of material available to cover almost whatever one thinks from A to Z. Social philately though not very strongly established but fast growing branch is even better in terms of utilizing the material both purely or partially philatelic or postally linked material accumulated by one during the course of building up of his collection. Other branches such as traditional, postal history, country collections have their limitations in terms of scope, availability of material and cost involved. Above all, these collections do not attract common people though they do give satisfaction to the collector. Some other branches of philately are also appreciated such as Maximaphily, Frugal Philately, etc.

6. You have seen both National & International stamp exhibitions, please comment on system of judging ? Do you find any difference in the judging system followed  at National & International system  ??

Judging undoubtedly the most important field of philately is the most critical and least appreciated though it is performed by so called specialists in particular field of philately. Even if the jury tries to be fair and impartial…they are bound to be tagged and taxed. I may sound very hard in giving this comment but truth is that at both the levels judges are under pressure to support favorites to some extent apart from other constraints they have. Yes, International judging is far fairer than at National level exhibitions where the judges are from the same country and most of the participants have their connections in one way or the others. In general, participants seemed more satisfied with the results of internationals than nationals though they get lower award their but they know the high level of competition and the high standard of judging. The only thing which I feel needs serious consideration is that the mark sheets provided are of no use until these are annexed with a detailed report on where and why the marks have been deducted so that necessary improvement in that part is done by the participant. With the availability of technology, the things are not impossible and can be thought upon and brought in to practice. We see in cricket, technology now is playing a great role and has certainly changed the face and pace of the game adding more interests and satisfaction to all concerned.

7. Well, what is  your opinion regarding new philatelic material issued by India Post  ?? I mean the Khadi Stamp and Personalized stamp  ?? What is your opinion about its design and quality ?

Looking in to the different innovative and exclusive philatelic material being issued by different postal administrations all over the world, this is very highly appreciable step taken by the India Post. Innovation and novelty is the prime requirement for development of philately. This has certainly raised the status of India Post in the world map of philately. We Indians had been looking forward for personalized stamp for a long time. Though perfumed stamps were issued but Khadi stamp has attracted most of the philatelists of the world. The designs and quality of the Khadi stamp has been found very good and it was in good demand too. These two will certainly reserve a good place in one’s collection all over irrespective of one’s collecting interests.

8. Besides an avid philatelist you are contributing a number of articles on a variety of philatelic subjects. What prompted you to enter in philatelic literature ??

Frankly, I really don’t know when I entered this field of philately. In fact, I loved and love writing on different aspects of philately since 1977 when I was a junior member of Jullundur Philatelic Club. . Commenting on different happenings and writing articles on different aspects gives me pleasure and satisfaction. I always wished to write on some uncommon subjects which attract the readers and help in promotion and development of this hobby such as my comments printed long back in different magazines as to “WHY NO GOLD IN THEMATICS” set a debate and the results culminated in to 3 Golds in last National in Chennai. My articles on Labeling Mails, Experimental and Innovative Methods of Mail Carriage, Social Philately, Airgraph Service, Use of Fiscals in Thematic, Pigeon Mail Service, Disinfection of Mail etc. were appreciated by the philatelists all over only because they delivered new ideas to philatelists in general and introduced them to these less explored aspects of philately mainly in India. Regular publication of my articles in different philatelic bulletins and magazines ( both in print and electronic ) gave me a reputation of a philatelist of literature class.

9. Your suggestions to promote this hobby.

Promotion in any field starts from grass root level. Local post offices, schools, clubs and societies play a great role in promoting philately. Students and Children have heavy load of bags and books which acts as hurdle in their deep and prolonged interest in philately. It is here that they need to be guided and groomed. Making philatelic material available, proper working of philatelic counters and bureaus, reasonable cost of philatelic materials, holding exhibitions at local level on regular basis,… are some of the fields which need to be taken care of. At higher level providing guidance services and making exclusive material available, opening philatelic training centers and academies for philatelists and judges will certainly help in development and promotion of this hobby. However, there is a great need of an elaborative debate and discussion on this subject.

10.  Use of Internet and mobile has almost stopped the habit of writing letters by hand ?? In today's world do you miss hand written letters ?? Don't you think that the use of Internet and mobile has hampered the hobby of stamp collecting ??

Yes, this is true that the habit of writing has lessened and we do miss hand written letters but we get typed and printed letters in abundance and also good quantity of mail is being transmitted today. It is normally believed that Internet and mobile have played a big role in putting hurdles in development of this hobby. But in my opinion, these have opened new avenues in this field. Like in other fields of life branches are developing, the same way. If we look at the ratio of quantum of mail being transmitted /carried per philatelist prior to incoming of internet and mobiles and that of today, we find the paper mail is much much higher today. In fact, we don’t look at the usage of mail both paper and electronic in quantum. I would suggest some innovations to be done and researches to be made in new mail transmission methods and introduced. Here my mind goes towards courier service too.. which is nothing but private mail carriers which were there in existence long back when proper postal system were not developed and were in infant stage. We must appreciate that a big part of the paper mail is being carried by the couriers today. I propose there should be recognition of these services and some authorized postal labels, markings, stamps etc. should also be developed from their end. This will open new avenues in the field of philately. In nut shell, I personally very strongly believe that introduction of internet and mobile has not hampered the philately at all.

11. What is the negative aspect of this hobby ?? If any you find ?????

The first negative aspect of philately which comes to my mind is that now we find commercialization of philately which has changed the meaning of the phrase “Philately is king of hobbies and Hobby of kings”. The second part of this phrase has now become more dominant as the postal material has become very costly and so kings (people with heavy pockets ) can only afford to buy and enjoy.

Dealers too have now become more commercialized and look forward for their monetary interests only and exploit philatelists. Some of the departmental officers too have their connivance with the philatelic dealers and traders which in fact indulge in black marketing of the philatelic material and hamper the interests of philatelists.

The other part may be the medal winning intentions and thirst of the collectors by any means. This has certainly spoiled the hobby as people buy ready made collections and display them just to win medals. This is not philately. Judging too have some limitations and so encourage dissatisfaction amongst the participants. Non availability of guidance and training centers is other negative part of philately. Philately requires time and regular efforts and shortage of time due to changes in study patterns and fast life styles has created disinterests.

Beginners’ Section

Guidelines for postage stamp trade and exchange

"Have stamps, will trade!"

This has become the favorite motto for philatelists who want to let their philatelic collection grow. For sure you have a stamp or two that you have outgrown or you want to discard. You can use your old cancelled stamps (Used postage stamps collecting) as a ticket to gain new stamps.

Stamp exchange or stamp trading is a good way to start and expand a stamp collection.  It will also enable you to acquire other postal stamp varieties.  This is a great way to make use of your postage stamp duplicates or the unwanted stamps in your collection, and trade them for other stamps that you like to have.
Stamp trade or stamp exchange can be done in packets of 25, 50, and 100 postage stamps or more.

How to do the postage stamp exchange

Decide on stamps to trade.  Make a decision on which stamps you would like to exchange with your trading partner.  It may be your duplicate stamps or stamps which do not fit your collection.  Choose stamps you are interested in obtaining or stamps you are seeking and be very specific about the kind of stamps you want.
Find a reliable stamp exchange partner.  This is the simplest way to do a stamp exchange. Do you have some stamp collector friends who are willing to swap stamps with you? Call your friend and make a stamp trade with him or her. If you are into collecting stamps of different countries, you can find stamp trading partners from every nation there is.

Make a stamp exchange list or stamp want list. The wise stamp collector does not need to spend much in acquiring postage stamps. The best stamps are often found in stamps exchange websites. If you have a handful of stamps you want to barter with another collector, you can make a stamp collector's exchange list.

When you are searching for a specific stamp specimen and you are willing to trade your old posted stamps for it, you can create a stamp want list.

Be part of a stamp club.   Stamp collectors exchange can be effortless if you join a local stamp community.  There you will meet a lot of your fellow postage stamp collectors who are willing to trade or exchange stamps. Stamp exchange clubs are a good venue to build lasting philatelic relations among other stamp traders.

Read More

Specialized Section

THE STORY OF PIGEON POST

By Naresh Agarwal

Contd. from the last issue….

CARRIER PIGEON IN INTELLIGENCE AND SPYING :

Pigeons are considered to be one of the most intelligent birds on the planet and able to undertake tasks previously thought to be the sole preserve of humans and primates. The pigeon has also been found to pass the ‘mirror test’ (being able to recognize its reflection in a mirror) and is one of only 6 species, and the only non-mammal, that has this ability. The pigeon can also recognize all 26 letters of the English language as well as being able to conceptualize. In scientific tests pigeons have been found to be able to differentiate between photographs and even differentiate between two different human beings in a photograph when rewarded with food for doing so.

Pigeons have a versatile and extraordinary ability of the pigeon such as the capacity to share attention between different dimensions of a stimulus, ability to learn relatively complex actions and response sequences; and to make responses in different sequences, ability to discriminate between other individual pigeons, and to use the behavior of another individual as a clue to tell them what response to make; And most importantly the ability to remember large numbers of individual images for a long time, e.g. hundreds of images for periods of several years. In addition pigeons have unusual, perhaps unique, abilities to learn routes back to their home from long distances. Amazingly they have the ability to recognize his own image as himself which is there in very few animals on earth.

This ability of the pigeons has been recognized by the military intelligence and used in the world war. Passing on different messaging, taking photographs and other required information was the main purpose of usage of these pigeons.

PIGEONS AS SPY PHOTOGRAPHERS :

During world wars the pigeons were engaged in spying as they flew in enemy area and took important photographs for which they had been given training.

NEWS PAPER CLIPPING SHOWS CAMERAMEN PIGEONS

An automatic miniature camera strapped to the breast of a carrier pigeon was the latest method being employed for the making of aerial photographs in Germany. The camera was timed so that shutter is snapped at regular intervals in bird’s flight.

IN BATTLE FIELD

Among the more unorthodox intelligence methods employed were the employment of carrier pigeons.  Carrier pigeons have served the military for centuries and they were employed extensively during WW II.  Bomber Command aircraft carried 2, which could be released if the aircraft force landed.  Intelligence agents parachuted into occupied territory were equipped with carrier pigeons, so that reports could be submitted.

PIGEON POST CHARGES :

PIGEON POST STAMPS

PIGEON POST: 1899 1/- MARORITI ISLAND PIGEONGRAM STAMP IN RED

GREAT BARRIER PIGEONGRAM AGENCY: 6d blue complete reconstruction of the sheet of 20 (10x2) including three pairs, unused to large-part

Firstly, there were specific stamps made for the pigeon post on Great Barrier Island. These are rather beautifully designed. Also, the proof of a formalized system of pigeon post. It’s an ingenious solution to the problem of communicating information over long distances, but at the same time it has a touch of fantasy about it which gives immense pleasure.

ORISSA POLICE PIGEON POST

Issued in 1989 to pay tribute to the last Pigeon Post service still in service

1899, 1st Pigeongram Overprint, Block of four

Only 960 issued and approximately 160 were used. Accompanied by a photograph of the block of four that was part of the Fitzgerald collection now in the British Museum. There are no known sheets of the Third Issue. A rare block

Pigeon with letter - multicolored 2 stamps

PIGEON POST ORDER / MESSAGE FORMS

GREAT BARRIER PIGEONGRAM AGENCY FORM

Type 8 "flimsy" with 'NEW ZEALAND PATRIOTIC FUND/Excursion to Great Barrier Island ss Mararoa

Jan 29th 1900" at the base, with Triangle 1/- red tied by boxed 'GBPA/JAN 29 00/NZ' date stamp

The message in pencil states "We are out on the excursion a little bird will bring this to you...its journey will be about 90 miles across the sea...". With the envelope in which the message was delivered to a box at the GPO - sadly the postage stamp removed - with boxed Agency date stamp on the flap & part-Auckland cds of 30JA00

NEW ZEALAND 1899 GREAT BARRIER PIGEON MAIL FORM

The pigeongramme that was sent to Tony Benn by Lord Bath ,Patron, Bath Postal Museum

wishing the London 2010: Festival of Stamps every success.

(Photo: Bath Postal Museum )

On 23rd March the Marquess of Bath, a patron of the Bath Postal Museum, dispatched a message by carrier pigeon from outside the Guildhall in the centre of Bath to Tony Benn in London. Lord Bath’s message wished the London 2010 : Festival of Stamps every success. Tony Benn was the ideal receiver of this message, being the last Minister of Posts and Telecommunications in Britain. The message was written on an original pigeongramme form as used in WWII, which is very lightweight paper that weighed only one gram. During the occasion while promoting the museum’s latest exhibition covering some of the major events in the reign of King George V., Colin Baker of Bath Postal Museum said “The way this pigeon message has been sent will show people how communication always played an important role in our society. Although there was no internet in King George V’s reign, the techniques used in his days were often faster than some of the methods we currently employ.”

Message form Pontarlier delivered by telegram in Paris on 5th February 1871,

PIGEONGRAM

Pigeongram issued during 144^th anniversary of Cuttack Club

Pigeongram flown during First Pigeon Flight of the Royal Indian Navy on 6^th April 1941 from Kalyan to a distance about 30 Miles Bombay. . Each bird carried eight slips of Message from Sir Roger Lumley, G.C.I.E., T.D., Governor of Bombay to Vice-Admiral Fitz-Herbert, C.B., C.M.G., Flag Officer Commanding, RIN.

A letter delivered by a carrier pigeon named Eclipse who flew it from Asansol to Calcutta, 1931

Image: collection Museum of Communication

1993 INPEX PIGEONGRAM OVERPRINT "SPECIMEN" IN RED ONLY

VARIOUS PIGEONGRAM OF INDIA ISSUED DURING VARIOUS EVENTS

INDIA 1981 PIGEON FLOWN COVER LEOPEX RARE PIEGEONGRAM

To be contd…....

 

JAINISM

 

 

- Sudhir Jain

Contd. from the last issue…..

VEGETARIANISM (VEGETARIAN ALWAYS HAPPY)

Jain philosophy always advocates for Vegetarianism which is the practice of not eating meat. Vegetarians regard the flesh of all animals, including that of fish and poultry, as meat. Vegetarians avoid eating meat because of moral or religious beliefs. They believe it is wrong to kill animals for food. Eating meat is also unhealthy. Jains are vegetarian. Vegetarianism prohibits the consumption of meat, fish, egg, birds, honey etc.

Charles Darwin, St. Francis of Assisi, Benjamin Franklin, Walter P. George, Mahatma Gandhi, Ravindra Nath Tagore, William Shakespeare, Albert Einstein, Leo Tolstoy etc. were vegetarian.

EGG IS NOT VEGETARIAN

Approximately 150 diseases are produced by eating EGGS. This has been brought into notice of by Medical Scientists. These disorders are prevalent among certain communities and endemic zones. Their prevention is important because majority of them have no treatment

SIDDHA

There are five different auspicious occasions in the life of every Tirthankar which are beneficial for human being, known as PANCHKALYANAK. They are - GARBHA (Conceivement), JANMA (Birth), TAPA (Renunciation), GYAN (Enlightenment) and NIRWAN / MOKSHA (Final liberation).

After Nirwan / Moksha (Final liberation / freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth) the soul becomes shapeless “SIDDHA”. When a new idol of any Tirthankar is to be installed in a newly constructed or renovated temple, Panch Kalyanak Pratistha of that idol is held to make the idol worshipable.

GARBHA (Conceivment)

According to Jain Mythology, Six months prior to the conceivement of every Tirthankar, KUBER, the God of Wealth, starts showering Gems continuously which denotes that TIRTHANKAR will take birth in near future. Pleasant weather prevails through out the period till the birth of Tirthankar. The mother of Tirthankar has the sixteen auspicious dreams which denotes that she has conceived a soul of TIRTHANKAR.

JANMA (Birth)

According to Jain mythology, on the birth of a Tirthankar, LORD INDRA comes from alkapuri (heaven) and takes the infant Tirthankar on his carriage AIRAVAT (White elephants with seven trunks) to the top of Mount Sumeru hill in a procession where the infant Tirthankar is bathed by 1008 Gold Kalash.

TAPA (Renunciation)

According to Jain mythology, when the TIRTHANKAR renounce the WORLDLY AFFAIRS and become

ASCETIC, they do not have any attachment even with their body as they pluck their hair with their own

hands and go into deep meditation for the upliftment of their soul and the benefit of all the beings.

GYAN (Enlightenment)

According to Jain mythology, after several years of deep meditation, Tirthankar get KEWAL GYAN (Enlightenment) and start preaching for the upliftment of soul and benefit of all the beings as everything of past, present and future becomes crystal clear to them.

MOKSHA (Final Liberation)

According to Jain mythology, after several years of preaching, TIRTHANKAR attain NIRWAN - MOKSHA, the final liberation from the cycle of Birth and Death. Their Soul become Shapeless as “SIDDHA” which means liberated. Their body evaporates like camphor and the remains are cremated by AGNI KUMAR (The God of Fire). This day is celebrated as NIRWAN DIWAS.

To be contd….

Mr Sudhir Jain may be contacted at email : mrsudhirjain@yahoo.com

Something of interest, also for non-philatelists….

By Dr Avinash B. Jagtap

What can go wrong?

1. The stamp used for paying postage

When we post a letter or receive a letter, even before opening it, we come across some abnormalities. These abnormalities may result as in case of the adhesive stamp on it, its cancellation, the address written on the envelope or some usual instructions to the post, such as “registered letter” to be sent urgently (“A” Post in Europe) or by “snail mail” (“B” Post). Many of us may not even take these details seriously or may not find them worth noticing at all, as many of us are concerned with the contents of the letter, the news as such.

 

Fig 1

First, we may have a close view of the stamp affixed to the cover. Here I have some funny examples from my own collection. One cover, although in a torn condition, was sent from Sirur in Poona District on 25^th August 1895 (Fig.1).

The stamp affixed to the cover however, is not a regular postage stamp, but a revenue stamp. The revenue stamps were not permitted for paying postage. Surprisingly, the postman in charge, who defaced the stamp did not know perhaps this fact. The envelope was addressed to Mr. Smith in Poona. There is the arrival circular date stamp of Poona on the reverse side, indicating that this letter had gone through postal circulation. It is possible that the part of the cover which is missing might have carried some remarks or a due-mark on it. It is also surprising that there must be quite a few Smiths in Poona at that time. In any case, the use of revenue stamp for paying postage is to be taken as an error.

Fig 2

A tiny KGV postal stationery cover (Fig.2) with extra adhesives of ½ Anna and 2 Annas affixed to it was dispatched from Bernares City to Leipzig (Germany), however while defacing the die and the postage stamps, the 2As stamp, which was affixed rather far apart, remained unnoticed and escaped cancellation. This fact was noticed when this envelope was sorted out for the delivery, the German Post defaced this stamp not with their obliterator, but rightfully by a neutral stamp reading “Entwerted / in Leipzig” (“Defaced/In Leipzig”) in an rectangular box, such a neutral obliteration, I believe, may be unique in those days (1913 1921).

Fig 3

Another cover which was posted from Bombay (confirmed by Renouf Type 17 cancellation for Bombay (s. Fig 3) bears a British stamp (KGVI/1 ½ d). Even in those days, the British were not allowed to use British adhesives for paying postage in India. The cover bears on the reverse the signature of a military personnel (Capt. G.P.Clasty?) and has gone through Censor (as indicated by the stamp) There are no other remarks or stamps on the cover. Usually, covers with postage stamp of a foreign country (in this case a British adhesive), defaced by an Indian obliterator must be considered as scare, remarkably this obliterator was in use during 1873-1884!

2. When the letter misses its destination:

The letters sorting out the letters received at the head post offices the knowledge of the sorter is put to the test. Many times the postman’s general knowledge, pertaining to geography of a certain country is not so sound, the posted letter may suffer delay as it may be placed in a bag, where the letters collected will be sent to some other destination. For example a letter which was meant for Austria, was sent all the way to Australia and then it has to be re-sent to Europe! I have here a cover (Fig.4) which was addressed to Vienna; but in the bracket the ultimate destination of the country was (wrongly) written “Australia”. Having wrongly sent to Australia, it was freshly re-destined to Austria. There is a short instruction in manuscript reading “Try Austria”. The mistake lies obviously not on part of the sorter; but on the sender of the letter, as he had typed “Vienna (Australia)”. The sender was obliged to pay the fine of 9.60 Austrian Schillings and to accept the delay caused.

Fig 4

It looks like a stamp, but it is not a stamp

Fig 5

A few days ago I happen to receive a large-size cover on which four regular definitive stamps and three labels, which very much look like stamps, were affixed (s.Fig.5)The following piece shows that not only the regular postage stamps, but also the same size colourful labels, with wavy margins (suggesting perforations!), all were defaced by round date obliterator!

Fig 6

Another cover (Fig. 6) was affixed with a postage stamp and a label with Christmas greeting was also affixed on the left hand corner at the bottom. As this cover was put up side down on the automatic cancellation track, it was the label which got cancelled, but not the real stamp!

Dr Avinsah B. Jagtap may be contacted at email : abjagtap@hotmail.com

New Issues from other countries

Some  countries brought beautiful philatelic items commemorating INDIPEX 2011. It includes some Miniature sheets of the following.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA -   Brought out two MS on Mahatma Gandhi with the design on Gateway of India.

URUGUAY – Brought out a MS on Rabindra Nath Tagore.

DPR KOREA – Brought out a beautiful MS on Aero philately with Indian Tuskers, Globe shows the map of hosting country and coconut trees.

ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES – Brought out a beautiful MS on Indian Spices. It includes the spices of Saffron, Chillies, Curryleaves, Turmaric, Peppercoms and Cinnamon.

THE GAMBIA – The Gambia brought out two MS on Bengal Tigers.   Orange and White tigers with Taj in inset.

MALAYSIA -  Brought out a MS on Children’s pet Rabbit.

MICRONESIA – Federated State of Micronesia brought out two MS on Mahatma Gandhi.

THE PITCAIRN ISLAND – Brought out one MS as a participant in Indipex 2011recognizes India’s sacred Lotus and Taj.

Sierra Leone – Taj &   L otus

TUVALU – Brought  out two MS  on Personalities of India. One on Mahatma Gandhi and the other on  Amrita Sher Gil, Subrmanyan Chandrasekhar, Satyajit Ray and Rabindranath Tagore.

SINGAPORE – Brought out one MS on animal life.

New Zealand – Brought out a MS on three Scenic.

See  some images : http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/2011/02/new-stamps-on-indipex-2011.html

 

 

La Postel issued a stamp on  Henri Péquet on 18.02.2011

On February 18, 1911, French pilot Henri Pequet (1888-1974) carried the official airmail; a sack with about 6,000 cards and letters on his Humber biplane. The plane flew a distance of five miles, from an Allahabad polo field, over the Yamuna River, to Naini. All mails were marked with a large magenta cachet showing a plane within a double lined circle, inscribed “First Aerial Post — 1911 — U.P. Exhibition Allahabad“.

Pequet was in India flying demonstration flights for the United Provinces Exhibition in Allahabad. Walter Windham (1868-1942), a British aviation pioneer, organized the aerial demonstrations. The event marked the first time airplanes flew in India. The stamp will be issued in sheet of 40 or in mini sheet of 10.  There is also a print card engraved .

Australia

27 January Charity stamps for Queensland Flood

Australia Post released a set of stamps featuring graphic pictures of the Queensland floods. Featuring five images from the Queensland floods, the 60 cent stamps will be available in a sheet of 10 that will be sold for $8, with $2 from the sale of each sheet to be donated to the Queensland Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal.

Austria

14 January : Violin – 1 val

Christmas Island

11 January Chinese Lunar year – 2 val

Cyprus

28 January : Famous Composers - Johann Sebastian Bach, Mozart & Beethoven

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) was a German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist whose sacred and secular works for choir, orchestra, and solo instruments drew together the strands of the Baroque period and brought it to its ultimate maturity. He enriched the prevailing German style with a robust contrapuntal technique, an unrivalled control of harmonic and motivic organization, and the adaptation of rhythms, forms and textures.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 -1791) was a prolific and influential composer of the Classical era. He composed over 600 works, many acknowledged as pinnacles of symphonic, concertante, chamber, piano, operatic, and choral music. He is among the most enduringly popular of classical composers.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 -1827) was a German composer and pianist. He is considered to have been the most crucial figure in the transitional period between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western classical music, and remains one of the most famous and influential composers of all time.

Israel

7 Feb: WWF ( Leopard) – 4 val

Poland

4 Feb : Field Hockey – 2,40 zt

11 Feb : 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE VISEGRAD GROUP -3 zt

28 Feb : Nationwide week of Cystic Fibrosis – 1,55 zt

Thailand

1 February The Eight Chinese Deities – 6 val

5 Feb 150^th Anniversary of Charoen Krung Road – 1val

7 Feb Symbol of Love stamps – 2 val.

USA

March 2011 : Latin Music Legends – 5 val.

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.

Dear philatelists,

Please solve the mystery regarding total printing quantity of khadi stamps.

khadi stamps presentation packs shows total printing quantity of khadi stamp miniature sheets are 0.01 million ( it means only 10000 Nos. ) but postal staff official persons ( those selling it, at counters ) inform total quantity of khadi stamp miniature sheets is 0.1 million ( 1 lakh ) not 10000 as printed in presentation packs.
Who is correct ?

If it is printing mistake in presentation pack ,then it is moral duty of Postal deptt. to clarify regarding actual printing quantity of Khadi stamp miniature sheets by issue an official notice.

- Er. H.K.Jain
09425484703

Philatelic Library

e books on Philately : All about Stamp Collecting

http://www.scribd.com/doc/37667833/Stamp-Collecting

Stamps on Astronomy & Cosmology

http://library.buffalo.edu/libraries/asl/exhibits/stamps/astronomy/

New Blogs & Websites

Hockey on Stamps : www.hockeyonstamps.com It is a specialized website on Hocky stamps. Sports lovers wud admire it very much.

Cricket Memorabilia : www.nazimcricket.com/stamps.php - It is a specific website on Cricket theme

Ferozpur Collection : http://www.myferozepur.com/ - Special website created by Narinder Sethi of New Delhi on Ferozpur covers.

Gandhi Stamps :   http://gandhistamps.com - The website is a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi Philately. All the stamps issued on Mahatma Gandhi from various countries in the World have been featured.

Phila Mirror : http://philamirror.info/ - It is a very informative site. Regular updates on Indian & foreign stamps and news from the philatelic world are given on this site. This is a very useful site for every philatelist.

Indian Stamps for your Virtually : http://indianphilately.blogspot.com/ A nice blog has been created by Mr Kumar Kamaleshan Nair of Trivandrum. The regularly updated blog gives details about Indian stamps. The blog is beautifully designed by Mr Nair.

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://jefferson-stamp.blogspot.com/ Stamp - Blog on COSTUMES, DANCES, CULTURES, FOLKLORES, ORIGINAL INHABITANT, UNIFORM MILITARY, & COAT OF ARMS

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://dorincard.blogspot.com Donicard Language: English Topics: maximum cards, stamps, postcards Description: Focus on wild mammals on (traditional or non-traditional) maximum cards..

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.

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

Do You Know ??

First Airmail ??

This wasn't 100 years ago on ……..: Fred Wiseman flew on 17 February 1911 from Petaluma to Santa Rosa (California) and on board he carried three covers. This was the first airmail carried by an airplane. 
The next day, on 18 February 1911, the first official airmail was carried between Allahabad and Naini in India. Both events mark the beginning of airmail transportation, and both first flights happened just 100 years ago..……

The call of Time

Pradeep Kumar Mallik

This is a unique example of getting public contribution in restoration and preservation of a World Heritage monument in France. Cooperation of French citizens contributed in restoring the glory of “Park and Palace of Versailles”, the principal residence of the Kings of France from Louis XIV to Louis XVI, the Versailles palace, embellished by several generations of architects, sculptors, decorators and landscape architects, has for more than a century provided Europe with the very model of a royal residence, situated in Yvelines province of France. UNESCO inscribed “Palace and Park of Versailles” as World Heritage in year 1979.

 

In year 1999, many artifacts and the garden of this palace were damaged due to cyclone. The Society responsible for preservation of this World Heritage circulated an innovative idea for the collection of fund for restoration of its lost grandeur. Society proposed that any willing person can adopt a tree of the park by paying Euro 150. Immediately the society got sponsors for 10000 trees of the arena, it surprised the society too.

Encouraged by this success, the same idea was again utilized in year 2005. This time the sponsorships ware invited for the sculptures in the park and palace of Versailles by paying 3000 to 3500 Euros. 66% tax rebate was allowed for such contributions. This time around 30 sponsors come forward for renovation of statues and vases. Around a million Euros were collected for the noble work. Not only the people of nearby area but from throughout the country people participated in this unique task of renovation of a World Heritage.

We should not do anything that can harm any of our heritages but the call of time is that one must contribute generously for the restoration of the glory of our legacies from the past, the World Heritage Sites.

Promotional section

Book Review

Year Book of Indian Philately 2010

Mr. Madan Middha of Gwalior has brought out 2010 edition of Year Book of Indian Philately . Mr Middha is a well known philatelist and an enthusiastic compiler and writer. In Indipex 2011, Mr Middha won a bronze medal for the Year Book in Literature Class. His great efforts enabled him to publish this next edition of the book.  It is very informative for all collectors as it contains all necessary data of Indian philately and activities during the year 2010. Besides different data, covering different aspects of Indian Philately 2010, it contains comprehensive articles by noted philatelists of India. Articles cover various important topics of Philately.

The book contains more than 264 pages with 30 Chapters and it covers stamps, sheetlets, Postmarks/ Cancellations, Events, Baton Relay Covers, Society News, International Exhibitions, Philatelic Periodicals, Current Postal Rates & Philatelic Museums of the world and a variety of informative articles by well known philatelists of India. The book will prove to be useful for all Stamp Lovers. It is an essential reference book which is recommended to all the lovers of Indian philately and philatelists in general.

Price Rs 200 US $ 15 Contact Address : Madan Middha, Saket Vihar, Phalka Bazar,

Gwalior 474001. e mail : madan_middha@yahoo.co.in Ph. 0 930 110 1244

Year Book 2011

Mr Madan Middha the publisher of Year Book of Indian Philately needs suggestions from the Readers for Year Book 2011..for which he has started working Readers are requested to send their suggestions about contents of the new edition. Articles are also invited from the readers. Please contact Mr Middia email madan_middha@yahoo.co.in

INDIPEX DAILY

Mr Vijay Seth and Mr Pulak Gupta had brought out Special Color News Daily  “ INDIPEX 2011 Show Daily “ for all seven days of INDIPEX. PDF copy of these issues may be obtained from Mr Vijay Seth or Mr Pulak Gupta at e - mail :   indipex2011showdaily@gmail.com  or   vijay_hseth@yahoo.co.in 

Max cards and Private FDCs on Legendary Heroines of India

Mr John Emanuel Boben of Trivandrum has preoared beautiful Maxim Cards and Private FDCs on Legendary Heroines of India. He may be contacted at email : annakutty.03@gmail.com Click following link to view Maxim Cards and FDCs.

http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/2011/02/legendary-heroines-of-india-maxim-cards.html

Picture Post cards on 100 Years of Airmail

Mr Vipan Kumar Thakur of Chandigarh   has prepared some Picture Postcards duly cancelled with stamps for 100 years of Airmail . He may be contacted at e mail : philavpnthakur@rediffmail.com Click following link to view cards : http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/2011/02/100-years-of-air-mail-picture-postcards.html

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

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

I have  gone through the latest of your newsletter. So much of information in one place. Great. You are doing a selfless wonderful service to the philatelic community. I am a regular reader of your daily news and monthly news letter and learning many more things by going through them. You by your wonderful presentations are encouraging many philatelists to explore new avenues in philately.

Shrikant Parikh, Ahmedabad

Nice to go thru your Feb.2011 RSN !

Variety of informations and news....very impressive. I am glad you can continuously produce such excellent issue, every month. Many Congratulations.

Naresh Agarwal, Bilaspur (CG)

Bulletin is wonderful. Lot's of articles and the best one if I say is the charm of INDIPEX. .  Interview of Mr. Dhir..is. excellent. . congrats for such nice bulletin before INDIPEX...

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 every day on this blog.

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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, International Stamp News ; Sreejesh Krishnan - Trivandum ; Ashwani Dubey ;   Sudhir Jain- Satna (MP) ; Eli Moallem – Israel;· Dieter Leader – Germany; Dr Pradip Jain – Balod (CG)

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.

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

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