Rainbow Stamp News: June 2012

Olympics 2012 – The Road to London !!

Shimla July 2012 Vol. V Issue # 55

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 –

Ms. 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 2012 Olympics are going to be held in London, from 27 July to 12 August 2012.The sport lovers are enthusiastic all over the world to watch this greatest Sports event . To celebrate this gala event I am bringing out two Olympic special issues of Rainbow in the month of July and August . In this issue, I have published some interesting articles and experiences on Olympic philately by our esteemed contributors Dinesh Chandra Sharma and Jaganntah Mani who are noted Olympic philatelists of India. Hope you will find this issue interesting!!

Once again my strong appeal to India Post to issue soon a set of special postage stamps to commemorate 2012 London Olympics, the greatest sports event which is eagerly awaited by one and all. The whole philatelic community is requested to continue its campaign in every possible manner for the issue of Olympic stamps by India Post !!

This is all for this month…More in Next Issue…Till Then …..Happy Collecting !!

-- Jeevan Jyoti

Contents

· Recent Indian Issues

· In The News

· Interview

· From the Desk of Naresh Agarwal

· Olympic Special

· Specialized Section

· New Issues from Other Countries

· Philatelic Clubs and Societies

· Blogs & Websites on Philately

· Literature on Indian Philately

· The Lighter Side

· New Philatelic Publications

· Editor’s Mail Box

· Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

Recent Indian Issues

· 12 April IT College, Lucknow

· 17 April 2012 Godiji Temple, Mumbai – Rs 5

· 18 April 2012 R. Ventkataraman

· 16 May 2012 Karpoor Chandra - Rs 5

· 17 May 2012 M.B.Kadadi – Rs 5

· 27 May 2012 800th Urs festival of Dargah Sharif Ajmer – Rs 20 & Rs 5 + MS

· 20 June 2012 Wall Paintings – Rs 5 & Rs 20 + Sheetlet

Recent Special Cover and Postmark

7 May 2012 – 100 years of St Thomas School, Shimla

7 May 2012 – 25 Years of Speed Post - Shimla

18 June 2012 – special cover on Jainism on the occasion of 24 Jinalay Pratishtha Mahotsava, Jain Dadabadi, Agra.

31 May 2012 - World No Tobacco Day – Srinagar ( J & K )

View : Special Covers 2012 by India Post

“Save the Sparrow Campaign”

A special pictorial cancellation “Save the Sparrow Campaign” was provided on World Environment Day at Sansad Marg H.P.O. New Delhi. The cancellation was provided at the Post Office upto 16th June 2012.

New pictorial cancellation on Bird from Germany

On June 28^th a new special cancellation was given at Helgoland featuring the bird GUILLEMOT(Uria aalge) . Interested philatelists in the cancellation may contact Wolfgang Beyer,Vice Chairman of the German Collector Group ArGe ZOOLOGIE. Mail: Wolfgang.Beyer@polizei.sachsen.de . Postage rates are 0,75 Euro AIRMAIL or 2,80 Euro REGISTERED AIRMAIL.

In The News

Indonesia 2012 - WORLD STAMP CHAMPIONSHIP

Mr Praful Thakkar of Ahmedabad received a Bronze Medal in Indonesia 2012 for his book ‘Collector's Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India 1947-1964 - Official & Private’ in Literature section.

View : Glimpses of Indonesia 2012

Stamp fairs, auctions boost philately in the era of email

PTI ,Jun 18, 2012

New Delhi, Jun 18 (PTI) The utilty of a postage stamp may have declined in the digital age, but its value as chronicler of history continues to stand the test of time through philately - the long standing hobby of stamp collecting. At the 2nd National Stamp Fair here, enthusiasts seeking to hone their hobby and meet like-minded collectors drooled over rows of precisely stacked transparent file covers filled with stamps documenting important events, celebrities and rulers from world over. Taking off from its first edition last year, the three day event that concludes today organised by the Philatelic Dealers Association (PDA) has brought dealers and philatelists under one roof. "It has witnessed a boost in the past few years, we have become more attuned towards our heritage and stamps are one of the most prized heritage," says Ashish Talwar, Secretary General, PDA. Around 40-odd stamp dealers from across the country made a beeline to the fair to buy and sell their stamps and postal covers. Jigjid, from Mongolia who has been collecting and selling stamps for the past four decades has displayed his prized collection of stamps and postal covers of Jawaharlal Nehru on a separate wall in his section. "This is my fourth visit to India and the response is good," says Jigjid who is participating in the fair with his son Erdene who he hopes will continue his legacy.

America’s Stamp Club Introduces the Stamp Staycation — Travel the USA and the Worldwith the Best Travel Companion, Postage Stamps

Postage stamps are mini-passports that allow the traveler to discover the mysteries of the world and the history of a destination from the comfort of home.

Bellefonte, PA (PRWEB) June 28, 2012

The American Philatelic Society — America’s stamp club — introduces “Stamp Staycations.” Through the magic of postage stamps one can stay at home and experience the world! Become a time traveler and visit the Civil War, or go abroad to the Louvre to marvel at the world’s art masterpieces. Tour the nation’s national parks, from the Grand Canyon to the Great Smokies, or revisit the movies to meet Luke Skywalker and R2-D2. Stamps are the vehicle that can carry a family on a cross-country trip or an adventure beneath the sea. Let the APS be your stamp staycation “cruise director.” Visit http://stamps.org/ Staycation.pdf for activities and more information.

Just what exactly is a “staycation?” According to the online Merriam-Webster dictionary, “a staycation is a vacation spent at home or nearby.” The concept has been around for almost eight years and more Americans are taking staycations than ever before. The reasons for this growing phenomena range from saving money to spending more time with the family, from boosting the local economy to avoiding the hassles of travel. It also is the perfect vacation solution when family members are unable to travel.

Hyperinflation – Weimar Republic Postage Stamps

An article about the German economy in a recent issue of The Economist starts off with, "A stamp collection in Berlin’s German Historical Museum sums up what, to many Germans, is the price of economic recklessness. A Weimar-era postage stamp worth five pfennigs in 1920 doubled in price the following year, then jumped to ten marks in 1922. It cost 30 marks in January 1923, 1,000 marks in May and 800,000 marks in October. By the end of 1923, sending a letter took ten billion marks. Next to this 'document of an insane era', the museum shows how worthless banknotes were defaced by Nazis with caricatures of Jewish speculators. It was at the height of hyperinflation, explains the display, that Hitler staged his failed Munich beer-hall putsch."

Stamp of The Past : Indian Heritage in Philately : Updates

A Stamp Exhibition on Indian Monuments, Museums, Paintings and other historical items on philately has been organized by Archeological Survey of India in collaboration with India Post at New Delhi. The Subject of the Exhibits includes Indian Cultural Heritage, Monuments, Museums, Coins, Antiquities and other related stamp and material telling a story about India and its culture. This exhibition is a part of 150 years of ASI in India. The venue for the exhibition is Red Fort New Delhi and will be there for 2 months. 20 frame exhibit is given by India Post, and about 20 frames by Indian Philatelists.

1. Two frame Maximaphily exhibit by Ajay Kumar Mittal , New Delhi
Title of the Exhibit : Incredible India

2. Five frame exhibit by Pradeep Kumar Mallik - PATNA
Title of the Exhibit : Legacy from the Past ( UNESCO - WORLD HERITAGE)

3. One frame exhibit by Moloy Sarkar , Kolkata
Title of the Exhibit : TAJ MAHAL.

4. Five frame exhibit by Timir Shah, Secretary, Baroda Philatelic Society Baroda, Gujarat
Title of the exhibit - Archaeology ( India ) through Philately "

5. One frame exhibit by Jeevan Jyoti, Kullu (H.P.)
Title of the Exhibit : Taj Mahal - The Pride of India

View : Glimpses of the Exhibition

More Pics at following links :

http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.in/2012/05/club-news_28.html

The exhibition will be concluded on 17th July with a function organized by ASI at Red Fort, New Delhi.

Stamp Expo at Chennai

Invites everyone to visit the STAMPS EXPO to be held on 11^th and 12^th of August, 2012 at centrally located Dharmaprakash Hall [non air-conditioned], 10 Raja Annamalai Road, Purasawalkam, Chennai 600084. This is a non-competitive Expo and will open from 10 am till 7 pm on both the days. We hope that this Expo fulfils the long felt need of the Stamp collectors who yearns for a regular Stamp Shows in and around Chennai.

The Stamps Expo will showcase the culture, history, heritage, flora & fauna thro postage stamps. The school children and general public will be treated with these colourful and educative stamps.

There will be limited number of 25 Stamp Dealer Stalls from all over India to cater to the ever growing needs of the stamp collectors. The Dealer Stall will be allotted on first come first allotment basis on payment of Rs. 4,000/- payable to South India Philatelists’ Association.

A Philatelic Auction will take place between 3 to 6 pm on Sunday 12^th August 2012 at the Venue. Philatelists who are interested to participate in the Auction for selling their items need to send the materials and their starting bid price at the latest by 2^nd August 2012. The decision of the Auction Committee is final on all aspects of the Rules for Auction and is binding on all the participants.

For more details contact : Email : sipagold@gmail.com Web : www.sipa.org.in

Interview

It is a great pleasure to publish interview of noted philatelist from Ahmedabad , Mr Ashok Kumar Bayanwala in this issue. He is known for his authentic study in Indian philately and research articles . I am also thankful to Mr Naresh Agarwal for conducting his interview and Mr Prashant Pandya for providing pics and other necessary details . I thank Mr Ashok Bayanwala for sharing his views on various aspects of philately with the readers of Rainbow Stamp News. - Editor

Ashok Kumar Bayanwala hails from Kolkata. He became Solicitor of Calcutta High Court in 1968. He migrated to Ahmedabad in 1970. Presently he is managing Flour Mills ‘Bayanwala Industries Pvt. Ltd.’ at Ahmedabad. He took philately seriously after 1970. Today his main interest is in Postal History of India. (Pre & Post, both) He is basically a collector of India only. His interests are Postal Stationery, Slogans & Special Post Marks, Meter Marks, Airmail, Salvaged Mail, Gandhi, Labels and Postal Services.

He has written hundreds of philatelic articles, which speak of his thoroughness of the subjects dealt. He has won Roake Trophy of India Study Circle for Philately, U.K. for the year 1993 for his article on Value Payable Post. His articles on Modern Indian Postal History from 1947-1957 were published serially in ‘GPA News’ comprising of more than 250 pages. He has authored “Slogans & Special Post Marks of India” – 1982, A Bouquet of Philatelic Articles – 2006 and Decimalisation Redefined – 2007. He was the first philatelist in India to exhibit a collection on one particular city – “Calcutta 1800-1900”. He has an outstanding collection on Preventive Marks which includes “Local Overprints”, “Perfins” and Security Markings used by Postal Department and Public at large. He has won many laurels at International and National Exhibitions for his Collections and Books. He is on the Board of National Jury Members.

He is past president of Gujarat Philatelists’ Association and was instrumental during his tenure as President of GPA in organizing MAHATMAPEX-2001, a philatelic exhibition on Gandhiji on 2^nd October, 2001 in Ahmedabad, with the help of members of GPA.

Mr Ashok Bayanwala may be contacted at email : parthlochan@gmail.com Ph No. 09327030758

Interview with Ashok Bayanwala

1. When did you start collecting stamps? What prompted you to go in for Indian postal history? Why not thematic or any other? While telling us about your philatelic achievements, kindly share with us your most memorable moments in philately?

I started collecting stamps in the year 1961. For a few years, I collected whatever came my way. I was a regular visitor to the establishment of Sri M. C. Sukhani and Shri Manik Jain in Kolkata. My first love was Perfins of India. My first article on Perfins of India was published in Annual issue of 1974 of Stamp Digest. I saw a Philatelic Exhibition for the first time in 1973 at New Delhi. There, I saw majestic collections of stalwarts and became disheartened. I thought that it was not possible for me to build such collections.

After a few months, when I came out from depression, I made up my mind to collect neglected sidelines of Indian Philately. I started collecting Slogan Post Marks, Special Post Marks, Postal Stationery and many other sidelines. Slowly, I was labeled by Stamp Dealers – “If one cannot sell a particular item, go to Mr. Bayanwala, he will buy it.”

My first Book on Slogans & Special Post Marks of India was published in 1982. In the same year my collection on “Calcutta Cancellations” gave me the best exhibit award in WEBPEX-82. Thus, I became a student of Postal History of India. Thematic collections never lured me because I found a bit difficult to collect foreign stamps on a particular subject. I found much easier to collect materials on different Postal Services i.e. Registered Mail, Insurance, Parcel Post, Express Delivery, Value Payable Post, D.L.O., Meter Markings etc.

During 1980’s I wrote many articles on different aspects of Indian Philately, which established me as a research student of Indian Postal History.I was awarded ‘Roake Trophy’ for the best article for 1993 by India Study Circle for Philately, London, U.K. for the History of Value Payable Post.

After becoming the President of Gujarat Philatelists Association, I organized MAHATMAPEX-2001, a philatelic exhibition on Gandhiji on 2^nd October, 2001 in Ahmedabad, with the help of members of GPA. I think that was the most memorable moment or event in Philately for me. After 2001, GPA organized Philatelic Exhibition every year on 2^nd October till 2005 during my tenure as President of GPA.

When India Post dropped the idea to organise a philatelic exhibition to commemorate 150 years of Postage Stamp in India, I had a desire to organise a philatelic exhibition fully devoted on Post Independence India only. We Gujarat Philatelists’ Association and Baroda Philatelic Society jointly organised ‘Dak Bharati-2004’, under the leadership of myself and Mr. Prashant Pandya of Baroda Philatelic Society. It was well appreciated, well attended by philatelist across the country and it was very successful event.

At Stampmania 2009 with Chief Guest Ms. Karuna Pillai, CPMG of Gujarat Circle, Prashant Pandya and others explaining exhibits at Stampmania 2009.

2. Though postal history of pre-independence period of India is very rich, vast and research oriented with many states had their own postal systems and so have tremendous scope. Knowing such a vast scope, you opted for Modern India Postal history, why did you choose it?

It is not correct that I do not collect Pre-Independence Postal History of India. In fact, I started my journey from Special & Slogan Post Marks of India and Calcutta Postal History from 1800. Then I collected many neglected side lines of Postal History of Pre-Independence era.

As my desire was to study such Postal History, where no systematic research had been done, I found Modern Postal History of India is the most neglected subject, even after 50 years. Thus, I was lured to Modern Postal History of India. Mr. Madhukar Jhingan has helped me to procure Postal Guides, Notices, Circulars and Annual Reports. Actually Mr. H. C. Mehta of Ahmedabad and Mr. Jhingan forced me to study and write on Modern Postal History.

3. You have served as jury in various National exhibitions. How do you find the work of jury? Good or bad? Pleasing or tiring? Thankful or thankless? What exactly has been your experience and opinion? Why philatelists dream of becoming jury at higher level?

The work of Jury is Good, pleasing and thankful, because it enriches your knowledge, especially philatelic knowledge. But it becomes bad, tiring and thankless job when your impartial decision is condemned. Juryship is a self imposed examination. One can understand the truth of his philatelic knowledge. But in most cases, we philatelists run after Juryship for recognition in Philatelic World.

4. What do you feel when absolutely fair, justified and impartial decisions are condemned by the participants. What sought of improvements do you recommend in the jury reporting and result declaring and delivering methods in the existing system?

A participant thinks that he is the master of the subject and his collection is the best exhibit. A Juror thinks as a critic. This conflict can be avoided to a great extent, if a critic session is arranged before declaration of results. One should always remember that the thinking of two persons cannot be identical.

5. Presently there is more inclination towards thematic, maximaphily etc. rather than postal history. What can be the reason for this? What exactly is the difference between postal history collection and other classes of philately in terms of pleasure, approach, requirement of funds and time and scope etc.

Presently Philately is being treated as Fast Food. One collector wants a collection without doing much work. Maximaphily or Thematic collection can be built rather faster than Postal History Collection. In my opinion, there is no difference between Postal History collection and other classes of Philately in terms of pleasure, approach, requirement of funds, time and scope. Actually, it depends on a collector, how he is going to handle his collection.

6. Your work in philately has certainly helped Indian postal history collectors. Tell us some thing lying in your philatelic store which is still to be displayed and explored? What are the other fields on which you are working now?

I collect anything & everything of Indian Philately except Indian States and Field Post Offices. In recent past, I was working on mail transmission between different Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Island and Lakshadweep. My other work is on Crash Mail of India, Helicopter Mail and Classical period of Modern Postal History of India.

At Annual Day of Baroda Philatelic Society. Late Mr. R. P. Shah (Ex. President of Baroda Philatelic Society) was facilitated on the Annual Day of BPS in 2003. Mr. Bayanwala is presenting Appriciation Award to Mr. R. P. Shah.

7. A few philatelic societies have done commendable work in the last few years namely Baroda Philatelic Society, Gujarat Philatelic Association, SIPA, Stamp of India by organizing National Level philatelic shows. But the whole burden was taken by them only without any help either from India Post or from any other philatelic club or society. What do you suggest about forming a controlling body/federation of philatelic clubs of India to help and regularize functioning of philatelic clubs and societies?

Ego and self interest always clash between working members of a Society. If we cannot sort out these differences in a society, how can be possible to form a controlling national body.

8. It is seen that philately has now turned in to trade in India. Every collector thinks of selling first rather than enjoying. Money is not spent but invested in philately. This has lead the philatelic field turning in to market where genuine collector is exploited. Where will such approach lead to? Is it not detrimental to development of philately?

“Money is not spent but invested in Philately”. If all collectors think the same way, how it can be detrimental to development of Philately. Only the face of Philately is going to be changed.

9. India post is coming up with various philatelic and collectable products exploiting the sentiments of philatelists by offering very high prices. Simultaneously we see lack of quality in postal products like stamps, cancellations, stationery etc.. How do you look at India Post’s approach towards philately?

At present, India Post’s approach toward philately is to collect all golden eggs in one go, Greeting Post, Customized Post, Meghdoot Post Cards etc. are lost forever, because of greed of India Post. My Stamp is a burning example of the greed of India Post. It was issued on 12^th February, 2011 for 150/- per sheet of 12 Stamps of Rs.5/- each. The price of Sheet was increased to Rs.300/- per sheet at Srinagar on 26^th September, 2011 and again increased to Rs.500/- each on 10^th February, 2012 at Patna. If this happens again in future, it may be lost forever as other products of India Post.

10. How do you look at future of philately?

The future of Philately will be prosperous but the face of Philately will change. Philately is no more an expenditure but has become an investment. Postal History and other side lines are collectable of the past. Today only Postage Stamp is collectable. It may be in any format i.e. Single, Block of four, Sheets, Sheetlets, errors, FDCs, Miniature Sheets etc. If printing of Postage Stamp continues, philately in India will remain forever. Mail carried by couriers will also become collectible as it was in past.

11. A lot of new postal products and services have been introduced. Do you think that these will help promotion of philately in any way?

The new Postal Products and Services will promote philately, if India Post does not encash the madness of a philatelist.

The articles by Shri Ashok Kumar Bayanwala on Modern Indian Philately could be read at : http://modernindianphilately.blogspot.in/

From the Desk of Naresh Agarwal

COMMEMORATING LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS

A few days back I read an appeal in Rainbow stamp club bulletin asking to start campaigning for issuance of postal stamps by India Post on occasion of London Olympics, the biggest sport event held every four years to see the best sport personalities of the world in action. The appeal read as under :

“It is unfortunate that India Post has not yet announced stamps to commemorate London 2012 Olympics. The philatelic community is still in doubt whether any stamp will be issued by India Post to mark this biggest sports event. So all Indian philatelists are requested to join hands and make all possible efforts to pursue India Post for a beautiful set of stamps to mark OLYMPICS 2012. WE all must start a campaign for the issue of commemorative stamps on Olympics 2012 !!”

Participation by any nation in such a great sports event is a matter of pride and honor. Further winning any medal in this event is like a dream come true. For me even participation in Olympic gives you a title of Olympian which is a very big and rich achievement.

We have seen postal authorities of most of the countries are issuing postal stamps to celebrate on this occasion. Australia for example is issuing three commemorative stamps titling “The Road to London” to honor its Olympians and also will be issuing stamps instantly for their Gold medal winners in London Olympics. Such is the enthusiasm. Israel has planned to issue a set of 6 stamps. This shows how seriously and strongly one is connected and concerned. Many other countries have issued or will be issuing stamps on this occasion. This connectivity acts as a motivational stuff for the participants and also for the new upcoming athletes and sports persons.

India has also been issuing stamps on many such occasion. This act of India Post has been highly appreciated by the philatelic fraternity world over and the stamps and other postal stuffs issued / released have made an impact. Many big sports persons have been honored.

Surprisingly, only a few days are left, India Post has not yet declared the stamps to be issued on this occasion by it but it is believed that very nice stamps have already been designed to honor the medal winners of India in the past Olympics games. But it is not understood why such games are being played by India Post before the official start of the Olympic games. This is a serious matter and demand of the people of this state who look forward for release of good postal material including postal stamps to mark, celebrate and commemorate this event.

One must not forget that India Post has been very kind and liberal in its stamp issue policy where even a very good number of people and events of regional stature have been honored and commemorated. Olympics has a global stature and one can think what India Post must have in its store for this event. Otherwise also when whole world is doing great work to mark the event… India post, one of the biggest postal organization can never sit behind and is expected to come out with some wonderful postal material.

In case India Post has not yet thought of this, it must act immediately to keep its and our head high. It must think that this is the right time to honor our athletes and Olympians in front of the world as stamps are considered as ambassador of any country. Moreover, we will be honoring our sports personalities not the British or other nationals.

Let me remind the think tank of India post that it has a big wing to promote philately and also has a philatelic advisory committee too to think on the importance of any such occasion and to decide on issuance of stamps and postal material which could commemorate such event and also help promotion and development of this hobby for which such wing has been formed. I would like to inform that there is a big group / chapter of philatelists who collect and enjoy the Olympic related stamps and other material. In India, only there is a big team of such philatelists who are hard core Olympic Stamp collectors.

I hope and have firm belief that India Post will come out with a strange but beautiful set of stamps to mark this occasion along with other related philatelic materials.

Olympic Special….

“ Olymphilex 2012 – India ”

Perhaps you are aware that OLYMPEX 2012 would be the last Olympic Philatelic Exhibition that would be conducted by Federation International Philately Olympic (FIPO) at the famous British Library, in London, to commemorate the 30th Summer Olympic Games. Sadly, this year the exhibition is open for participation by invitation only and that too the theme is restricted to London Olympics 1908, 1948 and the present one. In Beijing Olympics, in 2008, three Olympic philatelists from the Garden City participated and returned triumphantly with some medal.

Owing to the restrictions cited in paragraph above, sadly, no one from India has been invited for OLYMPEX 2012. Therefore, Olympic Philatelists, from Bangalore, spearheaded by the ever enthusiastic Jagannath Mani, have endeavored to exhibit their lifelong work in the Garden City itself. Proposal turned to reality when the Chief Post Master General, Karnataka Circle, accorded her approval for the conduct of the “Olymphilex 2012 – India” exhibition at the General Post Office from 27th July to 5 August, 2012.

About 40 frames are expected to be displayed by four major budding Olympic Philatelists and a few sport philatelists, including the veteran T.N Prahalad Rao, an octogenarian but with an enthusiasm of a 20 year old.

Special Cover

The release of a special cover with a special cancellation approved by the CPMG Karnataka Circle on 27th July, the inaugural day of the summer Olympics, is scheduled with the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Govt of Karnataka sponsoring the same.

- Cdr. (Retd) U.N. Acharya - Hon Secretary, Naval Philatelic Society & Life Member Karnataka Philatelic Society

Message for the exhibition "Olymphilex 2012 - India" from Maurizio Tecardi , General Secretary International Federation of Olympic Philately (FIPO)"

"On the occasion of the Games of the XXXth Olympiad London 2012, I am pleased that also the Indian olympic-sports philatelists will honor with their exhibits, such an important sport competition that will be held from 27th July to 12th August 2012 in London. I sincerely hope that your exhibition will have the success that it certainly deserves, thus contributing to the promotion of Olympism and of the Olympic spirit throughout such an important country as India is.

A special thank you to the India Post and to the promoters of this initiative.

Best regards,

Maurizio Tecardi

Olympic philatelist - Umesh Shenoy

- Jagannath Mani

Mr. Shenoy an amateur sportsperson and Olympic philatelist who had started collecting postal stamps at a very young age, shifted his track in 1988 and focused on theme “Olympic” Having spent many years in building his collection, Shenoy went on to display his collection in Olymphilex from 1992,

Mr Shenoy done the country proud at the Olympics thrice first time in 1996, where he won the Bronze medal, won Silver each at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics. He had also written book on Olympic philately “Olympics, origin to centenary: a philately journey through the eras” in the Olympic Literature category which won him accolades at the Olympics .

In his collections which displayed during the “ NGPEX – 97 ” National Games Philately Exhibition held in Bangalore, in which he had depicted the stamps in many ways the one sentence, I still remember is “Not many know that Pythagoras, apart from being a mathematician, was also a boxer and used to compete at the Olympics”.

Mr Umesh Shenoy said in an Interview about philately, " When I was a child, philately was a rage. But today only a few clubs remain with some old members. My motive of putting up exhibitions or participating in competitions is to spread awareness on philately. I wish people would realize that stamps are a way of preserving history." He left his legacy to his family members and passed away on 16^th July 2008 following a massive heart attack. He was 63.

30 Years of Federation of International Olympic Philately (FIPO)

– Dinesh Chandra Sharma

7^th December, 1982 was a red letter day for the Olympic and Sports philatelists all over the world as on this day Federation of International Olympic Philately was created by the newly elected International Olympic Committee’s President Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch.

Initially FIPO was an association of Olympic & Sports philatelists from the countries around the world. In 1992 its structure was changed and it became the Federation of National Associations of Olympic and Sports philatelists. FIPO played an important and outstanding role in the promotion and development of Olympic and Sports Philately throughout the world under the great leadership of H.E. Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch who himself was a great Olympic Philatelist. He donated his famous collection of Block of Four stamps to the IOC Olympic Museum at Switzerland.

A team of Olympic philatelic experts consisting of Mr. Maurizio Tecardi as the Secretary General of FIPO and Mr. Manfred Bergman as the IOC Philatelic Department Head and including several other world renowned Olympic philatelists not only remained the driving force behind FIPO but they took the Olympic Philately at its best which had never been before. FIPO achieved high success in developing the interest about Olympic & sports philately among thousands of philatelists all over the world.

" WITH MR. MANFRED BERGMAN OF IOC PHILATELIC DEPARTMENT".

FIPO made it possible for Olympic and Sports philatelists to participate in Olympic Games through the ‘OLYMPHILEX’, the international exhibition of Olympic and Sports philately. It organized 8 editions of ‘OLYMPHILEX’ since 1985 to 2004 out of which 5 held during the Olympic Games (from 1988 to 2004). In 2008 its name was changed to ‘OLYMPEX’ & “OLYMPEX – 2008”, the Olympic Expo Beijing 2008 was held at Beijing during the Beijing Olympic Games.

In June 2010 meeting of IOC Philately, Numismatic and Memorabilia Commission, it was decided to establish a working group of senior representatives of FIPO affiliates with objective of assessing whether there is a need of an international organization of collectors, if so, to draft a model constitution and rules for an organization which might replace FIPO. After the working group submitted its report, it was decided to continue with the same structure of FIPO.

Olympic philatelists were preparing to participate in ‘OLYMPEX – 2012”, but the information from the FIPO secretariat came that “OLYMPEX – 2012” will be held but at a very small scale and only invited exhibits pertaining to London Olympics (London 1908, 1948 and 2012) only would be displayed. Further to this the sad news for Olympic Philatelists was that this would be the last such exhibition to be organized by FIPO.

This postcard promoting “OLYMPHILEX – 2012”was sent to the philatelists and others related to Olympic philately by the ‘Hamburger Event Management GmbH’, Germany.

What Next

I am hopeful that the Olympic Philatelists and collectors would not sit back and the Olympic Philatelic Movement would take another shape at world level. There have been individual efforts by some philatelists to form a national group of Olympic Philatelists in India, but due to being self-centered efforts nothing came in to real existence. As and when I met Mr. Tecardi, he showed his desire to see an exhibition of Olympic and Sports Philately in India. Being a member of FIPO I received a letter from FIPO seeking the formation of a national body in India in 1992 when FIPO’s structure was changed. Since I went for an overseas assignment, my contribution was not possible. After returning to India I tried to do something in this matter but the people who tried to form a national association before did not come forward and new people I met or communicated with never seems to be interested in such project.

Where ever there are National Olympic Philatelists Associations, they are well supported by their National Olympic Committees, but Indian Olympic Associations doesn’t seem to be interested in such things. I feel proud to state that in 1994 I was nominated as the member of newly formed ‘ Nauru Olympic Committee’ on the basis of my interest and achievements in Olympic Philately. It is very sad that we don’t get importance in our own country while we receive high honours and laurels from other countries. Olympic Philately has given me so much that I would definitely do something for my nation.

OLYMPHILEX – 2000

- Dinesh Sharma

I always dreamt of visiting an Olympic City for Olympic Games and my dream of visiting Olympic Games came true in the year 2000 when I visited Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The seventh edition of ‘OLYMPHILEX’ was held from 15^th to 28^th September, 2000 during the games of 27^th Olympiad provided me an opportunity to participate in 2 capacities. First – as an individual participant with my exhibit titled “SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES” and second – as a representative of Republic of Nauru Postal Administration.

I visited Sydney many times before and after the Games, but the difference was of Olympic atmosphere which made the city a dreamland in many ways. It was a spectacular show of Olympic Spirit as every one young and old was enjoying each moment of Olympism. The Sydney city Centre and Darling Harbour were converted into cultural centers showcasing the cultural programmes and events from all around the world.

The exhibition venue was at the heart of the city but space allocated to ‘OLYMPHILEX’ was inadequate, therefore a part consisting of promotion class and memoribillia was exhibited at the Australian Mint in Canberra. I visited Canberra for a day before the actual opening of ‘OLYMPHILEX – 2000’ as my exhibit was displayed there too. I was amazed to see the biggest ever exhibit of Olympic memoribillia presented by an American collector. It contained all the torches of Olympic Games since 1936 Berlin Olympics, medals, dresses, equipments and what not. Canberra has always been my favourite city as my first stamp album was sent by my Chachaji (Uncle) while he was there in mid 1970s.

Dinesh Chandra Sharma on right at the opening ceremony of ‘OLYMPHILEX – 2000’. From left in front row Mr. J.A.Samaranch, President of IOC, Mr. Bernard Beston, President ‘OLYMPHILEX – 2000’ and Mr. Bernard Doherthy, Commisionner General, ‘OLYMPHILEX – 2000’.

The idea of putting together all the sections of Olympic and Sports exhibits (philately, numismatics and memoribillia) in a single exhibition turned out to be excellent as it attracted thousands of visitors. I felt very privileged of witnessing such an outstanding event. My friend late Mr. U.V.Shenoi from India also went there with his wife. He presented 3 exhibits including one in literature class. Mr. Shenoi a keen Olympic Philatelist from Mumbai was much elder than me but he always paid me very high regards. His company during ‘OLYMPHILEX’ and Olympics will always be there in my heart throughout my life.

From left Mr. Dinesh Sharma, Mr. U. V. Shenoi Mr. B Trevor, Asst. Director Nauru Post, and Korean Representative of ‘Olympic Collectors Fair’ to be held in Korea.

At ‘OLYMPHILEX – 2000’ I won a Large Silver medal for the first time in ‘OLYMPHILEX’. I was thrilled to know that Mr. J.A. Samaranch, the IOC president will be there in Palmares to give away the medals. But it was unfortunate that he had to fly back to his home country Spain to attend his wife’s funeral. You don’t get everything in your life as per your desire and my dream of receiving my medal from the ‘Father of FIPO’ remained unfulfilled. Although this was my 7^th ‘OLYMPHILEX’ as a participant but it was a great pleasure that I could receive my medal in the Plamares personally. The organizing committee did not prepare special medals for ‘OLYMPHILEX – 2000’ but they gave the medals of Australian Philatelic federation with the engraving ‘OLYMPHILEX – 2000’ in the promotion class, while in FIP competitive Class award winners received a trophy with the cutout of Australian map in the background and either of the Balls – Golf, Cricket, Hockey etc. in foreground.

The Palmares was attended by the world’s renowned Olympic Philatelists. A new regulation was used for the first time and the Champion Gold, Silver & Bronze medals were awarded to the exhibitors. The jury members voted openly for the best shortlisted exhibits of the exhibition and the medals were awarded according to the grand total. Late Mrs. Franceska Rapkin became the first Champion Gold medalist under these new regulations. She was a great Olympic Philatelist and I had a chance to meet her in Beijing in 1999 at China during ‘CHINA – 99’, the World Philatelic Exhibition. Her advice made it possible for me to improve my Olympics exhibit to fetch my first FIP Vermeil Medal in 2001 at ‘PHILANIPPON – 2001’.

From left Mr. Maurizio Tecardi, Secretary General of FIPO, Mr. Knud Mohr, FIP President Mr. Dinesh Sharma and Dr. Ed Druce of Australia, at Palmares of ‘OLYMPHILEX – 2000’. On White board is the result of Champion Gold, Silver & Bronze medals.

Participation in the International Exhibition of Olympic & Sports Philately

1985 – 2008 From OLYMPHILEX to OLYMPEX

It was mid of June, 1984 when I came to know about the “OLYMPHILEX – 85”. During my visit to ADG Philately at Dawk Bhavan, New Delhi, I saw the prospectus of “OLYMPHILEX – 85” on his table. With great curiosity I have gone through after taking his permission. Knowing my interest in Olympic Philately he gave me the Entry Form, which I forwarded to the organizing committee at Switzerland.

On 17^th December, 1984 I was thrilled to receive a letter confirming my exhibit’s acceptance. At that time it was a very big moment for me to participate in an international exhibition as I never participated even in a national exhibition. My exhibit titled “OLYMPIC GAMES” had won only one medal (a Silver Bronze) at State level Philatelic exhibition up to that time.

Being a sport lover, I always wanted to participate in the Olympic Games, but my sporting skills were not good enough to participate in Olympics. My Olympic Philatelic Collection enabled me to get my first international medal and it was an Olympic Medal from the ‘International Olympic Committee’ through my participation at “OLYMPHILEX – 85”. The “OLYMPHILEX – 85” was held at the Palais de Beaulieu from 18^th to 24^th March, 1985 in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Head Quarters of ‘International Olympic Committee’.

In 1985 I never thought of participating in all the editions of ‘OLYMPHILEX’. I never bothered what medal I would get and kept on participating. Of course I tried to improve my exhibit each time it was sent for exhibition. Competing with European and American exhibitors was very tough. Even Chinese are giving tough competition since last one decade or so. Getting high quality philatelic material in India for Olympics was difficult and even in 21^st Century the situation is same. Making a high standard exhibit on Olympics is not only difficult but one needs to have a very big pocket. I am grateful to God and to all those who helped me in making one of the finest collections of Olympic Philately in India. I enjoyed each moment of my collecting .

Editor’s Note : Dinesh Sharma holds the privilege of being the only person from Australasia to participate in all the 8 editions of OLYMPHILEX and OLYMPEX. 12 Medals in six Olympic Games from Seoul, 1988 to Beijing 2008 is an outstanding Record. Matching such a Record is near to impossible for an Olympic philatelist. I am also pleased to share here with the Readers that Dinesh is not only a noted Olympic Philatelist but my college time friend too and we both started participating in exhibitions at Junior level from UPHILEX – 84 at Lucknow. I am proud that my friend is a renowned International Olympic Philatelist now and I wish him all the best for his participation in future philatelic exhibitions.

Specialized Section

International Reply Coupon

In native country demand for an SASE (Self-addressed stamped envelope) can easily be met but for outside where your country stamp is not valid for postage, problem arises and to solve it many suggestions put forwarded e.g. the Reply Paid Postcard (carte postale avec reponse payee), International reply stamps etc. but for a number of reasons they were not acceptable to the members of the UPU. The UPU was formally established in 1874. After many years of discussions, during the 1906 Rome congress of UPU postal administrations, the concept of the International Reply Coupon was agreed upon.

The first day the IRCs were issued was October 1st, 1907 and was an immediate success. It has universal validity and until the end of 1990 all IRCs were able to be exchanged for a stamp(s) prepaying a letter to be sent by surface mail. The Washington Convention became effective 1 January 1991 and saw an IRC able to be exchanged for a stamp(s) for a letter to be sent abroad via airmail.

The format of coupon agreed to at the 1906 Rome Congress

Before selling, a postmark at the left on the face of the coupon is applied which indicates where and when the coupon was issued and on the time of its redemption, it is postmarked at right by the redeeming postal clerk, who then keeps it and provides the correct amount of postage to the bearer. This box is marked “Timbre de bureau qui effectue l’échange”, which means: “Stamp of the office making the exchange”.

Issued and redeemed IRCs

UPU member postal services are obliged to exchange an IRC for postage, but are not obliged to sell them.

Prices for IRCs also vary by country and have an expiry date.

When U.S. international postage rates were increased in July 1995, the cost of an IRC was increased from 95¢ to $1.05, and a message was transmitted to all U.S. post offices July 11, 1995, stating in part, "Old rate international reply coupons (95¢) will continue to be sold in combination with the 10¢ Red Cloud [stamp] or its equivalent. The additional postage is to be affixed to the IRCs at the point of sale."

This was the first time the Postal Service authorized the use of stamps to revalue an IRC, though the unauthorized use of stamps for this purpose is known for an increase from 22¢ to 26¢ in 1974.

Another variance in IRCs occurred when postal rates occurred within a country. Just as when you had to add a three-cent stamp to get your local mail delivered, IRCs purchased within certain time periods may have both a postmark and an additional postage stamp attached to cover the difference in postage.

The use of added stamps to revalue IRCs following a rate change was authorized by the United States in 1995.

Coupons are occasionally found pasted to the back of envelopes (not just by philatelists); this is certainly irregular; sometimes the overseas post office cancels the coupon in the appropriate hand stamp circle, or draws a blue crayon rectangle around them. Even when taxe marks are applied, however, quite often there is no sign that the item actually paid any postage due

Designs of IRCs

Throughout the life of the International Reply Coupon, the design of the Coupon has had only a single design at any one time, although the design has changed progressively over the years and languages varied in some versions within the same style with varying degrees of ornament and bureaucracy. Each UPU Congress can specify in its resulting Convention a new model as and when required taking into consideration currency and social changes as well as trying to make the IRC simpler to understand for the user.

Every new design of IRC had taken its name from the city where the UPU Congress was held. All together there are six basic designs that have appeared over the past 100 years

1. Rome Model: It is the First design introduced on 1 October 1907 after the 1906 Rome Postal Union Congress depicting an allegorical female figure delivering mail from one part of the globe to another with printed name of the issuing country, and message on the front appearing in a language relevant to the issuing country.

Rome Model, 1907

2. London Model: introduced on 1 July 1930 after the 1929 UPU Congress.

London Model, 1930

3. Vienna Model: introduced on 1 January 1966 after the 1964 Vienna UPU Congress

Vienna Model, 1966

4. Lausanne Model: introduced on 1 July 1975 after the UPU's centenary Congress in 1974 in Lausanne. The front of this IRC is printed in yellow with the design of a bird carrying a letter in its beak, superimposed over the geographic grid of a world globe, with a background of vertical stripes.

Lausanne Model, 1975

5. Beijing Model: It depicts a Beijing girl on front of the IRC introduced on 1 January 2002 after the 1999 Beijing UPU Convention. This model is remembered for introducing the most radical changes to IRCs that have occurred since they first appeared. It is doubled in size to 148 x 105 mm and printed on stiffer paper so that its machine processing gets possible. It also incorporate a lengthy bar code with code lettering and numerals representing the country of issue, dates of printing, its validity ,the value and finally a pair of letters changing from AA to AB etc for each batch of 10,000 IRCs .It is known as Beijing Model No.1

Beijing Model No.1, 2002

A new design was introduced on 1 July 2006 after the 2004 Bucharest UPU Congress returned to an allegorical design using two hands (a detail of the Creation, from the Sistine Chapel) in front of an outline of a postage stamp. It is known as Beijing Model No. 2.

Beijing Model No.2, 2006

It was re-issued with a minor change in design inscribing 100 ans/1907-2007on the featured stamp to mark the centenary of the UPU and popularly known as Beijing Model No.2 -Centenary Issue.

Beijing Model No.2 -Centenary Issue, 2007

6. Nairobi Model : It came into use from 1 July 2009 having a validity ending on 31 December 2012 after the UPU Congress was held in Nairobi in Kenya from 13 August to 3 September 2008 .It was designed by a graphic artist from Luxembourg - Rob van Goor.

Nairobi Model, 2009

Regional Reply Coupons

In addition to IRCs, which are issued throughout the world under the auspices of the Universal Postal Union in Bern, Switzerland, a number of regional reply coupons have been issued by some of the world's smaller postal unions.

The British Empire issued Imperial Reply Coupons and then Commonwealth Reply Coupons used within the British Commonwealth. They first came in use in April 1927 and were invalidated on 31 October 1975.

Imperial and then Commonwealth Reply Coupons, 1927

The French Postal Union issued French Colonial Reply Coupons (and now coupons for the outlying departments) in 1926 and The Postal Union of the Americas and Spain (UPAE) issued coupons in 1936.The Arab Postal Union in 1956.

French Colonial, 1926 and Arab Postal Union coupons, 1956

Several other small postal unions have also issued their own reply coupons: Japan-Manchuria in1936, Japan-Ryukyu in1956 etc.

Japan-Manchuria, 1936 and Japan-Ryukyu, 1956 coupons

The needs for Regional Reply Coupons arouse to meet the benefits of concessionary Empire postal rates. Historically, this concession was introduced on social grounds, for the large volume of correspondence between friends and relatives living in the various countries of the British Empire, also followed by other unions and colonies but most of them were in use for a limited period.

West African postal conference (CAPTEAO)

Making money with IRC

The profit that could be made by taking advantage of the differing postal rates in different countries to buy IRCs cheaply in one country and exchange them for stamps to a larger value in another country was the intended profit generator for a scheme operated by Charles Ponzi.He was an Italian immigrant in USA during 19^th century .With dreams of greatness, Ponzi devised a scheme where large quantities of IRCs were to be bought in countries with week currency and redeemed in countries with strong currency, thereby making large profits. The whole plan ended when he ran out of investors.

The selling price and exchange value in stamps in each country were since adjusted to some extent to remove some of the potential for profit, but ongoing fluctuations in cost of living and exchange rates make it impossible to achieve this completely.

IRC as ‘Ham Currency’

IRCs are very popular among amateur radio operators sending QSL cards to each other. It has traditionally been considered good practice and common courtesy to include an IRC when writing to a foreign operator and expecting a reply by mail.

Such “second hand” IRCs circulate widely within the amateur radio community as “ham currency”, without ever being exchanged for postage stamps.

An Example of Universal Co-operation

The UPU was formally established in 1874 The Universal Postal Union is an organization created to encourage cooperation among postal services of the world. The IRC is a small example of this cooperation, as it is recognized in every UPU country.

A bird with International Reply Coupons as symbolic wings

(Switzerland 1983)

Check List for the Stamps issued worldwide in 2011 related to the theme of ‘UNESCO - World Heritage

Villa Adriana (Italy): Italy issued a stamp on ‘Villa Adriana’, a world Heritage site.

Ouro Preto (Brazil): In continuation of the of ‘Historic City’ Brazil Postal authority issued a stamp on ‘Historic City of Ouro Preto’, a World Heritage Site, to commemorate the 400 years of its foundation.

Komi Forest (Russia): A beautiful Souvenir Sheet depicting the winter landscape of ‘Virgin Komi Forest’, a World Natural Heritage site issued in Russia.

Part 1 : http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.in/2012/06/stamps-2011-on-unesco-world-heritage.html

Part 2 : http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.in/2012/06/international-day-against-drug-abuse.html

Part 3 : http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.in/2012/06/unesco-world-heritage-sites.html

- Pradip Kumar Malik

Pradeep Malik may be contacted at e-mail : mallikphila@gmail.com

To be contd….

New Issues from other countries

Iceland

London Olympics 2012

The 2012 Olympics take place in London, England, from 27 July to 12 August 2012. London will become the first city to officially host the modern Olympic Games three times, having previously done so in 1908 and in 1948. The majority of venues will be divided across London and use will be made of some partially new and temporary venues and structures. The stated goal is not to leave "white elephants", i.e. large structures that no one will be using after the Games.

The Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Village will be situated in Stratford East London where the expropriation of older buildings, which might be demolished, has sparked controversy. The Olympic Stadium is designed to accommodate 80,000 visitors for the opening and closing celebrations of the Games. It will then be converted into a 25,000 seat sports stadium. Certain sports, such as sailing, will take place outside London. The soccer tournaments will be played on famous soccer fields in Scotland and England.

Estonia

1 June 2012 : London Olympics 2012

Slovenia

25 May 2012 : London Olympics

Germany

150 years of German Choral Association stamp

The German Choral Association, with 700,000 active and supporting members in more than 20,000 clubs and choirs is the world's largest organization of music amateur.

Choirs make a full contribution to the development of leisure and create opportunities for encounters from all levels of society and age groups. The members of the GCA are open to foreign fellow citizens and maintain their contacts with independent choral and cultural groups. More than 450 choruses on five continents are members of the GCA - Choirs from Santiago de Chile, Windhoek and Tokyo. The GCA is also engaged in the European and international choral organizations. The German Choral Association collected more young voices than any other organization in Germany: some 100,000 children and young people form the German youth choir singing in the GCA. Men still hold the majority - but children's and youth choirs, mixed choirs and women are redefining the face of the choral landscape.

New Blogs & Websites

NUMISMATIC & PHILATELIC AssociatioN of Vellore FORT - http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm This Numismatic & Philatelic Association is a non profit and non trade motive association that aims to promote the hobbies – Philately (Stamp Collection) and Numismatics (Coin Collection) among children, students, interested individuals among the general public and especially for the budding philatelists and numismatists.

How to Collect Stamps - http://www.howtocollectstamps.com/ The Complete Guide To Stamp Collecting

GANDHI Stamps & Philately Study Circle : http://gandhistampsclub.blogspot.in/ - A new Blog by Ketan Patel .…. Saving Gandhi Philately by trying to bring awareness and exposing illegal activities in Gandhi Stamps and Philately.

Europa Stamps : http://europa-stamps.blogspot.in/ : A blog on Europa, cept, norden & sepac stamps

Phla Mirror : http://philamirror.info/ : The Indian Philately Journal

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 .

Glimpses of Modern Indian Philately : http://modernindianphilately.blogspot.com/

Join Mobile Philately & Stay Updated - http://mobilephilately.blogspot.com/ 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.

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.

Literature on Indian Philately

View : List of Books 1

List of Books 2

Philatelic Clubs & Societies

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

Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra

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

India Study Circle - http://www.indiastudycircle.org/

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/

Numismatic & Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort - http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm

Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur

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

Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat

Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad

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

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

The Army Philatelic Society, Pune

The Lighter Side

What is a Stamp?

A true stamp must feel the tongue of the sender moistening its gum
A stamp must be stuck on a letter
A stamp must experience the dark depths of the post box
A stamp must suffer franking
A stamp must sense the hand of the postman handing the letter to the addressee
A stamp which is not mailed on a letter is no stamp. It has never lived, it is a sham.
It is like a fish who has never swum, a bird which has never flown.
A stamp must have lived as a stamp.

(By Trevor Webster - Acknowledgements to Fish Hoek Philatelic Society)

New Philatelic Publications

YEAR BOOK : 2011 by MADAN MIDDHA

New edition of Year Book edited by Madan Middha has bee released. The book contains articles by noted philatelists Mr Ashok Bayanwala, Naresh Agarwal and Rajesh Paharia on different branches of Philately.The Year book contains 26 Chapters with all impotant details of philatelic activities of the year 2011 like new issues, Postal stationery,Society News, exhibitions, Indian awardees and many other important details. The book is an essential reference book for all collectors . Philatelists would find this book very useful.

Price : Rs 250 - US $ 20

For Book Contact : Madan Middha : email : madan_middha@yahoo.co.in Phone : 9301101244

Fiscals of Jamkhandi State – A study - Col Jayant Dutta and Dr Anjali Dutta

Published by The Army Philatelic Society, Mumbai

Jamkhandi State was one of the princely states of British India. Its capital was at Jamakhandi. It was administered as part of the Bombay Presidency, and later the Deccan States Agency. all fiscal stamps and stamp papers of this state are rare and never found in mint condition.This Monograph by Col Jayanta Dutta and Dr Anjali Dutta gives detailed study of stamp papers and stamps of Jamkhandi State. This Monograph is very informative and useful for those collecting Fiscals.

Journal of The Army Philatelic Society

Chief Editor – Col Jayanta Dutta

The newsletter contains interesting articles on Thematic Philately.This edition contains special articles on Horses, Rhododendron and Maximaphily .

For Monograph on Fiscals of Jamkhandi State and the Journal of The Army Philatelic Society

Please contact Col Jayanta Dutta : email : doctorjayanta2009@gmail.com

Editor’s Mail Box

Dear Madam,

Firstly let me appreciate your work and devotion to philately in the form of nice blog that too with open access facility through ‘RAINBOW STAMP CLUB’. It is really helpful and worthy not only to collectors but to researchers like me.
I’m doing a Ph.D. in Library and Information Science from Nagpur University. My Title is “STUDY OF POSTAGE STAMP AS AN INFORMATION SOURCE: ORIGIN, EVOLUTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PHILATELY WITH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE PROJECTIONS”. This work is an attempt to put forth the importance of postage stamps, their values and their understanding with academic recognition in the form of Academic Degree.
I referred your blog/website and wish to use some ‘exhibition photographs and stamp images’ in the research documents/publications and the thesis.

- Ujwala Nawlakhe

Thank you for sending the June issue of "Rainbow". The article by Dr. Satyendra Agrawal on Stamps with
mythical representaion is excellent!

Dr Avinash B. Jagtap - Switzerland

Really fantastic issue . Very good job done by you and your entire team.

- B D Surana, Kolkata

Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

Stamp of India Collectors’ Companion - India’s first weekly e-newsletter edited by Madhukar and Savita Jhingan from Stamps of India, New Delhi. E-mail: mjhingan@yahoo.com Website: www.stampsofindia.com

India Post – Quarterly Journal of the India Study Circle publishes original articles submitted by members of ISC.

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 \

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. New Post on recent issues, news on stamp activities and Contribution by members are published every day on this blog.

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

Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue – Stamps of India, International Stamp News ; Mansoor B.- Mangalore ; Ashwani Dubey, Dr Avinash Jagtap – Switzerland; Shrikant Parikh – Ahmedabad, Jagammath Mani – Bangalore ; Prashant Pandya & Timir R Shah – Vadodara ; Pradip Jain – Patna; Souvil Roy – Kolkata : Madan Middha – Gwalior; Stamp Collecting Roun Up.. ; Sudhir Jain – Satna (MP)

All the images of this issue have not been included here. For detailed images related to this issue Please Visit: http://www.rainbowstampnews.blogspot.com/

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 or PDF. 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.

Any material from this newsletter may be reproduced only with the written permission from the editor.

…..Happy Collecting…………………………………………………………………

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

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Rainbow Stamp News

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Rainbow July 2012

Stamp fairs, auctions boost philately in the era of email

America’s Stamp Club Introduces the Stamp Staycation — Travel the USA and the Worldwith the Best Travel Companion, Postage Stamps

Hyperinflation – Weimar Republic Postage Stamps

Stamp of The Past : Indian Heritage in Philately : Updates

2. Five frame exhibit by Pradeep Kumar Mallik - PATNA
Title of the Exhibit : Legacy from the Past ( UNESCO - WORLD HERITAGE)

3. One frame exhibit by Moloy Sarkar , Kolkata
Title of the Exhibit : TAJ MAHAL.

4. Five frame exhibit by Timir Shah, Secretary, Baroda Philatelic Society Baroda, Gujarat
Title of the exhibit - Archaeology ( India ) through Philately "

Olympic philatelist - Umesh Shenoy

Join Mobile Philately & Stay Updated - http://mobilephilately.blogspot.com/ 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.

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Rainbow Stamp News

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Rainbow July 2012

Stamp fairs, auctions boost philately in the era of email

America’s Stamp Club Introduces the Stamp Staycation — Travel the USA and the Worldwith the Best Travel Companion, Postage Stamps

Hyperinflation – Weimar Republic Postage Stamps

Stamp of The Past : Indian Heritage in Philately : Updates

2. Five frame exhibit by Pradeep Kumar Mallik - PATNA Title of the Exhibit : Legacy from the Past ( UNESCO - WORLD HERITAGE)

3. One frame exhibit by Moloy Sarkar , Kolkata Title of the Exhibit : TAJ MAHAL.

4. Five frame exhibit by Timir Shah, Secretary, Baroda Philatelic Society Baroda, Gujarat Title of the exhibit - Archaeology ( India ) through Philately "

Olympic philatelist - Umesh Shenoy

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2. Five frame exhibit by Pradeep Kumar Mallik - PATNA
Title of the Exhibit : Legacy from the Past ( UNESCO - WORLD HERITAGE)

3. One frame exhibit by Moloy Sarkar , Kolkata
Title of the Exhibit : TAJ MAHAL.

4. Five frame exhibit by Timir Shah, Secretary, Baroda Philatelic Society Baroda, Gujarat
Title of the exhibit - Archaeology ( India ) through Philately "