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Monthly e-Stamp Bulletin edited and published by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Rainbow February 2013

Sealed with Love

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For Valentine’s Day – 14 February

Date of Issue: 1 February 2013

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This elegant First Day Cover carries an affixed Sealed with Love stamp and a First Day of Issue color postmark. Evoking the romance of handwritten love letters, the stamp art depicts an envelope flap fastened with a red wax seal—a small heart inside a larger heart, surrounded by a delicate filigree circle. The complimentary postmark design features custom script typography, and includes the official First Day of Issue date and location.

Shimla February 2013 Vol. VI Issue # 62

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, CCF, GHNP & Pin Valley National Park, SHAMSHI, Kullu -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,

I am pleased to release February 2013 issue of Rainbow. It is a matter of pleasure that INPEX 2013 is being organized by The Philatelic Society of India. It will give once again a big platform to the philatelists all over India to meet and interact with each other. But at the same time the organizers have disappointed many eligible philatelists living in different parts of the country by not allotting them entry to participate in the exhibition without giving any specific reason. They have received a very vague and irrational response from the organizing committee that their entry is on hold. It should be noted that we have less than one month time for the exhibition and this answer to the applicants is not only unreasonable but ridiculous too. As an applicant, one must get a clear reply at least 30 days before the exhibition in order to give final touch up to his or her exhibit. So what is the meaning of this doubtful status received by the applicants?

Many eligible entries which have won high awards at several exhibitions after INPEX 2008 have been rejected by the organizing committee. The point should be considered that no official exhibition took place after INPEX 2008, Chennai. Only some All India Exhibitions were organized by the leading philatelic societies / organizations of the country namely Baroda Philatelic Society, SIPA and SINE by Stamps of India. The exhibits prepared in this gap of 5 years must be considered in INPEX 2013 which had been awarded in these exhibitions and some district and state level exhibitions.

Moreover there are some states like Himachal Pradesh and some States of the North East where no state level exhibitions have ever been held. So the philatelists of these states do not have the long list of awards to mention in their forms. If INPEX 2013 is considered to be as a National Philatelic Exhibition then, entries from these states must be considered on the basis of awards won at other exhibitions. As far possible, the philatelists of such states must be given privilege in the exhibitions to some extent.

The question arises as to what is the purpose of such exhibitions? Is it to promote this wonderful hobby or to display again and again the same old collections which had already won many awards in the past and honour them with high awards once again? The point should be noted that in this way we shall never achieve the objective of promoting the hobby of philately through such exhibitions rather many new enthusiasts will get disheartened and leave this great hobby gradually.

The present situation demands the new way of thinking and quick action in allotting 40 % frames to the new collections of new philatelists as well as noted philatelists who do not have the tag of long award list in their entry forms for new exhibits but have already won International awards for their other exhibits. I wish to draw the attention of all that state level exhibitions have not been held in many states for the last 5-6 years. Then how new entrants could tag them with state level awards???

It has been observed from discussion with some philatelists and the mails received from some readers that organizers are promoting PCI. As Philatelic Society of India is supposedly accepting entries from those applicants who are in one way or the other associated with the PCI. Anybody who is not associated with PCI will not be allowed to participate. The organizers are virtually compelling the exhibitors to become the member of PCI which is defunct national body. A very good move to increase membership, but at the cost of decision of acceptance or rejection of entries. This is absolutely not fair as some states like Himachal Pradesh has not any registered society. So the philatelists of this state are always ignored !!

This is all for this month…More in next issue….…..Happy Collecting !!

                                                                                                                                            -  Jeevan Jyoti

Contents

· From the Desk of Naresh Agarwal

· Recent Indian Issues

· In The News

· Interview

· Beginners’ Section

· Specialized Section

· New Issues from Other Countries

· The Lighter Side

· Philatelic Clubs and Societies

· Blogs & Websites on Philately

· Literature on Indian Philately

· Editor’s Mail Box

· Promotional Section

· Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

imageFrom the Desk of Naresh Agarwal

" Improving Judgment of Thematic Exhibits in Exhibitions "

What to do to overcome the constant problem of judging thematic exhibits at higher level. Various suggestions have been given and ideas put forward but all in vain. It is not that easy to make big changes in the existing system of judging. Thematic exhibit is always a very common but a very difficult class a of philately because it contains a big element of thematic content around which the entire story line and exhibiting of philatelic elements revolves. It is highly painful to note that judges forget to give due importance to this aspect on which a big research is done by an exhibitor. The reasons are obvious that no juror can be master of so many subjects to understand the thematic aspects at that level. But in thematic judging, the thematic element carries very high marks. Sometimes also such items are displayed in the exhibit which do not appears to have direct relation with the theme yet those are very importance and highly suitable. And here the jury fails to understand the contents and the items and so lowers the scores. Sometimes the jury fails to understand or identify the newly discovered philatelic items and treat those as illegal or fake or irrelevant or unsuitable or banned. In one case in INPEX 2008, one of the souvenir sheet displayed in Gandhi exhibit was considered as a photo and the marks were lowered, in another case the jury failed to identify even the properly marked perforation errors, the error sheet on display was considered wastage of the space, stamps on wheels in an exhibit on Automobiles were considered to be wrong as the jury considered evolution of wheels had nothing to do with the evolution of automobiles, and so on …….examples are numerous where the jury totally failed and misunderstood the contents and the displayed items. And the exhibitor became the victim of their ignorance/ lack of knowledge. Various suggestions have been given such as :

1. Academic courses for jury followed by appropriate tests. i.e. opening of academies

2. Apprentice jury to be given appropriate training

3. Hiring of local experts on particular subject to check / to give their opinion on thematic part of the exhibit

4. Invitation to the exhibitor at the venue during judgment so that necessary discussion could be done with him

5. Deployment of a referee with a team of experts or senior philatelists at the venue to look in to the grievances of the exhibitors and to solve them prior to the declaration of the results

6. Inviting the Xerox copies of the exhibits well in advance and providing copies of them to the jury for pre-preparation

7. Making a separate wing of thematic experts to help the jury and the exhibitors

8. Providing a team of stenos along with the jury to give explanation and detailed comments on the shortcomings of the exhibitor with special remarks on the Xerox copies provided. Presently given mark sheet is not enough to really understand the areas where the jury deducted the marks and the areas which have been appreciated.

9… Arrangement to consult senior philatelists present at the venue during exhibition on voluntary basis.

10. Looking in to the vastness of the thematic philately ,it may be subdivided in to different wings such as philosophy, personalities, science and technology, flora and fauna, religion etc… this will help a lot in judging the exhibit’s thematic elements.

11. Number of jury to be increased so that more time is allocated for judging the exhibits.

12. Different chapters on thematic philately may be opened to guide and help both the juror and the exhibitors.

13. An official panel of senior and experienced philatelists may be framed to give postal guidance to the thematic philatelists on payment.( philatelists who have got higher awards in National or International exhibition may be placed on the panel along with the jurors at these levels)

14. Jury look forward for the old, rare, newly searched and most relevant items in the exhibit which either they miss out or waste sufficient time in finding them out. So, a separate sheet should be provided by exhibitor to the jury ( to be sent along with exhibit)highlighting those items with sheet numbers.

15. One thing the exhibitor must keep in mind that with the same material there can be a better award up to two grades. This depends upon various factors such presentation, fitment of the philatelic material in the storyline, placement of the material on the sheets, fitment of sheets on the frames ,nature and quality of write up and so on.

16. Of course, comparison is done with the other exhibits ,but keep in mind that every exhibit is different and differently displayed .Yes, gross mistakes are not excusable like skipping out the banned / illegal items in an exhibit.

17. Encouraging the local societies and clubs. Gross help by the deptt. or other organizations to them to build good library and to provide subsidized guidance, assessment, evaluation services.

18. Check upon the philatelic dealers to provide genuine philatelic items to the exhibitors and to give proper and genuine information about it. Because most of us buy these items from the philatelic dealers and are also sometimes misguided which results in lowering of marks during judging.

I hope the above few suggestions will be thought over by the readers to improve the quality of their exhibit to help judges to judge better and to produce better judges. Comments are - welcome from the readers.

- Naresh Agarwal – email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

Recent Indian Issues

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· 3 January 2013 - 100 Years of Science Congress of India

· 7 January 2013 - Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh – Rs 5

· 8 January 2013 - 125 years of Uttar Pradesh Legislature – Rs 5

· 8 January Ghadar Movemnet – Rs 5

· 11 January 2013 – Silk Letter Movement – Rs 5

· 12 January 2013 - 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda – 3 x Rs 5 + Rs 20 + sheetlet

· 13 January 2013 - C. Achyutha Menon – Rs 5

· 14 January 2013 - Aditya Vikram Birla – Rs 5

· 22 January 2013 - Shrine Basilica,Vailankanni – Rs 5

Recent Special Cover and Postmark

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Kumbha Mela Prayag – Paush Purnima : 27 January 2013

10 January 2013 VADOPEX 2013 – 3 sp covers

14 January 2013 Makar Sankranti – Kumbha Mela, Prayag

18 January 2013 - Takhat Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib

27 January 2013 – Paush Purnima - Kumbha Mela Prayag

Gandhi spl. cover

30 January 2013 – Mahatma Gandhi ( Gandhi Ji’s stick)

For Kumbh Mela Covers, Plz contact Ambarish Kumar : email : moni_kumar20@rediffmail.com

 

In The News

ISC won Gold Medal in AmeriStamp Expo 2013, America

 

America’s Second Largest Stamp Exhibition, AmeriStamp Expo 2013 concluded in Louisville, Kentucky from 18th January to 22n January. It featured about 75 dealers, 300+ frames of exhibits, and participation of about 25 national societies including renowned and more than 100 yr old ‘India Study Circle’ which has members having collecting interest in India Related Subjects.

9 Indian members were selected in India Study Circle Team which participated in this exhibition and won 2 Gold , 5 Vermeil and 2 Silver Medals . Society members have won 2 Gold Medals out of seven awarded with many special awards which is highest achievement by any society in this exhibition.

The Exhibition started on Friday, January 18, 2013 with Inauguration including United States Postal Service First day Ceremony of release of Wedding Cake Stamp. Award Ceremony on 20th Jan was conducted at Hyatt Louisville - Regency Foyer South. The Exhibition hosted several meeting which included Women’s Exhibitors Meeting, Young Stamp Collectors of America and India Study Circle General Meeting. More Exhibition Details are available at website of American Philatelists Association at following link :

http://stamps.org/AmeriStamp-Expo-ASE

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(From L to R) Prem Chand Jaiswal, Rajesh Paharia, Sandeep Jaiswal, Pradeep Jain, Markand Dave & Praggya Kothari

The Indian Participant won following awards :

1. Gold and Indian Study Circle Award to Indian Postal Stationery for the Boxer Rebellion by Mr Sandeep Jaiswal, Calcutta

2. Gold and American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors Novice Award and American Philatelic Society 1940-1980 Medal of Excellence to Refugee Relief Tax Exempted Mails by Mr Rajesh Paharia, Jaipur

3. Vermeil to 1929 Indian Airmail Stamps by Mr Markand Dave, Nadiad

4. Vermeil to The Great Quetta Earthquake by Ms Priti Dave, Nadiad

5. Vermeil to India 1929 First Airmail Stamps & Postal Stationery by Mr Pradip Jain, Patna

6. Vermeil and Collector Club of Chicago Award to 1854 Issues by Mr Deepak Jaiswal, Calcutta

7. Vermeil to Sangli State Court Fee Adhesives by Mr Prem Chand Jaiswal, Calcutta

8. Silver to Man Measures His Environment by Mr Pragya Kothari, Patna

9. Silver to British India King George VI Postal Stationery by Mr Pratisad Neurgaonkar, Pune.

The new is incomplete without the mention of Mr Sandeep Jaiswal who has not only advised ISC on selection of subject and participants for making team but also organized receipt and delivery of Entries from India at minimal paper work and Cost. It is a example set for National Commissioners representing India at International Level.

View  :    Award List

INPEX 2013
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INPEX 2013 : NATIONAL PHILATELIC EXHIBITION

21ST TO 25TH FEBRUARY, 2013AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE, MUMBAI

A National Philatelic Exhibition INPEX 2013 will be held at the World Trade Centre, (Expo Center), Cuffe Parade, Mumbai-400 005 from 21st February to 25th February, 2013.

The exhibition is being organized by The Philatelic Society of India with the patronage of PHILATELIC CONGRESS OF INDIA, the apex body of Philately in India, and the active support of the Department of Post and other Philatelic Societies to celebrate the 115 years of the Society’s active existence.

The exhibition will provide an opportunity to philatelists residing in India to enter their outstanding philatelic collection in the Competitive Class. The exhibition will consist of INVITEE AND COMPETITIVE classes. In the Invitee section collections of eminent individuals and national institutions will be exhibited. The Competitive section will also include a championship class and will be open only to those collections which have won at least a Gold Medal in a previous National or International World Philatelic Exhibition.

For details contact email  : inpex2013@psi1897.com

Website :  http://www.psi1897.com/impex.html

Read More…

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Online Directory of Philatelists

Indian Philatelists’ Forum, a web based forum on yahoo groups, has come out with an innovative idea of creating online directory of Philatelists. This directory is intended to facilitate networking among philatelists and members of forum. 

The Directory of philatelists is divided in to two categories. (i) Philatelists residing in India (ii) Philatelists residing abroad and collecting on any aspect of Indian Philately.

An online directory is available on forum’s website www.indianphilately.net. Indian Philatelists’ Forum respects privacy of its members and that’s why directory information is accessible to registered members only. Username and password has been allotted to each member.

Philatelist’s community will certainly welcome this new innovative idea of making online directory. A web based data form is now available on forum’s official website www.indianphilately.net and free registration is open.

International Exhibitions

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THAILAND 2013 - Word Stamp Exhibition

THAILAND 2013, International Philatelic exhibition will be held in Thailand from 2 to 14 August 2013 in Bangkok, under the patronage of FIP. The World Philatelic Exhibition will take place from 2 - 14 August 2013 at the Royal Paragon Hall 1-3, 5th floor, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. Mr. R D Binani as Commissioner for India, his address :33-B Rowland Road, Kolkata 700 020  E mail : binanipm@gmail.com Mob:9830073058

www.thailand2013.com

AUSTRALIA 2013 Melbourne / Australia 10-15 May 2013

www.australia2013.com

Mrs Damyanti Pittie is the national commissioner . For details contact : dm_pittie@mtnl.net.in

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BRASILIANA-2013

WORLD STAMP EXHIBITION – Brasiliana – 2013 will be held at PIER MAUÁ in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from November 19 to 25, 2013  organized by the Brazilian Federation of Philately (FEBRAF) and Brazilian philatelists under the Patronage of Brazilian Enterprise of Posts and Telegraphs (ECT), in accordance with the F.I.P. General Regulations for Exhibitions.

Mr. Rajesh Kumar Bagari is National Commissioner- India for BRAZIL 2013.

Address for communication

Rajesh Kumar Bagri                                       

National Commissioner – India

C/o Computer Management Centre, 33A, Chowringhee Road, 5th Flr, Room-13 . Calcutta - 700071.     PHONE : +91 33 22265722.

Email : rkbagri.brasiliana2013@gmail.com

BRASILIANA-2013 Individual Regulations

BRASILIANA-2013 IREX

a) EXHIBIT APPLICATION FORM


b) PHILATELIC LITERATURE EXHIBIT INFORMATION  FORM

Visit : http://brasiliana-2013.blogspot.com.br/

Loveland Valentine’s Day Postmark Travels the World

Continuing a 67-year old tradition, the U.S. Postal Service and Loveland Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to send cards and letters around the world with a coveted “Loveland” special postmark.

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A unique design created by a local artist and selected via a competitive contest is stamped on the outside of all Valentine envelopes and re-mailed from the Sweetheart City. Since the start of the program in 1947, more than 12 million Valentines have been re-mailed by Loveland. It’s the largest program of its kind in the world. More than 200,000 cards and letters were handled last year, from more than 100 countries and every state in the Union.

To have cards and letters re-mailed with the Loveland postmark, properly stamp and address each individual Valentine and put them all in a larger, stamped envelope and mail them to:

Postmaster
Valentine Re-mailing
446 E 29th St
Loveland CO 80538

Deadlines for re-mailing and delivery by Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14:

 

Wedding Bells

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18th Jan 2013 was an auspicious day for philatelic community as on this day the marriage ceremony of the daughter and son of two noted philatelists were performed. Moomin Sinha, daughter of Mr Bijoy Sinha of Bhubaneshwar got married to Smruti Ranjan and Aalekh, youngest son of Mr Sudhir Jain of Satna got married to Shweta. Rainbow Stamp News wishes the newly married couples a very happy and long married life and congratulates Mr and Mrs Bijoy Sinha & Mr and Mrs Sudhir Jain on this auspicious occasion.

Tradition of Czech Stamp Design on new stamp

The newly outlined Tradition of Czech Stamp Design issue commemorates another significant stamp designer, Ivan Strnad. The stamp shows a portrait of Ivan Strnad; a part of the mirrored motif which first appeared on a 1975 postal stationery item commemorating the 50th anniversary of the launch of automated telephone operation in the country, placed in the left-hand side; and a female nude from the 30th stamp Intersputnik issued in 1974, placed in the right-hand side.

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Czech graphic artist and teacher Ivan Strnad created many Czech stamps and commemorative coins. He was a member of the associations of Czech graphic artists "Hollar" and "Grafis". During his lifetime he won many awards for his works of art. Most of them came for his stamp designs (1964: 2nd prize for the stamps 20 Years of the Socialist Republic; 1966: 1st prize for the stamp series Vanguard 65; 1967, 1970-1972, 1974, 1975: various Best Stamp of the Year awards) and the most beautiful banknotes (1980: the 500 Kcs banknote).

Obituary

We are sorry to inform our Readers that Smt. Usha Devi Bayanwala, wife of renowned philatelist of Ahmedabad Shri Ashok Kumar Bayanwala, passed away on 16th January 2013.Our heartfelt deepest Condolences to Mr Bayanwala and his family members . May her soul rest in peace.

Suggest a Stamp to India Post…

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India Post has invited suggestion from general public for new subjects / themes to be depicted on the commemorative postage stamps. Suggestions were invited on any theme to be depicted should be related to Art, Culture, National Heritage, Flora & Fauna, Sports, Wild Life, Nature, Historical Monuments, Children oriented subjects and World Heritage. However, suggestions regarding personalities, institutions and events will not be considered.

Best three suggestions will be recommended for inclusion in stamp issue programme of 2014. Anyone willing to participate in this ‘Suggest a Stamp Poll’ of India Post can submit one’s proposal on email address: stamppoll@gmail.com latest by 15th February, 2013.

More details can be had from visiting India Post website using URL: http://www.indiapost.gov.in/Pdf/Suggest_A_Stamp_15_01_2013.pdf

Grand Numismatic & Philatelic Exhibition  at Vellore (Tamilnadu)

Date:8,9&10 Friday,Saturday and Sunday.

Place : Vellore. Venue :Town hall

For details Contact :
C.M.A.Tamilvanan[secretary]
Numismatic & Philatelic association of vellore fort
Ph : 09245591886
email : tamil_4442004@yahoo.co.in
http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/

Interview

 Sudhir Jain is a well-known name in the field of Jainism Philately. He has a very specialized collection of stamps on various subjects including Environment, Lions International, Rotary International, Jainism etc. He has won number of awards in National & International Stamp Exhibitions. Besides stamps he has a big collection of Special currency notes, coins, Jokers, Lions Pins, Newspapers, Match Box, Old Locks etc. Professionally he is working as Vice President in a large MP Birla group industry- Universal Cables Ltd.

Mr Sudhir Jain is General Secretary of Central India Philatelic Society and National Chairman of Jainism Philately Group. Many of his articles have been published in different Magazines and Newspapers. It is a great pleasure to publish here his interview in which he answers to some of the questions asked by Mr Naresh Agarwal and shares his views on different aspects of philately.- Editor

Interview with Sudhir Jain

Q1. Sudhir Jain a social worker, an administrator, an organizer, a writer and a philatelist…. Who dominates more in terms of your dedication, inclination and time?

It depends on the situation. During office hours the administrator dominates. At home I have other priorities, Family & other social assignments. Saturday night and Sunday evening are for hobbies. I employ my dedication, inclination & time as they are warranted for. I am not a rigid person even otherwise. I do not disturb one for another and believe in honest tasking. You may say my all roles are democratic and the one which is needed at a particular moment, comes to the fore and executes.

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Q2. Let us start with the beginning of your journey in to the world of philately, by asking about your induction in to it and how did it all begin ?

It was 1967 when I visited a private Museum at Ramvan near my home town Satna and saw the Scinde Dawk there. That was the love at the first sight and this inspired me for collecting stamps with a target to have Scinde Dawk in my collection. Within nine years I achieved my target of having Scinde Dawk in my collection.

Dr Ravindra Pahelwan of Indore & Madan Middha of Gwalior are my earliest philatelic friends, we learnt the philately together and we still cherish our friendship to the fullest. In the meantime I started writing articles on a number of subjects and also got associated with a reputed Hindi newspaper Nai Duniya of Indore as a journalist. Shri G.S.Vohra of Bhilai inspired me to write on philatelic subjects. There was no looking behind from there.

Q3. You are well known in the field of philately for your organizing skills, active participation and regular interaction with philatelists all around. How do you manage your time as you have a responsible managerial job and are an active social worker too.

Philately and also Lionism, are my main hobbies since very long and both of these have helped me immensely in my professional carrier too. They provided me with confidence, friendships, leadership & organizing skills and a lot more. I owe my success to them. That’s why I still love them and manage my time for them. Whenever I visit any place, even abroad, I always try to contact Philatelists and Lions Club members of that place. It gives me great pleasure and also helps in developing my friendship, social network and my collections.\

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Q4. Tell us about your philatelic interests and your achievements.

Although I am collecting since 1967 and have Scinde Dawk, Lithographs and a number of other classical items in my collection, I know I am still far behind in Traditional & Classical Philately. I love Thematic Philately and have worked a lot for it in my region. We have organized a number of Philatelic exhibitions under the banner of the Central India Philatelic Society, my home club. Some of them had All-India participation. Shri Dhirubhai Mehta and a number of other senior philatelists inspired me in a great way by coming down to remote place like Satna on my invitation for judging the All India Thematic Philatelic Exhibitions, CITPEX-81 in 1981 and CITPEX- 83 in 1983.

I have published & edited a large number of Philatelic Souvenirs, written hundreds of articles, have won acclaim and recognition but not much of the medals. Gold at State level and Bronze at International FIP level for my thematic collections are the credits on my account. My main Philatelic interests are - Pre Independence India ; Postal Stationery of Queen Victoria & Edward period; & Countries : Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda. My favorite themes are Jainism, Lionism, Rotary & Environment. I do not believe in buying collections, but love to build them up, stamp by stamp, bit by bit and enjoy their build-up fully.

Q5. You are known as an ardent thematic philatelists, what are your reasons for this ? What is your opinion about new trends in philately like Virtual Philately, One Frame Exhibits, Experimental Class etc ?

I love thematic philately to the core of my heart as I think that this is the form of the hobby which can be useful in every way for the collectors. It is attractive, it is economic, it appeals to a larger audience, it helps in gaining knowledge, it can be expanded to any point, it is always complete with the materials you have in your collection, it adds value, it is relevant always & everywhere, every type of philatelic material can be a part of it, you can mould it the way you like, it can showcase every subject in the universe and what not. No other form of the hobby is this versatile.

Other new formats of the hobby like One Frame Exhibits, Virtual Collections, Open Class Exhibiting and so on, are essential aspects of the hobby to explore new frontiers. These formats provide new perspectives to Philately. These should be welcomed and encouraged whole heartedly.

Q6. What are your other interests along with philately? How do you co-ordinate them ?

My other collection interests are collection of coins, currency notes, newspapers covering special events / death of important persons, old locks, playing cards jokers, bells etc. I try to travel as first passenger in new trains, new flights etc. I have some old train tickets bearing number 000001 for the new stations. All of them are co-ordinated automatically, as they are complimentary to each other as collectibles. A number of times I go to fetch one item and find another with it at the same place. I need not do extra efforts to co-ordinate them.

Q7.You are founder of the Jainism Philatelic Group. How is this group working and how it is helping in promotion of philately?

Jainism is a very serious theme. After formation of this Group we are able to increase the awareness about this theme and have also been able to attract a large number of philatelists from all over India to this. We are regularly in touch with our members, about 200, through SMS, e-mail, circulars, material exchange etc.

Formation of this group started a new trend in Indian philately that of formation of specialized Philatelic Groups. In philatelically advanced countries this trend is known as formation of “Study Groups”. Under this, collectors of a particular theme or subject are united under a common umbrella and help each other in every possible way in building up the mutual knowledge and collections. After the Jain Philatelic Group, several other specialized groups followed this trend. We are ready to share our experiences about this if any of the specialized groups want to organize such a Specialized Unit.

Q8.You have seen various phases of philately in India and all over. How do you see the future of philately in terms of a hobby and an intelligent pastime?

Time has changed drastically. We have seen a time when hobby and the enjoyment was the prime concern. Now money-making dominates. I remember the days when, whenever we found a new item or variety we used to share the joy and happiness of the discovery with fellow philatelist friends immediately. Now, nobody is interested to take trouble to show you anything unless he smells monitory gains. Now people do not hesitate to fool others to make money ; then, everyone used to guide others like a true teacher and a mentor. Infusion, excessive infusion rather, of the money into the hobby has corrupted the environment.

Even then I am optimistic. I believe, nothing can surpass the innocent enjoyment of the hobby. Monitory dominance is a temporary phenomenon which will end soon, as the greed of money makers will not be fulfilled in philately indefinitely. True philatelists are not money makers & money makers cannot become true philatelists. You cannot buy happiness with money, neither the enjoyment of a hobby. Soon, money makers will be out of circulation from Philately and the hobby will regain its natural innocence.

Q9.You have worked closely in collaboration with the high names in Indian Philately in the past. What differences you underline, between past & present generation of the Indian Philatelists ?

In old days seniors were like teachers & mentor, encouraging, appreciating and even sparing material for the new comers. But now no one wants to share anything, even their knowledge. Rest is like the answer of the pervious question. And as earlier, I am optimistic because I believe in the happiness and not in the money.

Q10.Philately for money making & investment and not for enjoyment. What do you say about it?

It is true that in these modern times, philately ‘the hobby’ has been taken over by Philately ‘the Investment’ in the race. But I see nothing to worry about; proponents of the Investment Philately are friends of good times only whereas the lovers of the hobby love Philately always, in the thick & in the thin. What is positive, they are building up better infrastructure for their convenience, which they can afford to do & which will benefit the hobby in the long term. Additionally, they are making more people aware about the hobby and also putting the financial perspective of the hobby to the fore, which the traditional philatelists were ignoring earlier. This has given a new impetus to the Hobby.

Even otherwise, the spending on philately & philatelic items were never considered as expenses, they were & still are treated as investments. The only difference is, that the traditional philatelists invested both, money & knowledge while the investors invest only money. More interestingly, the investors also turn into Philatelists over the time, as a wise investor does not invest his money without proper study of the investment class & study of philatelic materials chosen for the purpose converts the investor in to a knowledgeable philatelist.

As far I am concerned, I prefer the Hobby for enjoyment & not for money making.

Q11.Philately and philatelists, when compared with the sports and cultural activities, have not achieved their due social recognition & respectability. What are the reasons behind it and what should be done to achieve this?

There are a large number of reasons for this, foremost being our own social-inferiority complex. We ourselves hesitate to announce our achievements. Why ? Because we ourselves still consider philately a hobby of children. This is because we have failed to higher the awareness in the society about the hobby we pursue. Secondly, there is no responsible organization in the country to raise the legitimate voice of the philatelists for the cause. Thirdly, the increasing dominance of the money is `responsible for this; any person, deserving or not, who has money, can own a medal winning collection; this is not so in other cultural activities or sports, you cannot win medals with only money power. We can enumerate a number of other reasons for this.

No sincere and focused effort has been made to correct the situation so far. We need to make a powerful effort to put Philately at par with the sports and other cultural activities. We also win laurels for the country in international exhibitions and bring medals back home. We should get the stature we deserve and should not hesitate to work for this.

Q12.Your suggestions for overall growth and promotion of philately which is passing through the shadows of e-mails & the Internet, of constraints on students due to academic competitions, of failure of local philatelic clubs and societies;  and of policies of India Post ? Can anything be done immediately?

Your observations are correct; the hobby is passing through all this. We are required to make the hobby more interesting, more visible, more respectable and more acceptable to combat the situation. We need to attract new generation to the hobby by establishing small philatelic clubs at schools, organizing workshops at educational institutions, organizing local, regional & national exhibitions at regular intervals and announcing personal & national philatelic achievements more vigorously.

Philatelists can work very effectively for all this, they can be resource persons for all these and can also create favorable local atmosphere for the hobby by writing in the local & regional news papers / magazines about the philatelic activities and achievements of the philatelists in their region. Only sincerity & strong will is needed.

Mr Sudhir Jain may be contacted at email : sudhirjain@unistar.co.in

Interview : Naresh Agarwal

Beginners’ Section

RECORD BREAKING STAMPS

- K.RAMARATHNAM

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Royal Mail released a number of philatelic products to make the perfect way to remember the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Royal Mail decided that every Gold Medal win by Great Britain , whether by an individual or team will be featured on a separate commemorative Miniature Sheet comprising six special stamps. What is more, no matter what the time of the medal win, the stamps will be designed, printed and on –sale by the noon of the following day making them the first “next day “stamps that Royal mail issued. Every one of Team GB’s 29 Gold Medals has been celebrated on a golden miniature sheet and also the incredible 34 Gold Medals at Paralympics .

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Though this is a path breaking effort it is not a Record Breaking one as many countries have attempted to print stamps in the shortest time.

Gibraltar issued a stamp in the Year 2001 to celebrate the 75th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. A photograph of Queen Elizabeth II was taken at Buckingham Palace and was chosen by the Queen. It was printed and was available for Sales in Gibraltar Post Offices in 10 Hours and 24 Minutes a Record then.

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This record was held for quite sometime until Austria released a stamp in the year 2008 to commemorate European Football championship 2008.The Stamp was produced in 1 Hour and 25 Minutes. The Foot Ball Game ended at 2236 Hours on Sunday 29th June2008.The project was approved at 2316 Hours and the press started printing the stamp. The first Stamp was sold at Vienna at0041 Hours on Monday 30th June2008.

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This record has been recently broken in the year 2012 by Liechtenstein. On 16th August 2012 during a Stamp Exhibition LIBA Liechtenstein a competition was held to design a Stamp on Legends of Liechtenstein.

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A jury selected three finalists from each category of Children, Youth and Adult. Once chosen the design was made in paper .A director of Guinness World Records pressed the start button: the drawings were immediately transmitted electronically to the printing of Gutenberg AG. At the end of all the processes (printing, drilling, cutting, etc..) The miniature sheets were delivered promptly to the Special post office at LIBA in Schaan where it was available for sale in 57 Minutes and 50.17 Seconds., thus creating a New World Record.

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It won’t be long before some postal administration breaks this record.

- K. Ramarathnam - email : kramarathnam@hotmail.com

 

Specialized Section

Some remarkable Cancellations and Postmarks - 5

image - Dr. Avinash B. Jagtap

TO ERR IS HUMAN, ALSO IN DESIGNING OBLITERATOR !

In the year 1873 the variety of cancellations which were in use in different Circles mounted to such a huge number, that the Central Postal Authority had to devise a uniform system to for the whole of India. A characteristic cancellation was issued for every post office composed of numbers and letters. Each Circle was allotted a letter, which generally was the initial letter of the headquarters.

In these All India Series of 1873-84, while designing Renouf Type 17a for Bhewani (later Bhiwani, about 110 Km west of Delhi) a mistake crept in. This type consists of a circle on the left hand side of the cancellation, which contains the name of the town. The other half on the right has three parallel horizontal lines above bearing a number of the Non Disbursing Post Office in the middle. Below this there is the letter representing the Circle (“L” for Lahore) and the number of the Disbursing Post Office.

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A Disbursing Post Office was the office of account for all the postal establishments attached to it. It incorporated their accounts into its own and prepared their salary bills. It obtained advances of money to pay these bills. It paid money into and drew money from the Controller of Accounts and with the audit. It performed all classes of postal work.

In 1891 the distinction between Disbursing and Non Disbursing Head Office, with which the public was never concerned was abolished, even for departmental purposes. By the time the Postal Manual of 1873 was issued, the old nomenclature of Sudder- and Subordinate Post Offices had been changed to Head- and Branch Post Offices. The Head Post Offices were divided into Disbursing and Non-Disbursing Post Offices.

Renouf Type 17a Cancellation which was used at Bhewani Non-Disbursing Post Office was erroneously given the number “17”, instead of “3”. This mistake was corrected later. Unfortunately, all postmarks and transit-marks used round about 1870 do not show the year and therefore it is difficult to trace the exact date when the appropriate correction was made. A.C. Glenhill has mentioned about the correction of this well-known erroneous Type 17a cancellation in ‘The Philatelist’, January 1965.

-  Dr. Avinash Jagtap - email : abjagtap@hotmail.com

Birth of Playing Cards : Pt. IV

image© Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal

Other than playing

Because playing cards are both standardized and commonly available, they are often adapted for other uses too, such as Magic tricks, Cartomancy or building a house of cards.

1. Magic Cards

Magicians most commonly use card tricks to enthrall and mystify their audience. Special trick cards and magic decks have been used by magicians and everyday people for centuries for various card tricks.

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Card Magic Show

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Magic Cards

2. Card Cartomancy

People are still superstitious today, but in the past they were more so. Cards would play a part in how they made sense of the world in an era when there were so many unexplained mysteries. They are more than just a pack of cards, people could read into the symbols and inscriptions, draw analogies, make decisions or find meaning in everyday life.

In addition to Tarot cards, the use of ordinary packs of playing-cards for cartomancy, fortune-telling or divination is also known to exist soon after playing cards were first introduced into Europe in the 14th century .It all evolved from the belief that the four suits are associated with the four elements (Fire, Earth, Air, and Water).

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Four Suits of Playing cards

Clubs correspond to the element of fire, and generally signify business, ambition, and achievement issues. They generally indicate success and happiness. Diamonds correspond to the element of earth, and generally signify career, and money issues. Spades correspond to the element of air, and generally signify gossip, challenges, messages, and upsets. And Hearts correspond to the element of water, and signify love, friendship, happiness, and domestic concerns. Generally speaking, they are "happy" cards.

3. House making

Making House of Playing cards is a favorite game of all ages around the globe.

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Playing Cards House

Guinness World record for highest card building is of about 8.5 meters high made of 218000 playing cards.

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Highest card building

4. As Disney characters

Encounter of Alice with playing card Jacks and King and Queen of hearts is interestingly described by Lewis Carroll in an episode of ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’. She is a foul-tempered monarch that Carroll himself pictured as "a blind fury", and who is quick to decree death sentences at the slightest offense. Her most famous line, one which she repeats often, is "Off with their heads!

Disney converted playing cards as cartoon character in his animation film based on above book and in his Mickey Mouse’s cartoon strips and short animated films ’Through the Mirror’.

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‘Alice in Wonderland’

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Through the Mirror’

Legends & Symbolism

Playing cards have also been used as vehicles for political statements. One important example is a playing card of the ‘French Revolution’ symbolising freedom of religion and brotherhood. In this, the traditional design of Kings, Queens, and Jacks became Liberties, Equalities, and Fraternities. The radical French government of 1793 and 1794 saw themselves as toppling the old regime and a good revolutionary would not play with Kings or Queens, but with the ideals of the revolution at hand.

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Cards symbolizing French Revolution

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Patriotic Cover, USA

There are many legends also associated with Playing cards. One says that sailors in Columbus voyage were forced by their superstition to throw cards overboard to stop the storms and bad weather in dangerous seas. When they finally arrived to the New World they made new cards out of the leaves of the copas trees.

Also popular legend holds that the composition of a deck of cards has religious, mystical, or astrological significance too.

There are thirteen cards in each of the four suits, associated with the four elements (Fire, Earth, Air, and Water) corresponding to the 13 lunar months in a year. Fifty-two cards correspond to fifty-two weeks in a year and the Ace is symbolically “Alpha and Omega” or “the Beginning and End”.

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Symbolic of “the Beginning and End

Modern Innovations

Alongside the evolution of traditional designs, in most countries there have also been persistent efforts to publish more fanciful cards, either as artistic essays, or with some purpose other than simple card-playing: for example, instruction, propaganda, or even amusement. England in the late 17th and early 18th century produced a range of very idiosyncratic packs of cards of this type.

In America, around the turn of the century it was exploited in order to turn photographs of scenery into souvenir packs intended to promote the joys of rail travel. And such packs were further distinguished by colourful pictorial designs on the backs of the cards-which have lately become collected for their own sake. Many modern packs of cards use a similar format to carry 52 different pictures of all kind of subjects: animals and birds, views, works of art, cartoons, pin-ups, trains, planes, etc. However, certain of these are little more than "photographs pasted onto a rectangle with pips."

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Souvenir packs

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Fanciful cards

Playing cards give us understanding of characteristic features of periods, ideas, beliefs and experiences of people in the past, reflecting past eras and ways of life. They are a lesson in craftsmanship and the assembly and combination of components and materials. They have been a focus for design, advertising or invention... a little encyclopedia of social history.

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We are popular in every nook and corner of the world

(Note: Most of the illustrated cards are Chinese Postal Stationery Cards and stamps are prepared by Zazzle.com under license from US Post).

: Dr Satyendra Agrawal – email  : rosephila@hotmail.com

 

The Cape Triangulars

image- Col (Dr) Jayanta Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta

INTRODUCTION

South Africa, as a nation rather than a geographical term, came into being with the creation of the Union of South Africa on May 31, 1910. The development, both political and philatelic, of the area is complex, with stamps being issued by various colonies and republics that formed this federation.

THE TRIANGULARS

THE CAPE TRIANGULARS

1853

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                                                         1 d brick red           Anchor watermark

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The famous block of six- the largest known mint multiple of the 1853 issue

The postal authority of the Cape of Good Hope was one of the first in South Africa to issue a postage stamp on September 1, 1853. The stamp was of triangular design, the first ever in the world. The design depicted ‘Hope’ seated. It was designed by Charles Bell, the Surveyor General, and engraved by W. Humphrys.

These were printed by the recess process by Perkins Bacon Ltd, London, on deeply blued paper and were imperforate. Each stamp had an anchor watermark and was issued in two values, one penny brick red and 4 pence deep blue. Both values are known with watermark sideways. Plate proof of the 4 pence stamp in a shade similar to the issued stamp on ungummed watermarked paper is known to exist. The blueing on the reverse of these proofs is uneven giving a blotchy appearance.

Between 1855 and 1858 these Cape Triangulars were reissued. The 4 pence stamp on white paper was issued in 1855, the one penny in 1857 on cream toned paper, and new values, 6 pence slate violet on blue paper, and one shilling bright yellow on white paper. The 6 pence and one shilling values were issued on February 18, 1858.

1855

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1 d deep

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6 d slate purple on white paper

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6 d slate lilac                   6 d rose lilac

on blued paper                on white paper

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6 d slate lilac on blued paper

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1 sh yellow green            1 sh dark green

The method adopted for producing the 4 pence, 6 pence and one shilling stamps involved the use of two dies so that there are two types of each of these values, differing slightly in detail but produced in equal numbers. All values are known with watermark sideways. The one penny in dull rose on ungummed watermarked paper with watermark sideways is a plate proof.

The 4 pence is known bisected in1858 and used with two other 4 pence to pay the inland registered fees. The 6 pence is known bisected and used with one pence for the 4 pence rate.

The paper for the one penny is similar to that of the 1853 issues, but without the blueing. It is much thicker than the white paper used for the later printings of the one pence. The evolution of the paper on the Cape Triangulars is similar to that on the line engraved issues of Great Britain. The 4 pence value printed in black on white watermarked paper is known. Eleven authenticated copies have been recorded. It is thought that these stamps represent proof sheets pressed into service during the shortage of stamps in 1861. There is however, no official confirmation of this theory. All 4 values are known unofficially rouletted.

1861

The wood

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1 d carmine

 

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4 d pale grey blue             4 d pale milky

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4 d blue pair

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4d pale milky blue showing traces of adjacent stamps and unofficial roulettes on all sides cancelled and tied on piece with Port Elizabeth oval d.s in red (SG-14)

Between February and April 1861, there was a local provisional issue of the one penny and 4 pence stamps. These are also called the ‘wood block’ issues. They were engraved on steel by C J Roberts and printed from stereotyped plates by Saul Solomon and Co, Cape Town. As with the previous issues, these were imperforate but on laid paper. The one penny was issued in 3 shades, vermillion (February 27, 1861), brick red (April 10, 1861) and carmine (March 7, 1862). However, an error shade of pale milky blue is known, as is a pale bright blue. The 4 pence value is known in 2 shades, pale milky blue (February 23, 1861) and deep bright blue (April 12, 1861). However, one does come across the 4 pence value in pale grey blue and pale bright blue. Error shades are also recorded in the 4 pence stamps, which are vermillion and carmine.

1861 issues were issued in tete-beche pairs, normally joined at the edges, bearing the inscription ‘POSTAGE’. One used example is known which comes from the first printing where the right hand stamp is misplaced so that ‘FOUR PENCE’ adjoins ‘POSTAGE’. Both values were reprinted in March 1863 on wove paper.

Early in 1863 Perkins Bacon Ltd. handed over the 4 plates used for printing the Cape Triangulars to De La Rue and Co. Ltd, London, who made the subsequent printings between 1863 and 1864.

1863

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1 d deep carmine red                    4 d steel blue

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6 d mauve                     6 d bright

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1 sh emerald green

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4d vermillion error of colour. Ex Ad Indusopon. The only known in private hands.

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4d vermillion as a part of 1d block of 4 on cover

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Single bisected 4d deep blue used with two complete singles to pay 4d postage and 6d registration on cover from Fraserburg to Cape Town. Probably bisected due to the lack of 6d stamps at Fraserburg (SG-6b)

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1d, 2d and 1sh on cover

The De La Rue printings were also imperforate with the anchor watermark. The one penny was also, however, printed with Crown CC sideways watermark. The one penny, 4 pence, 6 pence and one shilling are known with anchor watermark sideways. The colours of the 4 values were: One penny deep carmine red, deep brown red and brownish red. The 4 pence is known in deep blue, blue, slate blue and steel blue. The 6 pence is known only in one shade, bright mauve, while the one shilling is known in two shades - bright emerald green and pale emerald green.

The De La Rue printings are easily distinguished from the Perkins Bacon printings by their colours, which are quite distinct. The De La Rue printings are also less clearly printed, with the figure of ‘Hope’ and the inscriptions standing out less boldly while the fine lines of the background appear blurred and broken. The background as a whole often shows irregularity in the apparent depth of colour due to worn out plates.

CONCLUSION

All triangulars were demonetized on October 1, 1900. They constitute one of the gems of philately and command very high prices.

This article on the romantic Cape Triangulars is based on the Stanley Gibbons 1999 catalogue and a study of other auction catalogues. Over the years we have been fortunate to see some of these triangulars at philatelic exhibitions and in the personal collections of philatelic friends.

- Col Jayanta Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta : email : doctorjayanta2009@gmail.com

New Issues from other countries

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An Post has issued a stamp on January 24, 2013 for The Gathering Ireland 2013. The Gathering is a tourism-led initiative that seeks to harness and strengthen the connections between Ireland and its global diaspora.

Billed as a spectacular, year-long celebration of all things Irish, The Gathering is an open invitation from the Irish people, to the 70 million people worldwide that claim Irish ancestry and indeed to anyone with a love of Ireland, to take a trip to Ireland during the year, and join in unique events being staged in their honour.

All around Ireland, towns, villages, communities and families are organising events, festivals and special gatherings that will showcase the very best of Irish culture, tradition and sport to the Irish diaspora. It is hoped that The Gathering will deliver an additional 325,000 visitors, while also enhancing the reputation of Ireland as a warm and engaging place to visit.

The stamp was designed by Design Factory. The stamp features elements of the specially designed logo, formed to represent the island of Ireland.

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Orchid stamp from Finland

Finland has issued a new stamp on Jan 21, 2013 depicting an orchid. This stylish stamp, designed by Susanna Rumpu and Ari Lakaniemi, is particularly suitable for purposes such as condolence cards or other valuable greetings.

The delicate, exotic and graceful orchid represents love, luxury, beauty and strength. In ancient Greece, orchids were associated with virility. During the Victorian era, orchid symbolism shifted to luxury, and today this sense of magnificence and artful splendor continues, with orchids representing rare and delicate beauty.

The Lighter Side

The stamp is online..

- Gautami Srivastava

Though philately and letter writing have been fading in popularity due to the Internet, it is this very medium that is promoting both online

The burgeoning popularity of the Internet forced philately, the hobby of collecting stamps and studying postal history, take a back seat a few years ago. Even letter-writing became another victim of the Internet’s success story and has become near-obsolete an art now. However, owing to its multifarious inroads to different fields, the Internet is now serving as a significant platform for philatelists to promote their hobby as well as patrons of letter-writing to build up support for the art through online newsletters and blogs.

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RAINBOW PHILATELY:A miniature sheet on the letter box : PHOTO: V.V.KRISHNAN

The Rainbow Stamp Club blog and newsletter was started by Jeevan Jyoti five years back with an aim to spread awareness about philately and also to create a common platform for philatelists where they can share their views, get information about new issues, exhibitions and the philatelic world. “The objective of Rainbow Stamp Club is to relate philately with every day life and to present it in such a way that a common person can understand the essence of stamp collecting,” says Ms. Jyoti, editor of the newsletter and a philatelist who started the blog from Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.

These days, people prefer e-mailing over writing letters because it is quick and free of cost — reducing the once popular youth activity to a lazy pastime for the elderly. “We are using the Internet as a medium because it has a great impact on the youth and we can interact with people across the world. The response to the blog activities is very encouraging and gives hope to all the philatelists who are struggling to keep the hobby alive,” shares Ms. Jyoti.

The members of this online club not only interact online but also send letters to each other and exchange postage stamps to enhance their collection.

There are many other websites like Stamps of India, Arpin Philately and American Philatelic Society which cater to amateur philately enthusiasts by providing basic information about philately, and also gives technical details about postal history and innovations to more serious philatelists.

What makes stamp collection a unique hobby is that stamps are ‘cultural ambassadors’ of a country and tell the history of that country in a form of story where we can clearly see the gradual development of the country and its people. Philately cultivates a meticulous and focused attention to detail along with increasing knowledge and aesthetic sense, according to Ms. Jyoti. It also helps one to make friends across territorial boundaries and age limits.

According to her, stamps represent various colours of life and that is why she calls it “Rainbow Philately”. Postage stamps are not only tokens of receipt of postage but are also mediums to commemorate, celebrate and promote national heritage and events.

“I am positive that the popularity of this internationally recognised hobby will grow with time. The Internet is already playing an imperative role in promoting the hobby and it has the potential to make philately a part of people’s life,” says Ms. Jyoti.

Published in The Hindu - 7 January 2013

http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/internet/the-stamp-is-online/article4276648.ece

New Blogs & Websites

1. Welcome to the World of Indian Philately - http://www.indianphilately.net/

An exclusive website created by Mr Prashant Pandya dedicated to Indian Philately .The philatelists can register for “ Online Philatelists’ Directory ” on this website.

2. Philatelic Journalists Forum - http://philatelicjournalistsforum.blogspot.in/ “The Philatelic Journalists” is an initiative by a few enthusiast philatelists, who love the hobby to the deepest.

3. Indian Philatelists’ Forum - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/indianphilatelists/

This is an electronic discussion forum dedicated exclusively to Indian Philately that allows members to engage into meaningful discussions on all aspects of Indian Philately. Membership to the forum is open to all philatelists who have interest in Indian Philately. Members can share and discuss their ideas, knowledge, research, collections, events, exhibitions, auctions, publications exclusively related to Indian Philately.

4. The best stamps - http://thebeststamps.blogspot.co.uk/ it’s a beautiful blog created by Julian Fernandes of Pune ( Now living in UK) featuring lovely stamps of birds with the photos of the same birds giving a wonderful look !!

5. Robin Stamps Criticism : http://robin-stamps.blogspot.in/ : This blog is about new issues of postage stamps and the critical study of their design

6.This Numismatic & Philatelic Association - http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm -  This Numismatic & Philatelic Association is a nonprofit 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.

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

8.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.

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

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

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

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

13. Glimpses of Modern Indian Philately : http://modernindianphilately.blogspot.com/ - It is a specialized blog on Modern Philately, created by Mr Prashant Pandya .

14. 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.

15. Question & Answers on Philately : 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

Editor’s Mail Box

- G.Sriramarao – Vishakhapatnam

I have in the last few years enjoyed going through articles in the Rainbow stamp club regularly and learnt a lot. Some of the articles  are very interesting and educative.I will enjoy reading them in the years to come.

- KK Miglani – New Delhi

Wishing you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR -2013. Also wish that Rainbow stamp News reaches new heights in 2013.I convey my sincere thanks for regular updating us on philately across the globe. It is always nice to receive your stamp news through
e-mail. Your efforts are commendable. Your love for the philately is always visible through the newsletter.

Ilyas Patel - Ahmedabad 

I have just gone through the latest issue of RSN. It’s wonderful. Your painstaking efforts is now resulting in a pleasant as well as colorful issue of RSN. With each passing issue it’s becoming enriched with new information and experience of noted philatelists.

Keep going and keep it up.I express my heartiest congratulations for the 61st issue of RSN. Good luck and all good wishes !

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

Promotional Section

Auction

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An auction of philatelic material by Todywalla will be held during INPEX 2013 on 22-23 Feb 2013 .

Table Calendar issued by Bihar Postal Circle

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Department of Post, Govt. of India, Bihar Circle issued a Table Calendar - 2013. based on unique things of Bihar. For More details contact : Philatelic Bureau Patna GPO Contact No.-  0612-2226395 ,  0612-2236937.

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/

Journal of the Army Philatelic Society : Editor – Col Jayanta Dutta

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 issueStamps of India, International Stamp News ; Stamp Collecting Round Up ; Mansoor B.- Mangalore ; US Postal Service; Prashant Pandya – Vadodara; Rajesh Kr Bagri – Kolkata; Pradeep Kumar Malik – Patna; Rajesh Paharia – Jaipur; Ilyas Patel – Ahmedabad; Patna Philatelic Bureau; Madan Middha – Gwalior; Pradip Jain - Patna

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, Chief Conservator of Forests, GHNP & Pin Valley National Park, Shamshi, Kullu (H.P.) PIN 175126 India

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

clip_image001 Last date for receiving write ups – 25th of every month. Kindly send images in jpg compressed format & text in MS Word only.

clip_image001[1] If you liked this issue please forward it to your friends and help in promoting philately.

A Request to Readers & Contributors -

clip_image002 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.

clip_image002[1] 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.

 
 

Recent Awards

CAPE TOWN 2022 - Silver

LONDON 2022 - Silver


INPEX 2019, Mumbai - Silver

CHINA-2019, World Stamp Exhibition, Wuhan - Bronze

INPEX 2017, Mumbai - Large Silver

CHINA 2016 - Bronze

TAIPEI 2015 - Bronze

CG International Philatelic Promotion Award 2014, Germany - ( 4th Position)

INPEX 2013, Mumbai - Vermeil

SHARJAH 2012, Sharjah ( UAE ) - Silver Bronze

IPHLA 2012, Mainz - Germany : Bronze

I
NDIPEX 2011 - World Stamp Exhibition, New Delhi - Bronze

JOBURG 2010 - 26th Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Johannesburg - Silver Bronze

PORTUGAL 2010 - World Stamp Exhibition, Lisbon - Bronze

Hong Kong 2009 -23rd Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Hong Kong - Silver Bronze

About Me

My photo
Participated in different philatelic exhibitions Wrote for philately column in The Pioneer and worked as sub-editor for U-Phil Times published from United Philatelists, Kanpur.Did Schooling from Kanpur Vidya Mandir and Post Graduation in Botany from A.N.D. College Kanpur.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in the articles published on Rainbow Stamp News Blog are solely those of the authors and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog Owner. The Readers are requested to contact author or the contributor of the particular article if they have any objection or do not agree with the views expressed in the article . Please do not ask the Blog Owner to delete or change any Post published on this blog.The Post will be removed only after strong recommendation of the original author / contributor after proper verification .

All contents provided on this blog is for information only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this blog or found by following any link on this blog. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

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Rainbow Stamp Club

  • My Covers - *Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple: 7 March 2024 : Varanasi * *Thanks to Mr Rahul Ganguli, Pryag Philatelic Society, Praygraj *
    1 day ago

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