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

Friday, June 30, 2017

Rainbow July 2017



 
Centenary of Lions International


Lions Clubs International is celebrating its Centenary . Lions Clubs International was founded in 1917.In the one hundred years since its foundation, as a result of the goodwill work carried out and the related noble idea, the Lions movement today is active in 206 countries with 46,000 clubs and with approximately 1.4 million members, hence is the world's largest goodwill organisation organized as a club. Lions’ motto is ‘We serve’. 

Dehradun  July  2017    Vol. X  No. 115

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 the editor : j.jyoti9@gmail.com  

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 July 2017 issue of Rainbow Stamp News. The new tax policy of the government, implementation of GST from July 1, 2017 will considerably affect the philatelic market. It will have a great impact on the sale of stamps and other philatelic items. Let’s wait and watch the final guidelines by the government regarding GST. There are different opinions on this issue. Mr Naresh Agrawal has discussed the issue of GST very well in his column and has shown his apprehension on the hard effects of implementation of GST on philatelic and postal material.. Let’s hope for the best and try to promote the hobby of stamp collecting in every possible way. Now the time is due  for the next National Stamp Exhibition….Looking forward to the dates to be scheduled for next National Philatelic Show by India Post !

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

Happy Collecting !




Contents

§  From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal
§  Recent Indian Issues
§  In The News
§  Doon Philatelic Diary
§  Beginners’ Section
§  Specialized Section 
§  New Issues from Other Countries
§  Philatelic Clubs and Society
§  Blogs & Websites on Philately
§  Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletter










IMPACT OF GST ON PHILATELY


Goods and Services Tax (GST) certainly has given a big issue to the Indian public for last few months and I believe by the time this article of mine will come in front of you, GST might have been implemented in India to give new shape to Indian economy and so the living of Indian people as it is going to check and change every aspect of Indian market due to change in tax structure or say uniformity in tax structure. Though the situation is uncertain and the impact of GST is still unclear but it is understood that certain commodities will become costlier where as some will help Indian buyers as will become little cheaper. But the time will tell all about it..

Being a philatelist, I can only understand that GST is going to give big impact on philatelic and postal products such as mint and used stamps, postal stationery, Postal souvenir products, postal used and mint covers, commemorative covers, post marks, cancellations, carried covers & old and new postal items.

Several philatelists said to have written to the ministry for exemption of GST on philatelic items as philately is a hobby perused by people of all ages and groups. It is one the most popular hobby worldwide. Being a highly educational hobby, it is an essential tool in understanding and studying our rich cultural heritage and history. Many school children and senior citizens pursue this hobby as some senior philatelists involve themselves in research and publish their findings through books and dissertations in philatelic journals. Their researches help us in understanding and assimilating information on the socio economical anthropological, historical and political realities of that time on a global level. Thus it gives people an insight into the attributes of their own country and the world at large.
One must note that in past some of the state governments in India such as  Haryana and Maharashtra appreciated the need of philatelists and had exempted VAT in their states. This exemption saw a great revival and growth in philately in these states particularly Maharashtra. That resulted in active participation in District and State Levels exhibitions held thereafter and benefited philatelists in a big way. As a result, for last 4 years philatelists from Maharashtra have won several International and National accolades, medals and awards making our country proud.

Various philatelists and expert analysts have expressed their worry of the effect of GST on philately. Mr. Siddarth Bothra,Vice President of the “All India Philatelists Association”  stated that the government and finance ministry had too much on their plate on GST  but that tax would be a death blow for stamp collectors”. “Especially where high-value stamps were involved, all collectors preferred to undergo a transparent process and they would  have to pay taxes under GST.

Mr. Dinesh Kanabar, CEO of tax consultant,advisors and an avid stamp collector quoted “Under the GST regime, those could be regarded, for example, as unclassified goods and subjected to a high GST, which could have the effect of significantly dampening the hobbyists “Under GST, even an exchange is considered a transaction”, some experts said.

The one effect we have  seen due to the proposed GST is that many auctioneers have put their proposed auctions on hold waiting for the changes  in tax rates. This has given a set back to the philatelists hunting for unique material. “Philately has been all along seen as a hobby, which is pursued by all sections of the society. This also helps to save the country’s history and heritage, and making this hobby expensive by higher taxes is not fair,” said Rajender Maru of the Marudhar Arts, an ASI-licensed Bengaluru auction house in the country.

I am also of the opinion that high taxation on philatelic and postal material will harm the development of this hobby of stamp collecting. Some of our Indian philatelists and traders have taken up the issue with ministry and have succeeded too in a big extent in  reducing the proposed taxes clarifying certain issues. My heartiest thanks to them but at the same time I shall add that there is still certain issues which either need to be discussed or redressed to  not only reduce but totally get away from the GST.
It is understood, government now thinks philately as a high potential revenue generating business and trade which could earn thousands of crore of rupees as governments of other countries are earning. But it must not forget that  philately is philately first, close to the heart, a hobby, a passion ….not a trade. Luckily, the hardcore efforts by some serious philatelists have resulted in reduction of tax slabs for philatelic items and proper  identification of product code and class of philatelic items. But perhaps they have not  succeeded in getting full exemption. However, tax in any percentage or in any form ,if levied on any of philatelic material will pave way to kill the beautiful hobby. 
Once again my heartiest thanks to the philatelists who worked hard to interact with ministry to get the GST on philatelic material  at low percentage. I don’t know the latest achievements in this field but hope that it would be very low not to harm philately.

Finally wishing philately to prosper .

-Naresh Agrawal Ph. 09425530514



Recent Indian Issue





1 May 2017 : Ramanujacharya – Rs 25
13 May 2017 : Champaran Satyagraha Centenary –Rs 5, Rs10, Rs 25 + MS
5 May 2017 : Telecom Regulatoy Authority of India – Rs 5
19 May 2017 : Hanagal Kumar Swamiji – Rs 5
31 May 2017 : Eminent Writers – 5 x Rs 10 + MS
18 June 2017 : Jhala Manna – Rs 5
22 June 2017 : Survey of India – Rs15,Rs15 + MS
23 June 2017: 50 Years of Passport Act 1967
28 June 2017 : Banaras Hindu University – Se-teant pair – Rs 5+ Rs15

29 June 2017 : Shrimad Rajchandraji  - Rs 5

Recent Special Covers



1 June 2017  : World Milk Day – Davanagere
5 June 2017 : World Environment Day – Covers issued at different cities with same design.Vishakhapatnam cover shown below bears the green cancellation





Forests and water nourish all forms of life. Forests bring rain and ensure sustained availability of fresh water. Karnataka Forest Department celebrates year 2017 as "Forests for Water" year with public participation. The important initiatives include Vanamahotsava, conservation of watersheds and volunteer involvement.
On the occasion of World Environment Day, two special covers were released on 5th June 2017 at Bangalore.

 In The News

Spare us from steepest slab of 28% under GST says Stamp collectors to Arun Jaitley 





MUMBAI:  Stamp collectors have written to finance minister Arun Jaitley asking him to spare their hobby from the steepest slab of 28% under the goods and services tax (GST), which is expected to be rolled out on July 1. The fear is that collectibles such as stamps, coins, paintings and antique items may be treated as ’unclassified goods’ and hence face the highest GST rate.

"We are aware that the government and the finance minister have too much on their plate on GST but a tax would be a death blow for stamp or coin collectors," said Siddharth Bothra, Vice President of the All India Philatelists’ Association. "Especially where high-value stamps are involved, all collectors prefer to undergo a transparent process and they will have to pay taxes under GST

." In April, a 1948 stamp bearing the likeness of Mahatma Gandhi was sold for Rs 4 crore. That price would escalate by about Rs 1 crore if the worst fears of collectors are realised.

"The issue of applicable rate of GST to transactions is assuming significant importance, like potentially a transaction of dealing in items which are hobbies, like philately and coin collection," said Dinesh Kanabar, CEO of tax consultant Dhruva Advisors and an avid stamp collector. "Under the GST regime, these could be regarded, for example, as unclassified goods and subjected to a high GST, which could have the effect of significantly dampening the hobbyists."

Under GST, even an exchange is considered a transaction, experts said. However, determining the value of such a transaction may be difficult as the object may well be unique and hence there will be no benchmark for comparison.

 "Not just buying or selling of stamps or coins but even exchanging those by an individual or a gallery would come under GST’s gamut," said Sachin Menon, partner and head, indirect tax, KPMG in India. "However, this can be implemented only if one of those individuals involved is registered and conducting these exchanges or buying, selling openly, and may not be effective in the grey market ."

The government has still not unveiled product categorisation, or what fits into which slab. Since categorising collectibles can be tough, they could face the highest tax after being clubbed under unclassified goods.

A tax official based in Mumbai said there could even be taxes on paintings under GST but the problem is that many people buy paintings partially in cash, he said. Some, however, see a silver lining.

"While GST at around 28% could apply on many transactions, whether exchange or purchase of paintings, stamps, coins or other antiques, there is a chance that under the new tax regime, this would be more transparent," said MS Mani, Senior, director, Deloitte Haskins & Sells.

"Mainly because the buyer may be able to get the tax credit --provided the buyer uses these for his business or is directly engaged in these businesses -- and hence effectively the acquisition cost of the antique could become lesser."

Currently, most paintings, stamps and coins escape taxation if both buyer and seller are individuals at an auction.

However, many buyers, especially of paintings, deal outside the income tax net, or through their family offices or companies to escape taxes, said experts. Even when galleries conduct sales, they escape taxes most of the time and value-added tax (VAT) is applicable only in a few situations. So, if a private Indian collector were to buy Saurashtra by SH Raza after July 1 it could cost more than Rs 20 crore instead of Rs 16 crore, a record at a Christie’s auction in 2010, appreciation notwithstanding. 

Read more at:
http://gstblog.i-tax.in/Single-News/spare-us-from-steepest-slab-of-28-under-gst-says-stamp-collectors-to-arun-jaitley


GST impact: Auction of coins, stamps on hold

-       - Sharath S. Srivatsa BENGALURU,  MAY 23, 2017

Higher tax rate forces auctioneers to wait and watch at least till August; Indian Numismatic Association seeks exemption for antique coins

Keen numismatists and philatelists scouting for rare coins and philately materials through auctions in the country may have a long wait. For, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-licensed auction houses have put on hold their auctions at least till August.

Higher GST rates imposed on antique coins and philately, and also on the commission charged for auctions, have forced auctioneers to wait for the GST rollout before deciding on future dates.

While Bengaluru saw its last auction in February this year, the next auction will not be held before August. Similarly, other auction houses, mostly in Mumbai, have put on hold their auctions indefinitely, industry sources confirmed. There are six ASI-licensed auction houses in the country that are authorised to auction rare coins.

“Philately and numismatics have been all along seen as a hobby, which is pursued by all sections of the society. These also help save the country’s history and heritage, and making these hobbies expensive by higher taxes is not fair,” said Rajender Maru of the Marudhar Arts, an ASI-licensed Bengaluru auction house in the country. “We (auction houses) have decided to wait and watch before we decide to hold auctions. In the proposed GST rate, we do not see many participating anyway,” he said.

Mr. Maru said that since he conducted his last auctions in February, he wants to wait till at least August before deciding on the next auction. “Auctions had been put on hold because of lack of clarity on tax rate. There was a rumour that coins and stamps would fall in ‘other’ category that would attract 28% tax. However, now the category has been defined as numismatics and philately chargeable at the rate of 12%.”

20 physical auctions 
On an average, sources said about 20 physical auctions and 12 online auctions are held in the country in a year that attract several thousands of keen bidders, and the numbers have been growing. In the recent years, collection of antique coins is also considered as part of investment portfolio as many rare coins have given good returns in about five years period, sources said.

The oldest coin in India is about 2,600 years old belonging to Gandhara Janapada (kingdom), currently in Afghanistan that was part of larger India then. While the export of antique coins are banned under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, it can be only traded within the country.

Meanwhile, the Indian Numismatic Association has also sought exemption from GST on antique coins that are traded, and had even sought exclusion of coins from the definition of goods.

While numismatics as a hobby helps in preservation of heritage and cultural wealth of the country, the association had also pointed out at the negligible contribution coming from numismatic trade to the treasury.

“With the increase in rate, the market for numismatic will be drastically curbed as collectors would not like to invest in numismatic coins,” it said, adding that there is a need to accord special treatment.

“As it is, the market for antique coins and philately has been down by at least 25% due to changes in rules and also the effect of demonetisation. A higher tax would keep away hobbyists from making purchases,” sources said. 
Commission
On the possibility to reduce the auction house commission to attract buyers, sources said that the auction houses were already running on thin margins, and any reduction would leave them in dire straits. Buying set to get dearer.






Lauding Malaysia for Hindu temple postal stamp, Hindus urge other countries to follow


Hindus have commended Pos Malaysia Berhad for featuring Kuil Sri Kandaswamy Hindu temple of Brickfields area of Kuala Lumpur on a postal stamp.

This 60 sen (cents) stamp shows the majestic Sri Kandaswamy Temple, which was inaugurated in 1902. This Temple features huge golden Kodimaram, Vasantha Mandapam, Yagasalai Peedam, sacred pond Skandapuspakarani, sacred Kadambam tree, etc.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, pointed out that Hinduism was very rich in architecture and design and its architectural texts went back to pre-BCE Sulvasutra, which dealt with the geometric layout of altars. Visvakarman was regarded as the universal architect/builder who presided over Sthapatyaveda, Hindu treatise on architecture. Ancient Silpasastras gave direction on the symbolic meaning and ritual significance of the buildings.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, indicated that as most of the countries now housed traditionally designed Hindu temples where area Hindus regularly worshipped, postal services of these countries should step forward and issue postal stamps depicting these temples. Besides honoring these places of worship, these stamps on Hindu temples would also raise awareness of their citizens about Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.1 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought.

Sri Kandaswamy Kovil, which opens daily at 05-30 am, performs various services, including “1008 Sangga Abishegam” for RM 1981. K. Aruljothi is the President and Parameswara Kurukkal is the Chief Priest.

Pos Malaysia Berhad is the postal delivery service in Malaysia whose history goes back to early 1800s. Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh is the CEO.

Belarus – India Joint Issue







In October 2017   A joint stamp Issue between  Belarus and India is scheduled to be issued.


Best Europa stamp 2017 - Public Prize



Europe After a year without public prize for the Best Europa stamp, the on-line competition is back. You can vote till the 9th of September 2017 for your favorite Europa stamp 2017 ! For Voting please visit the following link :
Recent Stamp Exhibitions
BRASILIA -2017

Brasilia-2017 is a Specialized World Stamp Exhibition. The Exhibition will open on 24 October 2017 and close on 29 October 2017. Mr Ajay Kumar Mittal is the National Commissioner. email : ajaymittal1957@gmail.com

BANDUNG 2017



BANDUNG 2017 - Specialised WORLD STAMP EXHIBITION, 3-7 Aug 2017 Exhibition under FIP PatronageShri Sahdeva Sahoo is National Commissioner for this exhibition.  emails : sahadevasahoo@gmail.com   &   sahadevas@yahoo.com  Phones +91 9337103542
 +91 674 2432251 (LL)

News from Philatelic Societies


German Philatelic Collector Group ArGe Zoologie

New postmark from Germany  on “ Stamps on Stamps”



On July 30th 2017  a new pictorial postmark in 34369 HOFGEISMAR will be available.
The pictorial postmark is featuring two stamps (the stamp featuring the Inverted Jenny from USA and the first Canadian stamp from 1849 featuring an American beaver).
The postmark honors the 40th Anniversary of the German Philatelic Study Group USA/CANADA and her Meeting in Hofgeismar during the philatelic exhibition MAERCHENPOSTA. Hofgeismar is located in the rural Region of the German County Hessen with a section of US/Candadian Philately

-Wolfgang Beyer, Vice Chairman of the German Philatelic Collector Group ArGe Zoologie



Karnataka Philatelic Society
KARPHILEX-2017 State Level Stamp Exhibition



Organised by  Karnataka Philatelic Society
Dates : 14,15,16 July, 2017
Venue : Rajarajeshwari Kalyana Mantapa  2nd Block, Dr Rajkumar Road, 80 Feet Road, Rajajinagar, Bangalore – 560010
Enquiries/Details: Contact
 K.Chaitanya Dev- +919900196728
Mr Mani  Muthu Krishnan - +918904003936
Mr Nikhilesh Melkote - +917760995362

Doon Philatelic Diary


250 years of Survey of India





- Abhai Mishra




Survey of India is one of the oldest Engineering departments of Government of India. It was established in 1767 at Calcutta with the appointment of Major James Rennell as Surveyor General of Bengal by Lord Clive. Rennell primarily focussed in surveying the areas of Bihar and Bengal. Though the maps were not very accurate but they sufficed to meet the needs of that time. The contribution of Michael Topping is worth mentioning as he was the first to use triangulation for surveying 300 mile along the coast from Madras to Palk Strait. In 1793 he established the first astronomical observatory in Madras and subsequently first surveying school in 1794. The Presidencies of Bombay and Madras had their own Surveyors General in 1796 and 1810 respectively. In 1815 Col. Colvin Mackenzie was appointed as the first Surveyor General of India and the post of Surveyor General of Bengal, Bombay & Madras was abolished. Even before the Ordnance Survey of UK, it was in India that systematic survey was established.


One of the herculean task ever undertaken by any agency in the world was the Great Trigonometric Survey started by the SOI under William Lambton. Lambton started the GTS work from Madras in 1802 when he measured the baseline at St. Thomas Mount and started his triangulation. He was accredited for measuring the longest geodetic arc closest to the equator. In 1818 George Everest joined Lambton, and after the death of latter in 1823 he was made in charge.  In 1830 he was appointed as the Surveyor General of India. He completed the Great Meridional Arc in 1841 and it is really surprising that Everest spheroid is still being used by Asian countries.


It was in Dehra Dun that the GTS culminated. Besides the great arc series, extending from Cape Comorin to Dehra Dun, there are two longitudinal series, the one extending from Cachar, in Assam, to Peshawar, and the other from Calcutta to Karanchi: between these are numerous series of triangles, those to the east of the great arc being at distances of about one degree, or 60 miles apart, taking meridional directions, thus forming what is called a gridiron system, similar to that adopted in the French and Russian surveys. Radhanath Sikdar, the Chief Computer at the Dehra Dun Survey of India Office, calculated the height of Peak XV as highest in the world which was later named as Mount Everest. The period of 1865 to 1885 is dedicated to the Indian explorers who surveyed the forbidden land of Tibet, Mongolia and Central Tibet. As the British surveyors were not allowed in the above mentioned territories, Major Montgomerie trained Indian explorers to survey these regions clandestinely. The most celebrated Indian explorers were Pundit Nain Singh, Kishan Singh, Kalian Singh, Hari Ram, Lala, Nem Singh, Kinthup, Rinzin Namgyal and Ugyen Gyatso. In 1854 the SOI printed the first postage stamps of India. The headquarter of SOI was shifted to Delhi in 1911 and then to Dehra Dun in 1916.

During the Second World War a new map factory was established at Hathibarkala, Dehra Dun with modern printing machines to meet the ever increasing demand of maps for military operation. In 1982 satellite geodesy was introduced and this increased the accuracy and resolutions of the maps. With the advent of Digital Cartography, the maps were digitized. This year SOI is celebrating its 250 years and its contribution to the National progress in unparalleled.

Abhai Mishra - email : abhai_mishra@rediffmail.com

Beginners’ Section

Top Extraordinary stamps of  2016

Glowing Stamp from Russia



This souvenir celebrates The 175th Birth Anniversary of Arkhip Kuindzhi (1841-1910) .Arkhip Ivanovich Kuindzhi (1841-1910) was a Russian painter, landscape artist. The souvenir sheet of this great Russian artist glows in the UV radiation because of the special transparent ink used in this stamp to create the picture of the painter.The painter’s artistic intention was to create real moonlight and space depth. In the artist’ s opinion, Night on the Dnieper river became the mail painting of his life. The painting depicted on this original souvenir sheet by Russian Post demonstrates harmony and  tranquility, as well as simplicity of patterns. The moon shines in the night sky, painting the the clouds in the cold light. The moonlight can be seen fluctuate in the waters of Dnieper.

Do you know ?

DISIGNER’S DAUGHTER NAME FOUND HIDDEN IN USA STAMPS


In 1989, the US Postal Service commissioned Al Hirschfeld, the cartoonist for the New York Times and also the Greatest American Caricaturist of this century to do a Series of 26 Sketches of Great Personalities from the World of Entertainment. In 1994 series of 10 stamps featuring caricatures of Actors and Actresses of the Silent Screen, he incorporated his daughters name NINA secretly as design somewhere in the stamps depicting Rudolph Valentino, Clara Bow, Charlie Chaplin, Zasu Pitts and Theda Bara.

Specialized Section

 









In Memory of Dr Satyendra Agrawal….





I  found an old letter of Dr. Satyendra Kumar Agarwal. Beautiful letterhead, excellent handwriting and also reference of RAINBOW STAMP NEWS . Just sharing here in his sweet remembrance.

- Sudhir Jain, Satna (MP)


In great philatelic memory of Dr Satyendra Kumar Agrawal, I am re-publishing some of his best articles every month this year. Those who were closely associated with Dr Agrawal may also share their memories  in this column.- Editor


Unique Philatelic Elements: “Proof of Delivery Card” and “Intimation Card” (pt. II)

© Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal

Illustrated INTIMATION CARDS


Similar to Proof of Delivery cards,Speed Post Business Office at Mangalore introduced multi-colored illustrated Intimation Cards dropped by the Postman   for the purpose of informing the arrival of Speed Post article if the addresseeis not available at the address.


Intimation Card
Not issued in large numbers these Intimation Cards also depicted Flora-Fauna, local traditions and cultural heritage of Karnataka.


Flying Bird

Buffalo Race 

Coastal Karnataka has a long historical and cultural tradition.  Situated on the West Coast, it has attracted many foreign traders from Europe, the Middle East and even Israel for centuries.  Mangalore was under Portuguese for some time and later under Tippu Sulthan until the British defeated him.  The stamp of various cultures is evident along this coast.  There has since been a dilution in the original culture over the years.

However, in the villages a rich local culture aligned to religion and the temple is still very evident.

The Buffalo Race is one of the oldest sports in KAMBALA region.  This event is the highlight of a major festival organized by the villagers.  It takes place on a muddy track adjoining a rice fieldusually on Sundays in winter season.


Traditional Buffalo Race in Paddy Puddle

Thousand Pillars temple at Moodbidri

Moodbidri is a small town about 37 km northeast of Mangalore, in Karnataka, known as the 'Jain Kashi' of South India. It is an ancient center of   Jain religion, culture, art and architecture during 14th - 16th centuries.Jains from all parts of India come here to worship in the famous 18 Jaina basadis that are dedicated to the memory of the Tirthankars.

Moodbidri houses 18 Jain temples (basadis). The oldest of them is the 15th century Chandranatha Basadi, which is also known as the 1000 (Thousand) Pillars temple or 'Savira Kambada basadi'.

It is a large granite temple built in 1430 A.D. during the regime of Vijayanagar king Devarai II. Lower portion of this temple is built with stone consisting one thousand pillars and upper portion with wood, an excellent work of art dedicated to Tirthankar Chandra Prabhuji.The main entrance of the thousand pillar temple, which faces the east, opens onto a wonderful 15 meter tall monolithic pillar called Mahastamba in front of the doorway.

The 2.5 meter tall bronze idol of Lord Chandranatha Swami in the sanctum hall is considered to be very sacred. The pillars of this basadi are decorated with carvings typical of Vijayanagarstyle.

The temple pillars have been beautifully constructed with the help of engravings or hippogryphs. Hippogryphs are the carvings of the charging horses. These sculpted horses are often seven to eight feet tall. There are certain pillars too that do not have such horse engravings. These pillars have been adorned with characters that appear in the Indian mythology. The outer walls of the shrine and court depict scenes from the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. There are sculptures on the pillars in the halls, in the panels between the plinth and the cornice moldings of the basement. The gopurams of some of the temples have intricately carved sculpture.

The 'mandapas' are decorated with sculpted miniature elephants.Such features of Vijayanagar sculptures render a fantastic look to the temples.

Thousand Pillars temple (Front)



Thousand Pillars temple (Reverse)

Illustrated PODs and ICs are only issued by Speed Post Business Office at Mangalore havingpictures of local culture, tradition and historical places etc.   depicted on one face of these cards are not in large number.
Mangalore also issued a new   Intimation card has the advertisement of the various services provided by India Post.

Advertising Intimation Card

Recently the intimation card and POD has lost its importance as tracking facility is available through internet and intimation is made through phone, SMS etc.



Speed Post-movement-status on Internet

IMP : In Ist part of this article published in August 2015, a mistake is pointed out by Sudhir Jain ji of Satna, MP – Instead of “Gommateshwara”  Proof of delivery card depicts RATNAGIRI BAHUBALI OF DHARMSTHALA. Height is 39 feet and situated at Dharmsthala, District South Kannada, Karnataka. It was established by Dr. VeerendraHeggade of Dharmasthala in the year 1982.Thanks to him and also for images of Intimation Cards.

US Two Cent Red Sesquicentennial issues of 1926–1932








-Col J Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta


In 1926, Philadelphia hosted the Sesquicentennial International Exposition, a world fair to commemorate the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  

Sesquicentennial International Exposition logo 

Although it opened to great fanfare, the exposition failed to attract enough visitors to cover its costs.  The fair organization went into receivership in 1927 and its assets were sold at auction.  The idea to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence by holding a world’s fair originated in 1916 with John Wanamaker (1838-1922), owner of Wanamaker’s department stores and lone survivor of the 1876 Centennial Exposition’s Finance Committee, who called upon Philadelphia to host an industrial and commercial exposition that would fittingly mark the birth of the United States.  World War I temporarily delayed planning, but in 1920, Mayor
J. Hampton Moore (1864-1950) and a group of leading citizens took up the effort.  They formed the Sesquicentennial Exhibition Association (SCEA) in 1921.
 The fair opened on May 31, 1926 and ran through till November 30, in South Philadelphia between the Naval Yard and Packer Avenue and between Tenth and Twenty-Third Streets. Secretary of Commerce Hoover and Secretary of State Frank B. Kellogg participated in the opening ceremonies with Mayor Kendrick.  For early fair goers, though open the fair was not quite finished.  Several buildings remained under construction until late July, nearly two months into a six-month event.

During this period (1926-1932), the U.S. Post Office issued more than a dozen 'Two Cent Reds' commemorating the 150th anniversaries of Battles and Events that occurred during the American Revolution.  The first among these was the Liberty Bell 150th Anniversary Issue, in 1926 − designed by Clair Aubrey Huston, and engraved by
J. Eissler & E. M. Hall, two of America's most renowned master engravers.

The 'Two Cent Reds' were among the last stamps used to carry a letter for 2 cents, the rate changing to 3 cents on July 6, 1932. This rate remained the same for 26 years until it finally changed to 4 cents in 1958.


The Liberty Bell stamp was issued to commemorate the 1926 Sesquicentennial Expo, which celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the 50th anniversary of the 1876 Centennial Exposition.  It depicts the bell the organizers constructed, an 80-foot replica of the Exposition's symbol, the Liberty Bell, covered in 26,000 light bulbs, at the gateway to the festival on Broad Street.





80-foot replica of the Exposition's symbol, the Liberty Bell, covered in 26,000 light bulbs, at the gateway to the festival. Sesqui-Centennial Stadium (later known as Philadelphia Municipal Stadium and, after 1964, John F. Kennedy Stadium) was built in conjunction with the fair. 


     1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition embossed stamp from the issued envelope mint and used


Two Cent Red Sesquicentennial issues of 1926–1932



Battle of White Plains

This red 2-cent stamp commemorated the Battle of White Plains, New York, which occurred on October 28, 1777. The stamp was issued on October 18, 1926.  Its design was inspired by E.L. Ward's painting 'Alexander Hamilton's Battery'.  It commemorates the Battle of White Plains, a Revolutionary War battle fought on October 28, 1776.  The design honors Alexander Hamilton, an outstanding artillery commander, and his men. The artwork shows a four-man Continental gun crew with cannon and ammunition.  The stamp was also issued in sheets of twenty-five inscribed in the selvage for the International Philatelic Exhibition in New York (USA Scott 630). These souvenir sheets were actually printed on site at the exhibition on a flat plate press set up for the occasion.



Vermont Sesquicentennial

The red 2-cent Vermont Sesquicentennial stamp, issued on August 3, 1927, celebrated the 150th anniversaries of the Battle of Bennington (August 16, 1777) and the independence of Vermont.  The British General John Burgoyne's forces were turned back at Bennington by a contingent of Green Mountain Boys.  The stamp depicts a Green Mountain Boy dressed in buckskin and leaning on his rifle.  Vermont was not one of the thirteen original states.  It was actually an independent entity at the time


Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga

First Day of Issue: August 3, 1927.  British General Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga is often noted as the turning point of the American Revolutionary War.  The moment is commemorated on a stamp also inscribed Oriskany, a central New York village that was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War, setting in motion events leading to the surrender.  Called the “Burgoyne Campaign,” it commemorates several different events.  In fact, General John Burgoyne isn’t the central character in the stamp and it wasn’t originally intended to honor him, as he was a British general fighting against America. The stamp pictures Burgoyne (left of center) handing his sword to General Horatio Gates of the Continental Army.  The stamp image is based on John Trumbull’s 1821 painting “Surrender of General Burgoyne.”



Valley Forge – George Washington at prayer

Issue Date: May 26, 1928.  From December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778, the Continental Army, under the command of General George Washington, camped at Valley Forge. Valley Forge is located about 25 miles west of Philadelphia along the Schuylkill River. Washington chose to camp at Valley Forge due to its defendable location and proximity to farm supplies and trade routes. The shared hardships toughened the American army and solidified its determination. The recently defeated, undisciplined troops that entered Valley Forge in December emerged a highly skilled fighting force in June.


An Artillery wife, Mary Hays McCauly (better known as Molly Pitcher) exhibited legendary heroism bringing water to the troops and tending to the wounded at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778.  In 1928 she was honored on the first United States commemorative overprint when the words "Molly Pitcher" were overprinted on a standard 2 cent George Washington stamp from the 1926-31 series.


George Rogers Clark Leads the Capture of Vincennes

Issue Date: February 25, 1929.  Around 1732, the French built a settlement on the Wabash River.  This waterfront trading post, named Vincennes, was the first permanent European settlement in Indiana.  It was named after its founder, the Sieur de Vincennes.  The British gained control of Vincennes in 1763, after the French and Indian War.  Frontiersman and soldier George Rogers Clark (1752-1818) was living in Kentucky at this time, then part of Virginia.  However, Virginia refused to send military aid to the Kentuckians when Indians, with British military supplies, began staging raids in the area.  Clark told Virginia officials, “If a country is not worth protecting, it is not worth claiming.”  This argument worked, and the officials sent valuable supplies of gunpowder to Clark in Kentucky.  In 1777, during the Revolutionary War, the British built Fort Sackville at Vincennes.  In 1778, Clark took Fort Sackville, and with it, Vincennes.  The British were soon able to recapture the fort, but Clark again attacked and forced them to surrender.  Clark’s victory at Vincennes and other settlements were key to the US claim of ownership of the vast Northwest Territory at the end of the Revolutionary War.

The Wizard of Menlo Park – Thomas Alva Edison

First Day of Issue: June 11, 1929.  Inventor of the phonograph and founder of General Electric, Thomas A. Edison was honored on a stamp in 1929. There are three collectible varieties of this issue as it was printed using both rotary and flat plate techniques, and was the first commemorative stamp to be issued in coil format.  This stamp was issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first incandescent electric light.  Because of the Post Office policy never to portray a living person on a United States stamp, Edison's picture could not be shown on the stamp that honored him.  It was the third stamp issued with this design that was produced for use in vending machines.  Edison’s first patents were for improvements in telegraph technology.  After selling these patents for a substantial amount of money, a 23-year-old Edison bought his first workshop in Newark, New Jersey. He made improvements to the design of the typewriter there in 1874.  Before Edison’s improvements, people had been able to write faster by hand than by typing.  While working in a workshop in Menlo Park, New Jersey from 1876 to 1887 Edison created the first practical electric light on October 19, 1879.  People all over the world quickly learned of this astounding accomplishment and the “Wizard of Menlo Park.”
John Sullivan

Issue Date: June 17, 1929.  John Sullivan (1740-1795) was born in Somersworth, New Hampshire, and practiced law in Durham.  Although closely aligned with New Hampshire’s British governor as a young lawyer, Sullivan joined the fight for American Independence in the early 1770s.  Sullivan served as New Hampshire’s delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses, rose to the rank of major general in the Continental Army, and took part in several prominent battles during the War of Independence.  Sullivan led a controversial expedition against the Iroquois confederacy in 1779.  His force of 4,500 troops sought to eliminate England’s close allies by destroying their food supply.  The Sullivan Expedition destroyed villages and crops across a broad swath of Pennsylvania and New York.  Criticized for the brutality of the campaign, Sullivan resigned his commission in 1779.  The citizens of New Hampshire considered Sullivan a hero and he served as the state’s attorney general, speaker of the house, and governor before being appointed the first judge of the Federal District Court in 1789


The Battle of Fallen Timbers

Issue Date: September 14, 1929. The United States gained title to the massive Northwest Territory from the British during the Revolutionary War.  However, hostile Indians, supplied and encouraged by the British, almost prevented white settlement.  President George Washington sent military expeditions against the Indians in 1790 and 1791, but they met with defeat till he appointed Anthony Wayne (1745-1796) as head of the US Army in 1792.  This brilliant tactician had earned the name “Mad Anthony” Wayne through his acts of reckless courage during the Revolutionary War.  On August 20, 1794, Wayne’s forces defeated a large army of Indians at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, near present-day Toledo, Ohio.  In 1795, Wayne forced the Indians to sign the Treaty of Greenville.  This treaty made the Northwest Territory, which included all of Indiana, available for American settlement.


Ohio River Canalization

Issue Date: October 19, 1929.  In 1929, the Corps of Engineers completed the Ohio River Canalization. The project began in 1875 in an effort to tame the turbulent waters of the Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio rivers.  Utilizing a system of dams and locks, the Ohio River Canalization turned the unruly rivers into a 967-mile chain of waterways that stretches from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cairo, Illinois

The United States issued four commemorative stamps in 1930. The Massachusetts Bay Colony Issue celebrated the 300th anniversary of the founding of the colony and shows the colony seal. The Carolina-Charleston Issue celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of Charleston, South Carolina and shows Governor Joseph West standing beside a Kiawah Indian. The Braddock's Field Issue celebrates the anniversary of 1775 Battle of Braddock's Field and shows George Washington as a colonel in the British army. Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, featured on the final stamp of 1930, was a German-Prussian army officer who served under George Washington during the American Revolutionary War and is credited with teaching the Continental Army the essentials of military drill and discipline.
The Massachusetts Bay Colony

This commemorative issue celebrated the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The red 2-cent stamp, issued on April 8, 1930, depicts the colony's seal. The seal portrays an Indian holding a bow and arrow, the words "Come over and help us" emanating from his mouth.  It was founded by sixty English Puritans seeking religious freedom.  Some members of the colony saw themselves as missionaries sent by God to convert Native Americans to the Christian faith.  They wouldn't tolerate any other religious belief in their midst, forcing others to "seek freedom" by founding colonies elsewhere.
Charleston, South Carolina
Date of issue: 10 April 1930.  It commemorated the 260th anniversary of the founding of the Province of Carolina and the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the city of Charleston.  King Charles II of England granted charters to territory in South Carolina to eight of his loyal friends in 1663.  Seven years passed before the group, which was known as the lord proprietors, sent the first colonists to settle along the coast of South Carolina.  The English settlers selected a spot where the Ashley and Cooper rivers fed into the ocean.  According to a legend handed down through the years, a friendly Indian chief named Shadoo invited the colonists to settle at a site across the river from the city’s current location in 1670.  Settlers of the small town moved across the river to Charleston’s present location in 1672, and the port town became a bustling trade center.  The wealthiest city south of Philadelphia, Charleston was the capital city of South Carolina from 1670-1790, as well as the cultural and economic center of the South.  The colonists’ relationship with England became strained during the War of Independence.  Charleston became a focal point in the American Revolution.  In 1774, South Carolina declared its independence from the crown on the steps of Charleston’s Exchange and Custom House.


Battle of Braddock’s Field

Date of issue: 9 July 1930. This stamp commemorates the 175th anniversary of the Battle of Braddock’s Field.  During the struggle of the British to free the Northwestern Territory from French occupation (French and Indian War), General George Braddock ignored the advice of George Washington about Indian methods of fighting from ambush.  At the Battle of Braddock, British troops were scared by war whoops and confused by Indians fighting from behind trees.  General Braddock was killed and his troops defeated.  The battle featured several commanders besides Washington who would become prominent in the American Revolution.  General Thomas Gage went on to become the British Commander-in-Chief at the beginning of the Revolution, Horatio Gates was a Colonial Army general who commanded American forces at the Battle of Saratoga, and Charles Lee became a major general in the Colonial Army

General Baron Frederick Wilhelm von Steuben

Issue Date: September 17, 1930. This stamp commemorates the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prussian-born General Baron Frederick Wilhelm von Steuben, whose exceptional services to the Colonial Army greatly improved their militarily techniques during the Revolutionary War.  The movement to get a stamp issued in honor of General Steuben faced many impediments.  Several Postmasters General rejected the suggestions, citing issues such as no resources for new commemoratives, to unwritten standards for new issues.  Finally, in 1930, a stamp was issued to commemorate the anniversary of von Steuben’s birth.

In 1931, this 2¢ stamp was issued to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown.  At Yorktown, French and American forces worked together to crush the British army under General Charles Cornwallis.
Reference
1. Sesquicentennial opens as sun shines; 100,000 pass gates, New York Times, 1926-06-01, p 1.

2. US Stamps Commemoratives of 1926-1927 at http://www.stamp-collecting-world.com/usstamps_1926.html

3. https://www.mysticstamp.com/Products/United-States

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

THE WORST TRADE ROUTE IN THE WORLD


Image source :  Kashmiristamps website

Came across this inocous looking Envelope cover during one random search on the Net while trying to know more about Mail runners in the Himalayas, you know the guys who used to take letters / Posts during the 19th century.
Looked at it closely it and the writings on it in Persian, English and Dogri in Takri script got me more interested. And then I read on it. It was letter sent from Yarkand in the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang (Sinkiang) or East Turkestan as it was known at that time to someone in Hoshiarpur in Punjab. There was a constant trade from Hoshiarpur to Yarkand via Mandi, through Kullu Valley onto Leh and onwards to Yarkand. It was in my opinion the hardest trade route in the world. (Thanks to kashmirstamps website for this invaluable photo and details).
A large quantum of the trade was carried on through the classical trade route from Ladakh to Yarkand in the Tarim Basin in Turkestan of the old ( Xinjiang Province of China at present ). The traders from Ladakh took to Yarkand (which served as the gateway to Central Asia) items like Shawls, Indigo, Tea, Corals, Muslin etc. On the other from Yarkand into Ladakh (and further into Kashmir and North India) came in Silk, Precious Metals, Costumes, Jewellery and oddly Russian currency towards the end of the Nineteenth century.
Now the letter this Envelope contained was posted on October 05, 1890 and it was delivered at Hoshairpur on November 29, 1890 after a total of 55 days. It entered the Bristish India Postal system once it reached Leh, which it did on November 12, 1890 and the Dogri stamps/writings were affixed on November 17, 1890 somewhere on the way which is speculated as Mandi but I seriously doubt anyone could get from Leh to Mandi in 5 days. So that place remains a mystery. Also it seems to be at a point under Dogra suzerainity which Mandi never was. My best guess is that it was somewhere in the Ladakh but where exactly is a mystery.
To understand the dynamics of the whole journey from the Hoshiarpur to Yarkand you need to consider that it involved crossing the Dhauladhar Range, the Great Himalaya itself, the Karakorams and finally the Kun Luns itself. It involved crossing over 10 Passes, some of which are the highest in the World. It also included crossing the extremely inhospitable Depsang Plains. If ever there was a difficult "trade route" this was it. Infact one English gentleman called it the "Worst Trade Route in the World".
Most of us are familiar with the Route from Hoshiarpur to Leh. Form the plains upto Mandi into the Kullu Valley and then upto the first great Pass, the Rohtang La. At around 13000 ft Rohtang may be dwarfed by some of the other passes which come later but with the amount of snow it received it came with a reputation. No wonder it derived its named from "A pile of Corpses". After crossing into the vertically dramatic Lahaul Valley the route went upto the the Baralacha La, lying on the water shed of the Great Himalayas. After the getting into the Trans Himalayan Ladakh region the route crossed the Lachulang La and the Tangang La after crossing the Plateau known as the More Plains. And then we got to Leh.
Leh was the midway point in some ways and as such was full of businessmen from both ends of the Route and places in between as well as traders from Kashmir who came up through the Zoji La Pass. Leh was a busy trade town at that time with a mix of Yarkandi, Kashmiri, Punjabi, Tibetan, Europeans as well as the very interesting Arguns (these were people born out of mixed marriages between Yarkandi and Kashmiri traders and local Ladakhi women) people besides the local Ladakhis.
The great passes that had to be crossed in this great trasnverse starting from the Leh side included the now "world famous" Khardung  La. From the head of the Nubra Valley started the descent into the second Pass, Sasser La,at 5411 m. From this pass the route descended into the Depsang Plains. From the Depsang Plains, which are as desolate as any place on the planet with an average elevation of 5300 m the route headed over the Karakoram Pass which stood at 5540 m. The Karakoram Pass was/is totally bereft of any kind of vegetation and lot of the livestock just gave up. It is said that the path up the Pass is still strewn with hundreds of bones and skeletons of pack animals that just gave up and died. After crossing the the Karakoram Pass the route went towards the relatively easy Suget La.
After crossing the easiest pass on the route, Suget La, ~ 5500, which was in the Kun Lun mountains the route descended into the staging post of Shahidullah which offered some rough pastures for the load animals to refuel. It is interesting to know the British considered Shahidullah as the frontier of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and not the Karakoram Pass as some others assumed it to be.
After Shahidullah came the last pass before descending into the plains of Central Asia, the Sanju La at 5364 m. From this Pass the mountains gave way and the trade route made its way into the fabled city of Yarkand.
Of course this letter came in the opposite direction and I tried to get a transalation done from a friend (Thanks to Seema Bhatt  for helping out here). In Persian the letter says "Lifafa dar Zila Khas Hoshyarpur ba nazre Lala Sahib Mela Das Hangame naik mosool howa. Az muqam e Yarqand az janabe Samad Joo Soofi. 20th of safar 1308 Safar." The meaning with all the Persian respects and adab, means that the letter is addressed to one Lala Mela Das of Hoshiarpur and it is sent by Janaab Samad Joo Soofi. The sender in all probability was a Kashmiri trader based in Yarkand, guessing from his surname but as with a lot of Punjabis earlier the surname of Lala Mela Das remains a mystery. I checked up with a friend, who's ancestors also used to trade with Yarkand, also from Hoshiarpur if he knew of this gentleman but till now ive drawn a blank.
Anyways this just goes to show what all is revealed when one digs into a simple old enevlope. The people/ the route it took/ the language/languages used/ the scripts/ the dates/ the reason etc etc. Truly something worth getting into the depth of.
For me the quest will continue as I plan to visit Yarkand some times in August I guess as I have always been fascinated by the Trans Himalayan Central Asian towns which were at the end of the Silk Road from our side and have a glimpse of the Worst Trade Route in the world. Yarkand, Kashgar, Khotan, Tashkurgan and of course the Karakoram Highway are all on my list :)
Additional inputs from : When Men and Mountain Meet : The Explorers of the Western Himalayas 1820 - 75. This has to be one of my favorite books on the Himalaya.

-       Ambesh Upmanyu, Ahmedabad

New issues from other Countries
Jersey
10 July 2017 : 200 years of the kaleidoscope



Six stamps celebrating the 200th anniversary of the invention of the kaleidoscope will be issued by Jersey Post on 10 July 2017, the stamps feature kaleidoscopic patterns inspired by the Island’s flora and fauna.
Scottish scientist, Sir David Brewster, patented the kaleidoscope in 1817. A prolific inventor, Brewster received numerous prestigious awards in recognition for his immense contributions to science, specifically optics. Whilst he has many inventions to his name including the binocular camera, lighthouse illuminator and lenticular stereoscope, his most enduring legacy is the kaleidoscope.
Illustrating the intricate patterns of a kaleidoscope to appear on the stamps was a challenging process as artist, Mark Wilkinson describes: “To design imagery inside a kaleidoscopic pattern of six segments was not as straightforward as I first thought it might be. Every element that sits on the edges creates a self-contained pattern that can be unexpected and occasionally obtrusive. After playing around for a while, it became easier to predict the symmetry.”
Each of the six stamps has been designed around a specific aspect of Jersey wildlife: shells and anemones, feathers and eggs, wildflowers, woodlands, minibeasts and marine life.
Malta
31 May 2017 : Postal Uniforms




This issue consists of four stamps showing MaltaPost's corporate mascot, Peppi Pustier, dressed in uniforms worn by the 'posties' of the Maltese Islands over the years. These portray the corporate branding as well as the fashion trends and social developments over the years. Progressively the uniform became less formal and more practical. This resulted from the 1960s social revolution, when society parted with conservative ideas and welcomed a less formal way of life.
The 2.00 stamp depicts Peppi Pustier in an early 1900s uniform. It consists of a single-breasted felt jacket with front patch pockets having the Queen Victoria crown embossed on the buttons, the postman's personalised number on the collar. For smartness and protection from the elements, many postmen wore black boots. A beige satchel and a regulation cap, also worn by policemen at the time, was included in the uniform.
On the 1.00 stamp, Peppi is seen on a motorcycle sporting a grey Eisenhower twill zip-up jacket with cuffs. Postmen in the 1980s wore light blue shirts, V-neck wool jerseys, ties bearing the postal horn logo of the time as well as a metal helmet with 'Posta' written across the forehead.
In the early 2000s, the postal services launched the first logo as 'MaltaPost'. The uniform, as portrayed on the 0.59 stamp, was yellow and blue and matched the company's branding. For the first time, a postman wore a more casual baseball cap.
The formal and smart uniforms shown in the first two stamps are similar to the ones worn by members of authority at the time, indicating the central role held by the postal service. The role was paramount in an age when communication could only reach towns and cities via the post.
The postal service today is being replaced by electronic means of communication, yet its role in the internet age remains central, particularly in the area of online shopping. Today MaltaPost has geared itself to embrace this shift in the market. Today's uniform, as seen on the 0.26 stamp consists of casual grey trousers and a polo shirt, complemented by a fleece jacket for winter wear. The charcoal grey colour along with a hint of red strongly portrays the current corporate colours. The jacket, hat and fleece jacket sport an embroidered MaltaPost logo. This new uniform adopts modern textiles ensuring comfort, practicality and professionalism.
New Zealand
7June 2017 : New Zealand Surf Breaks

New Zealand sits right in the cross hairs of the Roaring Forties, leaving it exposed to the rolling swell that boils up from turbulent Antarctic storms. New Zealand’s minute size means that surfers are able to chase swells from north to south in a matter of hours.
Each of the five stamps in this issue features one of New Zealand’s prime surfing spots, with dramatic images captured by some of New Zealand’s top surf photographers. The North Island is represented by two of New Zealand’s most well-known surf spots, Piha Bar in Piha and Manu Bay in Raglan, as well as the Waiwhakaiho River mouth in Taranaki along Surf Highway 45. The South Island is represented by Mangamaunu in Kaikoura and Aramoana Spit in Dunedin, both producing world-class breaks in the cooler southern waters. 
United Nations
5 June 2017: World Environment Day



World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated on June 5 each year and is the United Nations’ principal means for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment.



Over the years it has grown to be a broad, global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries. It also serves as the ‘people’s day’ for doing something positive for the environment, galvanizing individual actions into a collective power that generates a positive impact on the planet.
Acknowledgement
Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin June 2017 from Ananthapuri Philatelic Association
Vadophil Issue No. 150 from Baroda Philatelic Society
Blogs & Websites

Philatelic Clubs & Societies 

Ananthapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Baroda Philatelic Society -  http://www.vadophil.org/
Chandigarh Philatelic Club
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
Numismatic & Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort  http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm
Philatelic Congress of India - http://www.philateliccongressofindia.com/
Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association -  http://www.sipa.org.in/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune

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

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

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

Ananthpuri Stamp Bulletin - Monthly e -stamp bulletin of Anathapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram

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

SIPA Bulletin http://www.sipa.org.in/

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.

GPA News – Published by Gujarat Philatelists’ Association, Ahemadabad.

Stamps Today  Stamp & Coin Magazine edited by Vijay Seth


Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue :   Indian Philately Digest ,  Stamps of India ;  WOPA , Suresh R.- Bangalore; Kasinath R. – Tanjore, Jagannath Mani - Bangalore

Address for communication :

Jeevan Jyoti,  c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun – 248002. India  
             
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Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun, ( Uttarakhand ) India for free circulation among philatelists.




















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

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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.

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