200th Birth Anniversary of Florence
Nightingale
"Live life when you have it. Life is a splendid gift – there is nothing small about it."
Dehradun June 2020
Vol. XIII Issue No. 150
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
Celebrating 150th issue of Rainbow Stamp News
Dear Reader,
It is a great pleasure to bring out 150th
issue of Rainbow Stamp News. This is a special number for me as with this
issue Rainbow completes 150 months (12 Years and 6 months ) of publication
without any break. I go down memory lane to January 2008 when I started this stamp bulletin
from Chopal, a small town of Shimla district with an idea to promote the hobby of philately
among philatelists and non philatelists through a simple online newsletter .The
special feature of this newsletter is that it is always live. One can view any issue
any time on the internet either by searching or going through the archives
given on its blog. However the journey continued month after month and reached the
150th number. During the journey many persons from philatelic community as well
as people from other walks of life interacted and some became part of the
newsletter. Unfortunately some of them are not with us today who had given great
contribution to the newsletter. The basic aim of this magazine is to present
philately in the simplest form so that those who do not know much about
philately can understand it too… I am still following the same idea and
presenting it before you with the help of our esteemed contributors. Without
their help it was never possible for me to publish it regularly …Thank you Readers for
your love, contribution and appreciation. This is the reason it is still
running on and on… Hope I would be able to continue this journey in the years
to come… My sincere thanks to Col Jayanta Dutta and Dr Anjali Dutta for contributing
their regular research articles in
Specialized Section and Shri Prashant Pandya for technical advice whenever I
needed. And very special thanks to Shri Naresh Agrawal for his uninterrupted
contribution and unconditional support to Rainbow in various matters of the
magazine related to article, interview, references, editing and many more….Without
him it was impossible to issue Rainbow in the present form. His regular column
“ From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal ” is widely read and highly appreciated by
the philatelists and it has touched the heart of whole philatelic community. I
thank all the regular contributors of Rainbow who send news and articles
regularly and hope to publish new issues with more new colors in future.
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
§ Thematic Watch
§ Philately Promoter of the Month
§ Doon Philatelic Diary
§ Beginners’ Section
§ Specialized Section
§ New Issues from Other Countries
§ Philatelic Clubs and Society Blogs & Websites on Philately
§ Current Philatelic Magazines & Newsletters
Sesquicentennial Issue of Rainbow…… Yet another Milestone
It is a great news for all the readers of Rainbow and also for the philatelic fraternity that Rainbow is going to issue its Sesquicentennial (150th) issue completing its journey of one hundred fifty months, a great and unmatchable achievement. What a pleasure and satisfaction one has to have 150th issue without any break with its timely and uninterrupted issuance every month since January 2008. Rainbow, as is apparent has cemented its place in the hearts of its readers all over the world. It is so well served that it catered the stamp lovers of all ages with is variety of reading stuffs covering various facets of philately, beautifully presented with attractive blend of colors and color schemes etc.. It has satisfactorily served the philatelic fraternity throughout a span of almost twelve and a half years giving them pleasure, satisfaction, knowledge and inculcating spirit of companionship, friendship and has undoubtedly built a strong bond amongst them directly or indirectly.
It is always a great feeling when one is either associated or part of any successful regularly issued philatelic bulletin which connects one with a big group of readers and above all gives pleasure and satisfaction. Rainbow Stamp News is one of those well established and known monthly philatelic bulletin which has served the philatelic fraternity for over twelve and a half years, and so I have all the reasons to be proud and to celebrate my connectivity, association and bonding with this bulletin and of course along with other persons associated with its success .
So, here I am the one who is genuinely very happy person today to be the part of 150th issue of RAINBOW. Rainbow Stamp News, a versatile digital bulletin needs no introduction to the world of philately today which has served stamp lovers of all ages, different backgrounds and all groups and categories of stamp lovers all over the world with its wide range of nicely presented well researched and high quality contents in all the fields and classes of philately and has always ensured wider coverage of matters related to stamp collecting and exhibiting.
I congratulate Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, the founder and editor of this esteemed journal for the successful, unbroken, quality release of its Sesquicentennial issue. This milestone has been achieved mainly by her dedication, hard work, sincerity and desire to serve philatelic fraternity. I salute this philatelic warrior and Iron lady of philately for her unmatchable contribution for development and promotion of philately. She has undoubtedly carved a noticeable niche in the philatelic world especially in India. No doubt, there have been several other contributors to the success of Rainbow who served it from time to time with their quality articles, write ups and by providing important information.
Rainbow started its journey long back in January 2008 from Shimla by Mrs. Jyoti who had strong vision to bring out a digital philatelic journal which could reach the hearts of philatelists and stamp lovers and serve them with required philatelic stuffs. There was probably one digital journal in India prior to Rainbow but the format was different. Rainbow with its colorful spectrum and versatility attracted the philatelists and served them with interesting and readable philatelic material. The coverage, the presentation won the hearts of the readers of all classes and age. It also had the aim to check the deficiencies / short comings of the print journals and remained immensely successful.
Well, when I look back at my association with Rainbow, I find myself a Rainbow fan almost from the beginning and so, I have always found Rainbow close to my heart. I am thankful to Mrs. Jyoti for making me not only a permanent part of Rainbow by way of allowing me to write articles and regular column but also allowing me to do other associated editorial works. A regular feature of interviewing philatelists certainly gave me opportunity to get connected with eminent philatelists and philatelic personalities. I also wish to place thank on behalf of my philatelic friends who have also been allowed to regularly contribute to Rainbow with their specialized, well researched, informative, interesting and attractive articles. In fact, we all have been the witness of the inspiring and satisfying journey of hundred and fifty months of Rainbow.
Rainbow’s services and stature have also been duly recognized as it has won various National and International awards in various exhibitions and competitions. Rainbow being the pioneer of colorful e-philatelic journals in India has paved way for emergence of various other e-philatelic journals which collectively have brought revolution in e-philatelic journalism in India. Of course, changing technology in communication systems has its own important part played but credit goes to Rainbow to initiate it and help those bulletins to flourish with healthy competitiveness for betterment to serve philately and philatelists. it has helped giving recognition to Indian philatelists in the world and also created a platform to build and strengthen the bond of brotherhood amongst the philatelists of the whole world.
I feel honored to write this column in this 150th issue and have all regards for Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, a dedicated person who for me claims to be known as “Charging and changing force of philately in India today”. I wish Rainbow and Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti all the best for the future for a very glorious philatelic journey and may her mission of spreading knowledge reach each and every stamp lover and to have a big admiring readers and readership.
Well, my wishes expressed little differently in few lines, which were written during 100th issue of Rainbow :
My Best Wishes To RAINBOW
It was a great philatelic day
When Rainbow spread its ray
So beautiful and so colorful
Red, orange, green and grey
The memory flashes back
When it was literally alone
Touched hearts of philatelists all over
It has now properly grown
It gave philately a new direction
Taught how to make a collection
Touched every facet of philately
Gave readers due satisfaction
The stamp news and the tales
The articles and the mails
The information it imparted
Was always fresh, not stale
The journey of over twelve years
Has been full of pleasure
It has nicely served its readers
Given them philatelic treasure
Mrs. Jyoti the lady behind it
Has worked hard day and night
Her dedication and discipline
Made Rainbow a popular site
Its each and every content
Full of knowledge and passion
Served well a child to an old
Really needs a special mention
Having hundred Fiftieth issue in hand
Rainbow now international brand
Philatelists find it so adorable
The celebrations should be grand
Wish Rainbow to glow with glory
Wish Rainbow to write its story
Wish Rainbow to never depart
Wish rainbow to live long in hearts
Naresh Agrawal : email - nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in
Thank you All !
I express my gratitude to one and all who helped me directly or indirectly in bringing out regular Issues of Rainbow month after month. These include my fellow philatelists, veteran writers, friends , various whatsapp groups running on philately, special face book pages on philately and of course many reference websites and blogs and last but not the least The Readers of Rainbow who always appreciated and encouraged to continue this newsletter. But two persons are badly missed on this special occasion Dr Avinash Jagtap and Late Dr Satyendra Agrawal. Both of them contributed no. of articles to Rainbow regularly for a long time and gave a special recognition to the magazine. I have not heard from Dr Jagtap since a long time due to his poor health. May he live long .. I dedicate this issue to these great Contributors of Rainbow !
Dr Avinash B. Jagtap – Dr Satyendra Agrawal
My dear Jyoti,
I am glad to learn that you are going to bring out the Sesquicentennial Issue of your Monthly e-Stamp Bulletin ‘Rainbow Stamp News’. Your journey in the realm of philatelic literature, from Print to Digital, is so long that hardly can any philatelist in India dream of it. You have carved a niche of your own in the world of Indian philately. I feel proud of you.
I become nostalgic when I browse your blogs; at times, it seems to me that I turn the pages of ‘U-Phil Times’ edited by B J Kumar for United Philatelists, Kanpur, where you have left the charm of your personality as a sub-editor. Many philatelists started collecting stamps in their teens, you are no exception. But, in my knowledge, you are only exception who started writing about stamps and editing philatelic literature when you were in your teens.
Your digital bulletin bears the stamp of your acquired knowledge of philately over three decades and like Rainbow it casts its spell on all readers and browsers.
I wish your ‘Rainbow Stamp News’ make the sky of Indian Philately more colourful and live beyond time and space—live in the hearts of philatelists.
-Dipok Dey
Dear Jyoti
It is heartening to note that a philatelic journal has reached its 150th issue. CONGRATULATIONS to RAINBOW! Such a long history shows increasing interest in stamp-collecting and allied subjects. A Spanish Postal Department portrays the hobby of philately as a panacea for age-related infirmities and as an antidote for tension. It is a medicine which has no side effects.
I like your attempt to ensure wider coverage of matters relating to stamp collecting. I appreciate Mr. Naresh Agrawal's untiring writing in encouraging the hobby and even suggesting to the Jury members how to create a level playing ground while evaluating exhibits and not be biased towards old unobtainable items based on which the old jurors have had themselves carved a niche in the international Competitive Exhibitions.
Kudos to you for your untiring efforts.
-Sahadeva sahoo
I am a regular reader of Rainbow Stamp News since its inception and has developed a fascination for it. Serious articles attract even advance collector like me, who is is a stamp collector for the last 70 years. Rainbow is providing Yeoman service to all young and old.
A day will come when researchers will quote it in their studies. I suggest it is appropriate time to prepare and serialized an index for issues 1 to 150.
My best wishes for this festive occasion.
-Prof. V. K. Gupta.
I know that the next Rainbow Stamp News is the 150th issue, and so I wish you my hearty congratulations. I can understand that how much pain you have suffered in releasing every issue without any break. As a regular reader from the first issue it is important to state that Rainbow stands in top with its contents and richness. Please keep it. My prayers and blessings are always with you.
Thanking you,
with regards
-Mohanachandran Nair
Dear Jyoti ji,
I am happy to learn that you are going to release 150th issue of Rainbow Stamp News. It is indeed a matter of pleasure and pride that since twelve and half year you are regularly publishing the newsletter on time. Your newsletter is excellent in quality and beautifully designed. Its contents, presentation and lay out are really good. All side-lines of philately are nicely covered in your newsletter. It is a matter of delight and pleasure to the philatelists. I must compliment you for completing twelve and half successful years. Please continue your efforts. Keep up the spirit continued.
Regards,
Jyoti,
Congratulations on achieving your 150th issue, of Rainbow Stamp News.Your publication is excellent – It is informative and colourful in design illustrations too.The complete publication is clear and an enjoy to read.
Personally speaking, continue in what you are doing, that is spreading the word of Stamp Collecting and the great hobby.Your publication does not need altering in any way ! Publishing a free publication, also makes it “affordable” to everyone.There are not many publications that are free.
All the best for the next 150 issues, - from another free-based society.
-Gary Goodman , Judaica Thematic Society. U.K : Email : judaicathematicsociety@talktalk.net
My hearty congratulations dear Madam for this great historic event of publishing your 150th issue of very popular and only monthly e-magazine of India Rainbow which you have solely managed to issue since more than a decade. Please keep up this noble work for years to come. Best wishes and kind regards....
- Shrikant Parikh
Respected Jyotiji,
I am aware that forth coming issue of RSN is 150th one.I wish all success to you in this endevour. It is a very challenging job to publish an uninterrupted newsletter reaching a mark of 150th. Commendable! To publish a news letter in India is not an easy job. We have thousands of collectors but only few philatelists and very few contributors. Against all these odds you are working like a "Philately Warrior".
I am only able to pray to all mighty Allah to grant you decent health with courage and temperament to keep going in this mission of spreading knowledge. You are doing a wonderful social service much better than doing prayers. All mighty have chosen you for this purpose. Thy will grant success in all respect. Aameen!
with regards,-Ilyas Patel
Congratulations a lot for 150th issue and wish you all the best for the same.
Recent Indian Issues
16 March 2020 : UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India – II – 2 x Rs 5 + 3 x Rs 12 + MS
Natural Sites
1.Western Ghats 2. Nanda Devi n Valley of Flowers National parks 3. Nanda Devi n Valley of Flowers National Park 4. Manas Wildlife Sancturay 5. Great Himalayan National Park
New special Covers
13 May 2020 : The Hands that built Mumbai : An ode to the Migrant Workers
26 May 2020 Covid 19 : Global Pandemic, Bhubanehwar
In The News
UN stamp pays tribute to Florence Nightingale on her birth
Anniversary
The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) issued the "200th birth anniversary – Florence Nightingale Year of the Nurse and the Midwife 2020 Definitive Stamp" on May 12.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife to recognize the critical contribution both professions make to global health. The year also marks the 200th birthday of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale (1820-1910).
Nurses and midwives play a vital role in providing health services and are the largest professional group in the healthcare workforce, accounting for 50 percent of healthcare personnel globally. Nearly 70 percent of the health and social workforce are women.
Thanawat Amnajanan, the chief of UNPA says, "As the COVID-19 pandemic is ravaging the world, the stamp and online event provide an opportunity for us to come together and recognize the works of all healthcare workers."
The stamp depicts the portrait of Florence Nightingale.. The quote on the left in German reads "Live life when you have it. Life is a splendid gift – there is nothing small about it." On the right of the portrait is "United Nations" in German. The stamp can be used in the UN International City in Vienna for mailing letters and postcards all over the world.
Thank you Heroes !
Emirates Post has issued a commemorative stamp on 10th May 2020 to honour workers on the front lines of the UAE's fight against Covid-19.
The souvenir stamp features a line drawing of medics, scientists, police officers, municipality workers, delivery drivers and firefighters against a backdrop of Burj Khalifa in Dubai and Aldar headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
It can be bought for Dh19 on the Emirates Post website. Part of the monthly proceeds will be donated to Emirates Red Crescent to aid front-line workers and low-income families.
The remaining proceeds will go to Emirates Post’s Covid-19 fund to support front-line workers within the organisation.
"This souvenir stamp sheet is but a small step towards repaying the immense debt of gratitude we owe these heroes and a way in which the public can also support," said Abdulla Al Ashram, acting group chief executive of Emirates Post.
"On behalf of everyone at Emirates Post, we extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all our healthcare professionals, to those working in the vital sectors and to the volunteers for their dedication and resilience."
The stamps were designed in response to the #ThankYouHeroes campaign launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The campaign pays homage to those containing the spread of the virus and providing essential services.
With reference to above post and many other stamps issued by various countries to collect relief fund from the sale of special stamp issue on Covid 19 is a great idea. India is a country with a large number of philatelists. If such special stamps are issued by India Post it can add to Covid relief fund to some extent from the sale. India Post must quick take steps to release stamps to honour corona warriors, projecting awareness about sanitization , hand wash, social distancing and many more issues related to present pandemic.
New Special Cover and Postcards from Orissa
Hon'ble Governor of Orissa, Prof. Ganeshi Lal released special cover on COVID19 and a pack of 10 picture Postcards on great personalities of Odisha on 26.05.2020 at Bhubaneshwar. Chief Postmaster General, Odisha Circle Subash Chandra Barmma and Secretary to Governor Dr. P.K Meherda were present on the occasion..
On 18th May 2020 Gujarat Postal Circle has released special cancellation as tribute to all COVID -19 warriors of nation at Navrangpura Head Post Office. Shri Ashok Kumar Poddar, Chief Postmaster General, Gujarat Postal Circle has released special pictorial cancellation of Ahmedabadd GPO, Smt. Jayati Samaddar , General Manager Finance, Gujarat Postal Circle has released special pictorial cancellation of Revdi Bazar Head Post office and Smt V T Sheth, Retd. Chief Postmaster General, Gujarat Postal Circle has released special pictorial cancellation of Navrangpura Head Post Office.
URGENT NEWS - Exhibitions - COVID 19/ CORONA
News for Exhibitions as on 9th May 2020.
1. London 2020 - Postponed to 19 - 26 February 2022
2. Taipei 2020 ( now Taipei 2021) - Postponed to 4 to 8 June, 2021
3. Indonesia 2020 - Postponed to 05-10 November 2020
4. Bulgaria 2020 - Cancelled
5. New Zealand 2020 - Cancelled
6. UAE 2020, Dubai - Cancelled
7. The PHILANIPPON 2021, a FIP World Stamp Championship Exhibition with about 2,000 frames, is scheduled to be held in Yokohama, Japan during 25 to 30 August 2021. It will include the FIP World Stamp Championship Class, Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Thematic, Youth, Modern (1980 to date), One Frame, Open and Literature Classes. It will not include Astrophilatly, Maximaphily and Revenue Classes.
IBRA 2021
International Stamp exhibition and stamp Fair IBRA 2021 will be held in Essen, Germany from 6-9 May 2021. For details visit : www.Ibra2021.de
Commissioner for IBRA 2021 Philatelic Exhibition
Mr. Madhukar Jhingan has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the IBRA 2021, World Stamp Exhibition to be held at Messe Essen, Germany from 6 to 9 May, 2021.
Madhukar Jhingan
49-D/BG-5 Paschim Vihar,NEW DELHI – 110063 : Email: mj@stampsofindia.com (M) +91-9811160965
49-D/BG-5 Paschim Vihar,NEW DELHI – 110063 : Email: mj@stampsofindia.com (M) +91-9811160965
Commissioner for PHILANIPPON 2021, FIP World Stamp Championship Exhibition
Mr. Surendra Kotadia has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the PHILANIPPON 2021, FIP World Stamp Championship Exhibition to be held in Japan from 25th to 30th August 2021.
Philanippon 2021 will have the following competitive classes: Championship Class, Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Thematic, Modern, Open, Youth, One Frame, Literature.
Contact information:
Mr. Surendra A. Kotadia
M/s. Dimple Drums & Barrels Ltd.,1119, Maker Chamber No. V,221, Jamnalal Bajaj Road, Nariman Point,MUMBAI - 400 021
Email: surendrakotadia@gmail.com Phone: + 91 22 2202 4130 / 2202 4131/ 2284 3244 Mob : + 91 98199 03789
Commissioner for CAPE TOWN 2021 Philatelic Exhibition
Exhibition Classes: Traditional, Postal History, Aerophilately, Postal Stationery, Revenue, Thematic, Open, Modern Philately, One Frame, Philatelic Literature and Picture Postcards only)
Contact information:
Shakil Ahmed
Dargah Bazar, Balakrishna Road,P. O. Buxi Bazar,CUTTACK-753001, ODISHAEmail: ahmedshakil99@gmail.com M): +91-9437225760 / +91-7008025663
Shakil Ahmed
Dargah Bazar, Balakrishna Road,P. O. Buxi Bazar,CUTTACK-753001, ODISHAEmail: ahmedshakil99@gmail.com M): +91-9437225760 / +91-7008025663
Commissioner for TAIPEI 2021 Philatelic Exhibition
Mr. Rajan Jayakar has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the Taipei 2021, 38th FIAP Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Taipei, Chinese Taipei to be held from 4 to 8 June, 2021.
Contact information:
Rajan Motiram Jayakar
Flat No.2, Court View,126, Maharshi Karve Road,Churchgate, Mumbai 400 020
Rajan Motiram Jayakar
Flat No.2, Court View,126, Maharshi Karve Road,Churchgate, Mumbai 400 020
Commissioner for INDONESIA 2020 Philatelic Exhibition
Last Date for applications : 31st December, 2019
Contact information:
Prof. Sahadeva Sahoo
D 3, Saswat,B. J. B. Nagar,Bhubaneswar 751 014
Prof. Sahadeva Sahoo
D 3, Saswat,B. J. B. Nagar,Bhubaneswar 751 014
News from Philatelic Societies
Relief Camp For COVID 19 organized by Eastern India Philatelists' Association
Eastern India Philatelists's Association is the first philatelic organisation in India which has raised funds and distributed relief packets during COVID-19 lockdown in Orissa at two different parts.
The Eastern India Philatelists' Association, one of the premier Philatelic organization of India has done a commendable noble work during the lockdown period of COVID-19. It has conducted an online special charity auction for relief work amongst the members of the organization on 1st May.2020. The members had spared their rare and important philatelic materials for the auction. A sum of more than Rs.50,000/- was collected from the auction along with personal contribution of some individual members.
The first COVID-19 Relief Camp was organised by EIPSA at Bolangir on 10 May.2020 where Philatelists of Bolangir and Bhubaneswar Mr. Kamal Chakraborty, Gangadhar Tripathy, Pranay Agrawal, Hardik Bhammar, Anup Kumar Raut, etc. distributed about 40 relief packets to the poor and needy people of the Jhopad Patti near Central School, Bolangir.
A second COVID-19 relief camp was organised by EIPA on 17 May2020 at Bhusandpur, Khurda. The philatelists of EIPA Mr. Anil Dhir, Shanti Swarup Rath, Anup Kumar Raut, Dr, Bibhu Mishra, Kasinath Sahoo, Chitta Ranjan Das, Shashak Sukla, Prashant Das, Manas Das, K. Chandrasekhar, etc. attended the camp and distributed about 60 relief packets to the poor , disabled, tribal snake charmers and needy people.
Third Covid 19 relief camp was organized on 24th May 2020 at Bhubaneswar.
The virtual exhibition, possibly the first of its kind anywhere in India, and a glowing testament to the tenacity of its members, went live on the 18th of May on the Society's Facebook page. The date coincided with the World Museum Day, and so the virtual exhibition was, rightly, titled My Room My Museum, acknowledging that stamp and coin collectors have set up mini museums in their rooms with the delightful collections they possess. This was the world's chance to get a glimpse of what they had.
As a part of the Virtual Exhibition of the Goa Philatelic and Numismatic Society, a special cover was launched and was also posted by the various members of the Society amongst themselves on 18th May, 2020. These covers posted from different post offices within Goa had post office cancellations including on Experimental Cancellation of the newly formed post office at the Tapal Bhawan, Patto, Panaji.
-Dr Ramesh Kumar, Goa
Thematic Watch
Observations / Experiences / Facts
- Jeevan Jyoti
Thematic Philately
has become more challenging these days. I am giving here the latest rules
regarding , choosing the item, presenting and developing a theme . Recently I
came across an interesting article on Thematic Philately “ Current
Trends in Thematic Philately Vojtech Jankovič, Slovakia (accredited FIP juror for thematic philately)” Sharing a
part of this article for the Readers….Going through the article it strikes in
mind that as exhibitors have to review their exhibits as per latest rules, jury
also need to be most updated if an exhibit is judged by an old generation jury
member, he or she cannot evaluate the exhibit fairly…. It often happens in the
exhibitions…The exhibits are not judged uniformly and we often see inconsistency and variation
in the results when compared…..
Let us now look at displays entered into Competitions
What has changed?·
What must your display be like if you hope to win medals in Competitions?·
The most important turning point in the development of thematic collecting was the birth of the Generation 3 thematic exhibits, because this separates the outdated thematic exhibits (which have no chance of success at current competitive exhibitions) and modern thematic exhibits built according to the currently exhibition rules. In other words, if any exhibitor wants to think of success at a philatelic exhibition he/she must necessarily learn all the features of Generation 3 thematic exhibits … and successfully apply them into his/her exhibit.
Unfortunately, some exhibitors and even jurors have not understood this important fact yet (or do not want to understand it, perhaps?), and persist with views and ideas which are several decades outdated. It may be very difficult to accept that what was good enough for a gold medal 30 years ago is now considered outdated and pretty obsolete, but times have changed, and thematic philately does not remain still - it evolves. And even so, the exhibit which won a gold medal 10 years ago will at best challenge for a lesser medal today. As examples of the changing criteria now applied, let us look the once famous gold medal thematic exhibits by several Slovak exhibitors: Severin Zrubec (‘Today rotary press machines revolve’), Otto Gata (‘Mail in the European history’), and the series of Olympic exhibits by Peter Osusky (‘For the glory of sport’). Each, in their own era, were really top and ground breaking thematic exhibits.
They reached world level and gained several gold medals at European and international philatelic exhibitions. Each of them in its time belonged to the best and certainly pushed the development of the thematic philately significantly forward. For that they deserve a firm place in the pantheon of Slovak thematic philately and even in world thematic philately. By there, unfortunately, their role in the contemporary thematic philately virtually ends. One can still find a lot of interesting material and perhaps some inspirational ideas inside those exhibits, but their thematic treatment has already become obsolete and therefore has no chance of success anymore. Just in case you think I (Vojtech Jankovic) am only being critical of the work of others, even my own exhibit (‘My life as a bicycle’) which is currently still winning gold medals at world exhibitions, is slowly but surely starting to age … and in a few years it might also end up on the ‘rubbish heap of philatelic history’.
To help you to evaluate your own exhibits, we
pose the following control questions. If your answer to most of them is ‘yes’,
then your exhibit is on the right track.
Are you using a suitable page size for your
display (i.e. does the page size allow you to present all important philatelic
materials without ugly overlapping; does it avoid constantly having to fight
with lack of space, and does it allow you to place information on the most
appropriate page).
On each page, (a) is your presentation
simple and clear, and (b) is there a clear distinction between the title, the
main thematic description, the secondary thematic description, and the
philatelic description … and are thematic text entries written in different
fonts and/or sizes to the philatelic information, so one can easily be
distinguished from the other?
Does the title and the chosen theme of your
exhibit represent a new concept (something innovative), previously unknown and
unpublished?
Is the plan of your exhibit your own work
(and not more or less a copy of the contents of any known scientific or popular
publication)?
Does each thematic description on your
exhibition page refer to something illustrated on that page, and do all
illustrations on that page have corresponding thematic descriptions on the same
page?
Does your exhibit include diverse
philatelic materials on each exhibition page (always at least two or three
non-stamp items)?
Does each frame (of, say, 12 or 16
exhibition pages per frame) contain a sufficient number of different types of
philatelic materials … and does the exhibit as a whole contain the sufficient
number of different types of philatelic materials (see below)?
[If you want your display to be successful at
a national or international exhibition, it is worth checking the diversity of
philatelic material within that display. To do this, count all different types
of philatelic materials presented on each frame. If the average number of
different types of material on a frame is less than 10, your display does not
have sufficient diversity of material (it more or less equates to a Generation
2.5 exhibit). If the average number of different types of material on a frame ranges
from 10 to 15 it is a quite good exhibit, but still rates no higher Generation
3. If the average number of different types of material on a frame exceeds 16,
it approaches the highest Generation 3.5 exhibit or even a Generation 4
exhibit. (The above numbers are valid for 16 frame exhibits.)]
Are your diverse and
valuable materials distributed evenly on all frames of your exhibit (and not
all concentrated only on, say, the first frame or only in a few small sections
of your exhibit)?
Does your exhibit contain
only pure philatelic materials - have you ensured that there are no
non-philatelic materials (such as general postcards, photographs, stationery
with unofficial imprints, postage stamps of illegal or dubious issues,
pseudo-stamps from non-existent countries, private or unofficial stamp issues,
etc.) which have no place in a quality competitive exhibit?
Note : This is a part of the
article by Vojtech Jankovič . It will be continued... In
next issue exhibits of different generations will be discussed.
How to improve a Thematic Exhibit
Sharing here some more slides of a seminar on Thematic philately held during China 2019 World Philatelic Exhibition Wuhan !.
GREV, SREV AND GUIDELINES
FOR THE EVALUATION OF THE EXHIBITS OF THEMATIC PHILATELY
Contd. From the last issue…..
Time frame:
postal material from the pre-stamp era, through the classic period, to the present day.
Postal Services:
in addition to the normal transmission of mail, specific types, e.g. (postage free) service- and
military- post (including Airgraphs and V-mail); maritime, railway, and air mail of any type;
prisoner-of-war and concentration camp mail; packet, parcel post and freight post
postal payment service
private post, authorised or tolerated by the official authorities, or active in total absence of an
official post.
Under "other postal communications" are included other forms of postal services, like pneumatic post, telegrams, electronic mail (i.e. message sent electronically to a Post Office where it is printed out and delivered to an addressee), etc.
Inappropriate Material
The following items are inappropriate:
fantasy issues from non-existent postal territories, issues of exiled governments or
organisations without postal services
private additional cancellations applied by a sender or a supplier before mailing the
documents
picture postcards, unless they are postal stationery produced by a Postal Authority
private additional prints on postal stationery (also known as “repiquages”)
administrative marks (not postal), when they do not give any postal privilege
private decorations on envelopes and cards
private vignettes (advertising labels), whatever the purpose of their use.
Border-line material
The variety of postal services and regulations in different countries and their evolution over time make it impossible to define a list encompassing all possible situations. Some items only follow to a certain extent the above definitions of appropriate or inappropriate material; therefore they should be used mainly when no other material is available to describe a specific thematic detail. When included in the exhibit, they should always be supported by a thorough philatelic justification.
Items belonging to the specific philatelic culture of a theme, a country or a region can be
tolerated as much as they are justified and their number is proportional to the degree of
elaboration of the exhibit.
Thematic Information
3.1.2 Each item must be connected to the chosen theme and present its thematic information in the
clearest and most effective way.
The thematic information is derived directly from the purpose of issue (or of use) or the design of an item, or indirectly as a result of a deeper analysis that enables the use of items that, at a first glance,
do not show any connection with the theme.
Thus the thematic information can be drawn from:
the purpose of issue:
-those which follow changes in political situations
-those which document a particular period.
and, in addition to the primary and the secondary design of the item, from:
-the text, art style of illustration and similar peculiarities
-the material on which the item is printed e.g. granite (silk thread) or banknote paper, war maps
-the watermark design and the perforation (e.g. "perfins")
-the text or illustration of margins, gutters, tabs, cover and interleaving of booklets, etc.
functions of the postal service which have a thematic significance (e.g. railway,
telegraph, newspaper stamps, official service postal stationery, pigeon post).
-The thematic information described above must be:
initiated by the postal service, or introduced or added by the postal service (e.g. advertising appendices, marginal descriptions, postal stationery illustrations), or approved by the postal service (e.g. postal stationery to private order).
Printing or surcharges added privately after the sale of the items do not fulfil this requirement.
Generic cancellations can be used because of the specific meaning of a place name, or of the
reason a place exists. Alternatively, they mus t contain adequate thematic information (e.g.
advertising text, illustration), in addition to the data concerning the place and/or the date. A
postmark, even if of the pre-philatelic period, does not document the birthplace of a person.
Also the postmark date and place, when related to a special event which happened on the
same date and place, is relevant only if other thematic elements concern the theme or it has a specific thematic significance from a postal history standpoint; in the latter case it should only be used when it refers to an important detail of the theme.
Sender and addressee data represents insignificant information, unless the document shows a special postal privilege (e.g. reduced or free postage) as a result of the position, condition or status (e.g. military, government or other official mail) of one of the parties. The indication of reduced (or free) postage or the service postmarks, or equivalent markings of the postal route, provide sufficient evidence. In some instances sender and/or addressee data may be helpful as complementary thematic information, in combination with the postal elements of the document.
The information made available by vignettes (i.e. pictorial labels), marks, cachets and decorative overprints of private origin (i.e. not postally authorised) should not be used for the thematic development. In exceptional cases, where no other material exists, these items can be considered as a part of the document as long as they are relevant to describe a specific postal route or they present a significant thematic connection.
To be continued….
Philately
Promoter of the Month
This column is dedicated to great philatelists who are promoting selflessly the hobby of stamp collecting in their own way and making a bridge between philately and our daily life.
Dr. Bibhudutta Mishra, an active philatelist from Bhubaneshwar and member of Eastern India Philatelist Association. He co-authored a wonderful book Philatelist Kaleidoscope with philatelist Shanti Swarup Rath. He collects Indian Miniature sheets and stamps and covers on aquatic life and ‘ Preserve Polar Region’. He writes articles on philately in Oriya magazine as well as in EIPA whatsapp group.Sharing some images from his recent Posts. on EIPA Whatsapp group.
Medical Philately, Pandemic COVID-19 (Corona Virus) on Stamps:
Doon Philatelic
Diary
Preventive measures for COVID 19
Message regarding preventive measures for COVID19 being stamped on the mails at Dehra Dun GPO for awareness.
Courtesy : Abhai Mishra - email : abhai_mishra@rediffmail.com
Uttarakhand Philately & History Group
Beginners’ Section
Remarkable stamps..
Stamp sheet honoring 40 American natural and man-made superlatives
The stamps were issued in Washington, DC during the 2006 World Philatelic Exhibition. While they don’t honor each of the 50 states specifically as previous large se-tenant sheets had, they do represent every region of the country.
Each of the Wonders of America stamps features large lettering describing the superlative plus smaller type detailing the name or location of the featured subject. More information about each of the wonders was also printed on the backs of the stamps.
Source : Mystic Stamp Co.
Specialized Section
Bharat Ratna Musicians - 5
Renowned
Hindustani Vocalist Bharat RatnaBhimsen Joshi
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was an Indian Vocalist from
Karnataka, in the Hindustani Classical tradition. He is known for the Khayal
form of Singing, as well as his popular renditions of devotional music (bhajans
and abhangs). Bhimsen Joshi belongs to Kirana Gharana tradition of Hindustani classical
music. Pandit Joshii is noted for his concerts. In fact it was reported that no
other singer in India has given so many concerts as Pandit Joshi.
In 1998, he was awarded the Sangeet Natak Academy Fellowship, the highest honour conferred by Sangeet Natak Academi for Music, Dance and Drama. Subsequently he received Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 2009. He is also known as the ‘God of Singing’ or ‘God of Music’.
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was presented Bharat Ratna at his home in Pune Maharashtra in a simple ceremony. The award which was announced after a gap of seven years was presented to the 87 years Bhimsen Joshi by an Additional Secretary of Home Ministry.
In terms of usual practice Joshi was requested to indicate his preference to coming to New Delhi to receive the decoration of the award of Bharat Ratna from the President Smt Pratibha Patil. However on account of his frail health Panditji requested it to be presented at his home in a low key affair with minimum personnel.
In 1964, King of Afghanistan, Mohammad Zahir Shah, himself invited Pandit Joshi for a concert in Kabul. Between 1964 and 1982 Joshi toured Italy, France, Canada and USA. He was the first musician from India whose concerts were advertised through posters in New York city, United States.
Stamp of Bhimsen Joshi issued in 2014
India Post to honour the renowned vocalist of Hindustani music issued a stamp of Rs.25 along with Pandit Ravi Shankar a Sitarist who is also a Baharat Ratna and with six other famous musicians who are and recipients of Padma Vibhushan India’s second highest civilian honour, in the form of sheetlet in addition to one sheetlet on each of the eight musicians. This is the first time India Post issued eight sheetlets on musicians.
Sheetlet of the two Bharat Ratnas Pandit Ravi Shankar and Pandit Bhimsen
Joshi and six other famous musicians who are Padma Vibhushans
Sheeetlet of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Sheeetlet of Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
His first music teacher was Channappa of Kurtakoti, who had trained with veteran singer Inayat Khan. Bhimsen Joshi next went to Pandit Shyamacharya Joshi, who was a classical singer who taught him to sing and play Harmonium. It was a turning point when Bhimsen Joshi accompanied Shri Shyamacharya Joshi to Bombay for recording of songs by HMV where Shri Shyamacharya Joshi after recording few songs fell ill and asked Shri Bhimsen Joshi to render the rest of the songs which was a breakthrough in the initial stage of his career. Later he moved to Gwalior and joined Madhava Music School a school run by Maharajas of Gwalior, with the help of famous Sarod player Hafiz Ali Khan. He later continued his training with Sawai Gandharva.
He performed live at the age of 19. His album was released by HMV in 1942. Later Joshi moved to Mumbai in 1943 and worked as a Radio artist. His performance at a concert in 1946 won him accolades from his Guru and audience. Later his performances were acknowledged to be marked by spontaneity, accurate note, dizzingly paced taans which make use of his exceptional voice training. Joshi’s singing has been influenced by many singers. He along with Smt Gangubai Hangal and with others took kiranagharana to heights and are proudly referred to as worthy son and daughter of KiranaGharana.
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi was widely recognized in India due to his performance in the Mile Sur Mera Tumhara (1988), a national integration song, which begins with him. He was also part of Jana Gana Mana produced by AR Rahman on the occasion of 50th year of India’s Republic. He sang in numerous films along with famous musicians both Hindustani and Carnatic and in many languages.
India Post issued a
stamp of Bhimsen Joshi of Rs.3 in 2006 in the series of Makers of India
Pandit
Bhimsen Joshi received following awards and recognitions
1972 Padma Shri 1976 Sangeet Natak Academy award 1985 Padma Bhushan
1985 National Film Award for Best Male Playback
Singer 1986 FIRST Platinum Disc
1999 Padma
Vibhushan 2000 Aditya Vikram Birla
KalashikarPuraskar 2002MaharastraBhushan
2003 Swathi
Sangeetha Puraskaram by Govt of kerala
2005 Karnataka Ratna
2005 Karnataka Ratna
2008 Bharat
Ratna 2008 Swami Haridas Award
2009 Lifetime
achievement award by Delhi Government
-Cdr. G.Sri Ramarao - email : sriramarao@gmail.com
-Cdr. G.Sri Ramarao - email : sriramarao@gmail.com
DISINFECTION OF MAIL
Contd from the last issue....
- Naresh Agrawal
IMMERSION / DIPPING / SOAKING :
Immersion in liquid has the effect of causing inks to run, sometimes to the point of producing illegibility, and in case of vinegar – very widely used –causing a brown staining. Sprinkling from vinegar, less obliterate, produces a splash pattern of brown staining. Sprinkling of vinegar, less obliterate, process a splash pattern of staining. Immersion in sea water, commonly used in ports and quarantine harbors, had very bad effect on mails. As with all evidence of “Disinfection”, the damage provided a reassurance to the recipient.
In Malta, the disinfection was existence even in 1678 and till 1787 like in Marseilles Incising the letter and soaking it in vinegar and continued even after 1809.
SPRINKLING :
Sprinkling of
disinfectants on the mail was also in practice to disinfect the same. Vinegar
was one of the major disinfectants in use being less obliterate but produced a splash pattern of brown staining
on the over Sprinkling did not confine to the mail articles only
but to the room or the building also to check spread of the infection. In November 2001,
chlorine dioxide gas was sprayed into the partly contaminated Hart Senate
Office Building, while the Postal Service used a 10% solution of bleach to
"sterilize" its mail sorting centers. As some suspected mail had
arrived in that building.
Entire Letter dated 19.12.1590 from
Bologna to Castle Bolognese with VINEGAR STAINS for Disinfection. Vinegar
Stains for disinfection not disfiguring the document
HEATING / BURNING / BAKING /SCORCHING :
Heat disinfection involved holding the letter over
glowing coals. The effect here was to scorch the letter, leaving unburnt
patches where tongs had held the letters / items for treatment.
Instruments
used for disinfecting mail by smoking
STEAMING :
Putting
the mail in steam of water or vinegar water solution was one of the methods to
disinfect the mail. This method mainly treated the outer surface. However , for
treatment of the contents large slitting
was done on covers giving way to steam to enter and treat the contents.
Registered Letter dated 21.06.1897 from
Peshawer(N.W.India) to Bokhara, directed via Odessa Sent by P.& O. India from Bombay to Brindisi.By
rail ( Italian and Austrian ), to frontier had 32 days transit. The letter had been disinfected by steam
under Govt. regulations dated 19th April, 1897
FUMIGATION :
Fumigation is the process of exposing letters to
sulphur fumes or smoke. Letters were slitted / cut and fumigant gas in form of
smoke or spray was put in side it so that all the letter inside and outside
both is disinfected. But during this process discoloration occurred. It was not
uncommon for letters long journey to be treated in one or more health stations
separately during its transmission. Later, some common fumigants like Propylene
oxide, Ethylene oxide Eto, Methyl Bromide were in use. .
1799 fumigated folded letter quarantine
outside Philadelphia at Health Station
situated about 10 miles
from main township which initially was
an island
Small outbreak of
smallpox in Launceston in 1903 is perhaps the most written incident that caused the fumigation
of mail. The disease was attributed to a traveling performer who visited Launceston after
contracting the disease on tour in India. Mail was fumigated and hand stamped as shown
on the cover
Most
countries have instituted mail fumigation at one point or another, and
investigation of the specific incidents is an active area for postal history
Letter
fumigators from the quarantine station at Torrens Island here in Adelaide presently displayed at the
National Museum in Canberra. It is believed that all Australian quarantine stations received a pair of these.
Entire Letter dated
04.09.1817 from BASTIA (Corsica, French Island) to Cavalier Spannocchi disinfected on arrival with a fumigation procedure that resulted in light browning of the
paper, leaving lighter areas where the tongs holding the letter made contact
with the paper during fumigation. It was fumigated inside and outside and then
re-sealed by opening the letter by breaking the seal of the sender (at right,
middle of back flap). The re-sealing was done by applying two red wax
disinfection seals featuring the House of Lorraine Coat of Arms of the Grand
Duke of Tuscany.
PERFUMING AND EXPOSING
:
During quarantining of vessels, at some places of
the world ( Malta 1720 ) the rules were passed not to take delivery of
correspondence ( packets and letters)
unless those were perfumed thoroughly prior to unloading from the ship followed by opening of mail and
double perfuming the same and leaving the same open exposed for the action for
at least 24 hours.
SMOKING :
Apart
from the above mentioned methods which remained in practice for hundreds of
years throughout the world which damaged
the mail substantially in some cases up to the extent of illegibility of text
or burning of or hard to handle ; some other methods were also tried and
employed not only to disinfect the mail covers or packets but also to the place
where those were kept such as exposure
to smoke and various fumes. The eventual widespread use of burning sulfur
yielding sulfur dioxide (with its "sharp, irritating odor") may have
been based on an ancient idea that the more foul a medicine, the more effective
it might be. In the late 19th century, sulfur gave way to chlorine or
formaldehyde gas.
NOTE : Fumigation, quarantine, baking, splashing, steaming,
smoking, immersion and sprinkling vinegar were one of the methods widely used
not only in Europe ( great Britain 1671 to 1850 ) but in Russia and other parts
of the world since 14th century due to limited medical and scientific knowledge based on the
assumption and belief that paper products and paper are one of the major
carriers of these epidemics like plague, cholera, yellow fever, typhus,
smallpox etc. until early 19th century when the causes of all these epidemics were
identified and so these traditional disinfection methods were considered useless.
In some cases for additional safety, the letters were exposed to all the three
or even more than one treatments.
:
Naresh Agrawal - email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in
MINIATURE
SHEETS OF INDIA : A SCOPE OF STUDY AND RESEARCH
-DHARMESH KATAKIA
DEFINITION:
As per Stanley Gibbons Philatelic
Terms Illustrated by James Mackay:
A small sheet containing a single
stamp, pair, block or set of stamps with wide, inscribed and or decorative
margins, issued as a commemorative souvenir for collectors. The first Miniature
sheets were issued by Luxemburg (1921-3) and Belgium (1924). Since then they
have spread to most countries. Although it was not until 1978 that Britain
issued its first m.s. Sometimes the stamps in such sheet differ in colour,
value or perforation from those issued in more conventional sheet.
As
per P&T Philately Handbook:
Miniature sheet is a sheetlet
comprising of one or more postally valid stamps with which the issue concerns.
Its size normally varies from 75 sq.cms. To 250 sq.cms. Depending upon the
subject illustration, size of the stamp and number of stamps. The outer area of
the miniature sheet beyond perforations of the stamp, depicts an extension of
the theme of the stamp or an elaboration of the same and is of complementary
nature. The price of the miniature sheet may be equal to the face value of the
stamp(s) it comprises of or more, as decided by the department considering the
merit of the miniature sheet. A special feature of a miniature sheet is the
zigzag perforation where the sheet is comprised of two or more stamps. However
this feature may not be available in every case. The date of release may be the
same as that of the stamp(s) or a specially appointed one.
Miniature Sheets (M.S) have a long
fascinating history. India being no exception to it. India issued its first M.S
in the year 1973. It was issued at the time of international philatelic
exhibition on 14th November 1973. It was fully imperf M.S with no
postal validity of the stamps individually. Printed on unwatermarked H-2 pg coated paper, printed by
Photogravure process at India Security Press (ISP) Nashik. It became famous as
Indipex 73 M.S. India never issued an imperf M.S after this.
In 1974 India issued two M.S India
Mask Series and UPU respectively. After the gap of 12 years India issued its 4th
M.S in the year 1987 and then in the year 1995. Till 1995 M.S were printed at
India security press (ISP), Nashik. From 1996 onwards M.S were also started
printing at Calcutta Security Press (csp), Kanpur, a private printing press.
India issued totally 11 M.S in the 20th century.
21st century brought many
changes so in the case of M.S. It became an integral part of India post. From year 2001 onwards India issued M.S on
intervals as required. M.S issued on variety of topics including
Nature, Cultural events, Arts
& Crafts, Heritage, Historical events, Educational & Social awareness, Women Empowerment,
Economic Developments, Scientific Developments, Sports etc. 14th Nov
2006 for the first time M.S were printed at Security Printing Press, Hyderabad
(SPPH).
UNIQUE FEATURES AND
WIDER MESSAGE :
M.S is issued in variety of
combinations like imperf M.S, M.S with stamps in se-tenant position, M.S having
a full picture of which the stamp(s) is (are) just a small part, M.S having
margins or salvage of the sheet having additional legend of event or occasion
printed, M.S having ornamental designs,
price, emblems and logo(s) which are not the part of stamp(s), M.S with joint
issue of two countries with theme of other country on one stamp, M.S with
appropriate fragrance, M.S having stamp of khadi cloth, M.S with hot foil stamp
and embossed, M.S in the shape of logo of particular event or theme, M.S in
calendar form, M.S in booklet form, M.S issued in series at intervals etc.
Apart from being attractive, M.S
explains the whole story of the theme in one shot. It conveys wider and
complete message. Few examples are 2015
surya namaskar M.S, 2017 headgears of India, 2017 means of transport, 2017
Ramayana , 2017 Indian Cuisine, 2017
Mahabharata ,2017 Hand Fans etc.
KEY POINTS &
DEVELOPMENTS OF M.S OF INDIA:
PAPER USED :
v Unwatermarked pg
coated paper used for first three M.S 1973-1974.
v Imported
unwatermarked gravure coated adhesive paper used from 1987-1995.
v Printed on indigenous
unwatermarked matt chromo adhesive paper from 1996
PRINTING PROCESS AND PRINTING PRESS :
v Printed by Photogravure process from 1973 to 1995
at ISP, Nashik.
v From 1996 Himalaya
ecology m.s to 28th June 2004 The Great Trigonometrical Survey all
printed by Photo Offset process at Calcutta security press , Kanpur except one
M.S of INS Tarangini printed at Madras Security Printers Ltd.
v From 14th
October 2004 150 years of India post M.S till 5th October 2006
Endangered Birds Of India M.S were printed by Photogravure Process at ISP,
Nashik.
v 14th Nov,
2006, National Children’s Day printed by Wet-Offset at Security Printing Press
Hyderabad (spph) for the first time.
v Then on all M.S were
printed by either Wet-Offset at Security Printing Press Hyderabad (SPPH) or by
Photogravure process at ISP, Nashik.
v It is on 16th Nov,
2009. India-Philippines JI-Gangetic Dolphin & Butanding. Printed by
Wet-Offset process at ISP, Nashik for the first time. After this M.S printed by
ISP were either by Wet-Offset or Photogravure process.
v Till today all the
M.S are printed either at SPPH or at ISP, Nashik.
CHRONOLOGICAL EVENTS :
v 1996 Himalaya Ecology
M.S printed without year on stamps. Same set of four stamps were also issued in
the form of commemorative stamps with year printed on it.
v 1997 Mother Teresa
M.S of Rs.45 issued with word “ Speed Post “ printed at the bottom of M.S being the speed post
rate during the period.
v 11th
December 2000 India post logo used for
the first time on Indepex Asiana Gems and Jewellery M.S.
v 30th
October 2002 mangroves M.S is the first
M.S with the elliptical hole on each horizontal side.
v 15th
November 2002 handicraft of India M.S was issued with Traffic Light at the bottom left for the first time.
v 16th June
2005 400 years of Guru Granth Sahib issued at certain post offices (as written
in Phila India catalogue) and were withdrawn & banned by the department of
post.
v 13th Dec,
2006. Sandalwood, first Scented M.S of India.
(Sandalwood perfume) was issued.
v 2nd Oct,
2007. Centenary of Satyagraha have design error depicts “heildelberg”
instead of “heidelberg” in all M.S
v 7th Oct,
2008. Festivals of India have design error in the bottom stamp D of
Deepavali in Hindi wrongly written.
v 16th November 2008 M.S of Saint Alphonsa issued with spelling
error of “ Cannonization “ instead of word “ Canonization “.
v 12th July
2010, Ratha Yatra issued with 9 different varieties.
1)
Without
margin.
2)
With
traffic light right margin above.
3)
With
traffic light left margin above.
4)
With
traffic light right margin below.
5)
With
traffic light left margin below.
6)
With
right margin blank.
7)
With
left margin blank.
8)
With
cross on right margin.
9)
With
cross on left margin.
v 3rd Oct, 2010. XIX Commonwealth Games. First time rupee
symbol ‘‘ ₹ ” used on M.S.
v 12th Feb
2011, Mahatma Gandhi Khadi M.S. stamp printed on paper and Khadi fabric with
line design pasted on it. First ever Khadi M.S of the world. Also first instance where face value was
Rs.100/- but sold by department of post at Rs.250/.
v 10th Apr
2015, India France,50 Years of Space Cooperation first M.S with Steganography(bar code)
v 29th Oct 2015 India-Africa Forum Summit M.S was issued in two
form, one normal and another Hot stamped with Foil and Embossed. This is
first M.S with such features. Also the first instance where same M.S is issued
in two different forms. Face value of both the M.S were Rs.70/- but the M.S
with Hot Foil was sold by department of post at Rs.200/-.
2017
ONWARDS YEARS OF MANY INNOVATIONS & CHANGES:
v 1st January 2017 M.S issued in the form of Calendar for the
first time. Interestingly the size of stamp differs in the big M.S (which
is described by Department Of Post as Sheetlet) with all the stamps and the
small M.S in the form of Calendar.
The M.S of
12 stamps is printed by SPP, Hyderabad with the size of stamp 33mm x 40mm.
The 12 M.S
in the Calendar form are printed by ISP, Nashik with the stamp size larger –
37mm x 45mm. Paper and colours are also different.
25th march 2017 means of transport two
M.S issued one big (which is described by Department Of Post as Sheetlet) and
another in the form of booklet. First ever M.S in the form of Booklet by
Department Of Post.
v 22nd September 2017 two Ramayana M.S issued small in Green
colour and big in Red colour (which is described by Department Of Post as
Sheetlet).
As per
brochure Ramayana M.S printed at Security Printing Press Hyderabad but later it
was also printed at India Security Press, Nashik.
SPP, Hyderabad: colour is darker in shade, paper is thicker,
and gum is Off-white.
ISP, Nashik: colour is lighter in shade,
paper is thin, and gum is Bluish white.
v 30th December 2017 big size M.S issued on Hand Fans ( which is
described by Department Of Post as Sheetlet ) with spelling mistake of “Utter”
instead of “ Uttar” in one stamp ” Phadh Hand Fan Utter Pradesh”.
v 100 years of Coconut Research M.S prepared but not issued in the year
2017 due to design error. The new M.S with correction and changed design was
issued on 8th January 2018.
v See figure 8 & 9 for the
distinction.
v 20th March 2018 Solar System M.S printed on two different
papers. Primarily on thick paper and
then on thin paper.
v 7th August 2018 Handlooms of India M.S issued in series at
intervals for the first time with the second set issued on 31st
December 2018. On the same line Indian Fashion M.S and Indian Perfumes M.S were
issued as follows.
Indian
fashion series:
30th December 2018: Indian Fashion – Through Ages: Series 1
12th June 2019: Indian Fashion – Sari in Myriad forms: Series
2
6th September 2019: Indian Fashion – Concept to Consumer:
Series 3
Indian
Perfumes Series:
1st August 2019 Indian Perfumes- Sandalwood: Series 1
1st August 2019 Indian Perfumes –Jasmine: series 1
15th October 2019 Indian Perfumes –Agarwood: Series 2
15th October 2019 Indian Perfumes –Orange Blossom: Series 2
v 2nd
October 2018 for the first time M.S issued with round stamp on the occasion of
150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Two different varieties
of gum were used for this M.S, White and
Greenish colour gum. See figure 10.
v 28th November 2018 First Odd Shape M.S issued on Hockey with the shape of Turtle
(Event’s Mascot).
v 9th December 2018 Hill Forts of Rajasthan UNESCO
World Heritage Sites M.S issued in shape
of the UNESCO logo.
v 23rd February
2019 M.S issued on 12th Aero India International show Celebrating
Women in Aviation. This M.S shows Sea Harrier Jet Fighter which were flown by
Indian Navy but were never flown by female Pilot.
v 2nd October 2019 first M.S issued of six Octagonal stamp with extended picture below and
vertical perforation between all the six.
Stamps in M.S are embossed with the sides having Silver Foil.
FACE VALUE AND VALUE OF M.S DIFFERENT
:
Mostly the cost and the postal value
of the miniature sheet is equal to the sum total of the denominations of the
stamps in the sheet. But this again is not a rule. Some times the cost and also
the postal value of the Miniature Sheet as an entire, is more than the sum
total of denominations of the stamps incorporated in it. In this case the
denomination / value of the Miniature Sheet is clearly and differently
mentioned on the sheet. Department of post issued many M.S like this see figure
11, 12 & 13.
The interesting feature of such M.S is
that these can be used for the larger postal value if used intact, but if the
stamps on the Miniature Sheets are separated and used individually, they can be
used only for the denominations printed on the individual stamps; resulting net
loss to the user for the amount equal to the difference between the value of
the Miniature Sheet and the sum total of the denominations of the stamps.
Most surprisingly in some case like
2008 Shera M.S & Alphonsa M.S department of post described it as M.S with
set of two stamps Rs. 5/- and Rs.15/- and total value of the bundle was written
as “200 sheets of 2 stamps each. Value
Rs. 4000/ “ as shown in figure 14 & 15. So initially such M.S were sold
at Rs.20/- on counter but later on it was sold at Rs.15/- per M.S.
In all these confusions many different
post offices interpreted differently and one can get to see different values
taken into consideration as postal charges from Rs.5, Rs.15 to Rs.20 by
different post offices. An interesting exhibit can be prepared on this subject.
HUGE SCOPE :
In spite of many interesting parts,
M.S has been much neglected part of serious philately since long. While writing
this it reminds of an article written by Shri Bayanwala on the Untouchable
Stamps of India where he has written
“The curse of untouchability in form
of refrain, perverse & negligence influenced the Indian philately time to
time. A particular subject becomes untouchable and neglected for decades and
then it becomes acceptable and collectable because of dogged work by some
collectors. “
M.S has been more or less going
through this phase when it comes to serious philately.
In fact there is huge scope of study
and research in the M.S as far as Modern Philately is concerned. One can
develop a very extensive traditional collection of M.S of India. Besides various interesting aspects as
mentioned above or earlier it has all sorts of tadka and masala as one can
expect in any traditional exhibit.
From paper, gum, printing to
perforation there are all sorts of interesting varieties available in the M.S
of India. Perforation on M.S itself
provides deep scope of study and research. Unlike stamps, M.S is issued in
variety of designs, shapes and sizes which requires combination of perforations
like line perforation, comb perforation, block perforation to perforate particular
M.S. such perforation requires M.S to go through perforating machine more than
once. It is more complex to perforate M.S.
Due to this complexity there are many chances of perforation errors. As
a M.S collector I have many different combination of perforation error in a
particular issue and still there is huge scope of exploring this aspect.
CONCLUSION :
There is much more to M.S of India
than mere an accumulation. It is more than just a beautiful picture which can
be as interesting as any other traditional collection. Gives enough scope of deep study and research. It is
less expensive then other traditional collections. It provides enough scope to
develop a modern philatelic exhibit of international standard.
About the Author :
New issues from other Countries
Belarus
1 June 2020 : Seasonal Variations
Canada
24 April 2020 : Eid Mubarak
Croatia
20 May
2020 : 800 Years of Novigrad
800 Years of Novigrad
Novigrad is a small historical town on the southern shore of the Novigrad Sea, whose geographic position follows the natural landscape patterns, seeing as it is located in the interior of a deep, narrow gulf. The Novigrad fort, known as the Fortica, was erected on a steep cliff overlooking the sea, and the settlement that developed below was walled in the late 15th century. An ancient Roman tower in the location of the present-day Novigrad fort was restored in 1220 and named Castrum Novum, Latin for New Fort (the city’s name, Novigrad, roughly has the same meaning in Croatian). In the late 13th century (1282), Grgur Kurjaković, Lord of Lika and Krbava, thoroughly remodelled this tower and erected a new fort to defend his lands around Novigrad.
Estonia
26 May 2020 : Estonian Flag
The combination of the blue, black and white colours of the Estonian national flag is one of the most important and most beloved national symbols. Of the colours, blue represents the nation’s bright future and indicates the Nordic sky, with black recalling the past of the nation as well as the black earth, while white symbolizes aspiration of the people for enlightenment and alludes to the white snow and the summer light nights.
Latvia
29
May 2020 : International Year of Plant Health
On the 29th of May 2020 Latvijas Pasts released a new postage stamp and a cover
dedicated to the International Year of Plant Health declared by the United
Nations (UN). On
the new stamp the artist has depicted the plant kingdom in a stylised way,
symbolising the essential role of plant health in the existence of humankind
and nature. The UN declared 2020 the International Year of Plant Health to
raise the awareness of the public and policymakers of the importance of healthy
plants and the need to protect them in order to achieve the goals of
sustainable development – reducing hunger and poverty, protecting the
environment and boosting national economic development.
Taiwan
17 July 2020 : "unity epidemic prevention,
overcome the virus" "Taiwan Can
Help"
Covid 19 Stamps from
Taiwan : First stamp symbolizes the spread of the epidemic around the world.
Medical care, environmental disinfection personnel and the public actively
participate in anti-epidemic actions to convey the meaning of global
anti-epidemic cooperation. Second Stamp shows the effective production and distribution
of anti-epidemic materials, virus detection and vaccine research and
development, as well as measures such as cooperating with home quarantine or
isolation, taking public transportation to wear masks, washing hands
frequently, etc., show the determination of the people to unite in epidemic
prevention.
Ukraine
29
May 2020 : Frontline
Acknowledgement
- Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin June 2020 issue edited by
Mohanchandran Nair
- Judaica Thematic Society (UK)
May 2020 Newsletter edited by Gary Goodman email - judaicathematicsociety@talktalk.net
-The Hyderabad Philatelist May 2020 issue edited by Prakash Agrawal
-The Hyderabad Hobby Magazine May 2020 issue edited by Prakash Agrawal
-The Hyderabad Philatelist May 2020 issue edited by Prakash Agrawal
-The Hyderabad Hobby Magazine May 2020 issue edited by Prakash Agrawal
Bogs & Websites
Philatelic
Clubs & Societies
Ananthapuri
Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Chandigarh
Philatelic Club
Deccan
Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
The
Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society
Ludhiana
Philatelic Club
Numismatic & Philatelic Association of Vellore
Fort
http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm
Philatelic
Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Philatelic
Society of India , Mumbai : http://www.psi1897.com/
Orissa Philatelic Association, Mail id-: orissaphilatelic@gmail.com
Orissa Philatelic Association, Mail id-: orissaphilatelic@gmail.com
Rajkot
Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat
Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
The
Army Philatelic Society, Pune
Stamps
of India – http://www.stampsofindia.com
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Current
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-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
-India Post – Quarterly Journal of the India Study Circle publishes original articles submitted by members of ISC.
-Deccan Philatelist from Deccan Philatelic Socity, Pune. edited by Col Jayanta Dutta
-The Hyderabad Philatelist from Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society Editor – Prakash Agrawal
-SIPA Bulletin issued by South India Philatelists’ Association
Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue : Bibhudutta
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R Suresh –Bangalore; EIPA &
Orissa Philatelic Association Whatsapp Group ; Wolfgang Beyer, Germany; Timir Shah- Vadodara
Address for communication :
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