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

Thursday, September 3, 2020

Rainbow September 2020

 Physical Well-Being Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic



With school classes suspended due to the threat of COVID-19, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) launched special Larong Atin! traditional games stamps to promote Philippine heritage and culture. se-tenant block of four stamps features : bato-bato-pik / jack-en-poy (rock-paper-scissors), bahay-bahayan (playing house), luksong tinik (thorn hurdles), and trumpo (spinning top) games These Philippine Traditional Games sharpen problem-solving skills, promote teamwork and healthy competition, and encourage activities for youth from all walks of life.

Dehradun September 2020  Vol. XIII  Issue No. 153

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


 Embroidered stamp from Liechtenstein

Date of Issue : 7 September 2020

With the "Globe" (face value: CHF 6.30), a stamp embroidered from recycled PET thread, Philately Liechtenstein would like to draw attention to the topic of environmental protection and especially to the recovery of recyclable materials from waste.


Dear Reader,

I am pleased to present September 2020 Issue of Rainbow Stamp News. Now philatelists all over the world are cheered up in this tough time of pandemic with the new concept of Virtual Philatelic Exhibitions organized by various philatelic societies in different parts of the world. Due to COVID -19 pandemic, all the pre-planned physical philatelic exhibitions to be held in recent times, have been postponed for a year or more. Such virtual philatelic exhibitions have brought smiles on the faces of many who have become fed up of being confined at home in the last 6 months. Such  Philatelic activities are energy boosters for one and all as it provides good physical and mental health. So the whole philatelic community should be part of such shows and appreciate the efforts of the organizers. In India, we are going to have first Virtual Philatelic Show PHILAVIRTU 2020 from 10-18 October 2020. Best wishes to the PHILAVIRTU 2020  team for a grand and successful exhibition. Let’s all  support and be a part of it in some way. 

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

Happy Collecting! 



                             

 

 Contents

§  From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal

§  Recent Indian Issues

§  In The News

 

§  Thematic Watch 


§  Philately Promoter of the Month 

§  Beginners’ Section

§  Specialized Section

§  New Issues from Other Countries

§  Philatelic Library

§  Philatelic Clubs and Society

§  Blogs & Websites on Philately

§  Current Philatelic Magazines & Newsletters

 




MY CHOICE : PLEASURE AND NOT LARGE GOLD

Before I start on the subject which I have chosen to discuss today, I wish the organizers of PHILAVIRTUE-2020, first ever National Virtual Philatelic Exhibition to be held from 10th to 18th October, showcasing over 1000 philatelic frames with International participation both in terms of exhibitors and the jury, a huge success. This certainly is going to start a new era of competitive exhibiting in India.

Well, Philately is now considered a hobby of masses and not only kings. A huge number of people throughout the world love philately and enjoy this hobby. Initially limited only to elites, now people of any cast, creed, and status have access to the philatelic world.  Philatelic exhibitions are the platforms where the stamp collectors or philatelists display their collections in the form of exhibits in specifically designed manner following certain rules and regulations. The exhibits are judged by specialists or senior philatelists who recognize and award an exhibit which reflects its comprehension and   quality level. This certainly gives insight to the exhibitor and helps him or her improve their exhibit. In FIP exhibitions the awards are given in the form of Bronze, Silver Bronze, Silver, Large Silver, Vermeil, Large Vermeil, Gold and Large Gold depending upon the scores attained as per the judgment. Not to mention that as the level of achievement increases, the difficulty level of procuring material toughens and  need for more and better exploration and research arises. The requirement of overall knowledge in all aspects increases and the need for better skill to display is required. I mean, apart from huge time one should be willing and should be able relax their wallets time and again.

In today’s scenario when life is fast, time is less to relax, more and more collectors follow the same theme or subject of collection; it is the money that indirectly plays a dire role in getting higher awards. It can be said that in order to get a higher award one has to have an elaborate and expensive collection of the materials which back in the only kings could afford.

Large Gold is the highest award which in general is given when on out of 100, the score is any where above 94 .Frankly speaking, though I feel I am a hardcore, dedicated and veteran philatelist who lives for and loves philately but  Large Gold is not my cup of tea. As to get  a Large Gold one need to  spend either a huge amount of money or the time which I being a common man do not have . Both clock and pocket are precious. For an average person, it is hard to spend hard earned money. And time is always very short with most of the people as life is tough and responsibilities are tremendous. As per my experience this indirectly means Large Gold is not what everyone can envision. Yes, for a king or a rich person who can spend money, even extra Large Gold is not far away. Money can attract and buy any thing. As even at FIP level, it is clear cut notion that the exhibits are judged and not the exhibitor.

There is no question. One can purchase any damn thing, get the exhibit written from any expert, get it  ready from any other professional philatelist the Large Gold will rush to you. But believe me, this is not philately. Philately is not all about getting high awards. Philately is all about getting pleasure, joy and satisfaction. People are seen harping and striving for higher accolades. All sorts of efforts are made to reach at top of the ladder, but imagine getting there with your efforts and knowledge. 

I feel a sense of pleasure if my exhibit is displayed irrespective of the award I get. The lower award I get, the better I work to improve my exhibit within the available means of money, time and other aspects of life. My funda of collecting stamps and exhibiting is to get pleasure and only pleasure. There is no place for stress. Large Gold is not my aim but extreme pleasure is my goal. Contentment for me and pleasure to the others.

Of course, many good items slipped through my hands, passed across my eyes just because of the lack of purchasing power at the moment. Not money but the time which I spent resulted in the place which I hold in the philatelic world.

Hence, my appeal to the philatelists is to enjoy and be delighted with philately irrespective of the award you get. Set high goals and put all your efforts to reach but keep it easy on yourself. Philately is no doubt hobby of kings and you can be one, not with money but the efforts and time you use to indulge yourself in this fantastic yet realistic world.

Naresh Agrawal : email - nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

Recent Indian Issues

8 August 2020 : Terracota Temples of India

15  August 2020 :  UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India-III   Cultural Sites



On 15th August 2020. a set of commemorative postage stamps and a Miniature Sheet on UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India-III  was issued by India Post.

 New special Covers and cancellations

1.Permanent Pictorial Cancellation from Dharamshala

2.Golden Jubilee Celebration of DAV Public school, Bhubneshwar

3. Khel Ratna 2020 Awardees: Bangalore : 29.8.2020





In The News


PHILAVIRTU 2020 Updates

 


 First National Virtual Philatelic Exhibition with International Participation

 10 – 18 October 2020

The last date of application for PHILAVIRTU 2020 has been extended to 4th September 2020. 

Those who missed have another chance to participate. Visit:  PHILAVIRTU 2020 

Revised entry fee charges

All competition classes - Rs 800 per frame

 Single Frame Exhibit Class - Rs 1200

Championship Class - Rs 2000 per frame

No entry fee in Invitees and Youth Class

Classes and Regulations

Download Prospectus

Online Exhibit Application

.Contact : Pratisaad Neurgaonkar Ph. +91 9766310553   -  email : info@philavirtu.com

PHILAVIRTU – Juries

(In Alphabetical Order)


Save the Dates

Last date for submitting synopsis and / or introduction page

4 September 2020 

Last date for frame fees 

15 September 2020 

Last date for uploading exhibits 

1 October 2020 

Announcement of results / palmares 

17 October 2020 

Jury critique session 

18 October 2020 

Closing Day 

18 October 2020

 Obituary











Grand old man of Indian philately and Past President of Philatelic Congress of India, Shri Dhirubhai Mehta passed away on 9
th August 2020. India lost a great philatelist.. Winner of many international awards, he served as member of Jury and National Commissioner in many International Philatelic Exhibitions. He had a specialized collection of Postal Stationery of Indian Native States. He will always be remembered for his great services to Indian Philately.


Our Heartfelt Condolences! May his soul Rest in Peace.

His interview was published in August 2010 issue of Rainbow Stamp News : 

http://rainbowstampnews.blogspot.com/2010/08/commonwealth-games-stadiums-date-of.html

 Exhibitions - COVID 19/ CORONA Updates

Due to the state of emergency everywhere, the following news may be noted :
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 Astrophilately, Maximaphily and Revenue Classes.

8. Cape Town 2021 has been postponed, now to be held from 9th – 13th November 2021.

9. IBRA 2021 International Stamp exhibition and stamp Fair IBRA 2021to be held in Essen, Germany from 6-9 May 2021 is now postponed to year 2023 due to Covid 19 Pandemic..

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 



Mr. Shakil Ahmed has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the Cape Town 2021, FIP Specialized World Stamp Exhibition to be held at Cape Town, South Africa from 9th to 13th November 2021.


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, ODISHA 
Email: 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

Email: rajanjayakar1948@gmail.com

Phone: +91-22-22820570, +91-22-22820572,(M) +919821072417

Commissioner for INDONESIA 2020 Philatelic Exhibition

Prof. Sahadeva Sahoo has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the Indonesia 2020 World Stamp Championship, Jakarta, Indonesia to be held from 5 to 10 November, 2020 .

Contact information:
Prof. Sahadeva Sahoo
D 3, Saswat,B. J. B. Nagar,Bhubaneswar 751 014

Email: sahadevasahoo@gmail.com Phone: (M) +91 9337103542



 Thematic Watch

Observations / Experiences / Facts




- Jeevan Jyoti


Once again the season of the philatelic exhibitions is on and this time it is going to be virtual shows and not physical. Philatelists are eager to participate and wish to have a new virtual philatelic exhibiting experience. The forthcoming First Virtual Philatelic Exhibition in  India, Philavirtu 2020 team has conducted some excellent webinars prior to this show last week and these were attended by philatelists from all over the world. The webinars on “Thematic Philately” and “How to get a Large Gold Medal”  in FIP Exhibitions got great applause from the philatelists of all categories especially the Thematic Philatelists.The speakers explained the finer points to improve the exhibit and how to get maximum points in the competition.In the virtual exhibitions, the exhibits shall be open for all and the results could be analysed in much better way. The critic session will be open and exhibitors can discuss their exhibits . Overall comparative analysis of the result would be easier and if the thorough analysis is done by the experts, conclusion could be made about the transparency and clarity of the jury’s decision, in my opinion, such exhibitions would prove to be very fair.

Sometimes the opinion of the different jury members in the panel for the same exhibit is different and it causes a great problem for the exhibitor as to whom to follow or consider correct and often he/she gets the wrong idea on the mistakes and improvement of the exhibit. I have my own experience in this regard, in a recent exhibition, on discussion with the jury on showing a variety in the exhibit. What rule should be followed? One jury says to save the space only the variety should be shown and the other jury says a variety must be accompanied and displayed with the normal issue! Finally, I confirmed it during the question hour session in the webinar on Thematic Philately. But such type of situations in philatelic judging certainly affects one’s points and obviously the medal level and ultimately loss of interest in further participation in exhibitions!

So, one should always keep in mind  the FIP rules and follow them accordingly. Sooner or later it will be recognized. One should take it sportingly and enjoy the pleasure of participation! So get set and get ready to prepare your exhibit now!

Now coming to the slides in continuation  from the last issue “ How to improve a Thematic Exhibit….” Concluding part of Current Trends in Thematic Philately " and guidelines for evaluation of Themtatic Class exhibits.

How to improve a Thematic Exhibit…..



 

Sharing slides of a seminar held on Thematic Philately during CHINA 2019 World Philatelic Exhibition.

 




To be contd….

GUIDELINES FOR THE EVALUATION OF THE EXHIBITS OF THEMATIC PHILATELY

 3.4 PRESENTATION

3.5 The presentation and the accompanying text of the exhibit should be simple, tasteful and well balanced. It should add information to that provided by the material and show the level of understanding of the subject and the personal research of the exhibitor.

 ARTICLE 4: CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION

 4.1 The evaluation of the exhibits is made by a jury, which will be constituted and shall perform its duties in accordance with the provisions of Section V of the GREX.

 4.2 Criteria for the evaluation of competitive exhibits at FIP exhibitions are as follows:

 Treatment and Philatelic Importance

Philatelic and related Knowledge, Personal Study and Research

Condition and Rarity of material exhibited

Presentation.

 4.1 Thematic Treatment

 4.5 The criterion of „Treatment " requires an evaluation of the completeness and correctness of the selected material made by the exhibitor to illustrate his chosen subject.

Treatment will be evaluated according to the title and the plan, the development, and the innovation shown in the exhibit.

 4.1.1 The title and the plan will be evaluated considering the:

? consistency between the plan and the title

? presence of the plan page

? adequacy of the plan page

? correct, logical and balanced structure (divisions and subdivisions)

The title defines the overall concept, which then is structured through the plan. Inconsistencies

between the title and the plan indicate either an inadequate breakdown of the title or an

inappropriate synthesis of its structure in the selected title.

 The plan page, that provides an insight into the theme, has to be shown at the beginning of the

exhibit. Failure to do so will result in the automatic loss of three points.”

The requirements for a correct, logical and balanced structuring into divisions and sub-divisions are defined as follows:

Correct: The plan should be accurate, scientifically reliable and sound

Logical: The sequence of the main chapters and their subdivisions must follow a rational

order, without superfluous or misplaced chapters Balanced: The same importance should be given to the different sections in accordance with the thematic significance and the available material coverage of all major aspects necessary to develop the theme.

·coverage of all major aspects necessary to develop the theme.

4.1.2. The development will be evaluated considering the:

? correct assembly and positioning of the items in conformity with the plan

The correct assembly and position of the items, including the individual ones on each page, is

demonstrated by a well understood, correct, and fluent thread of development. Misplaced items make development confused and hard to understand. 

? connection between the items and the thematic text

? depth, shown through connections, cross-references, ramifications, causes and effects

? balance, by giving to each thematic point the importance corresponding to its significance within the theme

 The balance is demonstrated by giving the appropriate depth and size to the various thematic

details, according to their significance within the theme. This also applies to philatelic studies.

? elaboration of all aspects of the plan.

 4.1.3. Innovation will be evaluated according to Art. 3.2.3.

4.6 (omitted – In the thematic Class the same aspects are considered as a component of other criteria).

 4.2 Knowledge, Personal Study and Research

4.7 The criteria of „Philatelic and related Knowledge, Personal Study and Research" require the following evaluations:

Knowledge is the degree of knowledge of the exhibitor as expressed by the items chosen for display and their related description;Personal Study is the proper analysis of the items chosen for display;

Research is the presentation of new facts related to the chosen subject.

 The GREV considers “philatelic and related knowledge”, that can be seen as the result of two

components:

·  A “concept” related knowledge. In almost all classes is of postal and philatelic nature: issues, usages,printing processes, rates, routes, services, and so on. In thematic philately this “concept” is of a thematic nature: cars, bridges, history, nature, sport, etc.; hence “thematic knowledge” is that which is based on personal study and research and sound knowledge of the subject studied.

·  “Philatelic knowledge”, that relates to the material used to support the concept. This component is

common to all classes.

 4.2.1 Thematic Knowledge, and its related Personal Study and Research will be evaluated considering the

? appropriateness, conciseness and correctness of thematic text

? correct thematic use of the material

 Thematic knowledge refers to the overall knowledge of the theme as expressed in the choice of

the items, their correlation and the degree of appropriateness of the accompanying text; the

correct thematic use of material is reflected by the degree of appropriateness to cover specific

thematic details.

 Thematic knowledge is also demonstrated by the use of material that has a thematic

qualification, which is not immediately obvious and needs to be discovered by the exhibitor.

Thematic knowledge assumes the absence of thematic errors and avoids pretexts for

introducing material not directly related with the theme or unnecessary borderline items.

? presence of new thematic findings for the theme.

 The level of thematic study and research is evaluated by taking into account the availability of

previous studies of the theme, in order to assess how much the treatment took advantage of

available thematic and philatelic literature, catalogues and documented research. This will then be compared with the personal research and study shown in the exhibit.

 4.2.2 Philatelic Knowledge, Personal Study and Research will be evaluated considering the

? full compliance with the rules of postal philately

 The presence and balanced utilisation of all the different philatelic types of material should be

obtained by presenting items of all periods and from the largest number of countries, within the possibilities of the chosen theme.

 ? presence of the widest possible range of postal-philatelic material and its balanced use

The full compliance with the rules of postal philately concerns, for instance, the presence of

items that are unsuitable for collecting purposes because of their state (e.g. cut stamps or cut

postal stationery, improper maximum cards)

 ? appropriateness of postal documents

The suitability of the postal documents considers their philatelic appropriateness, including the

number and the justification of borderline items, if any, as well as the selection of items of real

philatelic significance rather than of extravagant pieces.

 ? appropriateness and correctness of philatelic text, when required

? presence of philatelic studies and related skilful use of important philatelic material.

Personal philatelic study and research are demonstrated by the presence of:

material which has not yet been researched for that theme, or where there has been very little research refers to an uncommon area of collecting

·  philatelic studies presenting a true, well documented, philatelic in depth analysis and which are not just an excuse for showing an accumulation of more pieces without any serious philatelic foundation.

 4.3 Condition and Rarity

 4.8 The criteria of „Condition and Rarity" require an evaluation of the quality of the displayed material

considering the standard of the material that exists for the chosen subject, the rarity and the relative difficulty of acquisition of the selected material.

 The criteria of "Condition and Rarity" require an evaluation of the quality of the displayed material

considering the standard of the material that exists for the chosen subject, the rarity and the relative difficulty of acquisition of the selected material.

The condition is based on the usual overall criteria for evaluation in philately. For modern

material good condition is an essential requirement. Booklets should be presented complete

with stamps.

 Cancellations must be clear, and allow the stamp design, where thematically relevant, to be

clearly visible.

 The rarity is based on objective criteria such as recognised absolute scarcity and difficulty of

acquisition.

 It is essential that varieties, proofs, essays, are rarer than the issue itself, in order to increase

the philatelic level. The same applies to blocks, strips, etc.

 It is obvious that items which, despite being very rare, have no or insufficient relationship to the theme, should not be included in the evaluation of this criterion.

 4.4 Presentation

4.9 The criterion of „Presentation" requires an evaluation of the overall aesthetic appearance of the exhibit.

The criterion of "Presentation” requires an evaluation of the clarity of display, the text as well as the overall aesthetic balance of the exhibit.

The efforts of the exhibitor are demonstrated by the arrangement of the items and the text on

appropriate exhibition pages. Presentation will be evaluated on the basis of:

clarity of the display

clarity of the text

the overall aesthetic balance of the exhibit

 ARTICLE 5: JUDGING OF EXHIBITS

5.1 Judging of an exhibit will be carried out in general in accordance with Section V of the GREX.

5.1 Thematic exhibits will be judged by the approved specialists in their respective field and in accordance with the section V, Art. 31 to 46 of the GREX (ref.: GREV, Art. 5.1).

5.2 Judging is based on the criteria explained in Art. 4 above.

 

1. Treatment and Philatelic Importance 30

2. Philatelic and related Knowledge Personal Study and Research 35

3. Condition and Rarity 30

4. Presentation 5

Total 100

 Exhibits will be evaluated by allocating points for each of the above criteria. These will be entered on score sheets of an approved format.

 5.3 The criteria for evaluating Literature, Thematic and Youth exhibits are shown in the SREV of the concerned classes.

The thematic jurors must complete an evaluation form in order to be guided towards a thorough and consistent judgment.

 5.2 For thematic exhibits, the following relative terms are presented to lead the Jury to a balanced evaluation

 Treatment 35

Title and Plan 15

Development 15

Innovation 5

Knowledge, Personal Study and Research 30

Thematic 15

Philatelic 15

condition and Rarity 30

Condition 10

Rarity 20

Presentation 5

? Total ? 100 ?

5.4 Prizes will be awarded according to Article 8 of the GREX.

5.5 Medals will be awarded as per the following table, based on the total of the assessments under the

headings in 5.2 above:

 Large Gold 95

Gold 90

Large Vermeil 85

Vermeil 80

Large Silver 75

Silver 70

Silver Bronze 65

Bronze 60

 5.6 The Grand Prizes are awarded to the exhibits receiving the most votes of the jury in secret ballot from among those exhibits achieving at least 96 points. (Ref. Article 44 of GREX).

 5.7 The Jury may express Felicitations for exhibits distinguishing themselves by philatelic research or originality.

5.8 Special prizes may be awarded by the Jury in accordance with Article 8.6 of the GREX.

 The presence of faked, forged or repaired items, which are not clearly marked as such, will

cause the downgrading of the exhibit by the Jury, according to the report of the special Expert

Team appointed at each exhibition.

 Reprints must be presented as such. Weak or faded postmarks must not be redrawn on piece;

instead a copy of the postmark should be redrawn and presented next to the Collectors are therefore recommended to have any doubtful item expertised before selecting it for the exhibit and the original of the certificates should be included behind the sheet, in the same transparent protective cover. In case a photocopy is used, the same has to be certified by the Federation. Alternatively, the commissioner may bring the original certificate for use if needed. Irrelevant of how the certificate is made available, at the end of the philatelic text concerning the item certified should be put the abbreviation “e” in bold thus (e).

.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. 










Sudhir Jain is a noted philatelist and an active philately promoter from Satna, MP. He collects Stamps, Currency Notes, Match Boxes, Bells, News Papers, Jokers, etc. and won medals at several Philatelic Exhibitions for his specialized collection on Jainism. He is Secretary of central India Philatelic Society, Patron of Indore Philatelic Society and a life member of P.C.I. He has written many articles on Philately and edited number of Souvenirs. He is Chairman of National Jain Philatelic Group. He has been instrumental in organizing many philatelic activities such as the release of the special cover, organizing a stamp exhibition and other philatelic programmes related to Jainism theme for the past many years, He is associated with Lions International since 1975 and also office bearer of various Social, Religious and Industrial Associations." Mr Sudhir Jain may be contacted at email : mrsudhirjain@yahoo.com I am pleased to share a part of his article on Jainism earlier published in Rainbow Stamp News .


 JAINISM

-Suudhir Jain

Jain religion is very old religion. Its followers believe that Jainism is an “Anaadi Ananta” religion. Anaadi means one which has no starting and Ananta means which has no ending. Jainism is a pre-aryan religion which is preached by the Tirthankars (Gods). Jains believe that in every cycle of times, there are 24 Tirthankars. In the present era, Bhagwan Rishabhnath was the first Tirthankar and Bhagwan Mahaveer was the last 24th Tirthankar.


Ahimsa (non-violence) and Anekanta are the most important principle of the Jainism. Ahimsa is non-injury, physical and mental. One should not hurt others in body, mind and speech, one should avoid directly causing injury to a living being, one should not cause others to commit injury, nor should one consent to the causing of injury. Injury is the hurt caused to a living being intentionally, through negligence or under the impulses and emotional stress. The other important fundamental concept of Jainism is Anekanta. It states that reality is complex. It can be looked at from the different point of views. Each point of view gives the picture of reality which is as valid and real as the picture of reality received from other point of view.

Jainism has contributed to the philosophy of life in its insistence that the path way to perfection is threefold. Samyak-Darshana (right faith/right understanding) Samyak-Jnana (Right knowledge) and Samyak – Charitra (right conduct).

There are two main branches of Jain religion – Digambar and SwetambarDigambar word comprises Dig (Disha/direction) and Ambar (cover/sky). It means only directions are the cover/clothes i.e. without clothes. They worship idols of Tirthankars bearing no clothes. Their saints also do not bear any cloth. Swetambar word comprises swet (white) and Ambar (cover/sky). Their idols are dressed and decorated with ornaments and their sents bear white clothes.


NAMOKAR MAHA MANTRA

NAMOKAR MAHA MANTRA is the principle Cult and Essence of Jainism. This prayer is chanted before every pious work.

NAMO ARIHANTANAM - I bow before thy who conquered the all evils of KARMA - BANDHA.

NAMO SIDDHANAM - I bow before thy who relieved from the pains of REBIRTH, got ENLIGHTMENT and set in MOKSHA.

NAMO AYARIANAM - I bow before thy who teaches and enlightens us the path of MOKSHA.

NAMO UWAJJHAYANAM - I bow before thy who teaches us about RIGHT BELIEF, RIGHT KNOWLEDGE & RIGHT CONDUCT.

NAMO LOYE SAVVA SAHUNAM - I bow before thy who are saints and relieved themselves from the worldly affairs.

AISO PANCH NAMOKARO SAVVA PAPPANASANO - This Panch Namaskar Mantra is the way to keep all the sins away.

MANGALANANCH SAVVESIM PADAWAM HOI MANGALAM - Reading of this creates welfare of all.

JAIN FLAG


During the 2500th Nirwan Anniversary of Bhagwan Mahaveer in the year 1974. this Jain flag was adopted by all the Jain comunity of India. It consists of five different colours and each colour has it's own significance. Red colour denotes Brevity, yellow denotes culture, white denotes peace, green denotes character and blue denotes sacrifice. Jain Pratika is there in the centre.

JAIN PRATIKA

 

This Jain PRATIKA (Symbol) was also adopted at the time of 2500th Nirwan Anniversary of Bhagwan Mahaveer in the year 1974. The outer line of the symbol denotes the TRILOK (three words) - URDHWA LOK (above sky) is at the top, MADHYA LOK (earth) at the centre and PATAL LOK (below earth) at the bottom. The palm denotes the fearlessness and forgiveness. The wheel is Dharma Chakra in the centre of which word AHIMSA (non-violence) is written in Hindi. Swastika denotes prosperity on which three dots are the characters of human being- SAMYAK DARSHAN (right belief), SAMYAK GYAN (right knowledge) and SAMYAK CHARITRA (right conduct). The crescent denotes the SIDDHA BHOOMI which is the place of immortal souls and the upper dot denotes the SIDDHA, the soul which will not take re-birth. In the bottom a Sanskrit phrase "PARASPAROPAGRAHO JIVANAM” is written which means all the human beings help each other.

SWASTIKA

SWASTIKA is also an important and sacred symbol of Jainism which is the symbol of prosperity. Swastika is an ancient symbol often used as an ornament or a religious sign. It is in the form of a cross with the ends of the arms bent at right angles in a given direction, usually clockwise. The swastika has been found on old buildings, inscriptions, monuments, and coins. Jains still use the swastika as a symbol of good fortune. They use it on doors and thresholds and on the first pages of account books.


Swastika was widely used symbol. The clockwise swastika was adopted in 1920 as the symbol of the National Socialist Party of Germany. As such it came to be one of the most hated symbols in the history of humanity. It came to stand for all the evil associated with the Nazis as they gained control of Europe before and during World War II. After the Allies defeated Germany in 1945, they banned the display of the swastika emblem. It shows that a symbol has only the meaning that people have given it. Even a powerful symbol can lose its meaning if the society dishonors or ignores it for a period of time.

Beginners’ Section 

Philatelic Bookmarks 

 -Cdr G.Sriramarao, I.N. (retd.) 

 

 India Post released 11 stamps on the great epic Ramayana on 22 Sept 2017 with 10 stamps on the denomination of Rs.5 and one of Rs.15. 11 Bookmarks with the pictures of stamps of Ramayana with their short explanation with Gold coloured threads were issued by Trivandrum Circle of India Post in 2019. 

 


 

Chances are we may not read a book or Magazine in one go . If you are interrupted, you will likely slip something between the pages to mark your place. A Pencil, a folded paper, a Paper Napkin, a scale, a fold to the corner of the page. Viola You made yourself a book Mark . 

How did this small but vital part of our reading experience come to be? The earlier existing bookmark made on leather is said to date back to the sixth century AD.With ancient books being rare and delicate and the process of making books being time-consuming and expensive, the reader had to find a way to mark his place in the book without in any way marring its pages. Enter the bookmark.  

Early versions were made of parchment, cord, silk or ribbon usually sewn into hardcover books. Nowadays, there is no limit to what you can find- bookmarks made of beads, metal, foam, wood, personalized or monogrammed bookmarks, embroidered ones, advertising bookmarks, themed ones in children stories (the tail of a lion or broomstick of a witchpeeking out of the book), corner bookmarks or even bookmarks that point to the exact line on which you stopped. 

 


 India Post released a sheetlet of 18 stamps and two Miniature sheets (100 Rs and 50 Rs.) and one FDC, on the epic Mahabharathaon 27.11.2017. The Mahabharatha in Sanskrit is one of the greatest epics of ancient India written by sage Vyasa the other being Ramayana. Mahabharatha is the epic which is world famous class of its own, vast , immortal,rich,deep, essential,thoughtful,philosophic,pure,intriguing,engaging and yet magnanimous.18 bookmarks were released by Trivandrum circle of India Post in 2019, which are very attractive with photos of stamps, short writeup about each stamp and Gold coloured threads. 

 


Bookmarks make wonderful souvenirs from distant lands- a friend brought me an intricately woven from Iran, a nation known for its richly woven carpets. In Belgium, I came across beautiful lace bookmarks, Representative of the country’s creative culture. Native American craft fairs usually made of leathers and beads. My friends abroad love Indian sandalwood book marks. Museums and galleries the world over usually sell bookmarks representing their collections and specific artists’ works. Recently outside a Mumbai art gallery, I was drawn to a pavement artist who with, water colours and few deft brushstrokes, painted an alluring seascape, on a rectangular strip or card paper dried and slipped into a see=through protective cover. His little book mark is now tucked into my book, in addition to some of the bookmarks on famous epics of India, Ramayana and Mahabharata, urging me to return to the story, not just for what for what is written on the page but also for what leads me to it.

-       Cdr G. Sriramarao : email : sriramarao@gmail.com

Specialized Section

PERMANENT PICTORIAL CANCELLATIONS (PPC’s) : CAN BE EXHIBITED





Naresh Agrawal


Philately is changing fast as new fields of collection and exhibiting are being identified and explored. First day Covers, Special Covers,Picture Post cards, Maximum cards etc. are being  identified as separate class of exhibiting as there seems to be immense scope in not only collecting but exhibiting too. Cancellations  are very important part of any philatelic cover as it is the cancellation which speaks volumes about the  journey of any postal item.  


Cancellations are being applied even before the invent of the postage stamp. But with the time cancellations methodology and features have changed a lot. Not merely date, place and post office identification to pictorial ones.  The fancy cancellations of past were to some extent pictorial but the messages were not very clear and well communicating. But today there are several pictorial commemorative cancellations which  speak loudly  about  the specialty, importance and significance of a place or event or a heritage. 

 

While talking about pictorial cancellations, let’s talk about permanent pictorial cancellations being applied in several important post offices located at important places. This is a unique sealed postmark, which shows customized graphical  design or replica or photo or sketch or a picture of any of a sculpture, temple, building, character, river ghat, flora fauna, animal, ancient land mark , heritage etc. highlighting a  tourist, natural, social, religious, historical, mythological, architectural or an important place or thing or event from where it is issued regularly for a long period. Permanent pictorial cancellation on mails speaks much more than any normal cancellation. In other words PPC may be called permanent place promotional and pictorial cancellation. 

 

India has rich heritage of art, craft, culture and history which is depicted through various places, monuments, sculptures, natural scenes etc. located at different places  throughout its territory. Department of Post has issued beautiful permanent pictorial cancellations (PPC)  at several places / locations which were brought in practice first time in 1951  to  commemorate, promote, advertize and keep introducing the rich heritage of India to people and  also to promote tourism. The first four such PPC’s issued in 1951 were issued through tourism department only and pertained to Qutab Minar, Sanchi, Ajanta. The second phase of such cancellations started in january1965. from locations such as "Sanchi, Ajanta, Ellora, Khajuraho and Mahabalipuram. The third phase started in 1974. Slowly but steadily this pictorial cancellation were introduced from all major places of tourist interest, heritage buildings etc. throughout India.

 


 

Now as of today, it is understood, around 400 PPC’s have been issued so far, of which about 300 are still being applied. Some of those have been redesigned, rebuilt and modified too. Collection of covers such as postcards, postal covers, aerogramme, inland letters , packets with such cancellations is not only pleasing but informative also. Forming an exhibit from these cancellations can be one area of interest. Following are the main collectable features which can help building a beautiful exhibit too.

 

 


Total number of PPC  issued  in particular country say India: Since PPC’s are being issued throughout the world, there is huge scope for collection of these countrywise.

2.    Classification like monuments, temples, sculptures historical forts/fortress etc. : Based on the subject matter, there is huge scope for collection of PPC’s and one can get good in number

3.     Shape /Size of cancellation  : The PPc’s are applied ijn different shapes and sizes. This can also be a branch of collection of PPC’s

4.     Particular region…like total cancellations issued in Karnatka  .. One can select particular region for collection   and the expand the collection

5.     Length of period  like  shortest period or the longest period of regular issuance : PPC’s  are normally issued and applied for longer period as the very purpose of these ia to apply these on regular basis for longer period. Some cancellations live very  short and sone very long. Study of their existence can be  an area of inetest.

6.     The material of seal… silicon, hard rubber, plastic , metal  : Initially rubber cancellations were issued but later there was improvement in seal material as hard plastic or even metal seals are being used. Classification on this basis can ass to interest and study.

7.     The Color of the seal : Black is considered to be a common and universal colour for cancellations but other colors are also being used for application of PPC.

8.     Redesigned  picture of the  cancellations  : with the time at places the  design of the picture / subject matter has been changed. The study and collection of such cancellation is also challenging and interesting.

9.     Quality  of  cancellation…… Poor or fine ; It has been found that at some places the cancellation become very poor or even at the first stage  poor cancellation is applied. One can  look in to this aspect also.

10.  Justified cancellations  ..like the one where picture does not do justice to the importance of the place. There are examples of such PPC’s. For example  pictorial cancellation of Nandi Hill, Bangalore has picture of Nandi Bull but Nandi Hill is  an ancient hill fortress and presently better known as a tourist spot and a weekend gateway. So the image of Nandi does not do a true justice to the cancellation. Likewise there are some more such examples

11.  Nature of postal piece on which the cancellation is applied such as postcard,  covers etc.

12.  Exquisite designs of cancellations : Some of the pictorial cancellations are  exquisite in designs. Their images are sharp. The subject matter is clear and elaborative through the image. Their application is clear. 

13.  Various important  places missing such cancellations: I india there are several places of interest and great significance from where the cancellations are not being issued though post offices are located there. One can touch this aspect also

Hence, we see that PPC are of great interest to philatelists as the study  gives  huge scope for collection, search, variety and exhibiting. The major area of concern for collection are the place, the subject matter, designs and redesigns, colors, period  or life, clarity, errors, different mail pieces on which these were applied, specifications, relation between place and the image…One can explore as much as he can. The PPC gives very good scope for exhibiting as PPC’s are issued not only in India but throughout the world. One can strike on the following features and traits .


The Royal Ballet Set issued by Cambodia in 1967 is not 

related to Ramayana

– Eli Moallem 

On May 30, 1967, the Kingdom of Cambodia issued a set of stamps shows the Royal Ballet dancers. Few years ago, I read in several sites that it depicting the Reamker (Ramayana) epic. I gladly added the stamps to my Ramayana stamp collection and my exhibition. Few months ago, I received a message from a Cambodian friend who told me that the dancers are not performing the Ramayana epic, but other legend from Khmer mythology called Khachong Sang. I didn't find a lot of information about it, only that the story tells about a young lady, Neang Rachana, kidnapped by Ngous (which resembles the story of the Ramayana in which Ravana kidnapped Sita, hence I believe the origin of the mix between the two performances). Here is the complete set: 

Figure 1 


The character designs on the stamps are based on real photos of the ballet show from the early 1960's which I have only three of them: The abduction of Neang Rachana by Ngous, designed and engraved by Michel Monvoisin: 


Figure 2
 

The following photo depicting the same couple as on the stamp, but in a different position. I still don't have the original photo used as a model. This stamp was designed and engraved by Jacques Combet: 


Figure 3 


This stamp designed and engraved by Michel Monvoisin: 


Figure 4 

A link to the performance by the Khmer Royal Ballet:
The dance drama, Preah SanhNeang Rachana

Dr.Eli Moallem is a philatelist from Israel. He has a specialized collection on Ramayan and other themes. His one frame exhibit The Ramayana – The adventures of Lord Rama could be seen at  : Exponet. Dr Eli may be contacted at email : eli573@zahav.net.il

DISINFECTION OF MAIL





- Naresh Agrawal 

Contd. from the last issue…

THE  MAJOR  EPIDEMICS  AND  MAIL  DISINFECTION 

During the middle ages and thereafter, the disinfection practices were based on the belief that all the major epidemics such as Cholera, Plague, Smallpox, Typhus Fever, Yellow Fever, Leprosy  etc. could be conveyed through paper stuffs and so were checked by  then prevailing traditional methods of disinfection  due to which the postal mail paper based articles were disinfected. This belief, which was still held by many countries until late in the 19th. Century, and after the development in medical sciences the proper reasons for outbreak and  methods of disinfection were found and established.

SMALLPOX   :    Smallpox is an infectious disease unique to humans believed to have emerged about 10000B.C., caused by either of two virus variants, Variola major and Variola minor. The earliest physical evidence of smallpox is likely the postural rash on the mummified body of Pharaoh Tamses V of Egypt, who died in 1157 BC. The term "smallpox" was first used in Europe in the 15th century as its intense effect was seen. During the 18th century the effect was even devastating in Europe.    

Quarantine Certificate dated April 29,1777 at New Haven issued by quarantine      inspector, a physician certifying that the effected person has been cleaned from  Smallpox  as he had not been exposed to public.

In United States, William Osler, a young Canadian physician, while recovering from a mild case of smallpox contracted while attending patients, in a letter written that same month to an old schoolmate described his illness and noted in closing, "You need not be afraid of this letter. I will disinfect it before sending". Concern about disseminating smallpox through this letter was well founded. The concern was the danger that the letter might pose to his friend Jarvis and not to cell cultures.

 Indeed, years later in 1901 in New York, articles in 2 respected medical journals incriminated letters as sources of 2 separate epidemics of smallpox . Also in the same year spread of smallpox through mail matter transmission was highlighted several times in different medical journals and newspapers quoting different incidents killing several people

 

Austria, 1837, BROOSA, disinfection letter to NEW YORK "Austria, 1837, BROOSA, disinfection letter to NEW YORK border crossing cancel HUNIGUE and rare source cancel AT TERQUIE

                      


                 Letter dated 12.07.1842 from New York to Whitehall, Pennsylvania, describes the arrival of French War Steamship named Gomer to harbor  and its sending to Quarantine as declined to enter port due to suspect smallpox epidemic.
                             

Letter dated 11.01.1846 at Philadelphia, sent to Cedar creek, Delaware, the contents relate to a smallpox epidemic informing about spread of small pox during winter and 26 deaths during Christmas week. The sender showed his fear to visit Milford due to this. The letter sheet has all over smoked   appearance, and is likely to have been  fumigated before leaving Philadelphia.

In Australia, there was regular spread of smallpox and all measures to check it from time t time were takn like quarantine, treatment of mail etc.

                         


             The P&O Himalaya arrived in Australia in 1897 with a case of smallpox on board. Passengers and crew were quarantined at a number of stations from Albany to Sydney. The cover is addressed to a lady who was a passenger on the Himalaya and quarantined in Sydney.

In Australia,in1935 passengers from the Aorangi were quarantined in Sydney at the North Head Quarantine Station in 1935 following a case of smallpox aboard the ship. Covers were also treated at the station and passed out through the nearby Manly office.            


Passengers from the Strathaird were detained in Melbourne at the Quarantine Station at Portsea in 1938. This was the second to last occasion the temporary post office was opened at the station .The corners have been cut off the envelope to allow the formaldehyde gas to reach the letter inside. 

In the 20th century some mail was heat-treated to prevent the spread of smallpox.

CHOLERA

It is an infection of the small intestines caused by the bacterium Vibrio Cholerae. Transmission is primarily through contaminated drinking water or food. Cholera is a major cause of death in the world. It was one of the earliest studied by epidemiological methods.

The cholera pandemics of the early 19th century led to widespread treatment of mail, although the concern had died down by the 1840s.

And in 1832, when cholera came to Kentucky, US Senator Henry Clay established a tent city on his estate outside Lexington for the 2,000 citizens who fled the town.

                                        

DISINFECTED CIVITAVECCHIA ANZIO 1849 QUARANTINE RULE

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Letter from HEALTH INSPECTORATE OF HEALTH AND PAPAL PORTS in CIVITAVECCHIA to HEALTH AUTHORITY IN ANZIO regarding quarantine measures to be imposed on BELGIUM vessels because of CHOLERA in that country. The letter states that the measure is similar to that adopted by the HEALTH AUTHORITIES IN GENOA and for the same reason too

                

                22 June,1823, entire letter from Jerusalem,Palestina addressed to Rome from the Convent of San Juan of Judea; overall rastel punching for disinfection against Cholera.              

                                       
  Letter explaining the havoc of Cholera in New York City in 1832

 Letter dated 18 Aug 1832 at White Plains,New York,Miss Mac Donald writes of the devastating Cholera epidemic inflicted upon the city of New York.” The Cjolera prevails still in New York – The daily number of cases being  about 70 and deaths about 30.It is however considred subsiding – the panic is over and many persons are returning to the city.The disease has been much more destructive to human life in New York,than had been the case in Yellow Fever. More than 2600 have died of the cholera. 

                    
July4,1832 Entire fumigated (cholera related) from Smyrna to Verviers (France) with red wax seal 'SIGIL. SANITAS SEMLIENSIS' 


Beyrouth  24.10.1880 Heavy duty envelop sent from London by Packet from Merseille.For the Aglican Bishop of Jerusalem,’c/o Heald’, ( Bankers in Beyruth). For forwarding by courier. 25mm disinfection slits; cholera was prevalent that summer in England and Malta

Epidemics affected mail at Honolulu ten times between 1853 and 1900 with some of these episodes involved disease in Hawaii and some at places such as San Francisco or in Asia and steps were taken in Hawaii to disinfect mail from those placed before delivering it. Covers from at least two periods when Honolulu with cholera or plague show evidence of disinfecting.

Cholera epidemic quarantined Honolulu in1895 for few months and mail was fumigated before it

           
                  

Postmarked September 30, 1895 at Honolulu and clipped at the corners to allow fumigation. According to Burt, this registered letter to Bombay suspect of cholera was fumigated at Honolulu,                             again at San Francisco and a third time at Bombay.

           

                   

Postmarked October 11, 1895 at Hilo and sent directly to San Francisco on the bark Santiago during the 1895 cholera epidemic in Honolulu.


To be contd…..

: Naresh Agrawal - email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in


For Contributors - Guidelines for the articles

1.         The article should be of maximum 10 pages(A4 size) including images in MS word only. Long articles,if accepted will be published in parts

2.         Do not Format your article. Like no text wrapping, no caption on the images. Simply insert the images where required.

4.         There should be No Hyperlinks in the text. Use only where ever it is  necessary.

5.         Images should be clear and sharp. Blurred images will be deleted.

6.         The article will be published as per the availability of the required space.

7. Regarding the selection and size of the images editor’s decision will be final.

8. "Limited,good  and selective articles published at least one year before elsewhere can be entertained for publication but strictly subject to acceptance by editor "

New issues from other Countries

Belgium

31 August 2020 The Roaring Twenties



Colorful background with the title of the sheetlet in the graphic style popular in the 1920s

31 August 2020 : The Big five of Europe

The Big 5 of Europe 



These animals are present in the wildlife park of "Les Grottes de Han", which also celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. 

New Zealand

2 September 2020 : Te Wiki o te Reo Maori - Maori Language Week

Te reo Māori is an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand. Since 1975, New Zealand has celebrated an annual Māori Language Week, with seven days focused on its revitalisation.

The Māori Language Commission and other advocates encourage daily use of Māori words, and many have become common among all Kiwis. Alongside other words and phrases, aroha, whānau, tāne and wahine are well used across Aotearoa.

$1.40 Aroha
Love, affection, respect, compassion, empathy. Aroha is best understood when it is broken down into its component parts, ARO - ‘take notice of ’ and HĀ - ‘ones essence or breathing’.

$2.70 Whānau
Family, to give birth to. ‘Ko au, ko te whānau, ko te hapū, ko te iwi - Me, my family, my relations, my people.’ Whānau sits at the heart of Māori communities.

$3.50 Tāne
Male, man, husband. ‘E moe ki te tāne ringa raupa – Marry a man with calloused hands.’ This whakataukī (proverb) suggests a desirable attribute for prospective husbands

.$4.00 Wahine
Female, woman, wife. ‘Mā te wahine, mā te whēnua, ngaro ai te tangata - For a woman, for land, man will give his life’ is a much spoken whakataukī.

Portugal

27 August 2020 : 150 Years of the Submarine Cape in Portugal

The second half of the 19th century was very important in the development of distance communications, with the invention of the telegraph but also with everything that followed it, the radio, the telephone and, among these inventions, the submarine cable was created to take further message. The idea was to communicate between continents, and as there was sea in between, the solution was in the submarine cable, which soon brought companies to take it and people who learned to communicate. And the first submarine cable connected France to the United Kingdom in 1850, and Portugal entered the race on 8 June 1870 with a connection to the United Kingdom, and soon after other points, such as the Azores and Madeira Archipelagos. The  Communications Museum, in Lisbon, he has a very interesting exhibition on this topic, which can be visited virtually from here.

To celebrate the "150 Years of the First Submarine Telegraph Cable in Portugal",  
CTT - Correios de Portugal  launched on August 27th these two se-tenant stamps, which represent the connection of communications between peoples, using the seabed to carry the message. 

Russia

18 August 2020 : 175 Years of the Russian Geographical Society

On August 18, 1845 the Geographical Society of Russia was founded in St. Petersburg, a project by Admiral Litke, which was supported by Emperor Nicholas I, Interior Minister Lev Perovski and many other scientists, admirals and intellectuals. of Russia and Estonia at the time. The first president of this institution was Konstantin Nikolaevich, the son of Emperor Nicholas I, who was immediately interested in this important society and science.

Today it has more than twenty-two thousand members at home and abroad, and its areas of activity are mainly in expeditions and research with young students, the editing of studies and the conservation of nature. The  Russian Post Office joined this celebration, issuing this round block with a stamp, which shows in its background image the Terrestrial Globe and the various scientific activities.

Switzerland

27 August 2020 : Chocolate – From Bitter to Sweet 


Chocolate is an important symbol of Switzerland. However, the journey from the fruit of the cacao tree to melt-in-the-mouth temptation is a long one. This renement process is being recognized in two special stamps. 

The fruits, which grow in the tropics, are harvested twice a year and each contain 20 to 30 initially white cocoa beans, which are dried after fermentation. The raw cocoa is then cleaned, broken down, roasted and ground. The resulting cocoa mass is mixed with sugar and cocoa butter. The result is the basic ingredient for chocolate. Milk chocolate is made by adding milk powder or condensed milk. Cocoa itself is anything but sweet. The Aztec word “xocóatl” – the origin of the word chocolate – actually means “bitter water”.

Ceneri 2020 



The opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel in December 2020 will mark the completion of the New Rail Link through the Alps (NRLA), turning the long-held dream of a at rail link through the Alps into reality. 

The NRLA provides Switzerland with modern, high-performance rail infra- structure on Europe’s north-south corridor – and an environmentally-friendly alternative to road transport and travel. The opening of the Ceneri Base Tunnel is not just the nal part of the Rhine-Alps corridor, an epic feat of engineering, but also a symbol of northern and southern Europe moving closer together. 

The design of the special stamps high- lights this aspect in particular. On the left, a freight train is travelling through the Netherlands. On closer inspection, its destination can be made out – the port of Rotterdam. On the right, a passenger train is arriving in Milan, represented by the world-famous cathedral. 

The two special stamps are linked by a gutter which shows the Ceneri Base Tunnel. Here the Alps are not a barrier between north and south, but are in- stead depicted as nature – an allusion to the climate-friendly mobility that the tunnel promotes.

27 August 2020 : Ceneri 2020 and Street Art : Smart City


Street Art : Smart City

“Smart city” is a term that covers many different facets and aspects. With four spectacular special stamps, Swiss Post has now lent it some artistic air.

The idea is irresistible: four internationally acclaimed exponents of street art – three male artists and one female – were given free rein to produce their personal inter- pretation of what the term “smart city” means to them. Four sheetlets have been created which reflect the concept’s wide-ranging aspects.

There is no universally applicable definition of precisely what “smart city” signifies. It is instead a general term referring to a wide range of activities, ideas, inno- vations and technologies, which all have one thing in common – the holistic, environmentally-friendly and socially-responsible development of urban areas.

New stationery (envelope) from Germany with FDI-postmark Eurasian Lynx and OWL on envelope



A new envelope will be issued on October 7th 2020 in Germany.The envelope honors 50 years of  foundation BAVARIAN FOREST NATIONAL PARK .

 

New postmark on Seahorse from Croatia


On September 21th 2020 will be available a new pictorial postmark in 52100 PULA , CTOATIA.The postmark fearures a Seahorse.


By Wolfgang Beyer , BDPh (German Philatelic Federation).

 Philatelic Library


A Hand Book on Gwalior Postal History and Stamps (1837-1950) - Prof. VK Gupta

An excellent book on Postal history of Gwalior and stamps by renowned philatelist and author Prof. VK Gupta .This is a very good reference book for philatelists especially those collecting on Postal history.



Acknowledgment

- Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin September 2020 issue edited by Mohanchandran Nair

- Judaica Thematic Society (UK)  August 2020 Newsletter edited by Gary Goodman email - judaicathematicsociety@talktalk.net


-The Hyderabad Philatelist August 2020 issue edited by Prakash Agrawal 


-The Hyderabad Hobby Magazine August 2020 issue edited by Prakash Agrawal 

- Deccan Philatelist Vol 20 No 3  2020

 - Vadophil Jan - Apr 2020 issue edited by Prashant Pandya & Timir Shah

Bogs & Websites

Philatelic Congress of India

Indian Philately Digest

       Stamps of India

Rainbow Stamp News

Se-tenant Stamps of India

Flags & Stamps

Europa stamps

        Phila Mirror

       International Stamp News

       Welcome to Indian Philately

 

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/

The Hyderabad  Philatelic and Hobbies Society

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

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

Philatelic Society of India , Mumbai : http://www.psi1897.com/
Orissa Philatelic Association, Mail id-: 
orissaphilatelic@gmail.com

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

Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat

Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad

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

The Army Philatelic Society, Pune

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

RAINBOW STAMP CLUB

This is a blog of e-Stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com . The idea of this blog is to extend philatelic fraternity in all corners of the world. Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share new ideas with other philatelists.  New Post on recent issues, news on stamp activities and Contribution by members are published every day on this blog. Readers may also express their views on any philatelic matter which will be published under Club News at Rainbow Stamp Cub Blog. Philatelic Clubs and Societies may also send brief write ups. 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 &TimirShah 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 

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

-Deccan Philatelist from Deccan Philatelic Society, 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 : The Philatelist, R Suresh –Bangalore; Philately Wolfgang  Beyer, Germany; Jagannath Mani – Bangalore ; Praveen Shastry- Bangalore

Address for communication :

Jeevan Jyoti,  c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun – 248002. India  

E-mail –    j.jyoti9@gmail.com

A Request to Readers & Contributors –

·         Please do not send the text in scan form or PDF. Send your write ups in MS Word only.

 

·         Last date for receiving articles/ News /write ups – 25th of every month. 

 

·          For articles :  Kindly send images in jpg compressed form and  text in MS Word only  Please do not use  any formatting and  text wrapping in the article.  Simply put the images under text where required.  

 

·         If you like this issue please forward it to your friends and help in promoting philately.

·         Please do not send forwarded messages for promotional section if you want to give any information for promotion please write personally with brief write up. As this newsletter is not used for any commercial purpose in any manner.

 

Attention – Please do not send text or image for publication in PDF. 

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

Happy Collecting ……….

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun    (Uttarakhand ) India for free circulation among philatelists.


Recent Awards

AMRITPEX 2023 - Silver

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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