Rainbow January 2024

  Happy New Year !

Be Wealthy, Lucky, Healthy and Happy !

Date of Issue : 18 December 2023

Dehradun January  2024  Vol. XVII  Issue No. 193

Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their area for publication. Short write ups by the readers about, 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

Chinese New Year – 2024 Year of The Dragon

 

Date of Issue : 6 December 2023

Editorial….

Dear Reader,

I am so pleased to present the 193^rd issue of Rainbow Stamp News. With this issue, Rainbow completes 16 years of successful publication without any break and now the 17th year starts..... I thank all my readers and contributors for their great support in carrying out this newsletter for such a long time.  16 years is a pretty long period. Philately has changed a lot in all these years. We have seen the transition of physical philately to digital philately then a fusion of physical and digital and again we are with the physical exhibits in the exhibitions. In this issue, I am happy to present the interview of our regular columnist Mr Naresh Agrawal who has been associated with the newsletter for a very long time. He shares his views and opinions on several issues related to the philatelic exhibitions. I am sure Readers would like to go through different forms of exhibitions and its experiences over time. I appreciate each and every promoter of philately whether they are promoting this hobby through writing, WhatsApp, blog, Facebook, or any other social media. It is a very crucial time when Philately is gradually losing its charm. Let’s all try to keep this hobby alive. It is time if we promote it in a proper way it will survive….. Otherwise, in this digital age it is very difficult to make it continue for a long time …let’s join hands and do something for the promotion of philately….Thanks to all Readers and contributors of Rainbow on its 17^th Birthday which has been possible only because of your appreciation and support! Thank you so much !!

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

Contents       

                                                                  

• Editorial                                                                 
• From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal                      
• Recent Indian Issues                                            
• In The News                                                          
• Stories Behind Stamps
• Editor’s Mail Box
• Thematics
• Interview
• Beginners’ Section                                    
• Specialized Section                                             
• Interesting facts from the Philatelic World                                           
• New Issues from Other Countries            
• Philatelic Clubs and Society                               
• Blogs and Websites on Philately                        
• Current Philatelic magazines and Newsletters 

 

CHANGES IN PHYSICAL PHILATELIC EXHIBITION

OF THE PAST AND TODAY

 

Philately is a hobby that gives relaxation, peace, and happiness. There is added joy and pleasure in showing the collections, exhibit to the others and the appreciation received from them. Philatelic exhibitions had been started long back with the same intention where the collections were displayed to facilitate others to watch them. Throughout over one century, there has been a drastic change in the way of collecting, enjoying, and displaying. Philatelic exhibitions have become platforms for not only display but for trading of the philatelic stuff.

My major concern to write here is that philately has changed over the years. No doubt it has become much more study and research-oriented and wide in terms of nature and number of philatelic items in an exhibit, rarities and scarce items are being given importance, scope has become wider. Exhibiting had become more award-oriented rather than pleasure-oriented. So-called strict competition has developed whereas I don’t think there is any competition in the competitive class of philately. Exhibitors exhibit not for pleasure but to get higher awards for which they adopt any means whether fair or unfair.

Well, let’s analyze the changed scenario of the philatelic exhibitions. In the beginning, even about two decades before, philatelic exhibitions were mainly considered beautiful and wide platforms for the display of exhibits so that people or visitors could watch the exhibits. The award was the appreciation given by the visitors and the comments and adjudication of the jury. The exhibitors always strived for the jury’s opinion so that they might improve their exhibits. They used to discuss their exhibit on the frame with the senior collectors to get their views. The exhibitions were the platform to meet other stamp collectors, philatelists, and dealers in a very healthy mindset set, and the atmosphere used to be very friendly and joy-filled. The so-called competitors had no competition among them. The philatelists used to be satisfied mostly with whatever they got. There was no race for winning higher awards or to see how others get high awards. Adjudication of the exhibits used to be quite satisfactory. The reason could be that the number of exhibits used to be less, the scope of study and research was also less, and the philately was not as advanced as it is today.

So what’s wrong with philatelic exhibitions now?  One can easily say that the standard of exhibitions has improved. The quality frames, huge number of frames, the temperature-controlled atmosphere, good number of dealers, different programs such as philatelic workshops, and seminars, increased number of jury members, digitalization as far as possible etc, etc.. It truly sounds very good and appealing. But what about exhibits and judgment? What about the attitude of exhibitors, jury, dealers, and organizers? With the help of Google search sites, sales sites, and social media apps; it has become easy to procure philatelic material, search different variety of material, and search good text also which certainly helps in the preparation of a good exhibit.

The hunger for higher award procurement has become detrimental for the development of philately. Readymade exhibits are available either through dealers or directly through stamp collectors. Exhibits sale and purchase have become a good market. Higher award-winning exhibits are sold at premium prices even in the international market of philatelists. I understand to some extent jury of higher level exhibitions cannot deny and escape their involvement to adjudicate any exhibit improperly to help such a cause. This is not an allegation but a general observation by the regular exhibitors or the visitors of such exhibitions.  In fact, this practice is not desirable. That is why various genuine philatelists have stopped exhibiting. There are excuses but truth remains truth.

Today participation in higher exhibitions has become quite easy. Commissioners and organizers have become liberal in accepting applications to promote philately. At a lower level, it is appreciable to help maximum participation but at a higher level, the participation has to be very strict and qualitative. But we see participation in National and International exhibitions has become quite easy thus producing poor results.  However, lesser efforts and huge pockets can still yield higher awards. Is it philately? No, it is not philately. Philately is done for pleasure not for awards.

Another major observation is that the jurors are not satisfactory. Say, in thematic exhibits, there are different topics/subjects, and the nature and number of philatelic items is much more; but the jury is not well equipped with knowledge of the subject and the philatelic material on display or not displayed. Though a synopsis of the exhibit is asked for but still has to accept that the jury is not well trained.  Hence, any exhibitor can not rely on the comments, opinions, and adjudication of a single jury. This causes dissatisfaction.

Dealers are considered to be the backbone of philately. With easy and massive sales of philatelic material through Internet sites, the dealers do not bring their material to exhibitions, and also due to strict sales tax regulations they refrain from selling good material in the exhibitions. Also, they sell materials at higher prices.  This has lessened the charm of philately and the philatelic exhibitions. 

Over the years, I have observed the change in atmosphere also. The interaction has not been that loving and friendly because what I could feel is that visitors, participants, and others have become very  professional and to a big extent self-centered. Willingness to share, to help to appreciate, to care is hardly seen in exhibitions. Exhibitions are meant to learn, relax, and enjoy. But it is hard to see this in present exhibitions.     

 Digital exhibitions are in practice today. Easy to send material, viewership worldwide, easy to watch and view, easy to display, no physical handling, No chances of any damage or delay, every exhibit is available at fingertips. I mean digital exhibitions have brought a revolution in exhibiting. The cost of organizing is also very low. Finally, I would say there is immense change in collecting and exhibiting and also in conducting exhibitions.

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

Recent Indian Issues

5 December 2023 : 125 Years of Hindu College – Rs 5

8 December 2023 : India Art Architecture Design Biennale 2023 –Rs 5

15 December 2023 : Celebrating India and Oman's Friendship Rs 25 + Rs 25 + MS Rs 50

15 December 2023 : Rani Abbakka Devi -Rs 5

24 December 2023 : Acharya Sushil Kumar – Rs 5

26 December 2023 : Khartargachha Millennium – Rs 5

27 December 2023 : 50 Years Pandit Jasraj Pt. Motiram Pt. Maniram Sangeet Samaroha – Rs 5

27 December 2023 : 125^th Anniversary of Ram Krishna Mission – Rs 5

29 December 2023 : Diamond Jubilee of Sashastra Seema Bal - Rs 5

30 December 2023 : 200 Years of Indian Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka – Rs 5

New Special Covers

KARNAPEX 2024

Picture Postcards : KARNAPEX 2024

New Pictorial Cancellations

Kisan Diwas, Mumbai : KARNAPEX 2024, Bangalore

In the News

Important Announcement 2024 from PCI

Philatelic Congress of India (PCI), the National Philatelic Federation of India, is pleased to announce the launch of its Programme for 2024.

1. Philatelic Recognition Awards 2024: Nominations are requested from the PCI registered institutional members for submitting individual member's application and detailed proposal for -

a. Philatelic Ratna Award
b. PCI Fellowship
c. Certificate of Appreciation
d. Appreciations for Philatelic Societies

Details and Forms are available for download from www.philateliccongressofindia.com

2. Recognition to officials from the Department of Posts: Nomination names of DoP officials for consideration of such PCI Award of Appreciation. The applications may preferably be submitted by the affiliated institutional member of PCI, or an individual member certified through the institutional member.

3. PCI International Webinar Series: International Webinar Series on following philatelic classes. Traditional Postal Stationery Postal History Revenue Thematic for Speaker Selection and eligibility details are published on the PCI website. Any PCI member or member of its institute can attend these Webinars.

4. Fresh call for nomination for Jury and commissioners: Applications submitted earlier will be eligible for selection and may apply again. Applicants shall be evaluated by a competent committee appointed for this purpose.

5. Jury Training Programme: In-depth philatelic class-wise Jury training programme for all Jury members and senior philatelists.

EUROPA 2024 Theme : Under water Flora and Fauna

Jersey issued a set of two stamps with a Miniature theme on EUROPA 2024 theme.Thge stamps feature Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) and Flat periwinkle (Littorina obtusata).

EFIRO 2024, Bucharest

Commissioner for EFIRO 2024 FIP Specialised World Exhibition

EFIRO 2024

INTERNATIONAL STAMP EXHIBITION, EFIRO 2024 with a capacity of 2000 display frames, is organized by the Romanian Philatelic Federation under the Patronage of FIP from Apr 16 to 19, 2024 at the National Library of Romania, Bucharest, Romania.

Classes available for participation are: Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Astrophilately, Thematic, Maximaphily, Revenues, Open Philately, Picture Postcards, One Frame, and Philatelic Literature. Plus, a new Experimental, Class 12 -II, for 2 or 3 Frames exhibits.

Detailed rules of exhibition (IREX) and Exhibit Application Forms are available for download at https://www.efiro.ro/rules.php

The Philatelic Congress of India has appointed : 1. Mrs Savita Jhingan , as the National Commissioner and 2. Mr. Kapil Gogri as Apprentice Commissioner for the EFIRO 2024 FIP Specialised World Exhibition. Their contact details are given below:

1. Mrs Savita Jhingan  - National Commissioner
16 Park Drive, First Floor,
Malibu Towne, Sector 47
Gurugram 122018, India

Telephone +91-9811160884
Email: sj@stampsofindia.com

2. Mr. Kapil Gogri – Apprentice Commissioner
15 Ashish, Andheri Coop Society, VP Road,
Behind Fidai Baug,
Andheri West,
Mumbai 400058, India.

Mob : +919821111140
Email : kapilg25@hotmail.com

CHINA 2024

CHINA 2024 FIAP International stamp Exhibition will be held from Nov 29 to Dec 3, 2024 in Shanghai, China. This exhibition will have a new class: First Day Covers.

News from Philatelic Clubs, Societies and Philatelists

Exhibits on YouTube

The Indian Aerogrammes Exhibit by Mr Madhukar Jhingan, Thailand WSC 2023

View : https://youtu.be/v8l_NjyEV4g

"India 1866 Six Annas Foreign Bill Overprinted Postage exhibit by Dr. Narendra Kumar Saboo" - Thailand 2023 WSC Exhibition

View :  https://youtu.be/wjnVuWzsk3o

"Indore - An Indian Princely State exhibit by Mr. Sandeep Jaiswal - Thailand 2023 WSC Exhibition

https://youtu.be/_UlM6R1mduk

KARNAPEX 2024 : Glimpses

Mrs. Ashwini Puneet Rajkumar w/o. Late Shri. Puneet Rajkumar after release of Shri. Puneet Rajkumar Special cover

A Set of Ten (10) Special canceled Picture Post Cards on Bhagwan Shree Bahubali Vaibhav were released on January 5,2024 during KARNAPEX 2023 by CPMG of Karnataka

 

Kere Basadi, Varanga BO, Udupi(dt.), Karnataka, 574108. Kere Basadi (meaning: Lake Temple) is a Jain Temple located in Varanga village in Udupi district.

     - Praveen Shastry, Bangalore

 

 

Stories Behind Stamps

- Nisarg Sutaria

 

 

South Africa - Cape 4d Black Triangle

 

One of the rarest stamps in the British Commonwealth is the Cape of Good Hope 4d. black triangular stamp, of which only 12 copies have been authenticated. However, no-one knows for certain how the stamp came to be issued. It was printed by Perkins Bacon & Co. on white, watermarked paper which was in use for printing the issued 1d. red and 4d. blue stamps of 1855-63. Knowledge of the existence of the stamp in December 1861 is provided by the fact that it was listed in a French catalogue (Alfred Potiquet) of that date. However, by 1865 collectors, including the eminent Philippe von Ferrary, were of the opinion that it was a color changing, perhaps caused by immersion in seawater, whilst others were confident that it was a genuine shade.

At the 1878 Paris Congress, one delegate declared that the 4d black, which he had in his collection, was a specific limited issue of 300, ordered by the Governor of the Cape, in mourning for the Prince Consort who had died in December 1861. He understood that they were on sale for 8 days only. However, it was pointed out to him that the plates for printing the stamps remained with Perkins Bacon in London.

In 1924 Edward Denny Bacon acquired a copy of the 4d. black for the Royal Collection. He dismissed the story of the stamp being printed as a mourning issue, as it would have been necessary to print the stamp in London and it would have taken 2 or 3 months for the stamps to reach the colony, by which time the reason for their issue would have passed away. His theory was that a sheet or two of black stamps had been sent to the Postmaster General, in 1853, as proofs, to show him the appearance of the issued stamps. When the Governor of the Cape suggested a mourning issue, the Postmaster realized the impracticability of such an issue, but recalled he had these black proofs lying around, which he handed over for the Governor to use on his official correspondence. Against this theory is the fact that the 4d. black is on white paper and the first issue printed by Perkins Bacon in 1853 was on blued paper. A more compelling argument than that, however is that despite the fact that the Prince Consort died on December 14th 1861, news of his death did not reach The Cape until January 30th 1862, a few weeks after the publication of Piquet’s catalogue, listing the black stamp.

In 1932 a collector suggested that the 4d. black may have been printed in connection with experiments in perforating stamps, though this theory did not gain much popularity, as the evidence for it remained somewhat nebulous. In 1941 it was suggested that the black stamp was printed merely as wrapping paper in which to dispatch the issued stamps and that it may have been used in times of shortage of the 4d. blue stamps, but an employee of Perkins Bacon stated that that was not the custom.

The Williams brothers, writing in 1941 and L.N. Williams writing in “Stamp Collecting”, in 1979, advance the most likely theory that the 4d. blacks were proofs of the watermarked paper, sent to the colony, which were requisitioned and used as stamps during the 1861 shortage which lead to the local issue of the “Woodblock” stamps. They state “the bottom of the barrel was being scraped in an endeavor to meet the crying need for stamps.”

Warwick and Warwick offered one of these famous stamps in their November 1st 2006 auction. This lightly used example, which was originally in the Burrus collection, realized £7,475

Reference: https://www.warwickandwarwick.com/resources/articles-library/the-enigma-that-is-the-cape-4d-black-triangular

-Nisarg Sutaria : email : nisargsutaria78@gmail.com

Editor’s Mail Box

Thanks for the latest issue of Rainbow Stamp News. Hearty congratulations on completing 16 long years of uninterrupted publishing the monthly magazine on time. As usual the articles and information is quite interesting and useful for all philatelists. 

New initiative "Click and Book" service by DOP is just too little and too late. The terms and conditions of min booking Rs. 500/- for a registered customer may not attract many takers as private courier service providers provide superior service without any registration requirements. For a regular customer, just a phone call is sufficient for door step service. 

As far as Philately is concerned, this service has no benefits unless DOP tries to promote use of postage stamps in place of cash receipt on registered mail and parcels.

-Mohan Vaze

Thematics – Braille

Birth of Louis Braille

  Item #UN960-61 – The letters “UN” are embossed and raised on the Braille stamp above.

Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809, in Coupvray, France.  Braille invented the reading and writing system used by the visually impaired for nearly two centuries.

As a child, Braille frequently played in his father’s leather workshop.  One day when he was three, he was using an awl to pole holes in a piece of leather.  He had his face close to the surface to watch what he was doing, but the awl slipped across the leather and struck him in the eye.  A local doctor tended to the wound, but nothing could be done to save his eye.  An infection then developed, which spread to his other eye.  Braille was blind in both eyes by the time he was five.

  Blinded veterans

At first, Braille didn’t realize he was blind – he frequently asked why it was so dark.  Braille’s parents wanted him to have a normal childhood, and taught him how to find his way through the village with a cane.  He was a bright child and a hard worker and was admitted to the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris in 1819.  The school was run by Valentin Haüy.  Not blind himself, Haüy developed a system in which books were embossed with raised letters.  Braille and his fellow students found the system cumbersome, and it didn’t help them to write on their own.  But it was a large step in the right direction, as it was an early example of using touch for sightless reading.

Honoring blind veterans

Braille believed there could be a better system for reading and writing.  He said, “Access to communication in the widest sense is access to knowledge, and that is vitally important for us if we are not to go on being despised or patronized by condescending sighted people.  We do not need pity, nor do we need to be reminded we are vulnerable.  We must be treated as equals – and communication is the way this can be brought about.”

Item #UN960-61 – The letters “UN” are embossed and raised on the Braille stamp above.

Then in 1821, US Army Captain Charles Barbier visited Braille’s school.  Barbier had developed a system of “night writing,” which was used by soldiers in the field, enabling them to read orders without the use of lights.  His system used 12 dots that represented words.  Braille was intrigued and developed his own system using just six dots by the time he was 15.  His system uses up to six dots to represent letters and includes a system for punctuation and contractions. His original system included dashes, but he found the dashes harder to read.  Braille’s system also used smaller cells, so letters could be felt with the touch of just one finger. 

 Saudi Arabia #822-23 pictures of people reading Braille.

 

Braille was also a talented musician, and he adapted his system for music, so it could be read for any instrument.  He published his first book in 1829: Method of Writing Words, Music, and Plain Songs by Means of Dots, for Use by the Blind and Arranged for Them.  Interestingly, the first printing of this book used Haüy’s raised letter method.  Braille revised this book and re-released it in 1837.   Other books he wrote included Little Synopsis of Arithmetic for Beginners(1838) and New Method for Representing by Dots the Form of Letters, Maps, Geometric Figures, Musical Symbols, etc., for Use by the Blind (1839).  Braille also developed decapoint, a system that enabled the blind to write letters that could be read by sighted people.

Braille served as a teacher’s aide at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth and was made a professor in 1833.  He taught history, geometry, and algebra.  While Braille was held in high regard, the school didn’t adopt his writing system during his lifetime.  Many at the school rigidly stuck to Haüy’s system and opposed Braille’s.

Source: Mystic Stamp Co.

Interview

With Naresh Agrawal

1. You have been associated with Rainbow almost from its beginning as I remember you started writing articles in the same year. What are your views on the completion of its 16 years of publication? I thank you for being an integral part of Rainbow not only by writing your regular column for this newsletter but always being involved in its improvement.

For me, Rainbow is not just a versatile philatelic bulletin that covers wide range of philatelic articles, news, views, share information about past and oncoming events but a whole colorful world of love and life. The contributors and readers connected to Rainbow are the ones for whom philately is a pure hobby that is perused through the heart.

Well, I feel honored and blessed to have a strong association with Rainbow which added colors to not only my philatelic life but in personal life too. Rainbow gave me a beautiful atmosphere and platform to prosper in philately in all respects such as improving my philatelic writing by allotting me a permanent space for my column where I could share my opinions and views, a platform to share my articles, my philatelic knowledge, a recognized path where I could walk and reach a level of substantial recognition.

Undoubtedly during 16 years of journey of publication, Rainbow has improved tremendously. It has cemented its place in the field of philately not only in India but throughout the world. It covers a wide range of quality reading material and information regularly catering to stamp lovers of all age groups. Its colorful and well-designed publication attracts one and all. But I must say that Rainbow is the true outcome of your dedication, hard work, and love for philately that you could release Rainbow every month without any interruption till date. Finally, I would congratulate you for the great success of Rainbow and wish it to serve the philatelic fraternity with the same spirits and dedication.   

2.  How you compare it with the earlier issues when it started in 2008

There has been great change and improvement in the Rainbow issues which were issued during the early stage and today. The layout, colors, printing of fonts size and style, and quality are attractive and appealing. But the best improvement is its versatility. It now covers most of the philatelic stuff which caters to all age groups and all standards of philatelists and readers. Latest information, exhibitions and results, new issues, specialized articles, opinions and columns, high-quality editorials, readers' articles, Interviews of eminent philatelists, etc. are the regular kinds of stuff that serve as a complete package to the readers of a wide range.

3. What change do you find in the hobby of stamp collection today with this hobby 20 years back

There has been a drastic change in the hobby in the last two decades. Various new fields have been introduced, the collecting and exhibiting criteria have changed, judging criteria at different levels have changed, and the scope of the collection, text research, wide range of philatelic material, virtual or digital philately, etc. have become part of philately. Secondly, philately has become immensely commercialized and most of the philatelists have professional attitude and approach. True and hardcore genuine philatelists are hard to find.  The new generation stamp lovers are very different from the ones of yesteryears. They do philately by brain and not by heart. Collection for participation in exhibitions, participation to get high awards. This all is the philately today. One more important aspect of philately is the closing of various philatelic clubs and societies instead of the introduction of new ones. Stamp dealers have become highly professional and they hardly support the promotion of philately. Digital philately is being promoted today because physical philately has become quite costly. In a nutshell, philately is turning professional rather than emotional.

4.  What difference do you find in the exhibitions over the years

There has been a great change in the organizing of philatelic exhibitions and also the philatelic exhibiting. Even the visitors and dealers’ approach and attitude have also changed.  The number and scope of exhibitions and exhibitors have increased but several exhibitors and also the quality of collections and exhibiting in certain classes have lowered. Competitiveness has increased and participation is mainly award-oriented not just display of exhibit. The dealers, even the exhibitors, and the visitors have become professional. The exhibitions have become a trade place rather than a big platform for true philatelists to meet, to learn, and to interact and have the pleasing fragrance of philately.

No doubt various organizations and federations like PCI are working hard to make exhibitions worth visiting. DOP is spending a huge amount but honestly, the true purpose is defeated. Exhibitions are not producing potential stamp lovers and philatelists.

Digital exhibitions are in demand and need of the time but these are detrimental for the existence of physical philately.

5.  In your view what is the future of philately

As I have already said, with the fast pace of life, the emergence of new digital computer-based hobbies, and games, and increasing demand for social media sites; the leisure time which physical philately demands is very less with children, youngsters, and even the veterans. Further, philately needs a good amount of money which everyone cannot afford. Digitalization is being preferred today. Professionalism and medal thirst is becoming more and more in philately. In general, philatelic clubs and societies are not developing and functioning well except a few. This all clearly shows that the future of philately is not that bright.

6.  At the competition level we often see some names winning higher awards/medals in the exhibition whose names never appeared in the earlier exhibition award list? What do you think is the reason behind it?

This is true. Even I have observed this. The reasons are mainly two. First entry in philatelic exhibitions has become easier as even  National and Internationals philatelists are getting direct entry. That opens the way for many poor-quality exhibits. The second reason is that readymade exhibits are available in the philatelic market which allows big pockets having medal thirst to purchase those and display them directly or with ease.  And these are the names of those pockets which we often see. I would suggest that entry at National and International exhibitions should be very strict and done through proper channels. Shortcuts should be restricted strictly.

7.  What is your view regarding the judgment of the jury in the exhibitions. Don’t you think it has become more partial now? Some underrated exhibits seem to get high-rank medals and some deserving exhibits don’t get awards up to the mark

In my long span in the philatelic field and experience of visiting a good number of exhibitions at all levels, I can say with full conviction that true, correct, genuine and right judgment is not possible. Almost 25% to 30%  of the judgments are far different from what they should be. The reasons are many. Mainly incompetent jury, availability of less on frame time, age causing tiredness, partial behavior and favoritism etc.. though Jury training is being done regularly but rest of the factors are hard to check.

8.  What is the role of India Post in the promotion of hobby? Is there any role or they just do their official job in organizing the exhibitions?

Though India Post has a big budget for organizing philatelic exhibitions what I see is that there is no proper plan. The plans should be made after getting proper and thorough information. No doubt exhibitions are a good platform to attract new people and give a platform to the existing stamp lovers and philatelists to display their collections and raise their level. But only conducting exhibitions without proper planning, without taking philatelic societies, clubs, and philatelists into their fold, without prior groundwork and advertisement,  at improper time and place can never yield better results. Even a huge part of the funds allotted to organize exhibitions is spent in non-philatelic activities during the exhibitions. Hence, appropriate and desired results are not achieved.

I do appreciate that India Post is willing to promote philately but it must be noted that promotional activities have to be regular at all places. A separate and additional workforce for philately has to be generated and engaged.

9.  People often complain that India Post never gives recognition to those doing work in the promotion of philately or voluntary work during exhibitions. What do you say?

True and very true. We must appreciate that there are some genuine and dedicated philatelists and philatelic societies that are working hard for the survival of philately. Some of the Indian philatelists have performed excellently in the National and International Exhibitions. There are excellent philatelic writers and researchers. India Post being the government body has to look into this. Philately being a separate wing of India Post should take care of these. Appreciation is very much essential for the promotion of philately. Many times India Post has been knocked and requested to look into this matter but so far nothing noticeable has been done.

As philately is in the declining phase, India Post should think of having a separate section in their philatelic wing to appreciate philatelists and societies by recognizing them by giving appropriate awards. I must say we the philatelists and philatelic societies have learned to appreciate ourselves. Let’s hope something will be done by India Post in the near future.

10.  On the contrary the philatelic societies are felicitating philatelists on the achievement of their members. Don’t you think such societies should be given some recognition during national exhibitions These societies and clubs are real promoters of philately.

Undoubtedly societies and clubs are the real promoters of philately. To name a few, PSI, SIPA, EIPA, etc are some of the philatelic societies that are still working actively and promoting philately in their region. One must note appreciating philatelic societies will motivate other societies too to act actively. I must appreciate that PCI has taken care of this aspect and as I understand it has started recognizing philatelic societies also. PCI needs to pursue India Post actively to help this cause.

11. Lastly, how do you enjoy the hobby now, and how you enjoyed it 20 years ago. What is the difference?

It was not the enjoyment of philately rather I lived philately for the last 48 years or so. I started my philatelic journey around 1975 as a junior member of Jullundur Philatelic Club, the oldest club in North India. Believe me, that was a true club and the philatelists were true philatelists. All were dedicated, supportive, loving, and had emotional bonding. Always felt at ease with all the senior members. Philatelic dealers were never so professional but had emotional relations with us. From there on I started my exhibiting and also philatelic writing. We were encouraged to write in the Exhibition souvenir.

Well, In the last 20 years, I enjoyed philately as a part of my life. Every day of life had and still has a slot for philately by way of reading philatelic stuff, writing, collecting stamps and philatelic material, visiting club functions, meeting philatelic friends, attending exhibitions, attending phone calls of philatelists etc.. 20 years back philately was physical and today it is a combination of physical philately as well as digital philately. Instead of opening the pages of stock books and album sheets which I used to do earlier, now digital being is preferred by way of going through the digital images of exhibits, reading and watching philatelic stuff on screen, buying and selling on social media  groups or through internet etc.

In fact, exhibiting digitally is preferred by me being easy and cheaper though collection and preparation of exhibits is physical.

I prefer philatelic writing and sharing my knowledge, opinions, and views with the readers.

In nut nutshell digital philately is empowering the physical philately though the existence of digital philately lies in the existence of physical philately.

Finally, my quote is “ A dose of philately a day, keeps all the diseases away”

 Beginners’ Section

Astrophilately

Astrophilately is a branch of philately that deals with the collection of stamps and postmarked envelopes related to spaceflight. It is the intersection of space and postal history. Covers canceled on the date and at a post office near the controlling agency are used in postal exhibits to share the development and conquest of the cosmos.

 

This cover was one of hundreds of thousands flown on Space Shuttle mission STS-8 and sold to the public after landing. The postmarks reflect the originally planned launch and return dates.

The back of each cover was marked with a serial number.

 

Topics of interest include postage stamps, cancellations, and covers connected to various projects. Examples include rocket mail, dating from as early as 1928, and mail actually carried on space flights, a practice that began with Project Apollo missions and has continued since then. Specialists distinguish astrophilately from topical collecting with a space theme; astrophilatelic items are those with direct connections to space missions, whether or not they include any special pictorial depiction.

The Fédération Internationale de Philatélie has a Section for Astrophilately.Included are covers and cards canceled at launch sites, tracking stations, Mission Control facilities, research laboratories, and recovery ships. Many, though not all, such items have cachets produced for the mission; others are recognizable only with specific knowledge of the postmark location and date corresponding to a launch.

Doctors Without Borders

 

US #949 – Doctors who apply must have experience working in a developing country, two years of professional experience, supervisory experience, and computer and foreign language skills. 

On December 22, 1971, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders was founded.  The international humanitarian non-governmental organization provides medical aid in times of crisis around the world.

2005 37¢ Child Health stamp US #3938 – Fighting malnutrition, especially among children, is often a significant aspect of MSF missions.

The organization’s history dates to the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 to 1970.  During that conflict, the Nigerian military established a blockade around the newly-independent Biafra.  Most nations sided with the Nigerian government, but France was one of the few to support the Biafrans.

A group of French doctors then joined the French Red Cross in traveling to Biafra to provide aid in hospitals and other institutions.  These volunteers were attacked, and some killed by the blockading forces.  By the time they returned home, these doctors realized that a new organization was necessary to help all victims, regardless of political or religious issues.

 

US #1473 – MSF provides medicine and vaccines to developing countries in need.

Initially, two separate groups formed.  The first, the Groupe d’Intervention Médicale et Chirurgicale en Urgence (Emergency Medical and Surgical Intervention Group) – composed of doctors who had gone to Biafra.  The other group, Secours Médical Français (French Medical Relief) was founded by the editor of the French Medical Journal following the 1970 Bhola cyclone that killed over 500,000 people.  Then on December 22, 1971, the two groups merged to form Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders.

 

19614¢ Nursing stamp US #1190 – MSF nurses must have at least three years’ experience.

The first mission undertaken by this new agency was in response to an earthquake in Managua, Nicaragua, in 1972.  Then in 1974, they established their first long-term mission in Honduras in response to Hurricane Fifi.  Following the Fall of Saigon in 1975, millions of Cambodians escaped to Thailand out of fear of the Khmer Rouge.  The MSF went to the Thailand and set up its first refugee camp.  When the Vietnamese left Cambodia in 1989, MSF helped rebuild their healthcare system.

MSF embarked on its first war-time mission in 1976 during the Lebanese Civil War.  This mission was their first in an active war zone, where they would come under enemy fire.  Their nine years in Lebanon earned the MSF recognition for its ability to remain neutral and provide healthcare under fire.  The 1970s and 80s saw some conflict within the organization.  Some believed they should speak out about the suffering they saw, with others said they shouldn’t criticize governments and should remain neutral.

1986 22¢ Public Hospitals stamp US #2210 – Depending on the conditions, MSF will build or update hospitals.

The 1980s and 90s saw rapid expansion of the MSF, with support sections opening in over a dozen countries, including the US in 1990.  In addition to doctors and nurses, MSF field teams usually include several volunteers who help provide security, vehicle maintenance, food preparation, electrical work, and more.

1970 6¢ Anti-Pollution: Save Our Water stamp US #1412 – MSF missions also often set up equipment to provide clean drinking water.

Many MSF missions include vaccination campaigns and AIDS treatments.  They also work with local hospitals to improve sanitation, train staff, and provide new medicine and equipment.  MSF missions often must address malnutrition and help provide clean drinking water.  In 1999, they launched the Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines to increase available medicines in developing countries.   Also in 1999, MSF received the Nobel Peace Prize.  Today, the MSF is active in over 70 countries with a staff of over 35,000.  It’s estimated they’ve treated over 100 million patients.

Source: Mystic Stamp Co.

 

 Specialized Section 

Due to the non-availability of good and authentic articles, I am sharing articles from other sources for the Readers.  – Editor

Astrophilately

FIP Section for Astrophilately

Special Regulations for the Evaluation of Astrophilately Exhibits at FIP Exhibitions

Article 1 Competitive Exhibitions

In accordance with Article 1.4 of the General Regulations of F.I.P. for the Evaluation of Competitive Exhibits at F.I.P. Exhibitions (GREV), these Special Regulations (SREV) have been developed to supplement those principles with regard to Astrophilately. Also refer to Guidelines to Astrophilatelic Regulations.

Article 2 Competitive Exhibits

(ref. GREV, Article 2) An astrophilatelic exhibit is built up on historical, technical and scientific aspects related to space research and space programmes.

Article 3 Principles of Exhibit Composition

(ref. GREV, Article 3) Appropriate philatelic material of an astrophilatelic exhibit includes the following :

1. Documents handed over by a postal administration for despatch by stratosphere balloons, rockets, spaceships, rocket planes, recovery ships, rescue helicopters and other supporting aircraft or vice versa.

2. Stamps, leaflets and vignettes related to rocket mail, postal stationery, Mailgrams and special envelopes and cards of relevance to the different parts of the space programme including: the related precursors; the launch, the flight and landing of space travelling objects; and the participating tracking stations, ships and supporting aircraft.

3. Among the special characteristics of Astrophilately are envelopes and cards cancelled by the post office at the place and on the exact date of the special events.

4. An Astro philatelic exhibit may encompass all aspects or relate to a self-contained section only to the following: (for subdivisions ref. Guidelines 3.4)

a) From the period of pioneers to conquest of space

b) Rocket Mail

c) Space programmes of USSR/CIS (Russia) USA Europe CHINA Other Countries

d) Unmanned space programmes e) Manned space programmes

5. The text should cover all aspects of the exact technical data, the dates, the place and the purpose or mission of the space objects, including the special activities of the astronauts and cosmonauts involved.

6. The plan or the concept of the exhibit shall be clearly laid out in an introductory statement (ref. GREV. Article 3.3)

Article 4

Criteria for Evaluating Exhibits (ref. GREV. Article 4)

Treatment of the exhibit (ref. GREV. Article 4.3)

Special value is attached to the exact technical evolution of the events.

Philatelic and related Knowledge and personal Study and Research (ref. GREV. Article 4.5)

A high degree of knowledge is also required on precursors related to space exploration and spaceflight.

Article 5

Judging of Exhibits (ref. GREV, Article 5)

1. Astrophilatelic exhibits will be judged by approved specialists in their respective field and in accordance with Section V (Article 31-47) of GREX (ref. GREV. Article 5.1)

2. For astrophilatelic exhibits, the following relative terms are presented to lead the Jury to a balanced evaluation (ref. GREV. Article 5.2)

Treatment and Philatelic Importance                                                          20/10 30

Philatelic and Related Knowledge and Personal Study and Research                35

Condition and Rarity                                                                                    10/20  30

       Presentation                                                                                                         5

                                                                                                     Total                     100

Interesting facts from the Philatelic World

Famous Philatelists

Albert Einstein was the physics Nobel prize winner, an honorary doctor in dozens of universities and science academies worldwide. He is sort of a “symbol” of the world of science. Well, what hobby could such an outstanding person have? Of course, philately. In addition to his scientific works, Einstein bequeathed us a great piece of advice: "Collect stamps! This is especially helpful for those who are engaged in a very difficult intellectual work”.

Anatoly Karpov is a multiple world chess champion, and various World Competitions, Olympiads, and Tournaments winners. His stamp collection is estimated now at 13 million euros. Moreover, if the sports theme is quite expected (the Olympics, the chess world), the Belgian part of his albums is quite specific and has earned the admiration of professional philatelists.

Celebrity philatelist John Lennon started collecting stamps in the 1950s. His cousin, Stanley Parkes, was the person who introduced Lennon to stamp collecting and provided him with his first album. Lennon was able to amass a large number of stamps from across the world when he attended boarding school with boys from foreign nations, and they gave him their stamps. Lennon drew characterizations on the stamps, often adding beards or mustaches.

The Smithsonian National Postal Museum purchased Lennon’s stamp collection, with over 550 stamps, for $53,000 in 2005. This collection is now on display there and can also be viewed on the museum’s website.

 

Playwright George Bernard Shaw was born in Ireland in 1856 and wrote approximately 60 plays as well as novels and short stories. In addition to being the co-founder of the London School of Economics, Shaw was an advocate for women’s rights and the rights of the working class in addition to his support of socialism. Stamp collecting was one of his hobbies, and he was eventually featured on an Irish stamp in 1980. 

The 32nd President of the United States of America, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was an enthusiastic collector of stamps. During his presidency, he did much to promote philately. He collected American stamps and also proof prints.

The United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth was a stamp collector and had collected first-day cover envelopes from the UK and overseas since 1952.

New issues from other countries

Antigua & Barbuda

15 November 2023 : Humming Bird

Hummingbird

Hummingbirds are small, colorful birds belonging to the family Trochilidae. They are known for their incredible agility, hovering ability, and vivid plumage. There are over 300 known species of hummingbirds, and they are primarily found in the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.

Croatia

22 November 2023 : Christmas

Estonia

3 January 2024: Ulo Vinter 100

 

 

Ulo Vinter 100

Ülo Vinter was born in Tallinn. He graduated from the Tallinn Music School in music theory in 1951 and from the Tallinn Conservatoire in composition as a student of Villem Kapp in 1956. From 1956 to 1969, he worked as music editor for Eesti Radio, and from 1969 to 1986, as music editor for Eesti Telefilm.

Ülo Vinter was, above all, a composer of musical stage performances. ‘A Song of the Nordic Land’ from the musical Pippi Longstocking is very well known and is part of the most beloved repertoire of song celebrations. The Vacationers, another well-known musical by Vinter, was the basis for the TV film Here We Are!, which made the song ‘Little House by the Sea’ famous.

France

1 January 2024 : 2024 Marianne 1938 Type Ceres Stamp Booklet

Great Britain

11 January 2024 : Music Giants IX - Spice Girls

 

Royal Mail are celebrating the biggest girl group of all time – the Spice Girls – on their 30th anniversary of their formation in 1994.The Spice Girls are global superstars, feminist icons, cultural figureheads and one of the most successful British bands since The Beatles. Between 1996 and 1998, when Spicemania was at its peak, they dominated the airwaves and stormed charts around the world with their inspirational ‘Girl Power!’ ethos and catchy pop hits. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide and scored nine UK number-one singles.

STAMPS:

1st Class Spice Girls performing at the BRIT Awards, 1997

1st Class Melanie Chisholm performing at the BRIT Awards, London, 1998

1st Class Spice Girls performing during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games

1st Class Geri Halliwell performing at the BRIT Awards, London, 1997

1st Class Spice Girls performing in San Jose, California, 2007

1st Class Emma Bunton performing at Wembley Arena, London, 1998

1st Class Spice Girls performing in Istanbul, 1997

1st Class Victoria Beckham performing during The Return of the Spice Girls Tour at Madison Square Garden, New York City, 2008

1st Class Spice Girls performing in Dublin, 1998

1st Class Melanie Brown performing at the BRIT Awards, London, 1997

Isle of Man

4 January 2024 : RNLI 200

RNLI 200

Celebrate the remarkable 200-year history of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) with this captivating stamp collection from the Isle of Man Post Office. Issued on January 4th, 2024, these stamps pay homage to the founding of the RNLI by Sir William Hillary in 1824 on the Isle of Man, a momentous event in the nation's maritime history.

This collection comprises six beautifully designed stamps, each dedicated to a specific Manx lifeboat station, and the sixth stamp is a tribute to the founder, Sir William Hillary. These stamps provide a unique window into the heroic work of the RNLI, and the lifeboats and volunteers who have saved countless lives.

The accompanying issue text delves into the origins of the RNLI, highlighting its pivotal role in reducing shipwrecks around the UK coasts as well as providing insight in to each of the Isle of Man's lifeboat stations. The stamps feature historical images from the RNLI's archives.

These limited-edition stamps are a heartfelt tribute to the RNLI's life-saving legacy and a perfect way to commemorate this incredible bicentenary. Don't miss the opportunity to own a piece of maritime history.

The collection consists of six stamps with five dedicated to a specific Manx lifeboat station, and the sixth stamp is a tribute to the founder, Sir William Hillary.

Stamp one - Port St Mary Lifeboat Station Stamp two - Peel Lifeboat Station Stamp three - Port Erin Lifeboat Station Stamp four - Ramsey Lifeboat Station Stamp five - Douglas Lifeboat Station Stamp six - Sir William Hillary

Jersey

4 January 2024 : Lunar New Year – 2024 Year of Dragon 

Lunar New Year - Year of the Dragon

The Year of the Dragon is the subject of Jersey Post's first stamp issue of 2024. Illustrated by Wang Humming in Beijing, China, the issue comprises a single stamp and a miniature sheet. This issue forms the ninth part in Jersey Post's series celebrating the Lunar New Year, preceded by Year of the Rabbit (2023), Year of the Tiger (2022), Year of the Ox (2021), Year of the Rat (2020), Year of the Pig (2019), Year of the Dog (2018), Year of the Rooster (2017) and Year of the Monkey (2016).

Monaco

2 January 2024 : Eco-Friendly Hot Air Balloon

Eco-Friendly Hot Air Balloon

The Monaco Next Generation Project is taking off! For years, the Aeronauts of Monaco have been working towards an approach that respects the planet in the practice of their aeronautical activity. Thanks to the support of H.S.H. Prince Albert II and the generosity of the Marzocco Group, the national club is equipped with a latest generation ecological hot air balloon. This new ecological balloon will convey a simple message applicable in many areas of daily life: saving energy through insulation and thus limiting heat loss. The implementation of this aerostat will serve as a laboratory and will test numerous techniques, including the use of biofuels, to save energy. What a superb ecological challenge for the Principality and the Aeronauts of Monaco!

Netherlands

2 January 2024 : Typical Dutch Cows

2 January 2024: Experience Nature: Birds of Bonaire

Experience Nature - Birds on Bonaire

On 2 January 2024, PostNL issued the Experience nature - Birds on Bonaire issue: a sheet of ten stamps in ten different designs. The denomination on these stamps is ‘1’, the denomination for items weighing up to 20g with destinations in the Netherlands. A sheet of ten stamps costs €10.90. The stamp sheet about birds on Bonaire is part of the 2024-2026 Experience nature series dedicated to the Caribbean Netherlands. In the series, four stamp sheets are issued every year, each comprising ten different stamps. The stamps depict plants and animals found in this part of the Netherlands. With thousands of species of plants and animals, the islands in this area have a biodiversity that is unprecedented by Dutch standards. 2024 will consecutively focus on the birds, butterflies, underwater life and flora on the island of Bonaire. Experience nature - Birds on Bonaire features the crested caracara, red-footed booby, mangrove warbler, southern lapwing, Venezuelan troupial, Caribbean flamingo, red ibis, yellow-shouldered amazon, magnificent frigatebird and ruby-topaz hummingbird.

Romania

5 January 2024 : Winter Waterfowls

Winter Waterfowls

The smew (Mergellus albellus), illustrated on the stamp with the face value of Lei 2, it is a species of waterfowl related to ducks, geese and swans that lives in the taiga freshwater areas of northern Europe and Asia. In Romania, during the passage and wintering period, the species can be noticed on most lakes and large rivers, from the plain to the low mountain area. Occasionally, nesting pairs have been noticed in the Danube Delta.The smew reaches 38 - 44 cm in length, 500 - 900 g in weight and has a wingspan of 56 - 69 cm. The smew is not a threatened species, but habitat loss and water pollution can have a negative impact on local populations.

The red-throated loon (Gavia stellata), depicted on the stamp with the face value of Lei 4, it is a species of waterfowl that lives and nests in tundra, coastal and lake areas, around the northern regions of Europe. Some specimens also reach Romania during this migration. The body length is 55- 67 cm, the average weight is 1 - 2.5 kg and the wingspan is 91 - 110 cm. The red-throated loons reach sexual maturity relatively late, around the age of 3-4 years and can live up to about 20 years.

The Eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope), illustrated on the stamp with the face value of Lei 12, it is a species that breeds in Northern Europe and Asia and migrates for winter over very long distances. The species can appear in Romania during migration, both in autumn and spring. Males have chestnut-coloured head and neck plumage, with a brownish-yellowish forehead and pinkish breast, while females are more discreet, predominantly brown. In winter, the males have a much duller plumage, similar to that of females. The body length is 45 - 51 cm, the weight is 600 - 1,000 g in the case of the male and 500 - 800 g in the case of the female, and the wingspan is 75 - 86 cm.

The bean goose (Anser fabalis), represented on the stamp with the face value of Lei 13, it is a species with a widespread in Eurasia, breeding in northern Europe as well as in Siberia. In Romania, it is a rare species. The species does not exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males and females having similar plumage. The body length is 71 - 89 cm, the average body weight is 3.4 kg (male) and 2.8 kg (female), and the wingspan is 135- 163 cm.

The whistling swan or tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus), illustrated on the First Day Cover, it is a species that lives in the tundra regions of the northern hemisphere, in the form of two subspecies, Cygnus columbianus columbianus (in North America) and Cygnus columbianus bewickii (in Eurasia). The subspecies C. c. bewickii appears in Romania as a winter guest, being especially widespread in the regions of the south-east of the country (Dobrogea, Bărăgan). The subspecies was named after the English naturalist Thomas Bewick.

Slovenia

10 November 2023 : Human Senses

Human Senses :The sense of touch

This new issue represents the human senses in an original and attractive manner that can be easily understood even by those with no knowledge of medical science. These stamps will encourage people to think about this aspect of the human body and prompt them to learn more about it. 

Philatelic Clubs and Societies

 

Prayag Philatelic Society - https://prayagphilatelicsociety.org/

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.net.in/

The Army Philatelic Society, Pune

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

Blogs & Websites

Philatelic Congress of India

Indian Philately Digest

Stamps of India

Rainbow Stamp News

Se-tenant Stamps of India

Flags & Stamps

Europa stamps

Welcome to Indian Philately

Blogs by Kumar Biswas

The Philatelist

Echo’s Phila House

Prayag Philatelic Society

RAINBOW STAMP CLUB

This is a blog of e-Stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com  The idea of this blog is to extend the philatelic fraternity to all corners of the world. Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share new ideas with other philatelists.  New Posts on recent issues, news on stamp activities, and Contributions 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 in 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/ 


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

-Journal of the Army Philatelic Society

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

-Deccan Philatelist edited by Dr Anjali Dutta email : dranjalidutta0303@gmail.com from Deccan Philatelic Society, Pune.

-The Hyderabad Philatelist from Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society Editor – Shri Prakash Agrawal 

-SIPA Bulletin issued by South India Philatelists’ Association 

Acknowledgment

- Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin January 2024 issue edited by Mohanachandran Nair:  email : apa.tvpm@gmail.com

- Judaica Thematic Society, UK .  Society Newsletter January 2024 edited by Gary Goodman email :  judaicathematicsociety@talktalk.net 

Courtesy -   News and Image Resource to this issue :  SIPA, Philately Promoters,  EIPA , Indian Philately, Prayag Philatelic Society Group, Philatelic Exhibitions, Deccan Philatelic society Whatsapp Mohammed Dhia, Baghdad- Iraq WOPA; Europa Stamps : Praveen Shastry- Bangalore ; Pradip Jain- Patna; Jagruthi Adka- Bangalore 

 Address for communication:

Jeevan Jyoti, 509, Design Arcade, Chandrabani, Wildlife Institute Road, Dehradun-248001. 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.