Radha Kishangarh Painting - Date of Issue - 5 May 1973

From Pride of India Collection

Shimla March 2009 Issue No. 15

Monthly e-Stamp Bulletin Edited by Jeevan Jyoti for free circulation among philatelists

Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic activities in their area for publication. Short write ups by the readers about their journals, societies, publications and philatelic requirements can be sent for inclusion in this bulletin to j.jyoti9@gmail.com or rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com and by post to –

Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Director, Great Himalayan National Park, Shamshi, Distt. Kullu. PIN 175126. (H.P.) India

Note- This bulletin is only for circulation among a limited group of philatelists without any commercial purpose. The bulletin will be sent to the readers only on request. Those who wish to receive it regularly please reply giving the name of your city/country with the subject SUBSCRIBE RAINBOW



Dear Philatelist,

This is the third issue of this year with some new articles and information from the world of stamps. A good news for Indian collectors that Baroda Philatelic society is going to organize first national One frame philatelic exhibition at Vadodara from 18 to 20 December 2009. It will be first of its kind in our country with the participation of philatelists from every corner of the country. My best wishes to team members of Stampmania2009, especially to Mr. Prashant Pandya who came forward and coined the concept of one frame exhibition in our country. I offer my full support to team members of Stampmania 2009.

This whole issue was prepared by me under unwell conditions due to injury in my foot causing the leg to be plastered for one month and making me immobile. I hope I have done justice to my one month unpleasant time in making this issue interesting for you and tried my best to release this issue timely. I enjoyed this time philatelically very much and personally a bit difficult. It is also a message from me to all that there are some unpleasant moments in everyone’s life which make life depressing for sometime but these can be overcome if you have an absorbing hobby like stamp collecting to share some sad moments of your life and making the time refreshing and lively. Hope you would enjoy this issue…! As March is the month of Holi - the festival of colors. My Greetings to all of you on this festival.

May it bring all Rainbow colors in your life !

This is all for this issue ! …..Till Next Month ……..Happy Collecting!...

….Jeevan Jyoti



Contents

§ Recent Indian Issues
§ In The News
§ Beginners’ Section
§ Specialized Section
§ New Issues from Other Countries
§ The Lighter Side
§ Blogs & Websites on Philately
§ Promotional Section
§ Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

Recent Indian Issues

4 Jan 2009 Louis Braille –Rs. 5
21 Jan 2009 Vaikom Muhammad Basheer- Rs 5
25 Jan 2009 St. Paul’s Chruch - Rs 5
28 Jan 2009 Heritage Monuments Preservation by INTACH - 4 x Rs. 5 + M/s
31 Jan 2009 Bishnu Prasad Rabha - Rs. 5
3 Feb 2009 50 Years of SAIL (Ltd. ) - Rs. 5
5 Feb 2009 National Girl Child Day - Rs. 5
9 Feb 2009 Maha Kavi Magh Rs. 5
9 Feb 2009 Sant Santaji Jagnade Rs 5
11 Feb 2009 125 Years of PLI (Postal Life Insurance ) Scheme Rs 5
21 Feb 2009 Jainacharya Vallabh Suri - Rs 5
28 Feb 2009 Harakh Chand Nahata - Rs 5


Issues scheduled for March 2009

Mar 01: 10th Definitive Series -- Builders of Modern India, 9 stamps,

Re 0.50 -- K Kamraj

Re 1 -- Mahatma Gandhi,

Rs 2 - B R Ambedkar,

Rs 3 -- Satyajit Ray,

Rs 4 -- Homi Bhabha,

Rs 10 -- Periyar E V Ramaswamy Naicker

Rs 15 -- J R D Tata

Rs 20 - Mother Teresa

Rs 50 - Rukmini Devi Arundale

New Postal Stationery
Meghdoot Post Cards
Jan 31: AIDS, Hindi

Special Cover – Postmark
Jan 17: Kanpur, Maharaj Prayag Narain Temple

Jan 30: Ahmedabad, Mahatma Gandhi 61st Death Anniversary

Jan 30: Chandigarh, philatelic exhibition

Jan 31: Mumbai, Dream Rotary Conference

New Stamp Booklets

A set of 3 stamp booklets were released on January 30, 2009 during Festival of Stamps at Ahmedabad. The Booklets commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's 61st Death Anniversary, World Leprosy Day, and Mother Teresa respectively. The booklets priced at Rs 250 per set are produced in the limited quantity of 750 sets.


Forthcoming Issues for March 2009

Mar 8: Legendary Heroines of Cinema -- Kanan Devi, Devika Rani, Savitri, Meena Kumari,Mar 13: K K Birla
Mar 27: Polar Regions & Glaciers
Mar 30: UN Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities
Mar 31: Dr Mahendra Lal Sircar

In The News

The Pride of India Collection

India Post has authorized, the London based company Hallmark Group Limited to issue The Pride Of India Collection, a set of classic stamp replicas struck in pure Swiss Silver and layered with 24 carat gold - the first time that such a collection has ever been created for India.From the archives of the National Philatelic Museum based in new Delhi, 25 historic and important stamps have been selected by historians and philatelic experts to tell the story of India in an unprecedented manner.

Each chosen image has been sculpted to perfection by world famous artists, expertly engraved onto solid silver ingots exactly the same size as the original stamp, and finally layered with 24 carat gold to create a permanent and valuable record for posterity - creating a fitting tribute to India's unique culture, heritage, great achievements and revered national heroes.

For details about this collection visit http://www.prideofindiacollection.com/

Taj - The Pride of India
The most beautiful monument of Love. The international symbol of India. The finest example of Mughal architecture at its peak, and recently voted one of the seven new wonders of the world. Built as a white-marble mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal, the favourite wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Taj Mahal has grown to be the universal symbol of true love. Millions of tourists visit every year from all over the world, and most of them leave a little of their heart behind. One of the greatest architectural wonders of the world and a universal symbol of undying love, this shining ingot is a fitting tribute to Taj Mahal.

A subscription reservation may be made in one of two ways:" By - INDIA POST or through Website : http://prideofindiacollection.com/

Omnibus Issues of this year

1.International Year of Astronomy

2.Astronomy- theme for Europa 2009

3.200 Anniversary of Birth of Louis Braille

4.200 Anniversary of Birth of Charles Darwin

5.10th Anniversary of the Euro

6.International Polar Year - Protection of Polar areas and Glaciers

Sarkozy and stamps
You will be surprised to know that French President Nicolas Sarkozy is a passionate lover of stamps. Britain's Queen Elizabeth helped President Nicolas Sarkozy establish his stamp collection. The 54-year-old politician - who is known to have a fierce temper - took up stamp collecting to cultivate a calmer public image.

Delighted with his new pastime, the queen and other heads of state have helped Sarkozy fill his albums. He now owns a rare set issued by Britain's Post Office in 2004 to celebrate the Entente Cordiale - a series of agreements between the UK and France signed in 1904. The priceless stamps were a gift from the monarch when the Sarkozys stayed at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, southeast England, last year. Sarkozy was also given a leather album full of stamps by California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Dominique Ballagny, administrative secretary of the French Federation of Philately Associations (FFAP), told to a News reporter that Mr Sarkozy had been a stamp collector for a long time. "A few months ago he even organized a gathering of all the philately organizations in France," he said. "They met to decide how to promote stamp-collecting." He added: "His ancestors came from Hungary - I think Hungarian stamps interest him a lot." In a letter to the federation, Mr Sarkozy said: "I share your passion for stamps and philately. I have been a stamp collector since I was a young boy - this hobby is an opening to the world, to history and great events. "I'm still sure that philately will maintain its rightful place if stamps retain their social and economic utility, in terms of letter-writing, beauty and rarity. But stamps of course have to adapt to 21st-Century culture.

"Philately is our hobby, it's also a world of artists, engravers, page designers. I want to pay homage to them, because it shows real talent to illustrate sometimes abstract topics, to create an original work of art for each stamp, covering such a small area." Mr Sarkozy is said to spend time on his collection in the evenings. Carla Bruni is said to be thrilled her husband has given up boozing and karaoke singing in favor of philately. Sources close to the couple say he keenly pursues his new hobby in the evening, regularly allowing his wife to inspect his albums.


LONDON 2010
The following entries from India have been recommended by Mr. Yogesh Kumar for LONDON 2010.

S. No. Name of Exhibitor Exhibit

1. Mr. Abdul Hai India Pre Independence up to King Edward
2. Mr. Ashok Kumar Bayanwala Meter – Post
3. Mr. Dhanajay Desai Sourth (Indian Feudatory State)
4. Mrs. Sathi Devi Veerchandra Menon Post Mark of Travencore State
5. Mr. Pradip Jain India Gandhi Issue
6. Mr. Dinesh Chandra Sharma Summer Olympic Games
7. Mr. Nawal Kishore Tatiwala Gems & Jewellary
8. Mr. Pragya Kothari Grey Goose Wings
9. Mr. Ilyas Patel Building Bridges-An Index of human civilization
10. Mr. Lallan P. Singh How & Why of Birds
11. Mr. Lallan P. Singh Twin Cobra Overprints of Gwalior State
12. Mr. Pradip Jain The Developments of the Air Mail : Cairo-India 1918- 29
13. Mr. Dinesh Chandra Sharma Sports
15. Mr. Om Prakash Jagati Glimpses of Indian Tourism
16. Mr. Ashish Talwar Definitive Issues of India
17. Dr. Satyenrda Kumar Agarwal Roses
18. Mr. Suketu Jhaveri Indian Telegraphs (1851-1914)
19. Mr. Ravi Bhansali Modifications
20. Mr. Vikram Singh Literature


MOBILE PHILATELY
Mobile Philately is now on its way to take this SMS service on all India level after its official release function held at Festival of Stamps at Ahmedabad. On the second day evening of this festival a function was organized by Gujarat Philatelists Association (GPA) in which the Logo, Posters were released and Website was launched. Mr.Mainak Kathiara, President of GPA introduced the concept of Mobile Philately to all the stamp enthusiasts present at the function.

http://mobilephilately.webs.com/apps/photos/photo.jsp?photoID=25152381&prev=1

Mr.Anand Shankar Mittal, Jaipur who was honored by Life Time Achievement Award for serving the Indian philately by being a stamp dealer and auctioneer for 60 years released the logo of Mobile Philately.
http://mobilephilately.webs.com/apps/photos/photo.jsp?photoID=24533770

Mr.Madhukar Jhingan, New Delhi who was honored by Life Time Achievement Award for serving the Indian philately by maintaining a website and publishing a digital weekly magazine since 2000 released the poster type I of Mobile Philately.
http://mobilephilately.webs.com/apps/photos/photo.jsp?photoID=24533771

Mr.P.G.Bhargave, Nashik who is working on a book of Early Indian Cancellations released the poster type II of Mobile Philately. Soon this posters will be sent to all the philatelic bureaus and philatelic societies in India
http://mobilephilately.webs.com/apps/photos/photo.jsp?photoID=24533772

Mr.Prakash Jambudi of Gujarat Philatelist Association Launched the web site of Mobile Philately.
http://mobilephilately.webs.com/apps/photos/photo.jsp?photoID=24533769

The promoter of Mobile Philately explained the concept of this mobile messaging system and put forth the development plan that will be carried out to take this unique service to each and every stamp collector in India.
http://mobilephilately.webs.com/apps/photos/photo.jsp?photoID=24533773

Mr.Vijay Navlakha was hosting the function.
http://www.mobilephilately.webs.com/

Stamp exhibition in Dehradun
A District level Philatelic exhibition will be held in Dehradun on 28 Feb and 01 Mar.2009.Two special covers on Litchi and Mahasu temple (chakrata) will be released. On same dates, A state flower show will be organized and a special cover on Blue Poppy will be released. A book on "Uttarakhand - A Philatelic Journey" authored Mr. Abhai Mishra and Mr. Rajesh Verma and published by Uttarakhand Postal Circle is also proposed to be released on 28 Feb by Governor of Uttarakhand. It will be 72 page full colored, profusely illustrated book.


Stampmania 2009

Stampmania 2009 - First National One Frame Philatelic Exhibition

The First National One Frame Philatelic Exhibition ”Stampmania 2009" is going to be organized by Baroda Philatelic Society from 18th to 20th December 2009 at Vadodara. The venue of the exhibition has been selected. It will be held at Shree Saurashtra Leuva Patel Seva Samaj, Alembic Road, Vadodara. Approximately 400 frames (200 x 2 ) will be displayed in the exhibition. The official website of the exhibition www.stampmania2009.com has already been launched. Collectors can get detailed information at the website or may write to Mr. Prashant Pandya or Mr. Timir R. Shah on following E-Mail id.

New URL of Baroda Philatelic Society's website is http://www.vadophil.org/
New email id of Baroda Philatelic Society are as follows:

Prashant Pandya: info@vadophil.org Timir R. Shah: admin@vadophil.org

'Glory of Varanasi' on display
On 19 FEB 2009 the Exhibit "Glory of Varanasi" by Dr. Satyendra Kumar Agarwal was center of attraction when displayed in 12th Annual "MAHAMRITUNJAY MAHOTSAWA" (started by Padmvibhushan Kishan Mahraj ji 12 years ago) in "Varanasi Kala Dirgha" aimed to display the glory, art and culture of Varanasi through various forms of art. Three day function also included the Classical night of Shobha Mugdal also. Dr Agarwal was honoured for his collection with a Trophy awarded by Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith University.

CHANDIPEX 2009
‘Martyr’s Day’ on 30 January 2009 was observed by Chandigarh Philatelic Club. CHANDIPEX 2009 was organized on this theme for two days by the members of the club. Chief Guest Sh Parveen Kohli, GM, Haryana Tourism, inaugurated by lighting a candle to pay homage to the Martyrs. In the back drop were displayed Medals of a Veteran Soldier. Philatelists who displayed their presentation included Rakesh Walia, Col Suresh Bagga, Abnash Luthra, Mohinder Singh, Rakesh Khurana, P C Awasthi, Vipin Thakur, M L Kuthiala, Mehar Singh and B R Sharma. The exhibition was visited by large number of School children and city residents. Rakesh Walia diplayed exclusive collection on Gandhi. He also designed the special cover. Col Suresh Bagga displayed ‘Brave-Hearts – The Indian Armed Forces’ bringing out sacrifices made by Soldiers from WWI to recent incidence of 26/11 at Mumbai.

Special covers on Scouting
Recently Mini National Bharat Scout & Guide Centenary Jamboree was held at Ahmadabad from 2-7 February 2009. A special cover designed by our distinguished member Mr. Ajay Agarwal of Akola and his wife Mrs. Sudha Agarwal was released by Chief Justice of Gujarat, Hon. Shri Javeri to mark the event. Mr. Ajay Agarwal is a noted philatelist of Maharashtra with 16 National & International recognitions to his credit. His themes are “The Scout Movement”, ‘India’s Freedom Struggle’ on Indian Stamps, ‘Health & Medicine’ on Indian Stamps. He is also working on a book 'Scouting Philately in India'. For details about this cover, contact Mr. Ajay Agarwal E-Mail: maharashtramedicals@yahoo.com

10th Definitive Series - Private Cover for First Day of Issue cancellation
India post has issued the first three stamps of new definitive series- "BUILDERS OF MODERN INDIA" the 10th Definitive series,Three stamps are on Nehru denomination 25P,Indira Gandhi,denomination 500P and Rajiv Gandhi,denomination 500P. All three personalities are Political leaders.10th definitive series was released on 01 Dec 2008,but no special cover as well as cancellation was provided by India Post on First Day of Issue. Very Few Philatelist obtained date stamp cancellation from New Delhi & Mumbai G.P.O.A private Cover was prepared by Mr. H.K.Jain for obtaining First Day Of Issue Cancellation for newly issued Definitive series stamps.


Pre - released Issue from India

The Spices of India a set of 5 stamps and a miniature sheet was originally scheduled for release on January 24, 2009. India Post decided to postpone the release and new dates will be announced later. This decision perhaps didn't reach some philatelic bureaus in time who consequently sold the miniature sheet of spices of India issue.

Beginners’ section

Some Tips for Novice Collectors:

-- Collect only one Country or a theme (birds, airplanes, lighthouses, famous people etc). If you try to collect everything it can be frustrating. How about collecting old letters & postcards of your home town. Look for letters with your town postmark.

-- Never tear old stamps from envelopes or postcards. They may be more valuable left on the letters and can be more interesting.

-- Never keep damaged or creased stamps (unless they are very valuable!)

-- Do not use stamp hinges to put your MINT (unused stamps) in your album. There are now special inexpensive plastic mounts to place your stamps in. Some albums come with these mounts already attached to the pages Hinge less album. Many collectors use Stock Books. These are books that have clear strips attached across the pages, in which you can place your stamps. These are relatively cheap, and allow you to rearrange your stamps at any time. But never keep costly mint stamps in strips as sometimes due to humidity the stamps get stuck to the album pages and damage the mint condition of the stamps.

--Do not buy pretty modern unofficial stamps that come from an obscure country. There are many bogus new stamps out there.

--The most important thing to remember about stamp collecting is to enjoy it, not to think of it as an investment! The age of a stamp, does not make it more valuable. Many Charities collect stamps on paper to raise money. Many of these charities sell bags of stamps still on paper for you to soak off. This can be a good & cheap way start to your collection. Many of us started in just this way. With luck, you can find some amazing items in these bags. The best place to get stamps from is a Company that receives a lot of mail from overseas; you will then get lots of foreign stamps. Remember if you save the stamps that come into your house, you will end up with very many of the standard stamps used for posting letters in your Country.

--. Stamps from old mail or discarded letters received through a friend or a company can become a good start for any collector. Most stamps can be soaked off the paper in a warm bowl of water. Just put them in and leave until they float off the paper, then lay them face down to dry on a newspaper. When completely dry, place them in a book and leave for about 24 hours to take the curl out. Or use a special drying book. Remember: Some early stamps are printed using water based inks, these need to taken off with a special liquid, otherwise the printing ink will WASH OFF AS WELL. Nearly all modern stamps are safe to soak off using water. SELF ADHESIVE stamps are best left on the paper and just cut neatly round to place in your collection.

Specialized Section

I am starting a new series by Dr. Satyendra Kumar Agrawal “Little Known Facts About Stamps” which is a different series from that of thematic articles series. The first article of the series is on ‘Ghost stamps’. You would enjoy reading this new fact about stamps. Please read with more concentration for clear explanation of the picture and find out how many explanations you understood. It’s also a small IQ test for you. So go through the article and enjoy it…- Editor

Little Known Facts About Stamps: GHOST STAMPS

- ©Dr. Satyendra Kumar Agrawal

Haiti’s first definitive issue of 1881, the stamps (Scott 1-6) featuring the allegorical effigy of Liberty, gave birth to “Ghost Stamp”. In the folds of the Liberty’s headdress one can see the hidden profile of a Negress, said to be of Madame Salomon, wife of the then president Solomon. Her image was not incorporated intentionally but manifested itself.

It happens in many more issues of different countries. Stamps showing more than their designers intended gave birth to this new terminology of “Ghost Stamp”.

Another stamp in this category is that of Prussia, formally a kingdom in the North of Germany and became part of the North German Confederation in 1867. Its many issues between 1861-65 (Scott 14-20) featuring Coat of Arms of Prussia , when turned upside-down, one can see two learned gentlemen taking part in a keen discussion. They are formed by the space on each side of the eagle’s head.

To commemorate the coronation of the new ruler, Peter Karageorgevich a set of 8 stamps (Scott 79-86) were designed by the Serb artist D.Jovanovich and the dies were engraved by Eugene Mouchon. Stamps were printed in Paris. When stamps were received by the postal authorities of Serbia, someone found that if lower values of this set i.e. 5p,10p,15p,25p&50p (Scott 79-83) all depicting King Peter I and his ancestor Karageorge looked upon upside-down, a third portrait could be seen where the profiles of two kings overlapped.

Just one year back a coup was staged in Serbia and King Alexander Obrenovich and his consort, Draga Mashin were brutally murdered while sleeping in bed. This event in conjunction to the appearance of third portrait in this coronation special issue spread the rumor like wild fire that this was the death-mask of the murdered king.

Liechtenstein’s 1937 issue of 40 rp denomination stamp (Scott 144) is also a ghost stamp and one can see the ghostly Knight of Schellenburg Castle formed by the left hand outline of the ruined wall depicted on this stamp.

Before the Nazi invasion in Austria on 13 March 1938, the last issue of independent Austria was released in December 1937 (Scott 388-389) popularly known as “ill omen” and have the credit of being the first stamps issued specifically for the postage on Christmas Greetings Cards. These 12g and 24g stamps depict a Vase of roses and Signs of the Zodiac. In one of the roses in the vase bearing an uncanny resemblance to Adolph Hitler. The right hand outline of the largest rose seems to form the head, nose and moustache of Hitler, a case of coming events cast their shadows before.

Icelandic, “The Great Geyser” issue of 1938 (Scott 203) if seen turned upside-down King Neptune, complete with flowing whiskers, appears beside the geyser. One can see his head in the small dark puff of steam just to the left of the main jet.

The four value set issued in 1939 during the German occupation of Czechoslovakia during the Second World War, when the Czech area was stripped away and renamed Bohemia & Moravia (Scott 27-30) can also be categorized as Ghost Stamps. By zigzagging the design and overlapping the stamps, the irregular outlines around the four vignettes are shown to make an outline map of the original country of Czechoslovakia.

According to Mr. J. Heijs of the Netherlands, a philatelist, these stamps were issued to protest the 1939 occupation by the Nazis. He was surprised in an attempt to recreate the Czechoslovakia border by zigzagging this time 6 stamps of this set (Scott 27-34) which in original consists of 18 denominations with five different dates of issue, three different designers and two different engravers.

West German 1964 definitive series on the theme of Twelve Centuries of German Architecture featured Castle Gate, Ellwangen on Scott 909. In the trees featured at the left side of the vignette one can also witness a ghost portrait of Hitler.

There may be many more stamps in which some portrait has unintentionally manifested itself in some details of the design yet to be explored and to be crowned as Ghost Stamp.

LABELING MAILS (POSTAL LABELS)
By Naresh Agarwal (contd. from the last issue….)

PRODUCTION OF MAIL LABEL:

MATERIAL (LABEL STOCK) :

The "label stock" is the carrier which is commonly coated on one side with adhesive and usually printed on the other side. Various material such as paper, thick paper, thin board,(variety of paper)cloth, polymers, plastics, thin films, fabric, foils, even thin metallic sheets are often used to make labels.

Cloth Material Paper Sheet Rough paper


SHAPES AND SIZES :
There is no specific rule for sizes and shapes of the labels. Of course, govt. and postal authorities do have their approved specific shapes and sizes. Normally it covers small area of the cover or packet or container depending upon the information to be given and the purpose for which the label is affixed.

Odd shape Circular Rectangular Triangular and perforated


DESIGN :
Designing of the label is an important aspect of its production because the subject matter is designed and displayed in very thoughtful manner.e.g. Propaganda labels, hariy labels, advertising labels have very specific message in words and pictorial to get maximum out of it, to reach maximum people with limited display .Further beautification of labels do have skilled design considerations such as label address, cachet, dominical etc.




COLOURS:
There are no standards set for the color of the labels. Some of the labels are specially made colourful to attract and to convey the message. The color are so chosen that the fits and matches the purpose for which the labels fixed. Some informatory of labels giving specific instructions have nothing to do with colors. They are normally black and white. Some labels are printed in deep colors and some matches with the color codes set by govt. agencies such as postal authority.

Labels are available in different colors

STICKING AND ATTATCHMENT :
Postal labels normally are of two types: Self adhesive (peelable) and Non adhesive in other words gummed or non-gummed.Some labels do need special type of gum or glue to help sticking them on cover or packet. It depends upon the nature of material of the cover/packet/parcel too.Pressure sensitive and thermal processes are also used in certain casesThese may be available separately, on roll or on paper.

PRINTING PROCESSES
The printing of the labels has now become quite easier as printing machines are available to print out designed labels. Vending machines too help production of the labels. Previously manufactured and partially designed self adhesive labels are also available. Computer graphics have played a great role in designing of labels.Nature of printing ink depends upon the label stock, quantity to be produced and costing required. Specialized high speed application equipment is available for certain uses.

USES OF MAIL LABELS :
Mail labels not only specifies the nature of mail, highlights operations during mail transmission also serves as replacement of various informatory and instruction forms normally attached to or send with the mail, They are used by postal authority or the sender on any agency having contract with postal deptt. For its advertising, propaganda, information, appeal, fund raising etc. Easy to read and follow the labels help in easy flow and delivery of mail side by side looking in to other commercial and personal interest of the sender, deptt. and public in general.

To be contd….

New Issues from other countries

Australia

3 February 2009 Valentine’s Day - 3 stamps x 55c



19 Feb 2009 Inventive Australia - 5 stamps + M/s


Belarus
4 Jan 2009 Bicentenary of Birth of Louis Braille


Czech Republic

11 Feb 2009 NORDIC WORLD SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS, LIBEREC 2009 - 18 kc

Cyprus

12 march 2009 200 years of birth of Louis Braille - .68 €

Finland
22 Jan 2009 Five drops of happiness issued for valentine Day greetings - M/s

France

5 Jan 2009 Louis Braille -.55 €

19 Jan 2009 castle of Angers and a statue of the king René. (1409-1480) - .55€


19 Jan 2009 Valentine’s Day-.88€,26.4€, 16.5€, ,55 €

2 Feb 2009
Sables d’Olonne, a seaside town located by the Atlantic Ocean in the region called Vendée
World Ski Championship - s/s
9 Feb 2009 Sainte Cecile Cathedral of Albi- .85 €
28 Feb 2009 foundation of France -


Greenland
19 Jan. 2009
EUROPA Astronomy - 6.25 & 8.- DKK
Global Warming - 5.00

Ireland
23 Jan 2009
Year of Ox
Wedding Stamps series - 55c features a pair of gold wedding bands and the words 'Love' and 'Grá' displayed

Italy

12 Feb 2009 Bicentenary of Birth of Charles Darwin - .65 €

Jersey

10 Feb 2009 - EUROPA Astronomy - 4 stamps



Macedonia
4 Feb 2009 Uri Gagarin- 50




Poland
4 January 2009 Louis Braille - PLN 1.45 - 1 stamp + 1 se-tenant label


6 Feb 2009 I love you - 1.45 zl



Portugal

12 2009 200 birth anniversary of Charles Darwin - .32€ stamp & s/s 2.50 €



Russia
17 Jan 2009 Russian Regions - 3 x 9.00
6 Feb 2009 175th Birth anniversary of D.I. Mendeleev (1834-1907 - S/s



San Marino
20 Feb 2009

Centenary of the futurist Manifesto - ten stamps of € 0, 60 on a souvenir sheet

Sammarinese Ceramists - three values of € 0,36 - 0,60 and 0,85



50th Anniversary of the founding of the C.O.N.S. € 1,80

Slovakia
2 January 2009 Churches of Slovakia - 4 stamps
27 February 2009 Easter - Decorated Eggs - .33 €

Switzerland
5 March 2009 World Ice Hockey Championship 2009 -200g

UK
26 February 2009 Celebrating Wales - M/s

USA

9 Feb 2009 Abraham Lincoln - 4 x 42 c
21 Feb 2009 civil Rights Pioneer - S/s of 6 stamps

Reader’s Right

Editor’s note- The aim of this stamp newsletter is to provide instant information and facts on philately to the readers and not to hurt anyone’s feelings. Readers may express their views, anguish and resentment through this column on philately. The platform is not used for any vested interest to cause derogatory to philately. When writing your views be sure that it should be related to philately only. It should not be used to express personal feelings between persons or groups in any manner. Please send your postal address and Ph. No. and if possible a photo too when writing on any controversial issue.

Ashwini Kumar Dubey, Dubey Medical Hall, Beita Hata Crossing Gorakhpur -273001 (U.P.)

Request to India Post & Members of Philatelic Advisory Committee

Sub: Release of Postal Stamp on Chauri Chaura Incident

Chauri Chaura in Gorakhpur District of Uttar Pradesh is associated with the freedom movement of the country. It is around 25 km south-east of Gorakhpur. Fed up with the repressive policies of the British, the villagers burned down a police station on 4th Feb 1922. This was in retaliation to the police firing on a procession of satyagrahis in Chauri Chaura. In this incident around 22 policemen were killed and Gandhi ji immediately called off the non-cooperation movement.

Stopping the non-cooperation movement following Chauri Chaura was one of Gandhi’s most significant acts — a cleansing of the body politic, in effect. Years later, despite several heapings of criticism, from being called a confused man to being called a British lackey, he did not waver on the correctness of the decision. Writing in 1928, he said, “[to] this date I have felt that I have served the country by calling off the non-co-operation movement. I am confident that history will look upon it as a form of perfect satyagraha and not as an act of cowardice.”

This incident has great significance in Indian Freedom Struggle and Indian history. A postage stamp must be issued by India Post to commemorate this incident.

Mr.Ashwini Dubey is campaigning by sending letters and post cards from Chauri Chaura since last two years to remind people about this significant event. Here are letters posted to us by Mr. Dubey from Chauri Chaura on 4 February 2009.

Commodore V.P. Kapre, New Delhi
It is three months since I last received FDCs for the month of Oct 2008 from the Sansad Marg Philatelic Bureau. Since then I have rung up the Bureau in New Delhi many times. Each time The answer is that the Children's Day stamp of Nov 2008 are still not available. I do not know whether this situation is tragic or comic. I can only say, in decent terms, that this state of affairs does no credit to the Minister concerned, or to the staff who so irreverently call themselves the Philatelic Bureau.

The above attitude has percolated to the regional Bureaus' as well. The Ernakulum Philatelic Bureau (http://www.philakochi.com/) is a case in point. It takes orders, demands a draft for the order, and that's all. When or whether they ever complete the order remains a mystery.

A friend suggested that the Bureau in every city be shut down and the place auctioned to stamp dealers, who I am sure will do a better job.


The Lighter Side


FESTIVAL OF STAMPS -2009 - Reported by Naresh Agarwal


The recently concluded festival of stamps (A National Stamp Festival & Philatelists’ Meet), stamped a dark impression on the face of various societies and organizations, who say that the philately is physically dying. I won’t admit the fact that Deptt. of Posts has failed to promote philately. Yes, its working at grass root level as it is involved in organizing exhibitions particularly at District. level. The festival was really festive as the philatelists and the visitors had smiling and pleasant faces. More than 60 number of dealer booths spread over two floors gave sufficient space for good number of visitors to move around, sit, chat, and search the material they wanted.

Almost all the noted philatelists and dealers could be seen on the show. This show gave the philatelic fraternity, opportunity to meet, interact and pass some immemorables moments together. Staying at the show and off the show in hotels together added the charm of their visit and added flavors to the festive mood of the philatelists.

Getting material or not, selling so much or not, but getting opportunity to meet friends and interact with them is really like PAISA VASOOL. Arrangement of the show was good enough. Hospitality by organizers was at its best as almost all the guests, noted philatelists were honored with breakfast, lunch, tea and even dinner of high quality for all the three days. I personally enjoyed the unorthodox dining arrangement which added to the festivity and enabled to interact in humorous atmosphere.

To add to the show were the street sellers who occupied the places on footpaths outside the premises of the show. Not less than 15 such numismatic and philatelic dealers/sellers who could not afford or book stalls inside or kabaries with huge philatelic material and antique pieces of decoratives etc. from surrounding cities had occupied there places outside on footpath. Veteran philatelists could be seen sitting there, legs crossed and peeping in to their dusty junk to find philatelic diamonds. Really a wonderful scene!

Stamp auctions were another beauty of the festival. Honoring philatelists serving the philatelic fraternity in different ways by giving them life time achievement awards was the grace of the show. An act which is highly appreciable and encouraging for development of philately. Sri Manik Jain,Sri A.S. Mittal,Sri Madhukar Jhinghan and Sri Markand Dave were honored for their contribution to philately in India. Encouraged by this, Mr.Prashat Pandaya of Baroda Philatelic Society showed his eagerness to conduct one such National Show and declared his plans of National ONE FRAME EXHIBIT SHOW in December this year. My all best wishes to him and other organizations who have such plans..

This show established one fact that Gujarat is now emerging as new power point and hub of Indian philately. Of course, Kolkata is still alive but their shows are small, limited and localized. Kolkata was and will remain the Mecca of Indian Philately as contribution from Kolkata in any good Indian Philatelic Dealers Show is tremendous. All the Kolkattian stalwarts could be seen there such as Mr. Jaiswal, Mr. Tapan Dang, Mr. Bhattacharya, Mr. Sukhani etc. However, philatelists from all over India could be seen. Both print and electronic media widely covered the show . However, such shows widely cater to the needs of philatelists and the dealers.

The covers and booklets issued during the occasion came out to beautiful and attractive. Priced little high but in limited quantity, those were in heavy demand .Securing a piece in collection is worth.

Though the show failed to display the exhibits for which some frames too had been procured but removed; yet, it was a grand success. My heartiest congratulations to Mr. Mainak and his team for organizing such a big show and hope in future too they will come up such events. In all, it was good and a successful show and philatelists do need such shows on regular basis. Though net surfing and buying help but such shows have their own importance and necessity.


Do You Know?

1 .The first stamps to bear the date of their production were the 'Tigers' of Afghanistan, which bore Moslem dates. Since 1935 Canadian stamps have had the date of their production concealed in tiny numerals in the design

2. The world's rarest, and most valuable, stamp is the 1c British Guiana of 1856. It was acquired in 1873 by an English schoolboy who later sold it for 6/- to a fellow collector. The stamp is now valued at more than $1 million.

3. The numbering of houses for postal purposes began in Paris in 1463-4; the Pont Notre Dame district being the first so numbered.

4. Germany was the first country to adopt postcodes, introducing a two-digit system in 1942. Australia introduced postcodes on 1 July 1967


Blogs & Websites on Philately

http://www.stampsofindia.com/ – This is the website of India with complete information on Indian stamps.

http://www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/ – This is the e – Stamp Club Blog to bring philatelists together on blogosphere and share views with each other.

http://www.prideofindiacollection.com/ - Website of Famous Pride of India Collection being brought out by Hallmark Group.

http://olympicgamesphilately.blogspot.com/ - A new Blog by our member Mr. Jagannah Mani of Bangalore on Olympic Philately.

http://www.sipa.org.in/ - It is a new website launched by South India Philatelists’ Association, Chennai.

http://wwwmyfavouritestamps.blogspot.com/ - A blog on my favourite stamps.


http://mg-philately.blogspot.com/ It is a Blog on stamps and other philatelic items on Bridges.

http://akphilately.blogspot.com/ A nice Blog with lot of information on different stamps and other philatelic items.

http://ephilex.blogspot.com/ - A nice blog on Roses.



Promotional section

Maxim Cards on Louis Braille & Private Covers For New Definitive series designed by Er H.K. Jain, Mandla (M.P.) For details contact: Mr. H.K. Jain E- Mail - jainhk60@gmail.com Ph. 9425484703

LITERATURE - "Grand Duchesss Eleanore´s Postkartenwoche, The Rhein/Main Airmails" Terry Pizzala just came out with the second edition of this book on 1912 Rhein-Main zeppelin- and airmails. 125 pages with numerous illustrations in color provide easy to read information on this airmail event from 1912. Highly recommended to beginners and advanced experts on this area. Review and ordering information at http://www.ezep.de/books/rm.html


Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

Stamp of India Collectors’ Companion - India’s first and most updated weekly e-newsletter edited by Madhukar and Savita Jhingan from Stamps of India, New Delhi. E-mail: mjhingan@yahoo.com Website: http://www.stampsofindia.com/

Phila Post – Jan - Mar 2009, Quarterly Philately Journal, Executive Editor: Manju Kumar, Director, Philately Division, India PostPublished by L.B. Associates (Pvt.) Ltd., H-108 Sector 63, Noida- 201301. Subscription Rs. 40 by M.O. for 4 issues.

VADOPHIL- Jan 2009, Quarterly Edited by : Prashant H Pandya info@vadophil.org and Timir R Shah admin@vadophil.org Published by: Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara website http://www.vadophil.org/ -Annual Subscription (including membership): Rs 100

ZEPPELIN POST JOURNAL - Spring09 -A sneak preview of the Spring09 issue of the ZEPPELIN POST JOURNAL is online at http://www.ezep.de/zpj/2009sp.html Information about the ZEPPELIN POST JOURNAL and the subscription are available online at http://www.ezep.de/zpj/zpj.html


RAINBOW STAMP CLUB

This is a blog of e-stamp Club http://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. Those who are interested may send following details for publication on blog. If they wish they may also send their photo for publication. New Post on recent issues , news on stamp activities and Contribution by members are published everyday on this blog.

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Readers may also express their views on any philatelic matter which will be published under Club News at Rainbow Stamp Cub Blog. Philatelic Clubs and Societies may also send brief write ups. News about new issues of India and abroad and other information related with Philately are regularly posted on this blog. Readers may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic activities of their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor


Courtesy- News and Image Resource to this issue - Stamps of India, Australia Post, Deepak Modi - Jalna , Shrikant Parikh- Ahmadabad,Yogesh Kumar-Bareilly, Col. Suresh Bagga, Abhai Mishra - Dehradun, Rakesh Walia - Chandigarh, H.K. Jain - Mandla (M.P.) , Prashat H. Pandya-Vadodara ,The beginners’ Guide to Stamp Collecting

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Address for communication: Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Director, Great Himalayan National Park, Shamshi, Kullu (H.P.) PIN 175126 E-mail – j.jyoti9@gmail.com & rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com

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"All science is either Physics or stamp collecting." - Lord Rutherford -Physicist and Noble Laureate.


Till Next Month Happy Collecting……………………………………………………………………..


Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti, from Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) India.