RSN July Issue No. 43

 

 

3 D Architecture stamps

“Netherlands Institute of Architecture has teamed up with the Dutch postal service to create a set of stamps that, when held up in front of your webcam, display 3D models of five unbuilt works by Dutch architecture offices. ”

Shimla July 2011 Issue # 43 Vol. IV

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 –

Ms. 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 Reader,

The 43rd issue of Rainbow Stamp News is on your screen now with news and articles from the world of stamps. In this issue, read an exclusive interview with renowned thematic philatelist and Commissioner General of INDIPEX 2011, Mr Rajesh Kumar Bagri and a very special article by Dr SK Agarwal. The article, “ Hidden Treasure of a Philatelic item ” is a guideline for Thematic philatelists to gain high marks in philatelic knowledge section . Dr Agarwal has explained how a material could be included in a thematic collection which a collector would not think of including it in a particular Theme on the very first sight. It encourages a philatelist to select material by close observation. I am sure all philatelists would like it very much. Enjoy the regular series of articles by Dr Jagtap and Mr Naresh Agarwal which is highly appreciated by the readers….

Distinguished philatelist from Ludhiana, Dr SK Sondhi sends a suggestion to start a special column on “Stamps issued on Indian theme by other nations”. Readers are requested to send details about such stamps for publication. It will be liked by all to go through in detail about foreign stamps on Indian theme.

Please send your feedback about every issue so that future issues could be planned, keeping in view the specific choice of the readers. This is all for this issue…..Till Next Month….Happy Collecting !!

                                                                                                                                                    …. Jeevan Jyoti

Contents

Recent Indian Issues

In The News

Interview

Beginners’ Section

Specialized Section

Something of interest, also for non-philatelists

New Issues from Other Countries

Reader’s Right

Philatelic Library

Philatelic Clubs and Societies

Blogs & Websites on Philately

The Lighter Side

Promotional Section

Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

Editor’s Mail Box

Recent Indian Issues

20 April : Chitralekha – Rs 5

30 April : Umrao Kanwar Maharaj Saa “Archana” – Rs 5

7 May : Rabindranath Tagore - 2 Stamps

25 May : 2^nd Africa – India Forum Summit 2011 –Rs 5 & Rs 25 + MS

2011 revised Stamp Issue programme of India Post is available at following link.http://www.indiapost.gov.in/philatelycalendar2011.htm

Forthcoming Stamp Issues

Jul 02: The United Theological College

Jul 06: D S Kothari

Jul 21: V S Page

Jul 25: Rashtrapati Bhavan, 4 Stamps

Jul 28: Kasu Brahmananda Reddy

Special Cover – Postmark

1 April 2011 Silver Jubilee year of CIFA, Bhubaneshwar

13 April 2011 Army Public School , Dagshai – Solan ( HP)

View new special cover from Himachal Pradesh :

http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-special-covers-from-himachal.html

1 May 2011 : 25 Years of Papal Visit to Thrissur

9 May 2011 : 150^th Birth Anniversary of Tagore – Patna

May 2011 Indo Sri Lanka joint special cover on Tagore

6 June 2011 : Gaiety Theatre, Shimla

25 June 2011 : 200 Years Celebration of Hazratganj , Lucknow

In The News

150^th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Rabindranath Tagore

Tagore Exhibition at El Bab Gallery, 5-17 July, 2011

To commemorate the 150^th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (MACIC), Embassy of India, Cairo, in cooperation with the Foreign Cultural Relations Sector and the Fine Arts Sector of the Egyptian Ministry of Culture will be bringing two exhibitions related to Tagore which will be inaugurated on 5 July, 2011 at 7 p.m by H.E Dr Emad Abou Ghazi, the Egyptian Minister of Culture and H.E Mr R.Swaminathan, Ambassador of India at El Bab Gallery at the Opera House Complex. The function will be graced by H.E Mr Hossam Nassar, First Under Secretary for Foreign Cultural Relations and H. E Dr Ashraf Reda, Head of the Fine Arts Sector.

Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was the first Asian Nobel Laureate. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. Tagore was a master of several literary forms – he was a poet, a novelist, a short-story writer and a playwright. His contributions reshaped Bengali literature and music in the late 19^th and early 20^th century. Tagore is perhaps the world’s only writer whose compositions have been adopted as the national anthems of two countries: India and Bangladesh. At the age of 60, Tagore also became a celebrated painter. Tagore was also a pioneering educationist (thus the honorific ‘Gurudev’ meaning ‘Teacher’), and greatly promoted rural reconstruction. He set up a school, Santiniketan, and thereafter, a world famous university called Visva Bharati in West Bengal, India as well as a centre for promotion of traditional arts and crafts in Sriniketan. He was a national leader and an internationalist who visited many countries including Egypt in 1925.

The Tagore exhibitions will consist of two elements:

(i) ‘A Philatelic Exhibition on Tagore’ which consists of 20 panels of commemorative stamps and other rare philatelic objects issued by the postal departments of around 20 foreign countries on Rabindranath Tagore. Some of these items are more than a century old and belong to private collectors in India. Mr Sekhar Chakrabarti, one of three Indian collectors, whose collections are used in this exhibition, will be the curator for the show at Cairo.

(ii) ‘Tagore on Kantha’ which includes 13 panels of ‘kantha’ work illustrating Tagore’s short stories, songs, poems, dance dramas all made in the traditional ‘kantha’ style of embroidery practiced to this day by rural women in West Bengal, India and in Bangladesh. Tagore greatly promoted traditional arts and crafts including Kantha work. Kantha work basically uses the ‘running stitch’ to create beautiful motifs on fabric. It was originally used by Bengali women for making quilts from old, worn out saris. The Kantha exhibition has been conceptualized by Ms Shamlu Dudeja who has worked for over 25 years for the revival of kantha work in West Bengal through the setting up of NGOs.

The two exhibitions are being sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi and have been put together by ICCR’s Rabindranath Tagore Centre in Kolkata. The exhibits are travelling out of India for the first time. The exhibition will run until 17 July, 2011 at the El Bab Gallery.

For further details, please contact (i) MACIC at: Tel: 23933396 / 23960071; Fax: 23936572; e-mail: macic@indembcairo.com and (ii) on Facebook (Foreign Cultural Relations).

- Maulana Azad Centre For Indian Culture , Embassy of India , 23, Talaat Harb Street, Down Town, Cairo .

Recently a Philatelic Exhibition on Tagore was held at Rabindranath Tagore Centre in Calcutta organised by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations, Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India. The exhibits of Sekhar Chakrabarti and Moloy Sarkar were displayed in this exhibition. The first ever solo philatelic exhibition on Tagore was held by courtesy Sekhar Chakrabarti,way back in 1966 organised by Indo-American Society, Calcutta.

Unique 3 D stamps from Netherlands -First stamps of their kind in the world

On 28 March 2011, Ole Bouman, director of the NAI, presented Elco Brinkman (the chairman of Bouwend Nederland) with the first series of stamps called ‘The City of the Netherlands’ named after the NAI’s new permanent exhibition. The stamps are graced by five visions of a future ‘City of the Netherlands’. The very first stamps of their kind in the world!

Augmented Reality Stamps
The collaboration between the TNT and NAI has resulted in an unusual project – a series of postage stamps. What’s special about these stamps is that they integrate Augmented Reality (AR). You can hold up the stamps in front of a webcam and see the buildings in 3D. This AR app works through a website www.toekomstinbeweging.nl (Dutch only). The project also demonstrates that cutting edge media technology can even fit onto something as small as a postage stamp!

Read More…

Most valuable stamp collection to go under the hammer expected to fetch £20 million - By Gordon Rayner

Sir Humphrey Cripps was one of life’s hoarders. When he died in 2000, his sons found an old shoebox in the back of his wardrobe containing thousands of train tickets – one for every rail journey he had ever made.

Luckily for them, however, his propensity for hoarding also extended to stamps, and over the course of 50 years the former chairman of Velcro built up a collection that would eventually become one of the finest in the world.

Sir Humphrey’s family have now decided to put all 80 of his stamp albums up for auction, in a sale that is expected to fetch £20 million, making it the most valuable stamp collection to go under the hammer.

The sheer number of rare stamps inherited by Sir Humphrey’s family has forced the auctioneers, Spink’s of London, to spread the collection over nine separate auctions over the course of 18 months to avoid flooding the market. Philatelists from all over the world are expected to bid for the thousands of treasures, which include one of the world’s rarest stamps, the Post Office Mauritius two penny blue, which is likely to fetch up to half a million pounds.

Sir Humphrey also owned the finest known “penny black” cover, from the beginnings of the modern postal service in 1840, which is estimated at £200,000. Unlike most stamp collectors, Sir Humphrey, who took over his father’s business making piano frames and car parts, showed no interest in the hobby as a boy. .”

The first auction, of British Empire stamps, begins on June 28.

Read More..

Honor for Indian Philatelist

Mr Praful Thakkar’s book Collector's Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India 1947-1964 Official & Private has been awarded Silver Bronze medal in NAPEX 2011 held at Washington, USA. After Portugal and South Africa, now in USA also the work has been appreciated. Award List is available at following link :

http://www.napex.org/docs/palmares/napex_palmares_2011_combined.pdf

Praful Thakkar is a renowned philatelist from Ahmedabad and retired as Indian Administrative Officer. He is a double Limca Book Record Holder in 2009 for Autographs & Canteen Tokens and indeed is a collector of autographs, stamps, First Day Covers (FDCs), coins, medals, tokens, badges , badge plates etc. and many more collectibles of India since last more than 45 years. For philatelic collectors, he has written Collector's Guide to Covers & Folders of India 1947-1964 - Official & Private. Through this book, he has tried to give a dimension to Philatelic facet of early classic period by cataloging Official FDCs, Private FDCs and Folders of this time.

Thematic Gallery of Indian/World Autographs-Limca Record Holder 2009
http://www.indianautographs.com

Classic Gallery of Indian Numismatics
http://www.indiannumismatics.com

Karnataka philatelist enters Limca Book of Records

Mr. Daniel Monteiro, philatelist from Udupi,Karnataka, a life member of DKPNA and an office staff of SMS College, also an environment lover, has been included in prestigious Limca Book of Records 2011 for his International level creditable achievements in the field of birds’ philately. Mr. Monteiro has bagged several medals at international level exhibitions held in Austria, Belgium, South Africa, Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, China and India.

Read More…..

Stamp of approval

Celebrated stamp designer to exhibit work in Sharjah

CHRISTIANE A. WEBER is an artist who passionately believes that philately is an art that has much to offer even in the modern digital age. She will exhibit some of her rare stamps at Coral Beach Resort, Sharjah from June 15 to 25 focusing on the birth and growth of the Italian Republic from 1946 onwards. A significant part of the collection will offer a glimpse of the first 40 years when the country went through major changes to emerge as a nation.

Weber, who began to delve into philately and specifically stamp production in 2002, is one of the few women who has created a space for herself and her company in this rather challenging field. She has been commissioned to work for several organizations and governments, but is insistent that her contracts offer the scope to pursue the cherished goal of helping charitable causes in developing nations.

“A stamp is a unit of currency and producing one requires commitment and responsibility. But above everything else this little piece of paper tells a compelling story. The stamp has gone through three centuries of history by becoming the world’s most widespread “monument”, thanks to which every nation can create a lasting tribute to the events, characters or social achievements made or people being celebrated by several countries at once.”

Read Interview with CHRISTIANE A. WEBER

Read More

China 2011 - 27th Asian International Philatelic Exhibition

The 27th Asian International Stamp Exhibition China 2011, co-sponsored by State Post Bureau, Jiangsu Government, China Post and All-China Philatelic Federation, will be held in Wuxi Taihu International Exposition Center from November 11 to November 15, 2011. This exhibition will be a large international stamp culture exchange activity. held in China after the 2009 World Stamp Exhibition.

Jointly organized by the State Post Bureau, China Post Group Corporation, All-China Philatelic Federation and the Jiangsu provincial government, the event will display 1,300 precious stamps from 26 Inter-Asia Philatelic Federation members.

The five-day event will also feature exhibitions of stamp designs, forums on stamp collecting and auctions of precious stamps, the Wuxi city government said in a statement. Additionally, the exhibition will offer activities showing visitors how stamps are created.

The exhibition's executive committee has kicked off a national youth competition on stamp designs and some of the best designs will be on display during the event.

Exhibition Date: November 11 – 15, 2011, will run for five days.

National Commissioner : Dr RS Gandhi, Patna

Email : gandhipatna@yahoo.com

Exhibition aims: to promote the development of our culture; promote the cause of China's postal and philatelic career development; promote the holding of the economic, cultural, all-round coordinated development; to promote philately in Asia and Oceania-round development; to promote international cultural exchange of people.

Venue : Taihu International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Organizers: the State Post Bureau, Jiangsu Provincial People's Government, the China Post Group Corporation, China National Philatelic Federation.

Sponsor: Wuxi Municipal People's Government.

Website : China 2011

PHILANIPPON 2011: World Stamp Exhibition

Date : July 28 – August 2, 2011

National Commissioner : Anil Suri

Email : anilksuri@email.com

Venue : Pacifico Yokohama, Exhibition Hall.1-1-1.1 Minatomirai Nishi-ku,

Yokohama 220-0012, Japan

Patronage : Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP)

Auspices : Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP) http://www.philanippon.jp/english/

World Philatelic Exhibition at Jakarta

Philatelists Association of Indonesia (PFI) will hold the World Philatelic Exhibition (World Stamp Exhibition) themed Indonesia 2012 from 18 to 24 June 2012 at the Jakarta Convention Centre Jakarta.

The exhibition titled "Bridge to the World of Peace Through Stamps" (Bridging To The World of Peace Through Stamp) is aimed to enhance friendship among philatelists the world as one share of world peace. Included in order to promote philately in all its aspects.

"Indonesia 2012" is expected to become the largest philatelic exhibition ever held in Indonesia. Earlier, Indonesia has successfully conducted philatelic exhibitions in Asia-Pacific three times, namely "Indopex '93" in Surabaya (1993), "Jakarta '95" in Jakarta (1995), and "Jakarta 2008" in Jakarta (2008). Indonesia has also been a world philatelic exhibition organizers specifically for teens class "Indonesia '96" in Bandung (1996).

Exclusive stamp exhibition in Stedtlingen, Germany

“ THE WORLD OF ANIMALS IN PHILATELY”

From July 2^nd to July 3^rd a philatelic exhibition will be held with the title “ THE WORLD OF ANIMALS IN PHILATELY” in the community Rhönblick, local district Stedtlingen, Germany. The exhibition is organized by the Stamp Collector Group BSV MEININGEN in cooperation with the topical collector group ARGE

ZOOLOGIE from Germany. Two pictorial postmarks will be available during the exhibition. One of the postmarks featuring a local ORCHID and the other one the SUNDEW.

Indian residents who are interested in both cancellations, please contact Mr. Matthias Reichel email: reichel.matthias@t-online.de or Wolfgang Beyer , email Wolfgang.Beyer1@polizei.sachsen.de . Postal address of Indian residents is requested for delivery of envelopes.

- Wolfgang Beyer, member of Staff from the topical collector group ARGE ZOOLOGIE

WW2 code breaking Tunny machine commemorative stamp and cover issued

6 June 2011

To mark the opening of the new Tunny Gallery at The National Museum of Computing, Bletchley Park Post Office issued a commemorative cover and ‘Smiler’. The cover features 1940s photographs of the original Tunny machines, a map of World War II German “Fish” communications network, a Lorenz SZ42 encipher machine and explanatory text.

The Tunny machine was vital in World War II code breaking and was a British re-engineering of the Lorenz SZ42 cipher machine used in radio teleprinter communications amongst German High Command. It produced the final decrypts and provided key intelligence for D-day, Kursk and in ousting the Axis forces from Italy and France. The rebuilt Tunny machine is now on display in the museum and features on the ‘Smiler’.

The cover bears a Bletchley Park Post Office CDS for 26 May when the new Tunny Gallery opened in the presence of four surviving veterans associated with the Tunny machine. Amongst them was Gil Hayward who helped build the first Tunny machine. Each veteran was presented with a limited edition cover.

The National Museum of Computing commissioned the limited edition of 250 covers as a tribute to the war-time code breakers. The issue price is £12.50 each. The 20 stamp ‘Smilers’ featuring the rebuilt Tunny machine are a limited edition of 50 at £40 each. The issue will contribute to the Museum’s fund raising drive

The stamps and covers are available, from The National Museum of Computing or Bletchley Park Post Office. They can be viewed at www.bletchleycovers.com.

Contact : Terry Mitchell, 01604 781440, terry@ltmp.co.uk

Forthcoming Exhibitions in India

Jul 8-10: Nagercoil, KUMARIPEX Stamps, Coins & Banknotes Exhibition

Timings: 10am to 6pm

Organizers: Kanyakumari District Philatelic & Numismatic Associaiton

Venue: Valanar Thirumana Mandapam, Assisi Campus, Nagercoil

Contact: Consort Dias Jacobs, Secretary KDPNA, 0 9843154344

Jul 22-24: Tiruchengode, Coin Stampex

Timings: 10 am to 9 pm

Organizers: Tiruchengode Numismatic & Philatelic Association

Venue: Sengunthar Thirumana Mandapam, Periyapavadi

Contact: Jc K Golden Saravanan (Secretary) 0 94432 74059, 0 99766 26296

Aug 5-7: Coimbatore, Coin Stampex

Venue: Kamalam Duraisamy Hall, Ram Nagar, Near Gandhipuram Central Bus Stand

Timings: 9.30 am to 9.30 pm

Organizers: Coimbatore District Numismatic & Philatelic Association

Contact: C Palaneswamy 09486923558

Oct 7-9: Chennai, SIPEX'11 Philatelic Exhibition

Venue: LITE Air conditioned Hall, 17 Balfour Road, Kilpauk, Chennai 600010

Adjacent to Nagappa Motors, Diagonally Opposite to ICICI Bank

Organizers: South India Philatelists' Association, Chennai

Contact: Amarchand 09840156410

For Prospectus and entry forms visit : http://www.sipa.org.in/

Last date for submitting entry forms : 20 Serptember 2011

Stamps of India National Exhibition

Nov 3-6: New Delhi,

Venue: NSIC Exhibition Complex, Okhla Industrial Estate, Govindpuri Metro Station

Timings: 11am to 7 pm

Organizers: Stamps of India

Contact: sj@stampsofinida.com

Website: www.stampsofindia.com/sine.html

THRISSURPEX 2011 Philatelic & Numismatic Exhibition

Nov 18-20: Thrissur, Organizers: Philatelic Club Thrissur

Venue: Pandy Samooha Madom Hall

Contact: C J Vincent, 0 98470 21886

News from Philatelic Societies

From Ludhiana Philatelic Club ……..

School Of Philately And library

Ludhiana Philatelic Club has opened a School of Philately and Library to support education in our schools via stamps on June 12, 2011. The School was inaugurated by S. Hira Singh Gabria, Minister of Jails, Tourism, and Cultural Affairs & Printing & Stationery. Mr. Prem Mittal, Political Advisor to S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, presided over the inaugural function. The school is located near Naurian Mal Jain School in Bagh Naurian Mal, Ludhiana. S. Hira Singh Gabria, appreciated the efforts of Ludhiana Philatelic Club in promotion of educative hobby of stamp collecting. He announced a grant of Rs.One lakh to the club for strengthening of School of Philately and its Library.

Stamps are a great way to learn about our history, geography, culture, animals; you name it; about almost anything. The School will strive to promote the educational use of philately by organizing spectrum of interesting educational programmes/workshops of short duration on various topics with the support of India Post. School teachers will be imparted training in using stamps as a teaching tool. Stamps can be used to motivate students who may otherwise have little interest in particular subject. Teachers can make topics interesting to their kids by introducing the topic via stamps.

The School will launch number of innovative programmes, reaching out to different target groups. These will be helpful in developing youngsters and others who choose to join such programmes in to better citizen and a strong nation.

Upon demand, the members of Ludhiana Philatelic club will visit local schools and help them start youth philatelic club and give talks about special topics with the help of stamps.

From Central India Philatelic Society …

Monthly meeting of Central India Philatelic society was organized on 5th June 2011 at the residence of Mr. Rajendra Agarwal “Shashi” at Satna (M.P.). It was well attended by 21 Philatelists. . Noted Philatelist, Philatelic writer and active member of Central India Philatelic Society, Mr. Anil Pujara was given farewell by the society .As 5th June was World Environment Day, Mr. Sudhir Jain, secretary of the Society exhibited his exhibits on Environment. New stamps were distributed to the members. Mr Rajendra Agarwal “Shashi” showed some interesting items recently added in his collection of stamps, coins and currency notes. Society President Mr. Ramesh Lajpatrai given welcome speech and Mr. Jinendra Jain, Treasurer given vote of thanks.

From Chattisgarh Philatelic Society

Chhattisgarh Philatelic Association informs that it has not issued any booklet on Rabindranath Tagore on 7 May 2011 as projected by some of the philatelic sites. The association informs all that it has never permitted and authorized printing and release of any such booklet.

Wedding Bells

Heartiest Congratulations !!

Moderator of Mobile Philately and General Secretary of Jainism Philatelic Group Mr. Deepak Narendra Modi of Jalna married to Dr. Priyanka on 14th June 2011 at Aurangabad. Best wishes to the couple for a very long and happy married life !!

Rainbow Stamp News : Coverage in Times of India

http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/2011/06/stamps-on-orchids-from-thailand-and.html

Obituary

Lucknow loses a senior philatelist..

Noted Philatelist of Lucknow Shri B S Chauhan , passed away on May 31, 2011. He had Specialized in India and had won awards in many philatelic exhibitions .

As a Philatelist Mr. Chauhan has been very cooperative and supportive specially to the youngster, young stamp collectors. His loss can never be filled in the Philately world. I pray Almighty that his soul should rest in peace and should give courage to the family to bear irrevocable loss.

Atul Agrawal

Aligarh

Sad demise of a senior philatelist from Karnataka

Noted senior philatelist from Karnataka Dr. P. G. Krishnamurthy passed away . He was found dead in unnatural condition near his house on 10th June. Dr. Krishnamurthy was an ardent philatelist and researcher of Modern Indian Postal History. He did extensive study on various aspects of Modern Indian Postal Services.

Our deepest condolences on sad demise of two senior philatelists of India !!

INTERVIEW

Rajesh Kumar Bagri is a well known name in the philatelic community for two reasons. He is a renowned thematic philatelist and recently he served as Commissioner General for World Philatelic Exhibition, INDIPEX 2011, held in New Delhi.. Mr. Bagri has specialized in ‘Cartography’ and has won many national and international awards for his exhibit. His deep interest in Geography since childhood days enabled him to prepare an extraordinary exhibit on ‘Maps’. His love and passion for cartography made him an expert of maps that he can draw an accurate map of the world free hand or draw the route of the longest railway line in the world - The Trans Siberian Railway in minutes…. Mr Bagri is not only a renowned thematic philatelist but he also proved to be highly successful as Commissioner General for two big philatelic shows held in India, INDIPEX 2011 and Indepex - Asiana 2000, Kolkata. He is the only Indian in Thematics to receive Gold Medal with special Prize from Thailand’s Princess M. Sirindhorn at Asian International Philatelic Exhibition, Bangkok in 1989.

Mr Bagri initially got inspiration for collecting stamps from his uncle Mr Rameshwar Das Binani, a well known thematic philatelist of India. Like other children Mr. Bagri also started collecting stamps with a general collection and used to exchange stamps from his friends during school days. But later he developed a specialized collection with the guidance from his uncle Mr. R.D. Binani. Need not to mention that he learnt finer technical points of philately from Mr Binani, who is himself an expert on “Flag theme” which helped him to prepare an excellent collection on maps. Today Mr Bagri’s exhibit on Maps is regarded as one of the best collections on Cartography. Mr Bagri says that the theme selected by the collector should be flexible enough to expand in many directions and yet tell a whole, linear story.

Professionally a well known figure in Corporate circle, Mr Bagri is the Director on the Board of Binani Cement Factory LLC. He received the Achievers Excellence Award in 2009 from The President of Mauritius, Sir Anerood Jugnauth for extra-ordinary professional achievements and the Group’s outstanding contribution towards development of strong trade relations between India and Mauritius.

Besides philately Mr Bagri has lot of interest in Numismatics, autographs and collection of craft and antiques. In addition to these interests he is also a software expert. Some softwares developed by him are currently in use.

He also designed and developed “EXIST” the Exhibition Information Management Software for Federation Internationale de Philatelie (FIP) which has two modules

– (1) EXIST EXB - deals with management of FIP exhibitions, awards, Jury work, Palmares etc. The software has been used in all major FIP World Exhibitions since 2000 at London, UK; Kolkata, India, Brussels, Belgium; Madrid, Spain; Beijing, China ; St. Petersburg, Russia; Washington, USA….. and other major International Exhibitions

- (2) EXIST HQ – used at FIP Headquarters to incorporate, correct and manage exhibition and exhibitor data, past awards and eligibility to Championship Class.

He has also written a book “ Computer Aided Accounting” for Tata Consultancy Services and served as a faculty in IIM, ASCI, ICA, ICWAI, UNDP, UNIDO etc. for various Management Development Programmes.

With the President of India and children at INDIPEX 2011

A multifaceted personality with a highly busy professional schedule, Mr Rajesh Bagri loves philately and keeps the hobby alive by regularly updating his collection and participating in philatelic events. He is an example to those who say they don’t have time for hobby……if you have passion for something…..The time is not limitation., ……It is a great pleasure to share here some views of Mr Rajesh Kumar Bagri related with INDIPEX – 2011 and other topics of philately with the Readers. - Editor

Mr Rajesh Kumar Bagri may be contacted at email : bagri@iname.com

Interview with Rajesh Kumar Bagri

Q1 What was your experience as Commissioner General of INDIPEX 2011. A great responsibility was on you as India was the host country for this show. What sort of challenges did you face ? It was stressful or you enjoyed it ?

Ans : I had accepted this role and position to offer my experience as a Commissioner General as I had the opportunity to serve as Commissioner General at Indepex Asiana 2000 at Kolkata before. It is no doubt a tremendous responsibility as the image and reputation of the country is involved. I enjoyed the challenge and thank all officials of deptt of posts, my colleagues and fellow philatelists for their support and confidence bestowed upon me.

Q2. In an International Philatelic event, what is the role of a Commissioner General whether; a commissioner is representative of his country or merely a messenger of exhibits?

Ans : The role of a Commissioner General is much larger than what is visible at the exhibition. The philatelic event has two parts – 1) Administrative and Finance 2) Philatelic.

The Commissioner General has to deal with all philatelic aspects of the exhibition :

1. with regards to the affiliation to FIP, and adherence to its guidelines2. Contact each country federation and request for Appointment of a National Commissioner from their country.

3. Request and arrange for qualified entries from all the countries.

4. Liaise with the respective National Commissioner

5. Attend meetings and suggest measures

6. Allotment of Frames,

7. Guide and suggest minute details about the procedures, display, security, programme and other activities regarding the exhibition.

8. Setup, guide and advise the receipt and dispatch of exhibits from and to each country through their National Commissioner.

Q3. In India, there is no proper system of circulation of news or any Publicity Forum about International exhibitions therefore many philatelists are unable to participate in the exhibition. Only those who have personal contacts with the National Commissioner or get info from other resources are able to participate. Don’t you think there must be a website of National Philatelic Federation which gives updates about the recent philatelic activities associated with them and a press release should also be circulated to all editors of philatelic magazines by them? Many philatelists complain that they do not get info of International exhibitions timely.

Ans : This should not be a problem. I feel that philatelic events should be announced and organized well in advance, so that sufficient time is available to the participants. It is much better if there is a website for the National Federation so that members of all affiliated clubs can get information. Generally the Press Release and publicity for an International Exhibition is done by the National Commissioner in their respective country.

Q4. Indipex 2011 was a successful exhibition but with your own experience of INDIPEX what else could have been done to make the show more interesting?

- Pre event publicity on a National Level

- Participation of Schools from all over India

- Holding of State and National Exhibitions two years before to provide scope for qualification to Indian Exhibitors.

- Providing proper facilities for Foreign Visitors and Commissioners

Q5. Coming to your own wonderful thematic collection on Maps, what prompted you to take this particular theme of Maps only??

Interest in Geography. I love maps. Could draw freehand, various maps of the world, including railway lines, mineral, crops etc.

Q6 .What are your other favourite themes and collecting interests?

Ans : Have been collecting Maps from 1975, which goes to discoverers, explorers, mathematicians, astrology etc. With the large size of collection, could not start any other theme. Specially, the exhibit had been change and re-written almost 10 times as the rules also changed many times.

Q7. Please share your most memorable experiences in a philatelic event?

There have been some very special events which are memorable :

- 1989 Thaipex89 Asian International Philatelic Exhibition where I was the Fisrt Asian to receive a Gold Medal with Special Prize in Thematic from HH Princess Mahachakri Sirindhorn. I also served as the National Commissioner there for the first time.

- 1993 INPEX, National Exhibition at Kolkata – where I received the prestigious National Gold Medal with the Best Exhibit Award.

- 1997 CENTIPEX, National Exhibition at Mumbai – where I received the coveted Grand Prix in the Championship Class.

- 1997 Indipex World Exhibition – where I was entrusted with the FIP Software under DOS to assist the Jury work. This was the first time that all the exhibition work could be done successfully till the release of Country wise Award List and publication. It was a proud moment for India as hosts.

- 1998 I designed and developed first windows based software – “EXIST” Exhibitor Information Management software for the FIP- the software has two modules – One FIP Headquarter Module and another Exhibition Management Module. From that day till today, it manages the records and database of all exhibitors and awards received in any FIP exhibition and also automatically lists those eligible for Championship Class entry. At the beginning of each exhibition an updated database is sent to the exhibition, the database is used at the time of entry of Applications, with facility of online checking and last awards etc. The Exhibition Management Software, deals with the receipt of entries, country wise intimation, acceptance notices, Frame allotments, Frame sequencing as per subjects, Frame numbering, provision for last minute changes, Jury Work, awards, Palmares and lastly release of updated database for incorporation at the FIP Headquarters for updation into the master database.

In India the Software was used in 2000 Indipex Asiana. Whereas it was successfully used in all world exhibitions from China 1999, Spain 2000 and all exhibitions throughout till very recently. Special recognition and satisfaction letter was issued by FIP in their website and FLASH magazine.Was also felicitated for this achievement by the Philatelic Society of India, Mumbai. This was a very great and proud acknowledgement of work for me and India.

Q8. As a Commissioner General You must have been in close association with the jury members. What difference do you find in the standard of judgment at International and National level exhibitions?

Ans : Jury work in philatelic exhibitions is divided in teams and carried out in a highly professional manner. With the introduction of standard marksheet system, it is the most scientific way of assessment.

Marks are given on the basis of guidelines published under the GREX, GREV and SREV.

Ideally speaking Exhibitions at National level should adopt similar guidelines to allow any exhibitor to graduate into the international arena without much difficulty. These may need to vary sometimes, as per the overall level of the country and the exhibition. Similar situation arises when a Youth exhibit crosses the age limit and comes to senior level.

National exhibitions have to maintain a high level of standard, but at times, the same is not appreciated in the right perspective. This in turn may negatively affect the growth and development of any particular exhibit later. In my opinion, the basis and rules should be on similar lines only.

Q9. While allotting the number of frames host countries are usually given more preference than other countries. Is there some reservation for the participants of host country in all International exhibitions?

Ans : Generally, eligible entries from the host country are given preference. This also depends upon the total size of the exhibition, vis-à-vis entries received from all over the world, There is no reservation, as such.

Q10 Now some online magazines have appeared. How online magazines are judged in the Literature Class in International exhibitions? Just by their printouts, its CD or monitoring them online?

Ans : Its CD and printouts both.

Q11. Last but not the least you are an experienced philatelist what content a good philatelic magazine should have ??

- Articles for new collectors

- Rules of exhibiting in different classes

- Study and research articles

- Pen friends and exchange section

- New issues information

- Thematic section

Beginners’ Section

World of Paper

Stamp collecting (also known as philately) remains one of the most popular hobbies in the world, and still largely affordable if one chooses to stay away from the truly scarce material.

One of the reasons perhaps is the overall availability of stamps. They come on envelopes in the mail. New releases can be picked up at the local post office. Social networking sites on the internet, such as Facebook, provide ample opportunities to trade stamps with foreign collectors.

At first, a new collector can be readily overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of stamps that have been released by various countries, starting with Great Britain who released the world’s first stamp in 1840, with the United States following suit in 1847.

Tools of the trade

The basic necessity for collecting stamps is an album. Without a means to properly organize and mount one’s stamps, it wouldn’t be a collection, but just a mess of stamps in a box.

There are albums available for almost any country, world albums, specialty albums, albums for covers (envelopes with stamps on them), or albums or binders for blank pages. A collector can even make his or her own album by simply buying a binder and hole-punching pages for it.

Albums can range in price for basic, beginner world albums for around $10, to advanced collector albums costing hundreds of dollars a set. If one is just beginning to collect stamps, start simple and start cheap.

Stamps are generally mounted using a gummed “hinge,” for used stamps. or a special mount for stamps that have never been used, to protect the gum. A pack of 1,000 hinges can generally be had for around $8 or less. Mounts are used to affix the stamp to the album page. Never glue a stamp to a page nor lick the gum to attach it as these will ruin the value of any stamp.

Read More…

Courtesy : Smithsonian National Museum

Specialized Section

DISINFECTION OF MAIL

By Naresh Agarwal

Contd…from the last

After the end of the 18^th century, plague had not much effect in Europe (other than Russia and the Balkans) though there were outbreaks sometimes somewhere particularly in the Ionian Islands. But yellow fever seldom attacked Caribbean , which had occasioned disinfection of mail coming from there, visited ports in Spain and Italy in 1805, resulting in a resurgence of the treatment of mail, even in Northern European countries.

Disinfected Entire of Oct. 1819 Habana to Barcelona

In 1831, the western world faced a new threat i.e. cholera, which had escaped from India routed to Europe via Persia and Russia in the contamination of water sources resulting in adopting practices of treatment of mail in many countries like Germany, Australia etc.. but by the mid-1840s disinfection was little used, except in eastern Europe against plague.

Letter dated 10.05.1832 from New York City to Paris with specific disinfection marking

Malta 1847 entire letter from Constantinople to Livorno, Italy, showing French P.O. in Constantinople date stamp "CONSTANTINOPLE/ TURQUIE", "LIVORNO/ C/ VIA DI MARE" maritime cancel, and fine "PURIFIE AU LAZARET/ MALTE" disinfection cancel.

Italy Disinfected mail Torres. Lorenzo to Anzio 1854

SERVIZIO DI SANITA' MARITTIMA handwritten on entire letter to Health Authority at the Port of Anzio to attest authenticity - the Towers were used to monitor the Roman coastline, enforce a sanitary cordon when necessary and impose quarantine on suspect vessels Please wait

An epidemic of cholera in Egypt in 1884 resulted in a brief renewal of measures especially in Italy, but most countries anticipated the verdict of the 1893 International Sanitary Congress, that 'letters, news-papers and books should be free of all restrictions' - but only against cholera. The Americans still disinfected mail against yellow fever and bubonic plague on isolated occasions, most notably in Hawaii, and the Russians redoubled their efforts against Persia and the Far East in the 1890s when both plague and cholera raged, until 1911.

EUROPE Austria Ibraila. 10.10.1868, Cover to Corfu endorsed ''Via Costantinopoli'' have Two disinfection slits and minor acidic ink erosions and small portion of paper loss at base

13.10.1885 entire London to Messina with 'slit' for purification purposes.

In the 20th. century, mail was very sensibly treated to prevent transmission of smallpox at different parts of the world.

1902 postcard from Port Said to Malta with light strike of "DESINFECTE/ LAZARETTO. MALTE" datestamp, franked on the picture side with pair 2m (toned) tied by PORT-SAID.

In 1955, Americans were accused of using the mail as a means of bacterial warfare by the Soviet-controlled regime in East Germany using the idea as propaganda in a district where there was an outbreak of paratyphoid fever.

The anthrax scare in the U.S.A. in September 2001thought to be an act of bioterrorism resulted in experimenting and adopting new methods of mail disinfection i.e. by irradiating the mail to kill the micro organisms of the disease also some actions in Europe and Australia to check the possibility spread there.

QUARANTINE :

Quarantine is voluntary or compulsory isolation, typically to contain the spread of something considered dangerous, often but not always disease. Quarantine was applied to humans, cattle, goods, mail, packages etc. Though quarantine refers to forty days but could be as long until the person was healed properly with no threat to others, and might be very short, such as in the case of a suspected anthrax attack, in which persons were allowed to leave as soon as they shed their potentially contaminated garments and undergo a decontamination shower. Or had a shower in a decontamination tent.

1799 fumigated folded letter quarantine outside Philadelphia at Health Station situated about 10 miles from main township which initially an island

Fumigated Ship letter dated 16.07.1829 from Havana,Cuba to Boston, held in quarantine for 21 days on Rainsford Island in Boston Harbor due to Yellow fever in the West Indies.

HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF QUARANTINES : The concept of quarantine is deeply related to heath practices prevailing during middle ages and thereafter as a protection and prevention measure especially during epidemics involving isolation of the diseased men or infected material.

When a smallpox epidemic struck Rome around 164 A.D., Galen is said to have hastily returned to his home in Pergamon on the Ionian Coast of modern-day Turkey. When plague returned to London in 1665, Thomas Sydenham, a physician, prudently sought safety in the countryside.

The Bible mentions the separation of infected people in order to prevent the spread of disease as early as 1513 BC, as recorded in Leviticus chapter 13 of the ld testament.

It was as early as in the 14th century, most citizens could not flee pestilences, plagues and epidemics threatening their towns, but civil authorities sought to protect them by excluding suspected human carrying disease and merchandise from outside. In 1347 when bubonic plague reached ports on the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea were among the first to deny entry to ships coming from infected or affected areas, notably from Turkey, Middle East or North Africa. Florence, on the Arno River, issued restrictions on travelers and goods as early as 1348. The Venetian Republic formally excluded "infected and suspected ships" in 1374. The earliest such action in the America was by the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1647 to 1648, when it barred ships coming from the West Indies thought to be carrying yellow fever.

The first recorded system of disinfection and decontamination was basically isolation, restriction, protection and separation for good required period until the infection was checked satisfactorily, was quarantine. Decontamination of mail was for hundreds of years an aspect of quarantine, as a part of the larger effort o to destroy the agents of epidemic disease likely to spread through transmission of mail.

In 1377 it was first at Ragusa in Dalmatia, on the eastern shore of the Adriatic that all persons coming from an infected region were detained at a point distant from the city for thirty days.( trentina).This period was soon found short and then extended to 40 days (quaranata giorni), from whence the word quarantine, and for the first time this was enforced in Merseilles in 1383.

Ships docking at the Lazzaretto Vecchio, Venice, 14th century

Later, other cities established isolation stations on shore or on nearby islands. Ragusa's use of an offshore island in 1377 was an early example of such a quarantine station. In spite of Ragusa's seeming priority, various sources claim that the first such station was a pest house built on the island of Sardinia in 1453 or buildings erected at Pisa near the church of San Lazzaro in 1464. The Bible mentions the separation of infected people in order to prevent the spread of disease as early as 1513 BC, as recorded in Leviticus chapter 13 of the ld testament.

The disinfection of letters was first attempted in Venice around 1493 by dipping them in vinegar In North America during the 1743 epidemics of smallpox and yellow fever, an early quarantine station was established in Philadelphia on Providence Island in the Schuylkill River. Other major U.S. cities soon thereafter organized quarantine stations to cope with later epidemics of smallpox, yellow fever, typhus and cholera.

Rock carving of 1697 by infected and detained persons at Sydney Quarantine Station

The Sydney Quarantine Station has hundreds of rock carvings made by crew-members from the Himalaya during their detention. Periods of detention for smallpox contacts could last a few days to a few months depending on circumstances and vaccination history. Rock carving was a popular way to pass the days.

Different laws and acts were made in the different parts of the world like Italy, Germany, France, Australia, America, West Indies at different time to control and regulate the quarantine practices.

To be contd…..

Mr Naresh Agarwal may be contacted at email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

HIDDEN TREASURE of a Philatelic Item

“ Hidden Treasure of a Philatelic item ” is a very special article by Dr SK Agarwal and it will be highly useful for the lovers of Thematic Philately. It gives an idea of unlimited possibility of including different types of philatelic items in a Thematic Collection by deep research and keen observation of stamps, postmarks and other philatelic items. – Editor

© Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal

Sometimes we may come across supplementary information behind issuance of few Stamps, Postmarks, Overprints or particular Philatelic element which relates them with a particular theme not evident from the item itself at first hand but the supplementary information revels this connection. After reading the explanation in the text, viewer will be surprised that the exhibitor has tracked down this connection which is not in least obvious but by this cross-reference something special is added and the development has acquired an extra dimension. We may call it as “Hidden Treasure of a Philatelic item”.

To be clearer, have some examples of ‘Hidden treasures’.

Supplementary Information

In a collection on “Europa” the mention of the 9^th Symphony and Beethoven, seems inadequate at first sight but the supplementary information that 9^th Symphony is looked on as the European anthem, and is played at many European events proves its importance in this theme.

Beethoven

Inclusion of ‘George Washington’ in an exhibit on brewing is also a cleaver cross-reference as he had his own brewery.

George Washington

Inclusion of Lord Krishna and Rabindranath Tagor in a theme on “Family Planning” with text ‘If family planning would have been followed from ancient time, we would never get Krishna or Tagor as they are eighth sons of their parents’ adds something extra ordinary to this theme.

Lord Krishna Rabindranath Tagore

The actress Anna Fuhring posed as the model for the Allegorical figure of Germania on German stamps is known to many. This stamp is therefore also suitable in a collection on “Theatre”.

Anna Fuhring as Germania

The Opera Aida was composed and commissioned to be performed for the opening of the Suez Canal it is certainly worth mentioning in a collection on ‘Opera’ and justifies the inclusion of an illustration of that canal in this theme. Vice versa, inclusion of Opera Aida scene will be like a treasure hunt in a collection on ‘Canals’.

Opera Aida Suez Canal

Inclusion of Goethe in a collection on ‘Dogs’ would be surprising at first sight but with added text “When on 12^th. April 1817 against the wishes of Goethe, a play about a dog was performed at the Court Theater in Weimar; he resigned as general manager, a position which he had held for 26 years. Vice versa a dog stamp has some extra meaning in a collection on Goethe.

Goethe

Hidden Illustration

Sometimes Stamps are printed with additional words or illustration hidden in the main design as a security measure. Few examples are “USPS”, “Botanist” and “Love”, in issues of USA and word “Secret” in Sherlock Holmes issue of Great Britain.

Design made up of "USPS" "LOVE" in upper right bud "BOTANISTS" in the petal

The edge of Sweden's first astronaut, Fuglesang's suit bears the Micro Text "My, my, at Waterloo Napoleon did surrender". The ABBA song, Waterloo, was a greeting from his Family on space control to the crew.

"My, my, at Waterloo Napoleon did surrende"

Few hidden illustrations in original design give rise to their association with a scheme for which the original stamp has no visible connection. In the Haiti’s first definitive issue of 1881 featuring the allegorical effigy of Liberty in 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.

Hidden profile of a Negress

The image of George Washington is made ​​up of thousands of small pictures of banknotes in the world and that of Princess Diana of Flowers.

George Washington Princesses Diana

Viewing Icelandic, “The Great Geyser” issue of 1938 in a collection on ‘Whiskers’ will be surprising but with text ‘ if this stamp is seen turned upside-down King Neptune, complete with flowing whiskers, appears beside the geyser, proves its wise addition.

King Neptune, complete with flowing whiskers

It also applies to the last issue of independent Austria released in December 1937 before the Nazi invasion on 13 March 1938depicting a Vase of roses and Signs of the Zodiac in a theme on ‘Hitler’. In the design, the right hand outline of the largest rose seems to form the head, nose and moustache of Hitler. Ghost portrait of Hitler can also be seen in the trees featured at the left side of the vignette of an issue of West German 1964 definitive series, depicting Castle Gate.

Ghost portrait of Hitler

But the most striking example of this class may be the set of stamps depicting castles and cathedrals, issued in 1939 for the German occupation of Czechoslovakia during the Second World War, when the Czech area was stripped away and renamed Bohemia & Moravia. 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.

Outline map of Czechoslovakia

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

Czechoslovakia border

Secret of Overprint

Overprints for Hurricane relief, flood relief, Refugee relief etc is very well known but sometimes overprints are used for some hidden purposes. Ecuador’s 1902 issue with various overprints have no link with the ‘Fire’ theme but it fits extremely well if text added that when there was a fire in the GPO at Guayaquil, large quantities of stamps were stolen. To prevent their fraudulent use, the reaming stocks were provided with the overprint.

Overprinted Ecuador’s 1902 issues

Stamps of Portugal with overprint ‘Assistencia’ are important in a collection on ‘Olympic Games in Amsterdam’ as supplement had to be paid which benefitted the Portuguese participants of the game.

Overprint ‘Assistencia’

From 1911 to 1945 post-free stamps were issued in Switzerland. By means of an overprint some of them were given a check number which had been allotted to the organization entitled to free-postage. If one succeeds in unfolding the secret of these overprinted numbers allotted to the organization, he may include this overprinted stamp in a theme by illustration only have no place for it.

Overprinted Numbers

Behind a Postmark

Likewise few postmarks also have their hidden stories and exploration can give them place in a theme previously not evident. Immediately after WW II, under the scheme for remaining Nazi emblems from German meter mark, the Swastika and the eagle were removed with the result that an empty box appeared or indeed a full box if the empty space was filled with lead. These postmarks therefore can be used not only for the theme denoted by their slogans and illustrations but also very well for the WW II theme.

Eagle removed and space filled with lead

Eagle removed and space left empty

The first cancellation of the 1944 Scout Post from Warsaw in collection on Scouting is highly desirable but perhaps they would make an even greater impression on the theme of Agricultural productions. The very first mark was, in fact, cut from half a potato and a few later ones from leather shoe soles. Same also applies to Early 19^th. Century Fancy Cancels of the USA prepared carving designs in cork etc.

The first cancellation of the 1944 Scout Post from Warsaw

Early19^th. Century Fancy Cancels of the USA

Maltese cross obliteration devised to cancel first stamp of the world, Penny Black and first postal stationery, Mulready sheet &envelope has an important addition in any collection on Rose theme. It is believed to be an adoption of the Tudor Rose. Also the colour of the ink used Red to cancel the stamps and stationeries, matching the national flower of England, a Red Rose.

Red Maltese cross obliteration

Purpose of a new Philatelic element

Printing advertisements on postal stationeries are some times to meet the expenses of printing or selling them to public on subsidized rate but few have special purpose behind it knowing which relates that article with a theme primarily have no visible relation other than with themes related to the advertisements on it.

BLP letters can be included not only for themes for which advertisements appear on them but also by the reason for their issue and the destination of part of the yield for collections dealing with the war wounded.

BLP letter

By the use of such materials with appropriate text sufficient to explain their reason of inclusion the exhibitor not only adds some extra dimension to his exhibit and makes the exhibit more appealing for the visitor as well as for the jurors but also put forwards his philatelic knowledge about the theme leading to some extra points during evaluation.

Dr SK Agarwal may be contacted at email : rosephila@hotmail.com

Something of interest, also for non-philatelists….

WHAT 'S THERE IN THE LETTER ?

By Dr. Avinash B. Jagtap

I collect old letters and amuse myself in reading their contents. Unfortunately, in most of the letters written by the British, who lived in India for years, there is hardly any reference to the life of the “Natives” (as we were called then!). In most of the letters they write about their monetary problems and eventually ask their members of the family to borrow money for them, or write about their work and their involvements in certain governmental undertakings. about their celebrations, promotions and parties...but never... never about the “Natives”, their life ... their religion... their problems etc.! I am singularly fortunate to offer you a translation of a letter written (original in French language and that too in the best handwriting!) by a French traveller almost 164 years ago. Please go through it and see what this traveler has to say about Indians, have the conditions improved or have got still deteriorated, please assess yourself.

A letter from Behrampore, about 300 miles away from Calcutta:

Behrampore

24^thJuly 1847

My dear mother and my dear Brothers,

I have written to you a few lines in order to inform you about my health, which is quite good. From the bottom of my heart I wish that your health and that of the whole family is also in best condition. This is the boon which I shall ask the Almighty to bestow upon me.

I wished to go to Calcutta in the month of June, but at present we are already late, because of the torrential rains. The rivers are all flooded and the streets are also not at all usable. There are neither bridges, nor ships, so that one could have crossed the swollen rivers during certain seasons of the year. I think that the water will subside by the beginning of August and then we will able to go to Calcutta, that is about a month from now.

Dear parents, I shall write to you every month as I had promised you and shall send my letters by steamers. I shall write to you about what I do during my stay in this country. The journey which I have undertaken is certainly much tiresome and the internal territory of India is very much unhealthy to the human being. God has bestowed upon me really a very good physical constitution of the body, so that I can escape the notorious diseases, for example all sorts of fevers and other hygienic insufficiencies. All these diseases could be cured provided one has luck to get a physician or a medical store in the immediate neighbourhood. But on the continent at present, no such possibility is readily available. This is in fact the reason behind the deaths of many Europeans who traverse this vast country.

Had there been no such unhealthy situations, this country could claim to be the most beautiful land the Mother Nature had ever created, because of the most beautiful landscapes and many precious sought out products for the sale in the market.

My dear parents, you could imagine yourselves, how poor the people of India are in their own country, despite of the fact that their country can produce such wonderful different products. Even you may not believe that an Indian will not do you any favour, unless you pay for it! And he will demand that money in advance; otherwise he will leave you thirsty and will not offer you a glass of water! He will not behave like this only towards the foreigners; but even he will treat his fellow citizens of his own blood and flesh, in the same inhuman manner! Here I tell you the nature of the Indians and allow you to assess yourselves, which care one must take when one is not willing to die in this country.

My dear brother, the sailor, let me know if you have luck with your profession and you dear brother Francois, give me some information about my brother Martin, if he has success in his trade and his undertakings. I shall be very happy to hear if you all have been successful and this alone is sufficient for me to live in happiness to know that you all are fortunate and have been in well-to-do situation.

So far as I am concerned, I can’t say when my situation would change. But I live with this hope. Even one requires one and the only moment is sufficient for a person living in a colony to change his fate. One needs only one good opportunity, as has been seen many times, to make a modest fortune within a few years. Here I send my love to both of my dear sisters-in-law and all my young nephews and nieces. Please remind them of their unlucky uncle, who will be happy when he could embrace them all.

My dear brothers, I request you to take care of our beloved mother and to nurse her in her old age. During our childhood she had taken our utmost care. Now with your attentiveness return what she did for us in the past. The difficulties which she had in bearing and rearing us up, as all good mothers do for their all children. You will have the pleasure to utter the nice words, which I myself will never be able to convey her in her old age, that I have returned the services and care, which she bestowed upon me when I was a child. This alone is sufficient for me to be happy and you can be sure that you will be blessed with the Providence of the Almighty.

Adieu my tender mother... adieu my brothers! I wish you all love and embrace you all in my dreams with the hope that the future will allow me to realize it. Believe me, your most dear son and brother, in the Life and in Him, who loves you above everything.

affectionately,

Aine Marroe

_____________________________________________________________________________

Dr. Avinash B, Jagtap may be contacted at email : abjagtap@hotmail.com

New Issues from other countries

Aland

7 June 2011 Potao Chips

Korea

3 June 2011 Save Polar Regions

Malaysia

Pos Malaysia has withdrawn following “ Virtues” issue after three days sale.

13 June 2011 Virtues – 10 values

Ten stamps are in 60 sen denomination and symbolically depict virtues of love, hard working, courteous, mutual respect, independent, awareness, kind hearted, thankful, living in harmony and integrity.

The stamp featuring “Thankful” is very special as the word “Thank you” is written in seven languages (including Hindi and Sanskrit) as Malaysia being a multicultural country composing of Malays, Chinese, Indians and Eurasians, and as well as tribal communities .

Pakistan

8 June 2011 Uniting for HIV Prevention – Rs 8

Russia

16 May 2011 : Monuments of Science and Technology - 4 val MS

A series of “Monuments of science and technology” featuring four stamps dedicated to the clock tower of Russia – one of the oldest types of mechanical watches. The world’s first tower clock in London, appeared on the tower of Westminster Abbey as early as 1288. In Russia the first mechanical clocks were installed in the Kremlin in 1404. They had a rotating dial with a stationary arrow. Clock tower at Frolovska (Saviour) Tower of Moscow Kremlin appeared in the XVI century. In the XVII century clock tower commonly spread in our country.

Design on the stamps:
1. The clock on the Central Telegraph building. Moscow.
2. The clock on the building of the Admiralty. St. Petersburg.
3. The clock on the building of Moscow State University. University. Moscow.
4. The clock on the building of the railway station. Sochi.

Singapore

3 June 2011 : endangered animal: Oriental Small-Clawed Otter - 4 val.

The Oriental Small-Clawed Otter, also known as the Asian Small-Clawed Otter, is rare in Singapore, but has been recorded from the north-western coast of Singapore namely the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong. The Oriental SmallClawed Otter is regarded as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in its Red List of Threatened Species. It is distinguished from other Asian otters by its small size, and small hands and feet with short claws that do not extend beyond their partially webbed fingers and toes. The Oriental Small-Clawed Otter inhabits mangrove swamps and freshwater wetlands.

USA

16 June 2011 Famous American Scientists ; 4 values

Melvin Calvin was the first scientist to trace in detail the process of photosynthesis and conducted pioneering research on using plants as an alternative energy source. He won the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1961.

Asa Gray, one of the first professional botanists in the United States, advanced the specialized field of plant geography and became the principal American advocate of evolutionary theory in the mid-nineteenth century.

Maria Goeppert Mayer developed a theoretical model that helped explain the structure of the atomic nucleus; for this work she became the only woman other than Marie Curie to win a Nobel Prize in physics.

Severo Ochoa, a biochemist, was the first scientist to synthesize ribonucleic acid (RNA) and competed in the race to decipher the genetic code. Ochoa won the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine in 1959.

Vanuatu

25 May 2011 : Massena’s Lrikeets – 4 val. + MS

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.

Private Booklets

The so called 'Booklets' in India mostly of which are prepared and printed by unauthorized private individuals, primarily to flatten their own purse, rather than promotion of philately in particular. The unsuspected collectors who buy these 'Trash' items and put them in their collections ultimately land up absolutely frustrated when they find their collections are downgraded mainly for inclusion of these undesirable items (of no postal connections or approval). Instead of being appreciated by the members of jury these poor collectors pay highly for no fault of them. For all practical purposes what these Booklets (or should I say, mere wrappers ?) are created for ? It is to be kept in mind that only valid and official postal items are acceptable in accredited philatelic shows. Only exceptions are perhaps, Patriotic cards and other items of historical value. The Patriotic cards which had gone through the mails are Postal History items and therefore, not only acceptable but highly desirable.

- Sekhar Chakrabarti, Kolkata

June Issue..

Dear Dr. Satyendra,

I read your fantastic article with great pride and pleasure in Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti's "Rainbow Stamp News". I have never read such "self-examining" article by any philatelist, who had exhibited and does not know how he could obtain the points for each of the "disciplines". these are the usual remark of the displayer that he/she has been wrongly (or deliberately?) given him/her a few point less and thus he/she failed to get the points which he had aspired for! Many times as in India even it is impossible that there is ever a possibility for the displayer to get in touch with the Jury and the Jury is not always capable of answering him/her up to his/her satisfaction! This is not an "Indian" problem but it happens world over.
I am sure that even when this article of yours it appears once again in a permanent printed form, it will benefit for "educating" the compilers of thematic displays. After all philately is another way of educating people in their hobby.

- Avinash B. Jagtap, Switzerland

Is philately only about the cover carrying the mail or the text or contents of the mail ?

Philately is changing its shape and scope is widening. It is not limited to the stamps only. While going through one of the articles written by Mr. Jagtap “Some thing philatelic for non philatelists”, I came across the idea of exploring the text and other contents of the mail in the philately rather then the cover/packet/card carrying the mail or the message only.

As we all know, philately is mainly concerned with the carriage of mail and its elements such as operation, carriage, postage, stamps, labels, inscriptions, marks, makings cancellations, means, route, places, time etc. etc. but we hardly give serious concern to the matter contained, the message sent, the articles posted etc. through and in that cover. Though postal history collectors do give importance to this aspect but other fields of philately invariably ignore this. The display of any mail say post card, letter card is not for the matter written/sent in /on it but for the postal aspects such as cancellations, marking, stamp etc.

Being seriously involved in Social Philately, I feel that the contents of the mail are equally important and immense pleasure giving aspect of philately. The contents are the true show case of the then prevailing social, economical, cultural and other set ups of any society to which the mail related to that are both the place of origin and of destination. My one frame exhibit on insurance has been prepared using various mail contents, letters which had postal connection and it speaks well about history and development of insurance in India in India. I reiterate that without the text or the mail sent in cover, I would not have covered, spoken the story so comprehensively.

Burra Bazzar Kolkatta in early 1900 and in 2011

Postal view cards have such scenes of a particular place where in one can see the conditions prevailing at different times which is not only interesting but informative too.

Recently a mail sent through First Air Mail Service of the world from Allahabad to Naini during Indipex 2011 was put on auction by Todiwala and later printed on the front page of India study circle bulletin. This cover contains the mail/letter with sketches telling how the letter would be carried from its origin to destination including air mail carriage by plane tells the complete story of that mail carriage. This not only shows the introduction of new system but the reaction of the people and society to that event which was undoubtedly an historic development which drastically changed the socio set ups of the world as it paved way for quicker paper mail communication. The views expressed in the mail, the trade discussions and deals held through mail, the information fed and exchanged through mail and other contents of the text of the mail are undoubtedly important and significant both from the philatelic as well as social and historic point of view.

1911 First Aerial post cancellation, cover with a unique letter inside from Allahabad to Fool Chow , China addressed to a scarce destination .Letter written by an uncle to his little nephew explaining with the help of interesting sketches the different mode of transportation of the letter will go through from Allahabad to Foo Chow. Sketches of a train, airplane, a steamer have been made. The letter also mentions that “this is the first time that the government has allowed the letters to be carried in a flying machine”, there by explaining the excitement of the people who will henceforth be able to use the services of aerial post.

It is said and believed that history is basically written on and through mail. We have seen that a small piece of letter sometimes changes even the long established facts. We know that mails contain personal, social, economic, trade, govt. policies,.. that is almost all the systems and changes prevailing in any society at that time. What to talk about hand written letters even the printed material like printed post cards also change their pictorial features with the changing set ups of any society which later become a sound material for study and research and helps in great deal to understand the facts and features. Bazaar cards, advertising covers, picture post cards are some other examples were printed vignette or matter do communicate and reserve important facts. While talking about importance of the contents various letters written by great persons, dignitaries like Gandhi Ji, Ravindra Nath Tagore, Amitabh Bachhan have big impact and their personality is reflected through those lines. Pt. Nehru wrote letters from jail to her daughter giving values of life to his growing daughter. Here the contents have ever lasting value and not the cover.

A letter from Mahatma Gandhi to wife of Govind das

In the recently upcoming new branch of philately known as Social Philately not only the letters and its contents but other postaly linked material too has been given due importance. If we seriously look at the this fact, the matter written on the mail is significant in terms of the information given which speaks of the then prevailing different aspects of the society. This not only gives pleasure to the collector but to the viewer too. Mail contents have helped historians in a big way in writing and molding historical facts.

Examples are numerous to explain the importance of impact of contents and text of mail e.g. view post cards of any historical places or hill station too change from time to time giving different views. . There is lot to learn from these cards if one has collection of the same of a large span of time. Collection of general view post cards of any city of the world shows the development of the city such as the transport system, the roads, the buildings, the dress codes etc.. that is the changes in social set ups is well depicted. Written text is even better as it gives the expression, vision and feelings of the writer in black and white which is true imprint of the then prevailing conditions.

While modifying Dr. Jagtap’s line of thinking I would say that everything related and linked to mail system comes under the preview of philately and further the contents of the mail are highly philatelic. Hence, through this article I want to emphasize that now is the time when we should look inside the postal cover and should not restrict to the outside of the cover only. There is tremendous scope in this field which needs to be explored and there is every certainty of getting/finding some precious gems through this field lying inside the contents of the mail. The pleasure is immense and scope is tremendous. So I invite my friends to come forward and embrace this field of philately.

- Naresh Agrawal Bilaspur (C.G.) Ph 09425530514

Philatelic Library

e - books on Philately : All about Stamp Collecting

http://www.scribd.com/doc/37667833/Stamp-Collecting

http://www.askphil.org/b.htm

Online Stamp Catalogue…

Search stamps of different countries online…

http://www.catawiki.co.uk/catalog/100271-stamps

New Blogs & Websites

Glimpses of Modern Indian Philately : http://modernindianphilately.blogspot.com/

A new Blog on Modern Indian Postal History and Modern Philately of India, has been created by Mr Prashant Pandya. Idea of creating this blog ‘Glimpses of Modern Indian Philately’ by Mr Pandya is conceived to provide, share and discuss information exclusively on Modern Postal History or Modern Philately of India. Collectors of Modern Indian Philately around the world are invited to share the knowledge and information on the subject.

West Essex Philatelic Society : http://www.wepsonline.org./ A philatelic society with lot of philatelic activities.

Gandhi Stamps : http://gandhistamps.com - The website is a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi Philately. All the stamps issued on Mahatma Gandhi from various countries in the World have been featured.

Join Mobile Philately & Stay Updated - http://mobilephilately.blogspot.com/ It is a blog by Mr Dipak Modi of Jalna, Maharashtra. Mobile Philately is a mobile technology based philatelic community with short messaging service (SMS) that allows the community members to get latest updates related to Indian philately directly into mobile message box.

Se- tenant Stamps of India - http://setenantsofindia.blogspot.com/ It is a specialized Blog on se-tenant stamps.

Flags & Stamps - http://flagstamps.blogspot.com/ - It is a specialized blog on Flag Theme .

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http://en.allexperts.com/q/Stamps-Philately-1610/indexExp_69442.htm - It is a site based on Question & Answers on Philately. Mr Prashant Pandya replies to queries.

Philatelic Clubs & Societies

Baroda Philatelic Society - http://www.vadophil.org/

Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - http://www.filacapsule.blogspot.com/

Indian Stamp Ghar - http://www.indianstampghar.com/

Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana - http://indianthematicstamps.webs.com/

Ludhiana Philatelic Club

Mobile Philately - http://www.mobilephilately.webs.com/

Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur

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

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

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

The Lighter Side

World’s Smallest Postal Service

The World’s Smallest Postal Service was created by San-Francisco- based postmistress Lea Redmond, who decided to put the crazy idea into practice as soon as it popped into her head. She just strapped her small desk to her back, hopped on her bicycle and set-up shop in one of the local cafes. Since then she came to realize many other people are simply charmed by her miniature postal service.

At the World’s Smallest Postal Service, your letters are written in tiny letters, carefully wrapped and sealed with a miniature was-stamp bearing the senders initial. To make sure the tiny messages don't get lost in the traditional mail, they are packed in transparent envelopes equipped with a magnifying glass for identifying the mailing address.

Read More….

Promotional section

Book Review

“My Rainbow of Philatelic Articles” by Dr Satyendra Kumar Agarwal is a collection of specialized and comprehensive articles on a variety of subjects published in Rainbow Stamp News during last three years. The book contains about 20 articles on different themes including technical articles on thematic Philately with more than 400 color illustrations in 150 pages.The book is a complete guide for thematic collectors. The specific feature of this book is its high quality of printing which gives crystal clear image of the illustrations. It would not only help collectors to select an interesting theme for their exhibit but would also guide them about availability of specific philatelic material available on that particular subject. It is a complete reference book for the lovers of Thematic Philately. The technical articles “Way to Gold” and “Stamp booklet as a Philatelic element” deals with the finer points of Thematic Philately and explains how an exhibitor can reach a higher medal level by arranging and selecting material prudently. This book is highly useful for all thematic collectors and general philatelists and for the libraries of schools, colleges and Philatelic societies..

The 150 page hardbound book published by Philagold Publications is priced at Rs 1200 ( US $ 25). Dr Satyendra Kumar Agarwal may be contacted for this book at email : rosephila@hotmail.com

Read more details..

Gandhi Balloon Card

The India International Hot Air Balloon Mela was held in Delhi from 13^th to 28^th November 2010. The inaugural hot air balloon was from near Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial. This was the first time a Hot Air Balloon Flight was initiated from near Rajghat.

To commemorate this event, 50 individually numbered Special Cards were prepared by Nikhil Mundra, Gandhi Philatelist (www.gandhistamps.com). All 50 cards were then flown aboard the inaugural flight of the Balloon Mela from Rajghat on the 13^th November 2010. The cards feature an artwork depicting the Rajghat memorial, the main gate and the 0 km milestone at Rajghat.

For more details visit: http://gandhiballoon.blogspot.com

- Nikhil Mundra email : nikchik135@gmail.com

Year Book 2011

Mr Madan Middha the publisher of Year Book of Indian Philately needs suggestions from the Readers for Year Book 2011..for which he has started working Readers are requested to send their suggestions about contents of the new edition. Articles are also invited from the readers. Please contact Mr Middha email madan_middha@yahoo.co.in

ITS Stamp News

New issue no.54 of "ITS Stamp News", June 2011, has been released . To Book your copy and send order contact : Suraj Jaitly Mobile: +91 98728 51244 MIG # 3464, Phase Two, Dugri Road, Ludhiana - 141 013 INDIA email : indianthematicsociety@gmail.com

ITS at http://indianthematicstamps.webs.com/
ITS Stamp News at http://itsstampnews.blogspot.com/
ITS Postal Auction photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/its_offers/

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: www.stampsofindia.com

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

Phila News, Editor Rajesh Pahariya and published by Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur

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

e ZEP Newsletter http://www.ezep.de/zpj/zpj.html Editor : Dieter Leder email zpj@arcor.de website www.eZEP.de

SIPA Bulletin Editor - Mr G. Madan Mohan Das and published by South India Philatelists’ Association, Chennai website : http://www.sipa.org.in/

FILA Capsule – Editor : Ajit Dash and published by EIPA, Bhubaneshwar.

GPA News – Editor- Ilias Patel and published by Gujarat Philatelists’ Association, Ahemadabad.

Kar Phila News published by Karnataka Philatelic Society & edited by by Akshay Borad

e–mail : akshayborad@hotmail.com

Editor’s Mail Box

Dr SK Sondhi, Ludhiana

I have been regularly reading Rainbow and have seen its growth over the years. With your hard work you had made it into an electronic newsletter of international repute. I congratulate you.

I also have a suggestion. From time to time various countries have issued stamps on Indian themes ( other than personalities). I think, it will be good idea to start a repository of stamps on Indian themes issued by different countries of the world. Through Rainbow you may appeal to the readers to send you scan of such stamps which can be then classified into different themes.

-Hemant V Kulkarni, USA

Enjoyed your recent blog and an appeal for suggestions from the readers thinking that a time has come to change the direction at a saturation point. As usual, there is plenty of interesting info and pictures of new releases to view. The interview was great!

Dr Avinash B. Jagtap, Switzerland

Thank you for forwarding me the June issue of "Rainbow". I liked the article by Dr, Satyendra K. Agrawal, in which he has documented how he arrived at the "Large Vermeil" medal with his display on "Rose". This will give the readers an idea, how difficult it is to get "LV" .

Shrikant Parikh, Ahmedabad

Nice to go thru the June issue of RSN .You have nicely maintained the ascending equilibrium of philatelic news in every issue. Your quality efforts in circulating and distributing useful information is highly appreciated.

Naresh Agarwal, Bilaspur

Thank you very much for presenting such a wonderful, bulletin. Who says it has reached to the saturation point? It has reached the hearts of the philatelists and will reach the souls very soon with its refinement which I do understand is not difficult but a slow process from now onwards. I fail to find words to express my feelings. I can only say Keep it up. Your hard work and dedication has made Rainbow part of many people life. A dose of RAINBOW makes a philatelist healthy, wealthy and ready to GO. All the sections have been excellently covered. Interview, Mr. Satyendra Agrawal's article, Dr. Jagtap's column, News etc. are just beautiful.

RAINBOW STAMP CLUB

This is a blog of e-stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com . The idea of this blog is to extend philatelic fraternity in all corners of the world. Readers may write about themselves with their collecting interests and share new ideas with other philatelists. 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 every day on this blog.

Name…………………………………………

City/Country………………………………..

E-Mail………………………………………..

Postal Address…………………………….

Collecting Interests……………………….

Brief write up about yourself……………

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, ; International Stamp News Naresh Agarwal – Bilaspur (CG); Sudhir Jain, Satna (MP) ; Sandeep Chaurasia – Gorakhpur; Prashant Pandya – Vadodara; Thevarayan Sriniovasan – Malaysia; Jagannath Mani - Bangalore

Address for communication:

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

E-mail – j.jyoti9@gmail.com or rainbowstamp2008@gmail.com

Last date for receiving write ups – 25th of every month. Kindly send images in jpg compressed format & text in MS Word only.

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

A Request to Readers & Contributors-

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

Kindly specify your contribution such as article/News/ Reader’s Right / Beginners’ Section/ Lighter Side etc.

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 send limited number of images in compressed jpg format only with your article. Please send text and images separately. Please do not send text or image for publication in PDF.

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

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