Date of issue : 2 January 2012

Fraunhofer Lines : The Rainbow Lines

This stamp has been issued by Geraman Post to commemorate 225^th anniversary of German physicist Joseph von Fraunhofer (1787–1826) . In physics (optics) , the Fraunhofer lines are a set of spectral lines named after Joseph von Fraunhofer The lines were originally observed as dark features (absorption lines) in the optical spectrum of the Sun.

Shimla February 2012 Vol. V Issue # 50

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

Celebrating 50^th issue of Rainbow Stamp News

Dear Reader

I am pleased to release 50^th issue of Rainbow Stamp News. In this issue please read some very specialized articles by our star contributors. For this very special issue, our guest editor is Mr Naresh Agarwal who has given a great contribution in the previous issues of Rainbow Stamp News . Hope you would find this issue interesting! More in next issue…Have a Great Time !!    Happy Collecting !!

                                                                                                                                              ….. Jeevan Jyoti

Guest Editorial

It is matter of great honor to act as guest editor for the golden jubilee Issue of Rainbow Stamp Bulletin an esteemed e-bulletin in philatelic world. Rainbow is a name that is spoken with great honor in the field of philatelic journalism today because it has given new directions and dimensions  to it. A new way to cope up with the deficiencies of the print journalism. It has  paved way for fresh and instant information. Opened new avenues of  rendering philatelic knowledge and updates. As pioneer of e- journalism in India , it has helped giving recognition to Indian philatelists in the world and also created a platform to build and strengthen  the bond of brotherhood amongst the philatelists of the whole world. It has helped emergence of new e-bulletins  to serve philatelic fraternity. My heartiest thanks to Rainbow and congrats to Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti for successfully  and uninterrupted publishing of fiftieth bulletin of Rainbow which asks for a  true celebration. I feel honored to have interview of such dedicated person who for me claims to be known as “Charging force of philately in India today”. Her valued interview is published in this issue wherein she has come out with her positive attitude and thoughts and has placed her views with utmost honesty. I wish Rainbow and Mrs. Jyoti all the best for the future.

Change is the law of nature. Philately too has changed a lot with  time. Collecting stamps and sticking in albums to preserving in weather protective transparent leave stock books, runner mail to e-mail, paper mail to electronic mail, physical exhibiting to virtual exhibiting  have been the major changes. People now ask whether philately is dying. No, philately is changing. It is expanding. We need to identify the changes and explore these. It is advisable too to change the ways of collecting, preserving and of course, exhibiting. Looking in to the overall mail carriage and transmission, the percentage of paper mail may seem to be less but otherwise it has increased tremendously. A major portion of paper mail transmission and carriage is in the hands of private couriers.  It is understood, that postal collecting products of private courier services may not get recognition soon but later these will be collected and certainly will be in big demand. Like in the history before the emergence of govt. postal services, there were private courier services existing in many parts of the world. And today those have created a big field of philatelic research and collection.

I would suggest thinking on these lines will certainly broaden the scope of collection and area of interest and will add to the pleasure. Philatelic organizations and controlling bodies should now think for gross change and design some new futuristic systems looking in to these changes.

                                                                                                                                                   - Naresh Agrawal

Rainbow Stamp News – A retrospect 

Rainbow stamp News was started as an electronic Bulletin in January 2008 and was initially sent to the readers as an attachment by email. Soon its issues were posted on a separate blog http://rainbowstampnews.blogspot.com/ The idea of posting on blog was given by distinguished philatelist of Bhubneshwar Mr BK Sinha and the magazine was posted on blog which happened to be very successful in later years. The first issue of Rainbow was sent to about 35 friends and philatelists including the editors of philatelic magazines. Rainbow was first publicized by Stamps of India and it reached many readers all over the world. Today Rainbow Stamp News has more than 500 registered subscribers from India and abroad and an average of 2000 online readers per month. Another blog Rainbow Stamp Club with daily updates of the stamp world and news from different philatelic societies (http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/) was too started with Rainbow Stamp News in March 2008 which gained more popularity than Rainbow Stamp News. Today it has more than 500 visitors per day with an average of 14000 visitors per month Now its visitors have crossed the number more than 3 lakhs. The aim of Rainbow Stamp News and Rainbow Stamp Club Blog is to create fraternity among philatelists living in different parts of the world and share philatelic information with each other on a common platform.

  

This issue is dedicated to Shri Dipok Dey and Late Shri B J Kumar.

Messages

GOLDEN ISSUE OF RAINBOW
e-Magazine

  I am always in favour of women participation in Philately, particularly housewives, as mothers are mainly responsible to shape the future of their children. If mother is a collector it will certainly influence their kids. I am happy that in India only one housewife, JEEVAN JYOTI has come forward with an e-magazine Rainbow Stamp News which is going to celebrate its GOLDEN issue. I wonder how she is managing both the ends- at one point she is a mother on the other side she is an ardent philatelist. Jeevan Jyoti has become an example to the housewives of the world that- if there is a strong will-there is a way. On this happy occasion I wish that the colourful spectrum of her RAINBOW will sprinkle all over the country in coming years.
- Dipok Dey , Calcutta, West Bengal

Indeed it is pleasant surprise that Rainbow Stamp News completed 4yrs. and you are coming out with its 50th issue. It is your Love & dedication to Philately. I congratulate you on this occasion & hope in forthcoming years you will reach to new heights.

With all good wishes - Yogesh Kumar, Bareilly

I am extremely happy to note that OUR Rainbow Stamp News has entered 5th year of its publication. Heartiest Congratulations. Undoubtedly this is the best and informative news letter that is being published. Time has passed so fast and though I am regularly reading the newsletter as well as the blogs for the last two years, having developed lot of interest seeing the contents of these I even traced many of the old newsletters and blogs and learnt a lot from them. You are doing a wonderful and selfless service to the philatelic community. The amount of information that is given and the efforts put in to collect the same for the benefit of the readers is adorable. Some of the regular articles in the Stamp News  are extremely educative and research oriented. May God Bless you and your team to continue this wonderful work.

 - Cdr G.Sriramarao,I.N(Retd) - Vishakhapatnam

  I am happy to know that your bulletin "Rainbow Stamp News" has completed 4 years of its successful publication. At the present philatelic scenario it is very difficult to maintain a bulletin with updated news and figures without the support from the Postal Department. I must congratulate you for taking sincere effort with keen interest for editing the useful monthly bulletin. Now a days your bulletin is very popular not only in India but also in other countries. Philatelists and stamp collectors, irrespective of their age, are getting benefit out of your bulletin. I wish and hope you will continue the same tempo in future. My best wishes for your success.

- Ajit Kumar Dash, Secretary, Eastern India Philatelist's Association, Bhubaneswar

Congratulations to you for completing four years of “Rainbow Stamp News”, which is actually RAINBOW in real for philatelic world. Credit for its success goes to your timeless efforts and enthusiasm behind the same. This internet bulletin is need of the prevailing time with advanced and fast growing technologies. And this internet version is really so attractive for one and all due to actual coloured pictures, which can’t be available in any magazine of India. Hope it gets more success in future – my best wishes are always with you…

- Suraj Jaitly, Ludhiana – Editor, ITS stamp News

  I am very happy to know that Rainbow Stamp News will be now entering into its 5th year of e publication. The time is moving like anything, I still feel that it was just few months back I went through the 1st posting of Rainbow News but now see the Rainbow has celebrated its 4th birthday. I believe that Rainbow due to its assorted articles on stamp collecting have made its own place among the readers. My best wishes to Rainbow Stamp News, the contributors, the readers on completion of its 4 years of publication.

- Deepak N. Modi, Jalna ( Maharashtra)  Promoter - Mobile Philately

Acknowledgements :

Those who gave colors to Rainbow with their specialized articles and expert advice .

 

Dr Avinash Jagtap - Dr Satyendra Kumar Agarwal - Naresh Agarwal - Prashant Pandya- Anil Dhir – Sekhar Chkrabarti,- Shrikant Parikh - Ilias patel

Our regular contributors :

Mansoor B- Mangalore,  Ashwani Dubey – Gorakhpur,   Hemant Jain - Mandla (MP),  Jagannath Mani- Bangalore , Rakesh Walia and Vipan Kumar Thakur – Chandigarh, Pradip Jain- Patna, Sanjiv Jain- Dehradun, Dr Bibhudatta Mishra – Bhubneshwar, R Kasinath - Tanjore - Souvik Roy – Kolkata, Timir R Shah – Vadodara,

Overseas Contributors

Thevarayan Srinivasan from Malaysia – Dr Eli Moallem from Israel – Dr Hemat Kulkarni from USA – Wolfgang Beyer from Germany – Kenneth Sequirea from Dubai (UAE) Dr Avinash Jagtap – Switzerland . Terry Mitchelle - UK

Our Reference Sites

Stamps of India , Glimpses of Modern Indian Philately, Se-tenant stamps of India, International stamp News , Europa Stamps – World Stamp News , Gandhi Philately Study Circle; Flags and Stamps; The Stamp Collecting Round UP

Special Thanks to the distinguished philatelists for their support and contribution

Madhukar and Savita Jhingan – New Delhi, Dhanjay Desai – Ahmedbad, Mainak Kathiara – Ahmedabad, Madan Middha - Gwalior, Dr.S.K.Sondhi – Ludhiana, Cdr G. Sriramarao- Vishakhapatnam,Praful Thakkar – Ahmedabad, CG Bhaskar & G. Balkrishna Das, Chennai, Dinesh Chandra Sharma – Lucknow, Sudhir Jain – Satna (MP), Ajit Dash Bhubaneshwar; Pradeep Mohanty- Cuttack; Abhay Mishra – Dehradun, BK Sinha – Bhubaneshwar, Atul Agarwal- Aligarh, Nikhilesh Melkote – Banglore, Dr Pradip Jain- Balod (CG), Suraj Jaitly- Ludhiana, Prof VK Gupta- New Delhi

 Contents

· Recent Indian Issues

· In The News

· Interview

· Postal  Discovery : The Oldest Letter box in Odisha (India?) by Anil Dhir

· Specialized Section - " WE TOO HAVE A MONALISA " by Dr SK Agarwal

· Dandi March Special Postcards by Ilyas Patel

· Role of National Commissioners in International Stamp exhibitions by Naresh Agarwal

· New Issues from Other Countries

· Philatelic Clubs and Societies

· Blogs & Websites on Philately

· The Lighter Side

· Book Review

· Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

· Editor’s Mail Box

Recent Indian Issues

19 December : President's Fleet Review – 4 stamps Rs 5 each

20 December : Archaeological Survey of India – Rs 5 & Rs 25 + MS

23 December : King George Medical College, Lucknow –Rs 5

26 December : Srinivasa Ramanujan – Rs 5

27 Dec : Madan Mohan Malviya – Rs 5

2 January 2012 Puran Chand Gupta – Rs 5

15 January Bhai Jagta Ji - Rs 5

24 January Shyam Narayan Singh – Rs 5

Recent Special Cover and Postmark

Special Cover : St. Joseph Acdemy Dehradun - 28 January 2012

Special Cancellation : 75 Years of Corbette National Park – 29 January 2012

In The News

New stamps for Sami culture by Finland

Finnish Post issued a Miniature sheet with 4 stamps on 23 January 2012 with unique design. Sami culture is celebrated with a four-stamp miniature sheet, shaped after the floor plan of the Sami Cultural Centre SAJOS opened in Inari in January 2012. Located by Juutuanjoki River, SAJOS is a center for the Finnish Sami administration and culture where events, congresses and meetings can be organized. The troll-drum-patterned sheet illustrates the three daughters of the Sami Mother Doddess, a reindeer village and lean-tos.

Book released on Stamps and Indian Cinema

Stamps and Indian Cinema : a Kannada book on Indian film personalities

Kannada film editor, director and Philatelist Mr. Umesh Kulkarni’s book, "Anche Antu, Parade Nantu", The Relations between Stamps and Indian Cinema, a Kannada book on Indian film personalities featured on Indian postage stamps was released here on Saturday. tells the story of 64 special postal stamps on film personalities .Dr. R.G. Sangoram, president of the Karnataka Philatelic Society   was the chief guest of the function Link http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/article2765164.ece

(From left) R.G. Sangoram, president of the Karnataka Philatelic Association, cinematographer V.K. Murthy and author of ‘Anche Antu Parde Nantu' Umesh Kulkarni at the release of the book in Bangalore

Postage stamps are ambassadors of the nation and record the rich culture and heritage of the country. While most of us may be aware of the personalities featured on these stamps, not many know their biographies.Filling in this gap, Anche Antu Parde Nantu , a Kannada book on Indian film personalities featured on postage stamps was released here on Saturday.

The book, written by Kannada filmmaker Umesh Kulkarni and published by Aakruti Books, was released by Dadasaheb Phalke Award winner and cinematographer V.K. Murthy and R.G. Sangoram, president of the Karnataka Philatelic Association.It features 64 stamps issued by the Indian Postal Department alongside biographical sketches of the personalities portrayed. It traces the journey of India's strong filmmaking culture through the people who made their mark on the industry — from the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke, to Kannada cinema's thespian Rajkumar.

While releasing the book, Mr. Murthy said: “Very often we just know the name of a star and know very little else about him or her.This book gives detailed biographical sketches of many such people from the world of cinema and will be interesting for anyone who is fascinated by cinema.” Lauding Mr. Kulkarni's efforts in bringing out the book, Mr. Sangoram said it was a unique attempt. “The book clubs the popularity of cinema with the equally popular world of stamp collection,” he said.

Mr. Kulkarni, who is interested in both filmmaking and stamp collection, said he combined his love of both to bring out the book. He pointed out that though there had been many stamps brought out by the Indian Government on people from the film industry, others who made notable contributions to Indian cinema had not been featured. He appealed to the Postal Department to issue stamps on these achievers by 2013, when the country celebrates 100 years of Indian cinema.

The book's foreword is written by noted Kannada filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli. Priced at Rs. 295, the book is available at bookstores across Karnataka and is sold online at www.akrutibooks.com

and www.flipkart.com

Forthcoming International Stamp Exhibitions..

IPHLA 2012

Specialized International Exhibition for Philatelic Literature

IPHLA 2012 : A specialised exhibition for Philatelic Literature is going to be held  from 2 to 4 Nov.2012 in the town hall of Mainz (Germany). This exhibition will  be held under the patronage of FEPA & AIJP but some non European countries are also invited by them and India is also one of them.

Any author, journalist or publisher can apply for participation at IPHLA 2012 Mainz with one or more exhibits (print, static-digital like CD/DVD or a website) on condition he/she is a member of the BDPh or an association affiliated with FIP or FEPA. The application must arrive on time on the entry form provided for this purpose ( Exhibit Entry Forms ).

Applications for ‘IPHLA 2012’ can be submitted until February 1, 2012.

The basis of the binding application is the different regulations currently provided by the BDPh. Any applicant is urgently advised to take note of these regulations, especially of the special regulations for IPHLA 2012 Mainz , which he agrees to by signing his application.NO FEDERATION COMMISSIONER WILL BE NOMINATED. Please go through website www.iphla.de

For any information please contact to Mr. Wolfgang Massen, Email: w.maassen@alip.org

THAILAND 2013

THAILAND 2013, International Philatelic exhibition will be held in Thailand from 2 to 14 August 2013 in Bangkok, under the patronage of FIP. The World Philatelic Exhibition will take place from 2 - 14 August 2013 at the Royal Paragon Hall 1-3, 5th floor, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. The event will feature not only some unique postage stamp collections, but also displays of other rare and valuable collectibles from around the world. A stamp contest and competition of OTOP products will also be held as part of the event, with an international panel of judges from member countries and representatives of countries submitting collections for display.

PCI has nominated Mr. R D Binani as Commissioner for India, his address :33-B Rowland Road, Kolkata 700 020  E mail : binanipm@gmail.com Mob:9830073058

INDONESIA 2012 WORLD STAMP CHAMPIONSHIP

INDONESIA 2012: International Philatelic exhibition will  be held under the patronage of FIP from 18 to 24 June 2012 at Jakarta Convention Center. The exhibition will be known as  INDONESIA 2012 WORLD STAMP CHAMPIONSHIP. Mr. S. Sahoo, is National Commissioner for India. His address is :- D-3, BJB Nagar, Bhubanshwar 751 014 Email: sahadevas@yahoo.com

Exhibitions in India

 

11th Bihar Philatelic Exhibition 2012 STAMP EXPO - 2012

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Stamp Expo-2012 is a 11^th STATE LEVEL PHILATELIC EXHIBITION of Bihar Postal Circle. It will be held at Patna from 10-13^th February, 2012.

1.2 The Exhibition is organized by the Bihar Postal Circle with the active support of philatelic associations/philatelists of Bihar/PCI. The organizing committee is headed by the Chief Postmaster General, Bihar Circle, Patna-800001.

2. VENUE

The venue of the Exhibition will be WHEELER SENATE HALL, PATNA UNIVERSITY, PATNA-800005.The venue is 3.5km away from Patna Railway Station.

3. SPECIAL COVER & CANCELLATION

Bihar Postal Circle will bring out single special cover every day as a feature of the Exhibition with a separate cancellation for each day. Special Cover with or without cancellation will be available on sell at the venue of the Exhibition. Order for special cover may be placed on the philately Bureau, Patna GPO/ Muzaffarpur HO.

4. DEALER’S BOOTH:

Dealer’s Booth will be provided on rent for Rs 3500.00 for the duration of the Exhibition. Details can be had from the Secretary, Exhibition Committee Stamp Expo -2012, Office of the Chief Postmaster General, Bihar Circle, Patna.

5. CORRESPONDANCE:

All communications concerning the exhibition should be addressed to the Exhibition Committee Stamp Expo-2012, Office of the Chief Postmaster General, Bihar Circle, Patna-800001.The telephone number/e-mail ID is as under:

Telephone No.2226395 e-mail ID: adbdpatna@gmail.com

Feb 13-16: Calicut, KERAPEX Kerala State Philatelic Exhibition

Organizers: Kerala Circle of India Post

Venue: Jubilee Memorial Hall of Calicut Corporation, Kandamkulam Tali, Calicut 673002

Mar 3-4: Kolkata, National Mega Philatelic Exhibition Kolkata 2012

Venue: Olpadvala Memorial Hall, 52 Chowringhee Road, Opposite Rotary Sadan,

beside New Embassy Restaurant

March 2012 : Shimla – Shimla Dist. Level stamp exhibition

Organizers: HP Circle of India Post

March 2012: Gurgaon, Haryana State philatelic exhibition

Organizers: Haryana Circle of India Post

March 2012: Chandigarh, Punjab State philatelic exhibition

Organizers: Punjab Circle of India Post

Interview

My Philatelic journey and experiences over the years…..

                                                                                                                  -  Jeevan Jyoti

My fascination towards stamps grew after seeing some stamps pasted on a small scrap book of one of my cousins… In those days “Parag” was children’s most popular Hindi magazine in which regular articles on stamps with their photos used to get published… I started my collection with cut outs of those stamps and too made a scrap book of stamps and later started looking for actual stamps…Once I read an article in Parag on stamps about a young collector, Arun Vashishtha who collected stamps on Beethoven and exhibited in a stamp exhibition ..That made me really thrilled and I immediately wrote a letter to the author, Ms Saroj Vashishitha whose address was given in the magazine..After few days I received reply from her and that was the turning point of my special interest in stamps….she guided me how to join a philatelic club and start this hobby systematically….She suggested me to join “ We Philatelists ” Club of Delhi.

In 80’s I joined, We Philatelists’ Club of Delhi which regularly sent a stamp bulletin. In one of the issues I found the address of a club near my house in Kanpur that was of late Mr BJ Kumar’s United Philatelists. I met Mr Kumar and the real journey started afterwards…He was a renowned philatelist of Kanpur. I saw his collection “ World Tributes to India “ on Stanley Gibbons pale yellow sheets in sparkling hawid mounts with tempted eyes and never knew that one day I will have my own collection in hawid mounts on sheets and would get a chance to participate in exhibition…as at that time I had a general collection of heavily cancelled used stamps….Gradually I learnt how to prepare an exhibit from Mr Kumar and first participated in a Regional exhibition in Kanpur in 1982 with some awards and after it won Best Junior Exhibit award in UPHILEX – 84 that led me to go further in Nationals…. At that time I learnt the editing of a stamp magazine as sub editor for U Phil Times from Mr Kumar who was its editor …It was the time of my College studies so the hobby for me was just like that a student can pursue…… But I was always in touch with philatelic activities….Gradually participating from junior to senior class ….At that time, state level exhibitions used to be very good and of very high standard.. We had long discussions with jury members and certainly they gave good time to each exhibitor and used to explain as to how to improve the collection. I still remember discussions with senior philatelists who were jury members in exhibitions, Mr VS Dastur, late Brig DS Virk and Mr Yogesh Kumar and Dr SP Gupta during State level exhibitions at Lucknow..

Visitors, age group

It was the time when there was enthusiasm among philatelists and the youngsters!! At that time we could find youngsters at the exhibitions . But today the scene is different ! Today you can hardly find any youngsters at stamp exhibitions who are keen to see various exhibits….In every exhibition we see the same old faces and average age of visitors is 35 - 40 + and above … earlier it used to be 15 + Few kids seen at the stamp shows are those whose fathers are philatelists !!

Transition period

Another transition that took place in the last 20 - 25 years there was dominance of Traditional Collection and Thematic Class was infancy….. But today Thematic Class is dominant and Traditional philately is at extinction…

Technology

When I started philately, Thematics was my first choice…We used to write collection with pen on White Graph sheets…some used typewriters..but today we use computers… and take printouts of A4 stamp sheets.

Judging and competitiveness

As far as judging is concerned it was more transparent but was never out of controversy. It was controversial too at that time the exhibitors never seem to disheartened at the results as there were very minor variations. There was more competitiveness among collectors in presenting their exhibits.

Rainbow…

A newsletter like Rainbow was my long time dream since I was I in college when I used to work with late Mr BJ Kumar and at that time I was fascinated towards philatelic journalism and used to imagine if I could launch my own newsletter ….. But it was just a dream at that time since I was just a teenager and to bring out a regular independent newsletter was not an easy job. Moreover, in those days computer was not the part of daily life. One has to do everything manually …like typing news and articles on typewriter and sending to the press with limited images . But today the technology has made the work easier. So after the launch of Rainbow my dream came true…and its success gave me immense pleasure and satisfaction !! The first name that came to my mind for this bulletin was “Shimla calling” as I had spent most of the time in Shimla district and was it going to   publish first issue  from Chopal area of Shimla district. But when I discussed it with my friends they suggested to give a global name to the Bulletin…And suddenly Rainbow came in my mind and I named it Rainbow Stamp News...Thus Rainbow Stamp News was started…

But for me this is not the end of my philatelic journey. I still wish to go ahead with Rainbow which for me is the path to reach the highest glory of philately and way of my satisfaction. My aim is to serve philatelic fraternity and to have a big admiring readers and readership.

This journey would have not been smooth and happy if I had not got the support from my    family members. My husband Ajay Srivastav and sons Prakhar and Shikhar always happily supported me to work for long hours. Ajay has been the part of every issue with his expert advice in finalizing contents for publication and presenting them on blog. What you see on my blog and read in magazine is the joint effort of my family members and distinguished philatelists and contributors. In my philatelic journey Shri Dipok Dey has always been a great source of great  inspiration. My sincere thanks to all of them..I hope the journey will be continued in the years to come….

Ajay with Dipok Dey

                                                                                                                                                     

Interview with the Editor by Naresh Agarwal

Q1 Rainbow…. a creation of yours… now spreading colors round the globe…… How does it mean to you?....Just a hobby or a pastime… or a part of your life and culture..?

Ans : Working for Rainbow is my passion as I have the liberty to do whatever I like and present in my own way !! Of course, the work of one’s interest definitely gives a pleasure and satisfaction both. Now for me it’s not just a hobby but it has become part of my life as I love to search out news and stories related with stamps. The colorful world of stamps always attract me to work something new and different!!

Q2. We congratulate you for successful completion of four years of un - interrupted and ever improving publications of this esteemed philatelic bulletin. How do you find this ? Is it like achieving something or just a nice past time.. a hobby?

Ans : Thanks. I try my best to publish every issue on first day of every month. Though it is not always very easy but I do every effort to publish it timely !! It gives me immense pleasure to see that my teenage dream to publish independent bulletin has come true and I have been successful in publishing it for such long period. I really find this very satisfying and of course jubilating.

When I receive mails from my readers that they like to read and wait every month for new issue, I really feel happy and think that I should continue its publication ….And making a small place for myself in male dominated hobby, it gives a feeling of satisfaction to some extent…

Q3. Collecting stamps  and preparing exhibits is not a regular affair though a constant process but a slow one; but publishing a bulletin that of the stature of RAINBOW which requires constant, regular and frequent follow-up, research, study, editing, composing and publishing …. why did you opt this where as there is joy in other aspects of philately too.?

Ans : Collecting stamps and preparing exhibit is also a regular affair but is very slow process. whereas publishing a news letter with updated information having huge accessibility is very fast and regular process. There is certainly big difference in these two aspects of philately.

Editing and publishing of a regular monthly bulletin is highly time taking job. One has to be always alert and update oneself with the latest news around the world and keep a constant touch with readers and contributors in order to get current news, articles and suggestions. Though it is very time taking but it has its own charm and satisfaction. You are always wondering in a big sea and looking for the pearls. However, you don’t get the pearls always ..….I opted this because there is a constant creativity but I have not given up traditional philatelic interest of collecting stamps and making exhibits and participating in exhibitions ….

Q4. We see that there is broad change in the philatelists’ attitude and view towards modes of collecting and exhibiting. Philatelic commercialism and professionalism  is now the way it enjoyed? How do you look at future of philately?

Ans : Well, there is always a change with the time ! We must accept it and go with the modern trends. However, personally I don’t like commercialization of the hobby. If it is taken as hobby, its future is bright .

Q6.  Tell us something about the philatelists who guided and admired you?

Ans : learnt initially from late Mr. BJ Kumar and he guided me how to participate in an exhibition. I used to read books which helped me a lot. In all, these books stamp collecting by Gurpreet Singh Anand ( my first book on philately ) and Prof. VK Gupta’s book on Thematic Philately and exhibits on “Flag” by Mr. RD Binani and “Map” collection of Mr. RK Bagri ( some years ago photocopies of international award winning thematic exhibits for collector’s guidance were available with PCI ) were the great source of information. Later, correspondence with Mr. RD Binani regarding technical points of thematic philately helped me very much. Regular communication with Mr. Dipok Dey and late Shri Nishith kar of Nadia, West Bengal since my school days was a great inspiration to enter in this field.

Q7. Don' t you feel the philately today gives a virtual and false pleasure. It is hard to get true pleasure…

Ans. Sometimes it happens when the results are not satisfactory from your point of view…. but if you move yourself from this part, you will find real pleasure. Collect what you like and display how you like..that is the real pleasure ..When you fight for award …..sometimes there is frustration too…It is obvious too as you will always have to struggle to reach on the top !! I mean you have to pay the price of success in the form of hard work and frustrations !!

Q8. Your comments on role  and functioning of  philatelic societies, clubs and organizations? We have seen such societies are not serving philatelists as these should. Further, there is lack of co-ordination amongst the societies?

Ans : Some philatelic societies are functioning very well only because of co – operation between the members. A society can only run with joint efforts of all its members. A single person cannot run a society and hold philatelic activities. The societies which are not functioning is only because of non co-operation among its members !! India needs a well organized national philatelic federation !!

Q9. Philatelic country commissioners are country ambassadors also. What do you say about their functioning? Do they really perform their duties doing justice to the philatelists and the people of nation they represent?

Ans : National Commissioners appointed for various stamp exhibitions are the link between exhibitor and organizers. They should provide regular updates about the exhibition, to the participants, answer their queries and guide them appropriately. They are supposed to  see that the exhibits are properly cleared, carried, displayed and given back to the exhibitor safe and sound along with   all certificates, medals, souvenirs etc. if any after all clearances without any delay or hurdle.

But the experience of some participants in several international stamp exhibitions reveal that commissioners communicate only till they do not receive entry fee from the exhibitors. Once they receive entry fee they avoid e-mails and phone calls of participants which is very disappointing on the part of participants. The participants have to call and e-mail the commissioner again and again for safe return of their exhibits, medals and certificates etc. but often they do not receive any response from the commissioner. It is a serious matter and the commissioners must think about it in order to provide necessary information about the exhibition and their exhibits time to time !!

Q10. Philately is said to have losing its charm. Your opinion on the changes required in the present system for promotion and development of philately.

Ans : Yes,philately is losing its charm today as in exhibitions the crowd seems very small as compared to some years back. It is because youngsters are not taking up this hobby and we find only older people in this hobby so it is at extinction…..If deptt. of posts organize publicity program, stamp fair by postal department and workshops about stamp collecting in schools and colleges in association with local stamp clubs, the interest in young generation could be created and thus the hobby would certainly revive !!

Q11. Philately is a means and bond of brotherhood amongst individuals and the nations....... How does it mean to you? Have experienced this  bond ? Your opinion on it.

Ans : Philately creates a strong bond of brotherhood amongst the collectors and nations which I have experienced personally in the last 4 years since I started blogging about stamps. Today I have friends all over the world with regular communication with them only because of philately.

Q12. We understand most liked and best of the philatelic bulletins are sometimes not very highly appreciated at competition levels in high level philatelic shows as those are not given higher or say appropriate awards. What do you say about it.? How does winning a higher award mean to you in comparison to the increasing numbers of satisfied followers and readers ?

Ans : Regarding awards to philatelic bulletins, I have no complaints as philatelic bulletins in literature class are always regarded number 2 in the literature class as compared to original research books and philatelic exhibits. Of course! in international exhibitions the competition is very tough since there are books, catalogues and magazines of very high standard from renowned publications. To get a higher award is not very easy and moreover, in these exhibitions in the literature category, contents as well as layout and design of the book / magazine are very important. I am satisfied with what I am awarded for my magazine in the Asian International and World stamp exhibitions. My real award is the global readership and appreciation of the readers that I receive time to time from the visitors of my blog from different walks of life !!

Q13. While wishing you a good luck and a very enjoyable philatelic journey ahead, we would like you to share with us the future plans of yours to serve philatelic fraternity?

Ans : Thank you very much for your best wishes. Well, I would try my best to establish philatelic fraternity through my blog by giving my readers a common platform to express themselves and share information about philately on my blog. I would give more space to the news from different parts of India as well as other countries so as to create a global fraternity !!

Mrs. Jyoti has been found very positive and honest in her views and explanations. Her dedication is reflected in her answers. She seems to have prepared herself for yet another additional half century of bulletins to celebrate platinum jubilee with a vastly multiplied followership and readers and would go far far ahead. We could feel her extremist nature established through her uninterrupted, regular and timely publishing of the issues and ever improving quality of Rainbow irrespective of her social, personal and other engagements..Her interview will really be an inspiration for the readers.— Naresh Agrawal

Postal Discovery

The Oldest Letter box in Odisha (India?)

© Anil Dhir

When was the last time you posted a letter or send a postcard? In today’s world it is all electronic and instant, but one can’t forget the excitement of sending and receiving mail, be it a birthday card or a letter from an overseas friend. The plop of the letter falling inside the letter box, or the times you had to stuff it down because the box was already filled to the brim, these are all things of the past.

I have discovered an early British era letter box in a small village on Odisha. It was a chance discovery, I had gone for relief distribution in the flood affected areas Jajpur which had been engulfed by floods earlier this year - we had a boat load of food supplies to unload. We saw a small white building on high ground, with a few people waiting in the verandah. We docked their and gave away a few of the bundles we were carrying. It was then that I noticed that it was a post office, in one corner of the verandah there was the familiar sign of India Post in red and white. It was typical British ingenuity that the Post Office was built on high ground, I was told that it had never been flooded all these years.

The Royal Coat of Arms

The wall mounted Letter Box was painted in the traditional post office red, but what drew my attention was the Royal emblem, the years of painting over had muted the florid and calligraphic details that it must have originally had. The dust and grime of ages, the peeling paint, all told of its antiquity. I was transfixed, never before had I seen such an old postal relic of the past. Mailboxes are usually durable and persistent. They can stand for centuries through heavy rainfall, strong winds and violent storms. This one was one living example of old faithful.

The small verandah was crowded with distressed and hungry people hence I kept my excitement low. However on the short time I was there, I gathered the information that the Post Office had a very interesting history behind it. I told myself that I would come back some other day.

And come back I did! I did quite a bit of ground work on the Post Office and scoured the old archives. There was rich history attached to this little post office tucked in this little corner of rural Odisha.

The Post Office at Kaipada is midway between Kendrapara and Jajpur. The small post office was of the British era, the building had had been constructed way back in 1901. The post office dominates the village of Kaipada even today as it has been for over a hundred and ten years. It still retains classical and traditional elegance. During its early time, the village of Kaipada could boast of only one institution- its Post Office. One just had to stroll past the little village Post office to feel the glamour of the place and meet a host of interesting characters.

The Kaipada Postoffice

The Post Office is tucked some twenty meters away from the main road, in a thicket of tall trees. It stands on a two acre compound - the land has been Postal property since yore. There is a small orchard of fruit bearing trees and a big pond in the front where the fresh water attracts young boys and girls to bath while the thick and old trees adds to the aura of romanticism of bygone days. The scene could have been straight out of the last century. The present building is a two roomed affair, with the verandah out in the front where the letter box has been affixed in one corner. The ruins of the Postmaster’s residence are just behind the present building.

In bygone days the post-office, which was little more architecturally than a big dog kennel, was the centre of all village activities. The Sunday morning that I was there, it became the social centre for an animated two hours or more. The entire postal workers and the nearby villagers gave me so many snippets of its history, I was overwhelmed.

I cannot give an exact date when the letter box was affixed to the wall, but it is must be between 1901 and 1905. This might not be the oldest letter box in India, but I am certain it is the oldest in Odisha. These wall mounted letter boxes first appeared in 1857 in England. The earliest known use in India is in 1885, I guess this must have been one of the early examples. All mailboxes shipped out of England bore the royal badge. Whenever there was a change of regime, so was the badge. No wonder, mailboxes bearing royal badge of different regimes on the sides can be found even today in the streets of England. The front of the letter box usually has the royal cipher, “V.R”, “E.R” or “G.R” denoting Queen Victoria, King Edward or King George. In present day Britain, the Letter Boxes are all inscribed with the Royal Badge of the present Queen Elizabeth 2nd.

Old Letter box found in the ruins of the postmaster's Bungalow

The Kaipada Letter Box must have started off as a Victorian one, and seen the transaction to the Edwardian and then the Georgian ciphers. Even though these ciphers were not in predominant use on the letter boxes in India, but the early ones that were manufactured and shipped to the colonies all bore the inscriptions which was in cast iron, and hence whenever they were painted the Regional Insignia was also highlighted. I would have loved to scrape of the peeling paint to see the original inscription, but I am sure the encrusted ravages of time has erased any remnant of its original words.

I had sent the photographs and details of the letter box to a British philatelist friend and postal historian who did a lot of ground work. He tells me that this type of boxes were made by the London firm of W.T. Allen and Co. , who manufactured and shipped letter boxes for the Post Office between 1881 and 1963. Many of them are still found in villages of England.

The letter box stood in one corner, a silent sentinel who has seen the world go by. The road from Kendrapara to Jajpur has so much of history attached to it. In short, so much had changed in the century of the Letter Box’s existence, but that morning, while I was photographing it from various angles and hearing the tales of the villagers, it seemed I was back in time. Nothing had changed- nothing. The letter box was still emptied twice daily; letters were still posted in it. The mail run was the same that has been for years. The Letter Box was a time capsule, and I was there to open it. It was rather strange that so many people, both officials and others had seen it all these years. I was told that many times newsmen had descended on the spot and photographed the place for its historic importance in the Freedom struggle, but the letter box, in one corner, had escaped notice.

In 1934, Gandhiji began his celebrated Padayatra with the mission of Harijan uplift and abolition of untouchability. In was on the 31^st May 1934, while on his way from Kendrapara to Bari that the Mahatma stopped at Kaipada. He had rested under a big Banyan tree near the Post Office. Narayan Chandra Panda, the octogenarian retired post master told me of the eventful day. He was young lad, just ten years old and had seen the Mahatma. The villagers had all gathered under the tree and Gandhiji had curiously enquired about the Post Office building which stood by the side of the Road. One of the villagers had run to get the Post Master’s chair, but the Mahatma had refused to sit on it and had sat down under the tree, spending a good one hour. Two other villagers in the nineties, Dadichi Sahoo and Gouranga Dhall, both told me of the day they had walked with Gandhiji till Bari.

The seeds of the freedom movement were sowed in the minds of all the people of the area after Gandhiji visit. He had advised Congressmen all over the country to take up rural reconstruction. At the end of his Padayatra in Orissa, at Bhadrak, he advised Congress workers to go back to villages. Many took up the cause. The Quit India Movement in 1942 was the expression of India's last push towards its "tryst with destiny." Jajpur and Kendrapara were the hotbed of all revolutionary activities. The Government of Odisha had declared all Congress bodies unlawful and arrested many of the leaders. There was a huge public uprising and people took possession of government offices and burnt them down.

The Sub Post Office of Kaipada, with its old Letter Box, too played a very significant part in the revolt. The then Postmaster, Gobind Chandra Das got wind of the coming action and on the 20^th August he packed up all the postal stamps, cash, seals and other important fiscal items and along with a runner took off for Kendrapara where he deposited the items at the main Post office there. He left the Post Office to his assistant, Narayan Chandra Panda, and warned him of the impending threat.

Popular history says that on the 22^nd August 1942, the Post Office of Kaipada was burnt down, it was the only symbol of the British Raj in the vicinity, and the freedom fighters vent their ire on this vestige of oppression. A crowd of 200 surrounded the Post Office and set it on fire, as it was a pucca building, only the papers and furniture was destroyed. The armed Police soon arrived but was prevented to enter the village. They later on came in six boats and managed to arrest ten persons. The handcuffed prisoners were being taken to Jajpur, when a mob of a thousand persons attacked the police. The police opened fire killing four and injuring a dozen people. The four who fell down by the pond in Kalamatia were Sanada Swain and Hadibandhu Panda of Krushnanagar village, Sauti Mallick of Srirampur and Mayadhar Bhuyan of Hatasahi . Some of the people told me that even an airplane had dropped tear gas shells on the crowd, but I still have to ascertain the veracity of this fact. There is a small martyr’s memorial for the dead in the nearby village.

Author ( Right) with Narayan Chandra Panda

However, Narayan Chandra Panda, who had been in- charge of the Post office on the fateful day, told me a very different story. I spent a good hour with the old postmaster, the sad and rheumy eyed man recollected what all has happened. According to him, the Post Office was not actually set on fire completely, only a few papers were taken to the Verandah, (where incidentally the old Letter Box has been all these years) and burnt. Even the furniture was spared, and I think the tables, almirah and chairs are still being used.

The secret underground Safe 

Panda told me that he has appealed to the crowd that burning the post office would be of no use and the government would not build another one. It would be the village’s loss. He even told the crowd that the postmaster had taken away all the stamps, cash and seals. He remembers taking down the portrait of King George VI from above the Postmaster’s Chair(he showed me the nail from where the portrait had been hung, it was still in place!). He had given the crowd many of the postal forms and stationery. All these were taken to the verandah and a bonfire was made where King Emperor’s portrait was burnt. He says that earlier in the morning he had taken whatever little was left of the records and put in the secret underground safe of the Post Office. Surprisingly the present Post master did not know anything of the safe, and a steel almirah had to be moved for me to see it. The safe had no longer been in use since decades, it was a small underground cavity with a heavy steel cover. The lid was jammed and it took a good bit of pulling before we could open it.

I was hard pressed to find any other postal ephemera at the place though I did find an old disused letter box in the ruins of the postmaster’s residence. I am sure after my visit the locals will now be proud of the letter box. It is about time that India Post took stock of the fact and does whatever it can for this important heritage of Indian history. My British friend warned me that if news of the Letter Box travelled, it should be properly protected; these period letter boxes command a very good price in the antique market.

( The author would like to get more information on old letter boxes or if similar letter boxes are there in any other place. He can be contacted at anildhir2k5@hotmail.com )

Beginners’ Section

What is Virtual Philately ??

"virtual stamp collecting has become a favourite pastime on social media platforms such as FaceBook, Flickr and Twitter/Twitpic. This is a short introduction with all you need to know to get started as well as directions to the main Virtual stamp websites. Start your Virtual stamp album online today. Its the most fun you can have with your computer on! "

Know more…

 

Specialized Section

" WE TOO HAVE A MONALISA "

©Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal

Elongated face with a high forehead, arched eyebrows, half open lotus like eyes slightly tinged with pink, a sharp pointed nose, thin curved sensuous lips and a pointed chin over a long narrow neck, beautifully lacquered finger tips, left hand holding two lotus buds and right hand holding border of the dress decked with ornaments, wearing a gold embroidered transparent Odhini (head covering) twinkling like stars, the curl of the hair around the ear contributing mystique to the enthralling charm of the feminine grace, the saucy nose ring, tikka and splendid pearl and diamond pendent on the ear bespeaking of the royal lineage, jet black hair flowing down like sea waves, the rows of pearls on the swelling breast.

This lyrical verse is neither of romantic era poetry or a love tale nor the imaginary face of a graceful-beautiful woman bringing to life on canvas from the imagination of an artist. It is a portrait of a living model ‘Bani Thani’, the mistress of Raja Sawant Singh of Kishangarh which was by sheer chance discovered by Prof. Eric Dickinson in 1952 wrapped in a dusty basta and dumped in an inconspicuous place in the fort of this small state capital along with few other Kishangarh miniatures. It is of 1778 AD and its size is 48.8 x 36.3 cms.

It became an unparallel example in the world of Indian Miniatures and art critiques adorn the title “Indian Mona Lisa”.

Indian Monalisa “Bani Thani

Kishangarh is 27 Kms north east of Ajmer and was founded by Kishan Singh a Rathore Prince. It is picturesquely situated on the side of a lake called Gundolav. The fort, Mokham Vilas, and the palace, Phool Mahal, overlook the waters. The miniature artists have beautifully depicted this palace, fort, lake, bridges, gardens and the Kishangarh town in the background of their paintings. It attained a certain identity of its own under Man Singh (1658-1709) and later Raj Singh (1706-1748). He was an enlightened ruler and patronized arts and music but only within limits of the royal etiquette and the subjects painted were hunting scenes, durbar and portraits – favorite themes of the royalty.

Right from the time of Kishan Singh, the rulers worshipped Nritya Gopal, an idol of Lord Krishna in dancing pose. The influence of Vaishnava religion encouraged the Bhakti or faith for the Divine. Expressions of faith adorn the works of Kishangarh painting, literature, music and dance. The Mughal influence on miniatures was thwarted by the growing bhakti cult which now emphasized the love of Radha and Krishna. During the brief span of twenty years, between 1737 and 1757 the Kishangarh art was at its zenith. Crown prince Savant Singh (1699-1764) was the guiding force behind the strong devotional fervour at the court and a rejuvenation of painting suffuse with the spiritual yearning of a soul in quest of the Lord. He was well versed in Sanskrit, Persian and Marwari languages, and had also studied music and painting. He had written 76 books all collected to one known as “Nagari Samucchaya”. Out of this “Ras Chandrika”, “Bihari Chandrika”, “Pad Muktawali” and “Grishma Vihar” are very popular. A great devotee of Krishna, Raja Sawant Singh also wrote many poems under the pen name Nagaridas and most of the Kishangarh masterpieces are based on his poems.

Why he adopted the pen name “Nagaridas” is another interesting story to tell. He was married to daughter of King Jaswant Singh of Bhavnagar but never enjoyed his marriage life and remained loyal towards his love for “Bani Thani” in whom he imaged “Radha” and written poems dedicated to her with penname “Nagridas” meaning servant of Radha. “Nagari” is another name for Radha.

Bani Thani was a slave girl who was brought from Delhi by Raja Sawant Singh’s (1748-1764) stepmother Bankawatji. She was an enchanting beauty, tall, slim, with queenly smile and red lips. Since she was elegantly dressed and remained decorated and well behaved, she was known as Bani Thani, meaning well dressed. She had a natural flair for poetry and composed beautiful songs in praise of Krishna.

Love blossomed between Sawant Singh and Bani Thani. During the early stages of his fondness for Bani Thani, Savant Singh had drawn her face from memory as a rough sketch. He instructed his chief court painter Nihal Chand to paint Radha, the consort of Krishna drawing inspiration from Bani Thani. When completed, this face became the legendary face of the Kishangarh Radha, the quintessence of Indian woman-hood and grace and the portrait is known as “Radha of Kishangarh”or most popularly “Bani Thani”.

There are several paintings depicting the amorous episode of Krishna and Radha carrying the name of Nagaridas at back .Nihal Chand painted with a rare zeal, acumen and flawless artistry, the loves of Radha and Krishna reflecting his royal master and his consort.

Themes like Sawant Singh and Bani Thani meeting at public places e.g. temple, lake, gardens, or Bani Thani offering garland as her passion of love to Sawant Singh from a window from behind the curtain, or both facing each other looking into each others eyes, were profusely painted. Other themes included Nauka vihar (meaning lovers traveling in the boat), Krishna Lila and Bhagavata Purana.

“Boat of Love”, Tanzania 1998, illustrating a verse from Bihari Chandrika by the poet prince.

“Princess playing with fireworks” Postal Greeting Card and Imprinted stamped envelope, India 2001

The sharp features used to portray ‘Bani Thani’ were used to describe other characters too, including the male faces in the Kishangarh inaugurating a new style in Kishangarh miniatures and this made Kishangarh and Bani Thani paintings synonym for each other.

In due course the inevitable followed. Savant Singh withdrew himself completely from the affairs of the state and his whole life centered on love of the Lord, writing and singing bhajans, a whole-hearted pursuit of spiritual values. He left for Mt. Govardhan along with Bani Thani where Krishna had lifted the Mt. Govardhan on his index finger to safeguard the people of Brij from the wrath of Indra, and later came to Mathura the birthplace of Krishna and Vrindavan the place of their Lord’s Childhood Lilas.They sang devotional songs in praise of their Lord till they lost to the eternity.

Their Samadhi near “Radha Vallabh” temple in Vrindavan still exists and a living example of their immortal divine love for each other and as inspiration of mystical Kishangarh paintings which is also known as “Bani Thani Style Painting” forever.

The Hallmark of Kishangarh school of paintings, the” Bani Thani” is also immortalized by India Post depicting on an issue of 1973 Indian Miniatures series. India Post also prepared a special pictorial postmark based on this painting to apply as FDC for its 1997 “Rural Women” series of stamps to commemorate the International Philatelic Exhibition INDIPEX 1997 and this way the whole world get lighten with her beauty. The original painting is now gracing “National Museum”, New Delhi.

    

“Bani Thani “Stamp and Postmark

Japan also had chosen this painting on a stamp and a pictorial postmark to commemorate the year 2007 as Japan-India Friendship year.

  

When India Post planned 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, it authorized London based Hallmark Group Limited to prepare replicas of a set of 25 historic and important stamps , 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. ”Bani Thani” Painting stamp' was the first in this series of “The Pride of India Collection” released in Feb 2009.

“The Pride of India Collection” by Hallmark

( I thankfully acknowledge Mr.Shrikant Parikh for providing scans of postmark and stamp of Japanese issue and to Tushar Agrawal for Pride of India Collection.

Original paintings along with philatelic examples are included just to capture the minute details of Kishangarh School of Art.)

Dr Satyendra Kumar Agarwal may be contacted at email rosephila@hotmail.com

   

Dandi March Special Postcards - Ilyas Patel Dandi March led by Mahatma Gandhi is regarded as one of the most celebrated non-violent events in the history of mankind and also one of the most glorious chapters in the history of our country. It was a battle of right against might, an example of human courage and will. It spread the idea of mass civil disobedience and made the people aware of its potentiality. It engulfed the nation with a spirit of one-ness and unity. In essence, it succeeded in achieving what Gandhiji had fought for all his life – total independence for India. Choosing the salt tax as an injustice to the people of India was considered an ingenious choice because every peasant and every aristocrat understood the necessity of salt in everyday life.  It was also a good choice because it did not alienate Congress moderates while simultaneously being an issue of enough importance to mobilize a mass following. Sardar Patel took the responsibility of finalizing the route to Dandi though he was hesitant for its success. Even this place Dandi was also selected by him with his colleagues Mohanlal Pandya and Ravishankar Maharaj and he finalized the program of the entire route and made all arrangements. The historical Dandi March took place on this route only and thus Gandhiji walked on Sardar Patel’s route. The great and historic march commenced at 6.30 in the morning on March 12, 1930 from Gandhi Ashram on the banks of Sabarmati River at Ahmedabad. Gandhiji led a band of 78 satyagrahis representing a cross-section of the people from all over the country. Daily he walked 16 kilometers (10 miles) or more and addressed public meetings. The ashram routine of prayer, spinning and writing the daily diary was incumbent on every marcher. Unprecedented scenes of enthusiasm were witnessed all along the route of the march. Ill. 1 shows view of Dandi March appeared on postage stamp of India 2005 issue. Ill. 1                                   Ill 2                                    Ill 3                              Ill 4 The long trek finally ended on April 5, 1930. Along the way Gandhiji and his companions had halted for the night at 22 places. Brief account of 25 days long Dandi March is shown in Table -1. The route of the historical march is shown in Plate No. 1. On April 6, the atmosphere at Dandi was both tense and solemn. After prayers, Gandhiji and his followers bathed in sea and then at 8.30 in the morning, he bent down and picked up a handful of salt, thereby giving the signal to hundreds of thousands of people to similarly defy the law, since the British exercised a monopoly on the production and sale of salt. In Ill. 2 to 4 Gandhiji picking salt is shown on postage stamps of India issued at various occasions. Table – 1 Route of Gandhiji’s historical Dandi March Day No. Date Day Halt place for Lunch Night halt Distance traveled in Mile 1 12-3-30 Wednesday Chandola Talav Aslali 13 2 13-3-30 Thursday Bareja Navagam 09 3 14-3-30 Friday Wasna Matar 10 4 15-3-30 Saturday Dabhan Nadiad 15 5 16-3-30 Sunday Boriavi Anand 11 6 17-3-30 Monday Rest day – Letter Writing Anand 00 7 18-3-30 Tuesday Napad Borsad 11 8 19-3-30 Wednesday Ras Kankapura 12 9 20-3-30 Thursday On bank or River Mahi Kareli 11 10 21-3-30 Friday Gajera Ankhi 11 11 22-3-30 Saturday Jambusar Aamod 12 12 23-3-30 Sunday Buwa Samni 12 13 24-3-30 Monday Rest day – Letter Writing Samni 00 14 25-3-30 Tuesday Tralsa Derol 10 15 26-3-30 Wednesday Bharuch Ankleshwar 13 16 27-3-30 Thursday Sajod Mangrol 12 17 28-3-30 Friday Raima Umrachi 10 18 29-3-30 Saturday Erthan Bhatgam 10 19 30-3-30 Sunday Sandhiyer Delad 10 20 31-3-30 Monday Rest day – Letter Writing Delad 00 21 01-4-30 Tuesday Chaparabhatha Surat 11 22 02-4-30 Wednesday Dindoli Wanj 12 23 03-4-30 Thursday Dhaman Navsari 13 24 04-4-30 Friday Vijalpur Karadi 09 25 05-4-30 Saturday Karadi Dandi 04 Total mile = 241 The Dandi March was the spark that kindled the flames of a movement that culminated in independence of the country. Regarding Dandi March, Sarojini Naidu opined as under; “As the march continued, as days broke into dawn and dawn ripened into dusk, we saw before our very eyes the history of the world changing. We saw the whole of India rising up with rekindled enthusiasm and faith.” The Salt Satyagraha was a masterstroke in political mobilization which also conclusively established that civil disobedience, as a means to achieve freedom was a viable political medium. Plate 1 Map showing Dandi March Route Till date, the historical Dandi March is covered on stamps, special covers and other related philatelic material released during various occasions. But during the recently concluded GUJPEX – 2011 exhibition held at Vadodara, Gujarat Circle of India Post came out with a unique set of 22 specially cancelled postcards on Dandi March. Each of these postcards were uniquely numbered and posted from a place where Gandhiji made a night halt during his Dandi March and sent to Dandi Post Office from where they have been collected and delivered to the addressee for which Gujarat Circle of India Post made a special arrangement. These postcards carry special cancellations for all offices of posting and special cancellation of delivery for Dandi. They are packed in a specially prepared Khadi cover and issued. Ill. 5 shows the details of night halts of Gandhiji and offices of posting. Ill. 6 shows the photograph of historical Dandi March of Gandhiji with uniquely numbered postcards set. Ill. 7 shows a uniquely prepared Khadi cover in which these set of postcards are issued. The place cancellations used on these postcards are specially prepared as they were used during that period by Imperial Post Offices of India. They are shown in Table 2. Ill 5 – List of Post Offices from where postcards were posted to Dandi Ill. 6 – Uniquely numbered postcard with     Ill 7 – Specially prepared Khadi cloth cover                              GUJPEX-2011 Logo Table – 2 - Special Place Cancellations on Dandi Postcards   It is worth to be noted here that this is for the first time that any circle of India Post has done an ingenious work of philately with an elaborate efforts in any state or national level exhibition. Till date we have seen only issue of special exhibition covers or stamp booklets. Here is a first attempt that CPMG of Gujarat Circle took a different trend, make a basic work, put her staff for innovative exercise and came out with unique but worth mentioning philatelic product useful to all specifically Gandhi collectors as well as Gandhi lovers. The CPMG of Gujarat Circle also deviated from normal trend and made this product to be booked in advance and offered special discount on first come first serve basis never heard in India and thereby created an overwhelming response from the collectors. Ours is a country with unbroken history of ancient civilization, different cultures, amazing architectural monuments and fascinating flora and fauna. We, the philatelists, wish that this trend setting product will encourage other office barriers of India Post to come out with similar but innovative and useful philatelic products of interest and enlighten the philately in the days to come.
Mr Ilyas Patel may be contacted at email : iap_ip@yahoo.co.in

Role of National Commissioners in International Stamp exhibitions

- Naresh Agarwal

The role of philatelic commissioners is so important that it is really very difficult for an exhibitor to participate in any overseas philatelic show without his assistance, and guidance. The system of appointment of national commissioners by FIP for international philatelic shows (FIP World and Specialized Exhibitions) is very good and appreciable as a commissioner acts as an intermediary between a national federation and the exhibition management as he not only safely carries the precious exhibits from his country to the exhibition by doing all clearance jobs from all the departments concerned but see that those are properly exhibited and are given back to the exhibitor fully safe and secured along with the medals, certificates and other souvenir and gift items from the organizing country. To say truly, he not only represents the exhibitors of a country but also acts as ambassador for the country he represents as he carries with him the culture, the .values and the attitude of his country which is reflected to the people of different countries visiting the exhibition.

While going through FIP regulations for qualifications for commissioners, we see some of the following essentials and desirables which are material for our discussion :

1. Most important of all the commissioner should command the respect and confidence of

the exhibitors in handling their exhibits.

2. He must have or be able and willing to communicate promptly with the Exhibitor and the

exhibition Management.

3. Even tempered, he should be ready to solve problems.

4. Willing to travel, devote time and convey the exhibits to the exhibition.

5. Physically and mentally fit.

6. Able to spare time to attend the exhibition for the entire duration.

7. Prepared to incur out of pocket expenses, if required.

8. To accept full responsibility for the display of the exhibits and to check that those have been mounted correctly.

9. To be available at the exhibition during the duration of the judging to answer questions, should the need arise

10. To be present at official activities (mounting, opening ceremony, judging, dismounting etc.)occurring during his stay.

11. To collect from the Exhibition Management, at such time as is determined by them, any awards, special prizes, gifts souvenirs etc. which are intended for their exhibitors

Most of the commissioners are truly very honest, sincere, respectful, helpful and very supportive with a very high quality communication skill and ready to deliver. They maintain a very good rapport with the exhibitor and by virtue of their deeds they command respect too. Their handling people and handling situations is perfect. They have very good communication skill and they truly fulfill their responsible. Irrespective of the fact that they carry such a responsibility, they are always at ease for the exhibitor. They enjoy their duties and responsibilities & leave an impact where ever they go.

But contrary to this, sometimes such persons are selected as commissioners who become a matter of soar and sorrow for the exhibitor as they forget that they are there only because of exhibitors. They forget that they have been given a big responsibility to represent their country. Their behavior with the exhibitors is very irrational..  They are sometimes very impolite that the exhibitor is often hurt with their behavior. They must not forget that they are also philatelists. Respect commands respect…but  sometimes they don’t have this in their mind. Appointing authority should call for a report from every exhibitor regarding working , attitude and other behavioral characteristics of his country commissioner so that appropriate person may be selected in future. There should be stringent check on the appointment of the  commissioners . Yes, the old ones who are physically weak should be requested to give their valued advisory services which will certainly be of great help to the young commissioners.

It is time that young and energetic deserving philatelists should also be selected as commissioners who are well versed with the new faster communication systems and have better communication skills too.

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

New Issues from other countries

The Belgium Post has issued a stamp sheet dedicated to the famous Belgian Trappist beers.

A Trappist beer is a beer brewed by or under control of Trappist monks. There are a total of 174 Trappist monasteries worldwide; only seven (six in Belgium, one in the Netherlands) produce Trappist beer and are authorized to label their beers with the Authentic Trappist Product logo that indicates a compliance to the various rules of the International Trappist Association.

The stamps feature the following varieties of Trappist beers:

Achel, Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle and Westvleteren.

On 27 January 2012, Posta Slovenije issued a new stamp entitled "70th Anniversary of the barbed wire fence around Ljubljana". The stamp was designed by Matjaz Ucakar. Ljubljana was destined to remain an enormous enclosed camp until it was liberated on 9 May 1945. Only then was the wire removed and the bunkers demolished – symbols of people's suffering and resistance and their fight for freedom.

The wire fence was replaced by trees, which today surround the city like a green ring. Today the line of the fence has become the Path of Memories and Comradeship, a unique historical monument, which is at the same time a monument of landscaped nature and Ljubljana's largest green recreation area. A popular event known as the "March along the Wire" is held every year on Liberation Day.

New Blogs & Websites

Stamp Collecting : http://bestnetguru.com/stampcollecting/ - It is a nice Stamp Collecting  site created by Shoban Sen with a Stamps Discussion Forum.

My Philatelic Journey : www.pamnani.info – A new Website created by Rajesh Pamnani of Hyderabad. The site is a very informative for the collectors of Indian Postal History.

A Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi : http://www.gandhiworld.in/ - A new website created by ML Rajesh of Tiruvallur District of Tamilnadu. This website contains Gandhiji's memorabilia such as Stamps, coins, currencies, tokens, telephone cards, post cards, special covers, statues and a few rare photo graphs too. It is a complete website on Mahatma Gandhi .

Officially Sealed Mails of the World : http://www.poseal.com/ -    A site dedicated to the study of Post Office Seals   -

Sports Philately : http://www.sportstamps.org/ - Website on Sports Philately.

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 .

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

Stamp Sathi : http://stampsathi.in/# - A new website on Indian Philately created by Chintan and Ronit Parikh of Gujarat. It is a very useful site for all stamp collectors.

Phila India : www.PhilaIndia.info – A new website on Indian Philately created by Mahesh Reddiar of Krerala

Postmarks of India : http://www.indianpostmarks.blogspot.com/ - This blog is dedicated to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations available at Indian Post Offices.

Discover Topical Stamp Collecting : http://secretstostampcollecting.com/members/ - How-To, Tips, News, Reviews and Resources for Stamp Collectors

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/ 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.

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/

Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat

Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad

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

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

The Lighter Side

BEST WISHES TO RAINBOW

Best wishes to colorful Rainbow

For reaching this golden height

Which needs grand celebration

Looking for the platinum flight.

Best wishes to colorful Rainbow

For bringing out this golden issue

Wish it to remain forever

In heart, In soul and every tissue

Best wishes to colorful Rainbow

Which has become our life’s part

We think and live with Rainbow

It lives and stays in our heart

Best wishes to colorful Rainbow

To Jeevan Jyoti, the creator

Best wishes to all the readers

We love Rainbow and the editor

Rainbow spreads it colors

Jeevan Jyoti, the life and light

Wish both of them the best

We look for platinum flight

- Naresh Agarwal

Book Review

A new book by Mr Praful Thakkar "Glimpses of Indian Autographs" is a wonderful book. It is a specialized book for autograph lovers.

It gives the glimpses of autographs of eminent Indian personalities of various fields. The book contains around 600 autographs in 8 major groups which are further divided in 42 different categories. In each category about 13 autographs, along with the photographs of the celebrities, are presented. The effort in the book is made to project glimpses of different themes under which autograph collection can be made.

The autographs of Indian personalities are classified thematically into autographs oof Presidents, Bhrat Ratna, Music Masteros, Cricket Playerd,World ‘s Top models etc .The book gives some rare autographs of Indian Pricely Rulers alongwith their Coat of Arms. The book also gives a separate chapter to foreign personalities.

An alphabetically arranged index with details of celebrities is given at the end of the book to help the reader to find the location of particular autograph.The book gives a special section on ‘Association of Philately with the Autographs’.  A special chapter is added in the book which depicts the Autographs in the design of Indian Postal Stamps. Another chapter depicts original autographs, on the First Day Covers, of personalities, related or associated with celebrities whose stamps are issued.

It is a complete book for autograph collectors as well as a delight to people of all ages and tastes. In fact this book is a great delight to everyone’s eyes and an asset for the possessor. Everyone would love to read it and an essential book for libraries, schools and colleges and a collectible item for book and autograph lovers !! I would recommend this wonderful book to one and all !! The book is hardbound with beautiful design layout and high quality printing.

Price Rs 1500 US $ 50 It is available at following address :

Rekha P. Thakkar',

34, Janvishram Society,Behind Sahjanand College, Ambawadi,, Ahmedabad 380015

Email: thakkar34@yahoo.co.in or pkthakkar@yahoo.com

Praful Thakkar, the renowned philatelist of Gujarat is Limca Book Record Holder in 2009 for Autographs & Canteen Tokens and  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. He has written several books on these subjects of Hobbies. Mr Praful Thakkar may be contacted at e mail : pkthakkar@yahoo.com

 

SIPEX 2011 Souvenir : Review by - Naresh Agarwal

The souvenir released on occasion of SIPEX2011, a National Level Philatelic Exhibition published by South India Philatelists’ Association, Chennai is a collection and depiction of journey to the said show through well labeled pictures, nice graphics, views of the philatelic material issued. Journey through different facets of philately through various high quality and informative articles through the train and track of well printed, colorful, glossy paper of most appropriate size bound nicely in to a book form. The book is truly a souvenir for possessor as it gives glimpse of the SIPEX2011,the messages given by various persons, the articles on various aspects of philately written by various eminent and upcoming writers which have been found to be very informative. The well wishers of the show who contributed in form of advertisement have also been honored by giving such colorful space and well designed and placed advertisements. The editor has toiled hard to give an attractive shape to the contents by giving nice presentation, selection and skilled composing

In the article section, although all the articles have given nice impression but truly out of the assemblage of these 17 nos. articles covering different aspects of philately; article by C.G.Bhasker on “Czeslaw Slania,the Master Engraver”, & the one titled “Changing Face of Postal Stationery” by S.Balasundaram appealed me the most as those have a touch of extensive and fine research.

The attractive front and last pages themselves depict and declare the high standard of souvenir. I rate this souvenir much higher than the one issued during INDEPEX2011,a world exhibition held in India.

The book has fulfilled all of its objectives, covered all aspects and shown every necessary element. This souvenir is recommended to all to be preserved not only as a souvenir but an asset for the upcoming readers as the articles have been found very genuine, interesting and informative.

The copies of souvenir are available with the office of South India Philatelists’ Association. e mail : sipagold@gmail.com

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

Andrew Panachida, Poland

My congratulations, your Rainbow Stamp Club web site is very interesting and helpful, I think for so many collectors all over the world!

Shrikant Parikh, Ahmedabad

I just went thru your RSN. Fantastic, as always. I am sure, many youngsters will be inclined to

start this Hobby after viewing your RSN and RSC posts.

Praful Thakkar- Ahmedabad

You are doing an excellent selfless work for Philately. I consider it as your worship. My salute to your untiring efforts and dedicated devotion. I wish you a very Happy, Healthy, Positive and Powerful New Year !!

Shoban Sen, http://bestnetguru.com/stampcollecting/

I just came across your Rainbow Stamp News. Very well done.Very informative. Congratulations on this very commendable work.

RAINBOW STAMP CLUB

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

Readers may also express their views on any philatelic matter which will be published under Club News at Rainbow Stamp Cub Blog. Philatelic Clubs and Societies may also send brief write ups. 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 ; The Stamp Collecting Round Up ;  Mansoor B.- Mangalore ; Ashwani Dubey – Gorakhpur;; Prashant Pandya – Vadodara; Sanjiv Jain – Dehradun; 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 or PDF. 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.

…..Happy Collecting…………………………………………………………………

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