Friday, June 3, 2016

Rainbow June 2016





World Stamp Show - NY 2016





Rainbow Stamp News   June 2016    Vol. IX       No.102


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   and by post to –

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

I am pleased to release June 2016 issue of Rainbow stamp News. The biggest World Stamp Show NY 2016 is being held in New York from 28th May to 4th June 2016. . The results have been declared. Hearty congratulations to all the winners from various countries who exhibited in different categories and special felicitations to the Indian exhibitors who won awards in this show. Best wishes to all of them for better performance in forthcoming philatelic exhibitions. Well, such exhibitions give a big platform to develop philatelic fraternity among collectors from different parts of the world. Hope all the visitors of this show will be back with a great philatelic experience and tips to win a higher medal in a philatelic exhibition, since one gets the opportunity to see high quality exhibits in such a big philatelic event. Once again my warm philatelic greetings to all ! 

This is all for this month. More in next issue !
Happy Collecting !! 
                                                                                 …. Jeevan Jyoti   

                                                                                                            
Contents


§  From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal
§  Recent Indian Issues
§  In The News
§  Doon Philatelic Diary
§  Beginners’ Section
§  Specialized Section 
§  New Issues from Other Countries
§  Acknowledgement
§  Philatelic Clubs and Society
§  Blogs & Websites on Philately
§  Editor’s Mail Box

§  Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletter



  



WHY SUCH A HIKE IN PRICES OF SPECIAL COVERS



First day covers, Special covers or Commemorative covers and cancellations add to the charm and beauty of postal collection and are loved by the stamps lovers. Most of the new stamp lovers enter in to philatelic field through collection of stamps and the FDC’s or Special covers. There  is huge percentage of such collectors in India.

Let’s talk about special covers and cancellations. We know to commemorate any event which is not nationally important enough to be commemorated by issue of a Commemorative/Special stamp or for which a stamp cannot be accommodated in the annual issue programme may be commemorated by the department by issue of special covers which can be cancelled with a special cancellation at the post office selected for the purpose. Such covers are also being issued at the instance of private parties on payment of requisite charges. Heads of circles are the competent authority to sanction special covers commemorating any event/institution/inaugural flight under their jurisdiction. They also coordinate its release. The department charges fixed amount for this and fix  standard price for sales of such covers to general public too.

Looking a few years back, role of India Post seemed very encouraging  as it used to issue Special Covers at standard prices. Yes, the printing used to be ordinary. The pricing was very reasonable and affordable. That encouraged the collectors and promoted philately in  big way. But for last few years the trend has changed. Designer and innovative covers have come in to flow. Different printing techniques are being used. Different materials are being used for making covers.Limit of printing of covers has also changed. Public has been allowed to get special covers issued at a particular payment depending upon the day of release, number of days required days and quantity. We must thank India Post for issuing special covers of interest of general public on request.

Well, all is well as long as there is no hitch, no objection but of late, there has been a huge voice raised by various philatelists from all corners of India talking about uncontrolled prices of such covers. There is a voice of disappointment  by philatelists due to rising commercialism in DOP. DOP now sounds like  a commercial organization and not a service organization which looks for its profits first and interest of the public / philatelists later.

By just looking at the prices of special covers issued during few months, one is amazed as to what exactly is happening? Such a huge price escalation!! Covers are being issued at prices around Rs. 250/- to Rs. 300/- which ultimately reach philatelists at a premium of Rs. 500/ - or more. The examples are :

09.05.2016  Ujjain   : Simhastha Kumbha Mahaparva 2016    : Rs. 300/-

Indore Mahapex 2016, May 2016   : Special cover on Simhastha  : Rs. 250/- or Rs.300/-

21.05.2016 Hyderbad  : Special Cover issued on 2560th Birth Anniversary of Lord Budda at Hussain Sagar, Hyderabad. : Official Price Rs. 300/- Sells in market at Rs. 350.00

February 2016  Kolkatta : Commemoration of  76 years of Netaji’s last meeting with Gandhiji along with designer  special covers. The covers are affixed with different materials like canvas, wool, silk and wood . Price Rs. 250/-

All the special covers issued during last one or two years by M.P. circle, U.P. Circle even by other circles are priced at Rs. 25/- or above.

I would like to mention here what some of the philatelists write :

Mr. Mohanachandran Nair from Kerala writes about unfair practice by India Post during KERALAPEX-2016 where the old stamps of India were being sold at premium by India Post itself at a stall. On objection raised by philatelists, the stamps were converted in to year packs which were then sold at premium. From this incident the department has once again proved that they are not encouraging philately, but killing it. Please object these kind of unfair practices if any, found in your locality, in the budding stage itself and save philately.

Mr. Mani from Bangalore writes that the price of 18 special covers to be released during NY Expo 2016 is just USD 135 only. Moreover, India Post is selling 2003 Aero India MS for USD 19. Face value Rs 30, Even a small dealer here in India sells for equivalent to just USD 8,
Coming to special covers and Indian post we feel, there must be someone to report to the higher authorities of the feedback from philatelist  should take care this matter very seriously before more damage happens to philately in India if I am wrong kindly correct me. Kindly if possible forward to concerned authorities.


Well, the latest news with regards to the 18 special covers being released during NY Expo 2016 is that the price of each cover has been reduced to USD 5 from USD 7.5.

Now my concern is where we are going? What exactly India Post is thinking? How such practices are going to benefit philately? Friends, think about it. WAKE UP….SHAKE UP….and do something or else see philately dying….

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



Recent Indian Issues  




·         8 March 2016 - UN Women He for She – Rs 5 & Rs 25 + MS
·         11 March 2016 - National Archives of India – Rs 5
·         13 March 2016 - Allahabad High Court – Rs 5 & Rs 15 + MS
·         14 April 2016 – Fire Services in India – Rs 5
·         27 April 2016 - Govardhanram Tripathi – Rs 5
·         21 May 2016 – Swami Chidanada – Rs 5


Recent Special Covers







1 May 2016 :  Panchkroshi Yatra  - Ujjain
3 May 2016 : Shantheyanda Okkada Hockey Namme 2016 -  Madikeri.
4 May 2016 : DGOF Employees’ Welfare Board  - Kolkata
9 May 2016 :  Ujjain Darshan - Ujjain
12 May 2016 : Mahamati Shri Prannath Ji - Ujjain
20 May 2016 : Kaliadeh Palace, Ujjain
21 May 2016 :  2560th Birth Anniversary of Gautama Buddha, Hyderabad

1  June 2016 : Diamond Jubilee : Evangelical Church of India , Chennai


Special Covers to be released by India Post during World Stamp Expo, New York (May 28 – June 4 2016)





World Stamp Expo at New York is scheduled at May 28 - June 4.India Post has planned to issue set of 16 Special Covers during the occasion, on various themes. Booking for covers has started at E-Post site. Cost of set of 16 covers is Rs. 4,800.The covers will be delivered after the event is over. Covers can be bought individually too.



 In The News



World Stamp Show NY 2016..




Photo courtesy – Anuj Saxena

The once-a-decade event being held at the Javits Center in New York City from May 28 to June 4 2016.More than 4,100 frames of competitive exhibits will be visited by around 250,000 people over the eight days. The souvenir sheet by Romania marks its participation in this exhibition and illustrates within the stamp (through the stamp in stamp technique), the image of the 27 parale stamp, of the 1858 issue, Auroch’s Head, issued by the Principality of Moldavia. On the illustrated border of the souvenir sheet the logo of the Exhibition, along with national identity elements (the Maramures gate) are presented. Here are some most beautiful souvenir sheets issued by Postal administrations of Poland, Australia and Armenia  to commemorate this prestigious stamp show .







The perforation of the new souvenir sheet issued by Armenia Post is performed in the form of an apple (New York is also commonly known as the Big Apple).


Indian winners at World Stamp Show NY 2016

Congratulations !!





Row 1. Anil Suri, Praggya Jain, Ajay Mittal,Dhananjay Desai,
Row 2.Pradip Jain, Praful Thakkar, Dinesh Sharma, Abhai Mishra

Sr. No.
Name of Exhibitor
Title
Class
No. of Frames
Award
1.
Anil Suri
Fiscals of Cochin
Revenue (Fiscals)
8
Large Gold
(Marks: 95)
2.
Pragya Jain
A Study of the First Issue of India (1852-1854)
Traditional Philately (Asia, Oceania and Africa)
5
Gold
(Marks: 90)
3.
K. S. Mohan
Postal History of Cochin
Postal History (Asia, Oceania and Africa)
8
Large Vermeil
(Marks: 88)
4.
Ajay Kumar Mittal
Indian Princely State Kishangarh
Revenue (Fiscals)
5
Vermeil
(Marks: 84)
5.
Angeet Suri
Fiscals of Jodhpur
Revenue (Fiscals)
5
Vermeil
(Marks: 82)
6.
Dhananjay Desai
Soruth (Indian Feudatory State)
Traditional Philately (Asia, Oceania and Africa)
8
Vermeil
(Marks: 81)
7.
Avinash Sharma
Olympic Games
Youth Philately (16 - 18 Years)
4
Large Silver
(Marks: 77)
8.
Pradip Jain
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Issues of 1948
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
-
Silver
(Marks: 70)
9.
Dinesh Chandra Sharma
The History of Olympic Games Through Philately
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
-
Silver Bronze
(Marks: 65)
10.
Rohit Prasad
India 1929 Airmail Stamps: A Study of Constant Varieties
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
-
Silver Bronze
(Marks: 65)
11.
Praful Thakkar
Collector’s Guide to British India Bazar Post Cards- Edwardian & Georgian Period
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
-
Silver Bronze
(Marks: 65)
12.
Praful Thakkar
Collector's Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India with Set of Stamps, Se-tenant Stamps & Miniature Sheets
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
-
Silver Bronze
(Marks: 65)
13.
Abhai Mishra
Indian Antarctic Expedition-Philatelist’s Guide
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
-
Bronze
(Marks: 63)
14.
Chander Dev Singh
Stamps on Sikhs. A Thematic Tribute
Philatelic Literature (Philatelic books and research paper)
-
Bronze
(Marks: 60)

Indian Commissioner: Mr. Dhananjay Desai

Source : Indian Philately Digest


View complete Award List World Stamp Show NY 2016

Diwali stamp to be issued by Canada Post

After years of lobbying by community leaders, Canada Post has finally agreed that it will issue Diwali stamps next year.

By Ajit Jain
The Indian Diaspora
Jun 01, 2016
Toronto: After years of lobbying by community leaders, Canada Post has finally agreed that it will issue Diwali stamps next year.

Prakash Mody, who represented the Jain community on Ontario’s Multi-faith Council and himself a philatelic, is all excited. He’s one community leader who has pursued this issue with Canada Post for years, including writing to Deepak Chopra, an Indo-Canadian President and CEO of Canada Post.
Finally there’s a positive response. “Thank you for suggesting a topic for a future stamp issue. We appreciate your interest and engagement in Canada’s annual stamp program,” wrote Jo-Anne Polak, Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs of Canada Post.
In a letter, she explained to Mody that his suggestion to issue Diwali and other multi-faith stamps, “was given careful consideration by our Stamp Advisory Committee, which is tasked with selecting a balanced program from a long list of potential topics and have decided to issue Diwali stamps, as also on Eid, Hanukkah, on Christmas: Madonna and Child, and Christmas Animals.
“My efforts were not for Diwali (or Jains) only, but for multi-faiths and emphasis was on diversity,” Mody told The Indian Diaspora. “While this was a legitimate and valid request but for whatever reasons for long time nothing was happening.
“I have done my best by right methods and all my efforts and left it at that stage,” he said.”I am really happy with this announcement by Canada Post that they will issue the Diwali stamps next year, as also on Eid and Hanukkah.”
Mody says he’s also pursuing with Canada Post if they could issue stamps jointly with Indian Post
(Ajit Jain can be contacted at ajit.jain0410@gmail.com

All Blacks Stamp Wins Supreme Print Award




The Adidas jersey that was worn by the Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks in 2015 is a winner for a second time – now taking the coveted Supreme Award at the 2016 New Zealand Pride In Print Awards.
The New Zealand Post stamps entered by Dunedin-based Southern Colour Print is an industry first, in using rugby jersey fabric for a stamp that is perfectly useable for postage.
As a ground-breaking technology, the stamps also won the Industry Development Category for Pride in Print, which are the premier print and packaging awards in New Zealand.
The stamps celebrate the All Blacks’ win in the Rugby World Cup and had judges asking “what is it?” when they first picked up them up.
Closer inspection showed the stamps featured mini cut-outs of the World Cup-winning jersey – using the actual material of the Adidas jerseys worn by the All Blacks.

Recent Stamp Exhibitions



NATUREPEX-2016, National Philatelic Exhibition on Nature and Environment will be organized by the Eastern India Philatelists’ Association with active support of the Department of Posts, Government of India from 30th September to 2nd October, 2016 at KiiT International School, Bhubaneswar-751024, Odisha with an objective to aware people for protection of natures and conserve our environment. The exhibits relating to Nature, Flora & Fauna, Environment and related subjects will only be exhibited in this exhibition as per the decision taken at the Special Meeting of the Eastern India Philatelists’ Association held on 03.05.2015. The exhibition will be of 400 frames and will be competitive one.
The main theme of the exhibition is ‘Save our Nature & Environment’. This exhibition would give extensive mileage to the promotion of Philately as well as create awareness to save our environment and to preserve the endangered species in our country.
Participation in the exhibition is open to all philatelists throughout  India. Exhibitor should be a member of a registered Philatelic Society/ Association/Club.
The prospectus is under preparation, which will be published along with the entry form shortly. For details Please visit : www.naturepex2016.blogspot.in

-Ajit Kumar Dash : Secretary, EIPA

CHINA 2016 - 33th Asian International Stamp Exhibition








CHINA 2016 will be held at Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center, Nanning City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China from December 2 - 6,  2016.

CHINA 2016 (33th Asian International Stamp Exhibition) will be organized under the Patronage of the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP) and Recognition of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP).Mr Surajit Gongvatana is the FIAP Co-ordinator of CHINA 2016

This exhibition is organized by the All-China Philatelic Federation, jointly with the State Post Bureau of The People’s Republic of China, The People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and China Post Group.




Mr.Surendra A. Kotadia is National Commissioner for CHINA - 2016 from India. His contact details are as below.



ADDRESS -     DIMPLE DRUMS &BARRELS PVT LTD
                        1119 MAKER CHAMBER - V
                        221 JAMANALAL BAJAJ ROAD, NARIMAN POINT
                        MUMBAI 400 021 .                                           


                         TELIPHONE  + 91 22 22024130/31
                         MOBILE         + 91 98199 03789
                         FAX                + 91 22 22843275
                         E-MAIL : surendrakotadia@gmail.com

PHILATAIPEI 2016 : World Stamp Championship Exhibition


Mr. Anil Suri is  the National Commissioner for India of PHILATAIPEI 2016 World Stamp Championship Exhibition being held at Taipei, Taiwan from October 21 to 26, 2016. This is fourth World Stamp Championship show which will be the highest level of competition in philately where the best philatelists in the world will compete for awards.  There will be 3 finalists: The World Champion, First Runner Up and Second Runner Up.  The World Champion is therefore recognized as having won the highest award in the world's stamp competitive exhibitions.
Anil Suri : email : anilksuri@email.com 8130827029, 9811176908

World Stamp Show-NY 2016

World Stamp Show, New York 2016 is being  held from 28th May to 4th June 2016 at New York, USA.






Shri Dhananjay Desai of Ahmadabad  is Commissioner  for this exhibition. email : dhananjay_47@yahoo.co.in
Website of exhibition:  http://www.ny2016.org/
Date :  May 28-June 4, 2016 Venue :  Jacob Javits Convention Center, 655 West



THAILAND 2016, 32nd Asian International Stamp Exhibition


 National Commissioner: Rajan Jayakar : email :
rajanjayakar@yahoo.com

  Mobile : 9821072417

 

Department of Posts has revised special cover/cancellation charges w.e.f. 11.05.2016.
New Rates:
On working day at Post Office Rs. 12,500
On working day at Proponent's premises Rs. 25,000
On Sundays/Holidays at Post Office Rs. 25,000
On Sundays/Holidays at Proponent's premises Rs. 50,000
Para 57 of Hand Book of Philately amended accordingly.

News from Philatelic Clubs and Societies


Philatelic Society of Delhi

The monthly meeting of Philatelic Society of Delhi for the month of May was held at Indian Building Congress, RK Puram (Sector 6), New Delhi on May 15th, 2016. The meeting was attended by more than 50 eminent philatelists of the region.

The meeting started with the early bird lucky draws in which Shri Vivek Bhargava, Shri R.K. Bhatia and Shri KuldeepJalandara received gifts from the Society President, Shri Anil Suri, the vice president, ShriUdai Saxena and a senior member Shri A.R.C. Shah. The meeting started with a wonderful presentation on Philatelic footprint of Allahabad. An elaborate presentation spanning 110 slides covering all aspects of the city (people, places and culture) was presented by Shri Dinesh Sabharwal, the Joint Secretary of the society. Special attraction of the presentation was the variety of special and combination covers displayed only on the sesquicentennial of the High Court of Allahabad.



1. Shri R.K. Bhatia receiving Early Bird gift from Shri A.R.C. Shah. 2. Shri KuldeepJalandara receiving gift. 3. Shri Vivek Bhargava receiving gift from Shri Anil Suri. 4. Shri Dinesh Sabharwal presenting the slide deck of Allahabad. 5. Shri Aditya Asthana presenting the slide of “Tale of a Mail” 6. Glimpse of Episode #1 of “Tale of the Mail”. 7. Discussion on the combination covers of Allahabad High Court. 8. Inauguration of PSOD website by Shri Anil Suri, Shri MadhukarJhingan and Shri Anish Mathews. 9. Glimpse of the Shri Sabharwal’s presentation 

Post tea break, executive member Shri Aditya Asthana started a new informative series of presentations "Tale of a Mail" with its first episode illustrating the postal markings, rates and the route of a Pre-stamp letter dated April 1836 from Cawnpore, India to Portobello, Scotland. Inclusion of animated route map and letter’s text made the talk interesting. The session continued with open discussion on a beautiful one frame exhibit "The Ramayana, The adventures of Lord Rama" by an eminent philatelist Eli Moallem from Jerusalem, Israel. Tips and tricks for thematic exhibiting were also discussed. The Society treasurer, Shri Rishi Chandok briefed the members about the upcoming events of the society.

Post lunch, Shri Anil Suri and our senior member Shri MadhukarJhingan inaugurated the website of Philatelic Society of Delhi. The site which is under construction is being engineered by Shri. Anish Mathews. The link to the website is www.philatelicsocietyofdelhi.com.

-Aditya Asthana

(Executive Member) Philatelic Society of Delhi


Doon Philatelic Diary


Childers Lodge & Nahata Estate











- Abhai Mishra


Childers Lodge is part of the 312 acre estate established around 1860's on the slopes of Lal Tibba. It is a single piece of land in Landour, Mussoorie and the highest point in Mussoorie i.e. 2290 meters above mean sea level is part of it. The Childers group of Houses(Childers Castle, Childers Cottage and Lodge) was probably established by Col. Michael Childers of the 11th Light Dragoons. It is one of the oldest settlement in Mussoorie and boasts of having exhilarating view of Himalayas from here.





To give the visitors a clearer view of the picturesque surroundings a Japanese telescope has been installed at the edge of the cliff, from which one can see the mountains that house the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath on a clear day. One can also see other majestic peaks like Bandarpunch and Srikantha from here.


The Landour Language School  was set up in 1912 in this sprawling Victorial mansion so that the British civil servants can learn Hindi in order to communicate with the local populace. Later the Language School was shifted its present location at Kellogg Memorial Church in Landour. The nearest post office was Landour Cantt. In 1958 Mr. & Mrs. Leon H. Elliot owned the Childers Lodge. 




The Landour Cantt. post office was closed later.

In 1990, Childers Estate was purchased by Nahata Group and is now known as Nahata Estate. Shri Harakh Chand Nahata was born on the 18th of July, 1936 in an eminent family in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Handling the largest Railway Out agency in Tripura and establishing a large network of road transport, he was instrumental in starting the economic development and two way traffic to bring economic gains to the tribal people and the state of Tripura.
He contributed a lot for the development of cinema in Eastern India. In 2009 a commemorative stamp was released on him.At present the Childers Lodge mostly remains closed but it did have an interesting history behind it.


.



- Abhai Mishra : email : abhai_mishra@rediffmail.com

Beginners’ Section

Magic square on new  Macau stamps


 Chinese stamps celebrate an ancient number pattern by themselves appearing in a pattern

 Old-age mutant number tortoise: Macau stamp displays the origin myth of the magic square. Illustration: Macau Post

According to Chinese legend a turtle like the one above crept out of the Yellow River about 4000 years ago. It looks like it is riddled with spots, or bullet holes. But if you look carefully, the dots on its back represent the digits from 1 to 9 arranged in the following way:
492
357
816
If you add the numbers in each row together, they are all equal to 15. For example 4 + 9 + 2 = 15, and so on.

If you add the columns, they sum to 15 also. For example, 4 + 3 + 8 = 15. And yes, you guessed it, the diagonals do too.

A grid containing consecutive numbers starting from 1 such that rows, columns and diagonals all add up to the same number is known as a magic square. The 3x3 square on turtle is known in China as the lo shu.

Magic squares have long fascinated soothsayers, herpetologists, mystics, architects, soldiers, artists, mathematicians…and now, stamp collectors. Macau, the former Portuguese colony now a part of China, has just issued a set of magic square stamps that, it claims, not only promotes Chinese culture but also creates a “unique product in the history of philately.”

Each stamp in the collection features a magic square. More curiously, the stamps have a monetary value of between 1 to 9 patacas (the Macau currency), and you will be able to buy them in a sheet where the first row has the 4, 9 and 2 pataca stamps, the second has the 3, 5 , 7 pataca stamps and the third has the 8, 1 and 6. In other words, the stamps are themselves arranged in a magic square, which is none other than the lo shu!

Meta!!! Amazed no postal service ever thought of this before…
In fact there will be ten stamps in the set, including the 12 pataca stamp above with the turtle on it. 

Specialized Section

This is the last part of this series by Dr Avinash B. Jagtap. I thank Dr Jagtap for contributing this special section of Postal History to Rainbow Stamp News.- Editor


Some Remarkable Cancellations and Postmarks – 40

Renouf Remarkable Cancellations : Registration Marks

 - Dr. Avinash B. Jagtap










Any correspondence is welcome --  Dr Avinash B. Jagtap : email : abjagtap@hotmail.com


Father of Science Fiction (Pt I)







© Dr.Satyendra Kumar Agrawal


All-time great Science Fiction novels- “A Journey to the Centre of the Earth” (1864), “Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea” (1870) and “Around the World in Eighty Days” (1873) were written by Jules Verne. These are not only works of fiction but living proof of   his intelligent foresight into the technical achievements that are within man's grasp. He was born on 8 Feb 1828 in France and known as the first authentic writer of modern science fiction.Verne has been the second most-translated author (more than 140 languages), in the world since 1979, ranking between Agatha Christie and William Shakespeare.
Verne’s father, intending that Jules follow in his footsteps as an attorney  but the young Verne fell in love with literature,and  dreamed of writing   a new kind of novel—one that would combine scientific fact with adventure fiction.


Jules Gabriel Verne

Verne's first long work of fiction, “Five Weeks in a Balloon” published in 1863 gives readers a glimpse of the exploration of Africa, which was still not completely known to Europeans of the time, with explorers traveling all over the continent in search of its secrets.It is the first novel in which he perfected the "ingredients" of his later work, skilfully mixing a plot full of adventure and twists that hold the reader's interest with passages of technical, geographic, and historic description.



“Five Weeks in a Balloon”

Public interest in fanciful tales of African exploration was at its height which made the book an instant hit and he got a contract with Jules Hetzel's publishing house, a highly successful author-publisher collaboration that lasted for more than 40 years and resulted in more than 60 works in the popular series “Voyages extraordinaire”. His works were often written in the form of a travel book which took the readers on Voyage Extra ordinaries.



“Voyages extraordinaire”



Few Book Covers of Voyages Extraordinary series 

Verne's next few books were immensely successful at the time and are still counted among the best he wrote. “A Journey to the Centre of the Earth” (1864) describes the adventures of a party of explorers and scientists who descend the crater of an Icelandic volcano and discover an underground world.



Sea monster attacks a makeshift raft



“Journey to the Centre of Earth”

The story involves German professor Otto Lidenbrock who believes there are volcanic tubes going toward the centre of the Earth. He, his nephew Axel, and their guide Hans descend into the Icelandic volcano Snæfellsjökull, encountering many adventures, including prehistoric animals and natural hazards, before eventually coming to the surface again in southern Italy, at the Stromboli volcano.



Encountering prehistoric animals

“The Adventures of Captain Hatteras” is a two parts novel, ‘The English at the North Pole’ and ‘the desert of ice’, published in 1864. It describes adventures of British expedition led by Captain John Hatteras to the North Pole who is convinced that the sea around the pole is not frozen and his obsession is to reach the place no matter what. Mutiny by the crew results in destruction of their ship but Hatteras, with a few men, continues on the expedition and reaches the island of "New America".Captain Hatteras shows many similarities with British explorer John Franklin.



“The Adventures of Captain Hatteras”

As with many of Verne's imaginative creations, his description of Arctic geography was based on scientific knowledge at the time the novel was written (1866) but foreshadowed future discoveries. Ellesmere Island had been re-discovered and named by Edward Inglefield in 1852 and further explored by Isaac Israel Hayes in 1860-61. Forty years after the novel's publication, in 1906, Robert Peary claimed to have sighted Crocker Land around 83° N, and in 1909, Frederick Cook sighted Bradley Land at 85° N, both at locations occupied by Verne's “New America”. Cook's choice of route may actually have been inspired by his reading of Verne.



The Adventures of Captain Hatteras in 1866 envisioned the discovery of the North Pole later found by Richard E Byrd

In “From the Earth to the Moon” (1865) and its sequel, “Round the Moon” (1870), Verne describes how two adventurous Americansjoined a Frenchmanarrange to be fired in a hollow projectile from gigantic cannon that lifts them out of Earth's gravity field and takes them close to the moon.

Fired in a hollow projectile



“From the Earth to the Moon”

Verne not only pictured the state of weightlessness his "astronauts" experienced during their flight, but also he had the vision to locate their launching site in Florida, where nearly all of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) space launches take place today.

Apollo 11 on lunar surface

-      Dr Satyendra Kumar Agrawal : email : rosephila@hotmail.com


BRITISH INDIA VICTORIAN POST CARDS
( Part 2)





-Col Jayanta Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta

Military Post Cards
Regular issues were overprinted C.E.F. on the imprinted stamp for use by the China Expeditionary Force.









Postal Service Post Cards
These cards were for inter-departmental use of the postal department. They were designed and printed in India. They were devoid of any imprinted stamp. 
1881 issue
Yellow-green on stout yellow card/thinish yellowish white card/buff card. 119-122x74-78 mm.




1889 issue
Similar to last issue but inscription and coat-of-arms changed to a different type. 119x74 mm.
1890 issue
Type 1. The word “TO” was added with two dotted horizontal lines for the address.
On stout paper, with size 119x74 mm.



1892 issue

Similar to last issue but coat-of-arms is different, and inscription is differently spaced.



1894 issue
East is removed from the heading. The heading reads INDIA POSTAL SERVICE CARD.
           
Convention States Postal Stationery
The convention states of India were:
Chamba (1887–1948)
Faridkot (feudatory from 1879–1887; convention from 1887 to 1901).
Gwalior (1885–1948)
Jhind (feudatory 1874 – 1885; convention from 1885).
Nabha (1885–1948)
Patiala (1884–1947)
The postal conventions signed by each state were almost identical in their provisions:As per the terms of the convention, each party thereto recognises the franking power within its own territory of the postage stamps issued by the other party, provided that they are of the nature laid down in the convention. These conventions further bind the Government of India to supply these States, on indent, with stamps current in British India surcharged with the name of the indenting State. The charge made to the latter for this service is the actual price paid by the Government of India to the contractors in England for printing the stamps, plus the freight to India, and the actual cost of surcharging. No profit is made on the transaction.” Sir Charles Stewart-Wilson, British Indian Adhesive Stamps Surcharged for Native States, Vol I.
For details of the postal stationery of Convention States one may refer to the monumental work of Edward F Deschl. A few Victorian postal cards from the Convention States are illustrated. They had the name of the state with or without the coat-of-arms.

Chamba






Chamba, 1888, first Official Post Card, ¼ anna red-brown on buff, overprinted with 'SERVICE' & ‘CHAMBA STATE’ in black, with black 'Sun' below





Chamba, 1888, Post Card with reply, ¼ + ¼ anna red-brown on buff,
overprinted Chamba State in black with black 'Sun' below

Faridkot



Faridkot, 1891, Post Card, ¼ anna, red-brown on buff overprinted
 ‘FARIDKOT STATE’ in black with coat-of-arms in black below.

Gwalior




Gwalior first PC 1885 ovpt ‘SPECIMEN’ with the sun and snakes coat-of-arms in red


Jhind

Jhind, first PC, 1885, ¼ anna red-brown on buff, with
‘STATE JHIND’ in black and black coat-of-arms below

Nabha




Nabha, 1898, ¼ anna red-brown on buff card with ovpt ‘SERVICE’
and ‘NABHA STATE’ in black and black coat-of-arms below

Patiala



Patiala, 1884, ¼ anna red-brown on buff with horizontal
ovpt ‘PUTTIALLA STATE’, with no coat of arms

Zanzibar Overprinted Post Cards

As with stamps and fiscals, postal stationery too were overprinted for use in Zanzibar and were covered in detail by George T Krieger in his article Zanzibar-Overprinted Postal Stationery of India 1896-6, feely available on the net. A few Victorian postal cards from Zanzibar are illustrated.


References
1. Manik Jain, Encyclopaedia of Indian Postal Stationery, Philatelia, 1973
2. Col J Dutta, British India Victorian Post Cards, Deccan Philatelist, Vol 5, No2, 2006.
3. George T Krieger, Zanzibar-Overprinted Postal Stationery of India 1896-6, Postal Stationery, No 332, 2003, p 116-120.
4. Edward F Deschl, Indian States Postal Stationery Listing, Published by the author, 1994.
5. Sir Charles Stewart-Wilson, British Indian Adhesive Stamps surcharged for Native States, Vol I, The Philatelic Society of India, Calcutta, 1897.
6. Pratisad Neurgaonkar, Postal Stationery of British India 1856-1947, Published by the author, 2009.


-Col Jayanta Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta : email - doctorjayanta2009@gmail.com


Ujjain Simhastha Kumbh 2016







-By Vikas Singh







The churning of ocean by the Gods and the Demons yielded 14 gems: Shri, Rambha, Vish, Varuni, Amiya, Shankh, 

Gajraj ,Dhanwantari, Dhanu, Dhenu, Taru, Chandramaru, Mani and Baji. The churning also yielded a jar (Kumbh) full of Amrit (nectar).Gods did not wish to share it with demons. At the instance of Lord Indra, the King of Gods, his son Jayanta tried to run away with the jar and was followed by some of the demons. During the struggle for its possession, lasting for twelve days a few drops of the nectar dropped on the rivers in four places - Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik on the earth. These are the four places where Kumbh is held at interval of 12 years. As the struggle for the possession of the nectar jar (Amrit Kumbh) lasted for twelve days, the corresponding period turned out to be twelve years on the earth for the human beings.

Kumbh at Ujjain is held when a rare configuration of planets takes place with the Sun in the zodiac sign Aries and Jupiter in the zodiac sign Leo. Because Jupiter is in the zodiac sign Leo (Singh), Kumbh at Ujjain is called Simhastha. This year the Simhastha Kumbh was from 22nd April till 21st May.

According to Skanda Purana, dip in Shipra River is very important during the Kumbh. One gets salvation after taking a dip in the holy Shipra river in Ujjain when the month is Vaishakh, Shukla Paksha, Jupiter is in Leo, Sun in Aries, Moon in Libra and Swati Nakshatra, VyatipathYog.


There were 10 Holy dip Dates during this Simhastha

22nd April- Chaitra Shukla, First Shahi Snan

3rd May- Varuthini Ekadashi. 

Varuthini Ekadashi, falls on the 11th lunar day (ekadashi) of the fortnight of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Vaishakha .On this day Vishnu, in his fifth avatar Vamana, is worshipped. The greatness about Varuthini Ekadashi is narrated by Krishna to Yudhishthira in the Bhavishya Purana.

6th May- Vaishakh Krishna Amavasya

9th May- AkshayaTritiya,

Second Shahi Snan. AkshayaTritiya falls on the third Tithi (lunar day) of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Vaishakh. It is traditionally observed as the birthday of Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of god Vishnu. The Puranic scriptures speak about how he reclaimed the land from the sea. On this day Veda Vyas and Lord Ganesh began to write Mahabharata. According to Hindu belief, on this day the TretaYug began and the river Ganges, the most sacred river of India, descended to the earth from the heaven. It was on this day that Goddess Annapurna Devi was born.

11th May- Shankracharya Jayanti

15th May-VrishabhSankranti.

VrishabhSankranti is the period during when Sun moving to Vrishabhrashi (Taurus zodiac) from Mesharashi (Aries zodiac). Sankranti is the time when Sun moves from one rashi to another. There are 12 Sankranti times in a year.
17th May- Mohini Ekadashi

19th May- Pradosh

20th May- Narsingh Jayanti.

Vaishakha Shukla Chaturdashi is celebrated as Narsingh Jayanti. Lord Narsingh was the 4th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On Narsingh Jayanti day Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Narsingh, a half lion and half man, to kill Demon Hiranyakashipu.

21st May-Vaishakh Shukla, Third Shahi Snan

India Post set up three extension counters of the Ujjain City PO-456006 at the Simhastha Kumbh, Ujjain. Extension counters were opened at DuttAkhada, Mangalnath and Rudra Sagar. No special post mark was provided at any of these extension counters. Mostly they are receiving normal mails for onward dispatch. The main business of these extension counters was to print and sell Simhastha My stamp. There was a fourth post office in the meal area but it is an existing post office only.



DuttAkhada Simhastha Mela Post Office – 456 006Bherugarh S.O. 456 003




Mangalnath Simhastha Mela Post Office – 456 006Rudra Sagar Simhastha Mela Post Office – 456 006

The Dept of posts also printed My stamp with Mahakal temple. 5000 sheets were printed. The post office extension counters promoted this facility. Pamphlets were distributed in all major camps. 450 sheets were sold during the month long Kumbh.



My stamp with top of Mahakal temple
Seven special covers were released during this month long festival.

During the MP State Philatelic exhibition, the first cover on Simhastha Kumbh was released in Indore on 7th Feb. The Special Cover was sponsored by Dainik Bhaskar. Inlay card containing information about kumbh is provided with the Special Cover.



On the occasion of first Shahi Snan on 22nd April, a special cover was released in Ujjain by Shri M. E. Haque, Chief Postmaster General, M. P. Circle and other dignitaries. Priced at Rs.205, 1000 covers were printed.



A Special Cover was released to commemorate Panchkroshi Yatra of Ujjain on 1st May the first day of Panchkroshi Yatra at Ujjain. Special Cover was sponsored by Dainik Bhaskar. Inlay card containing information about Panchkroshi Yatra, Ujjain is provided with the Special Cover.


According to Avanti khand of Skanda Puran when Lord Shiva founded Ujjain at Parvati’ s behest on the banks of the Shipra, four gates were established to guard the city from all four directions. Four guardian deities, Pingleshwar (East), Kayavarohareshwar (South) Durdureshwar (North) and Bilveshwar (West) were appointed with Mahakaleshwar at the center of the town .The gates no more exist. The temples were rebuilt during the reign of Ranoji Shinde by his diwan SukhtankarRamchandra Baba Shenavi. In Panchkroshi Yatra, pilgrims perform Pradakshina of Ujjain and visit all the four temples located at these four corners covering a distance of 118 kms.According to Chapter 26 of the Avanti khand of Skanda Purana the Yatra should commence from the Krishna Paksha (waning period of the moon) Ekadashi of any month and end on the Amavasya. But the Yatra during the Vaishakh month has greater significance. During the 2016 Simhastha Kumbh the Yatra dates were 1st May (Vaisakh Krishana PakshaEkadashi to 6th May (Vaisakh Krishana Paksha Amavasya)

The Yatra commences with pilgrims taking a dip in the Shipra River and visiting the Mahakaleshwar temple. Then they visit the Nagchandreshwar Mahadev (19th of the 84 Mahadev) in the Patni Bazar. After this they go to Pingleshwar village and worship Pingleshwar Mahadev (81st of the 84 Mahadev). They stay for the night here. On second day of the Yatra they reach Karohan village and worship Bilveshwarmahadev (82nd of the 84 Mahadev). They stay for the night here. On third of the Yatra they reach Ambodia village on the banks of Gambhir River and worship Kayavarohareshwarmahadev (83rd of the 84 Mahadev). They stay for the night here.On fourth of the Yatra they reach Jaithal village and worship Durdureshwarmahadev (84th of the 84 Mahadev). They stay for the night here.On the fifth day the pilgrims go back again to Pingleshwar village and worship Pingleshwar Mahadev. After this they go to Ujjain and offer prayers once again to Nagchandreshwar Mahadev.

On the occasion of second Shahi Snan, on 9th May, a Special Cover was released by Shri T. Murty, Member (Operations), Department of Posts, Shri M. E. Haque, Chief Postmaster General, M. P. Circle and other dignitaries on Ujjain Darshan. Priced at Rs.55, 1000 covers were printed.


A Special Cover was released on 12th May on Mahamati Shri PrannathJi by Shri Chhatrashal Pranam iNavyuvak Seva Samiti, Ujjain.


The real name of MahamatiPrannath was Mehraj Thakur. He was born on 26th October 1618. His father, Keshav Thakur, was a Diwan in the state of Jamnagar. Mehraj became Diwan of Dharol. Later under the guidance of his guru Devchandraji he travelled extensively both in India and abroad, giving religious discourses. In Surat he established the holy shrine of Shri Mahamangalpuri Dham. He believed in the oneness of the Muslim and Hindu faith and established a universal religion "Nijanand Dharma". Because of his religious and pious life he came to be known as Mahamati Shri PrannathJi

A Special Cover was released on Narsingh Jayanti, on Kaliadeh Palace on 20th May 2016. The Special Cover was sponsored by Dainik Bhaskar. Inlay card containing information about the palace is provided with the Special Cover.



The Kaliadeh Palace is located on the banks of the River Shipra .The Avanti-mahatmya of Skanda Purana has recorded a description of the Sun temple and two tanks here- Surya Kund and Brahma Kund. A fragmented inscription recovered from this place records building of the palace in 1458 AD, by Sultan of Malwa, Mahmud Khilji. The palace is built over a mound and gives a beautiful view of the surrounding area. The central dome of the palace is a beautiful example of Persian architecture. There are several underground chambers some of which once served as royal kitchen.  Colonel Stewart records in his book “History of Central India” that later Sultan Naseeruddin Khilji diverted the flow of Shipra River through 52 tanks so that water cooled down considerably. Addicted to mercury, the Sultan used to lie down intoxicated in the tanks. He is later believed to have drowned in one of these tanks while lying down intoxicated. Two Persian inscriptions found in one of the long corridors of the palace record the visits of Emperor Akbar and Jahangir to this palace According to AbulFazal’sAkbarnama, Mughal emperor Akbar rested at this the palace on 25 Jan, 1599 during his Deccan military campaign. Later in 1616, Jahangir stayed with Sir Thomas Roe in this palace. During his stay here, Jahangir used to visit regularly saint Jadrup who had his hut in the jungles nearby. He used to travel by boat to listen to holy discourses.The palace was destroyed in the time of the Pindaris. In 1886 Sir Michale Filose partially restored the palace and used it as his residence. After his death the palace again fell into ruins. It was then restored by Madho Rao Scindia in 1920. He added many buildings such as the court, guest house and other state offices. The Sun Temple was also restored by the family.

On the occasion of third Shahi Snan on 21st May a Special Cover was released in Ujjain by Preeti Agarwal, Director Philately, Indore, and other dignitaries on ghats of Shipra.Priced at Rs.55, 1000 covers were printed.



Ghats of Shipra River




Dainik Bhaskar has also printed a limited edition, numbered commemorative folder which has all the sevn covers and one sheet of My stamp. Those interested in the folder can contact Vikas Singh at doonexpress@gmail.com

New issues from other Countries

Aland

One apple as a symbol of Åland seasons!



Apple tree is a symbol of four seasonal changes that is why this fruit has appeared on a new original stamp by Åland Post that is being introduced as the part of 2016 Sepac stamp issue on the joint theme seasons. The creative graphic designer who has chosen to illustrate the seasons from the perspective of an apple is Annika Zetterqvist.
The Åland climate is particularly favourable for cultivating apples. Influenced by the surrounding sea, it has a relatively mild winter and a rather late spring, which minimises the risk of frost damage during flowering. The apple trees are at their most beautiful in May and June.
Summers are usually sunny and followed by long and warm autumns, so harvesting normally starts around mid-August, lasting until the end of October. In recent years, apples as a garden produce have significantly increased its share of the total Åland farming produce. In 2014, apples for 4.8 million euros were sold, the bulk of which was exported to Finland.
Graphic designer Annika Zetterqvist’s idea behind the 2016 motif may be summarised by the words “germinate, blossom, ripen and enjoy”, four words that appear in both the first day cancel, on the stamp sheet and on the first day cover. Dawning on Annika as her work progressed, the words symbolise the seasons of both nature and life.
Guernsey





Guernsey Post issued for the World Stamp Show-NY 2016 a Commemorative Souvenir Sheet, depicting the famous Golden Guernsey Cow.
The Channel Islands, including the beautiful small island of Guernsey, are home to famous breeds of dairy cows, which bear their names  Alderney, Guernsey, and Jersey.
It is generally thought that the true origins of the Guernsey breed lie in the development of cattle that were imported to the island from the nearby French mainland. The cattle eventually became known as Guernseys when the Royal Guernsey Agricultural Society was formed in 1817, with the specific aim of preserving the beauty of Guernsey cattle.
Guernseys were first imported to the United States by two schooner captains in the 1830s and 1840s. Impressed by the quality of the breed’s dairy products, Captain Prince brought the first Guernseys back to his home in Boston. Three Alderneys were brought to New York and Captain Prince’s two heifers and bull from Guernsey became the basis of the American Guernsey herd.
Monaco



The biggest sporting event on the planet is coming to Rio de Janeiro. It promises to be the brightest sporting event of this year. To celebrate this event Monaco Post has prepared for releasing a special stamp depicting different kinds of sport that will be present at Rio Summer Olympics.
Rio de Janeiro will be the host city for the 31st Olympic Games. These Summer Olympic Games will be the first to be held in South America. More than 10,500 athletes from 206 countries will participate in the event from 5 to 21 August 2016. The Principality of Monaco will send competitors in six disciplines: athletics, rowing, artistic gymnastics, judo, taekwondo and sailing.

Blogs & Websites


Editor’s Mail Box
My Hearty congratulations for 100th issue of Rainbow. It is your dedicated effort and which has made it a successful era.My best wishes for this great occasion. I pray that 100 becomes 200 and many more year after year. God bless you .
-Surendra Kotadia - Mumbai


Philatelic Clubs & Societies 

Baroda Philatelic Society -  http://www.vadophil.org/
Chandigarh Philatelic Club
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - http://www.filacapsule.blogspot.com/   
India Study Circle -  http://www.indiastudycircle.org/
Indian Stamp Ghar - http://www.indianstampghar.com/
Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana -   http://indianthematicstamps.webs.com/
Ludhiana Philatelic Club
Numismatic & Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort  http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm
Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association -  http://www.sipa.org.in/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune

Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters

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

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

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

Journal of the Army Philatelic Society : Editor – Col Jayanta Dutta

SIPA Bulletin http://www.sipa.org.in/

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

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

GPA News – Published by Gujarat Philatelists’ Association, Ahemadabad.

Stamps Today  Stamp & Coin Magazine edited by Vijay Seth


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 : International Stamp News; Indian Philately Digest ; Stamps of India ; Europa Stamps,  Prashant Pandya – Vadodara,  Sreejesh Krishnan – Trivandrum; Jagannath Mani - Bangalore Anuj Saxena - Dehradun,, Mahesh Parekh – Chennai, Kasinath R. - Tanjore


Address for communication:

Jeevan Jyoti,  c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box No. 18, Chandrabani, Dehradun – 248002. India  
             
 E-mail –    j.jyoti9@gmail.com 

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

Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti, from Dehradun ( Uttarakhand) India.






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