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Monthly e-Stamp Bulletin edited and published by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun.

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Rainbow March 2019


Birds and Symbolism


Date of Issue : 5 March 2019

A set of six stamps featuring birds which can be sighted in Jersey will be issued by Jersey Post on 5th March as part of the 2019 Europa stamp issue with the theme “National Birds”. The set includes two Europa stamps which incorporate an innovative feature, enabling those with a smartphone to scan the stamps and hear the sounds of the birds. Six species  featured on the stamps are with the traditional symbolic meaning with which they are associated.



Dehradun March  2019  Vol. XII  Issue No. 135

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 the editor: j.jyoti9@gmail.com 

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


Dear Reader,

I am pleased to present March 2019 issue of Rainbow Stamp News. The month of February was filled with the news of attacks and air strikes . The Pulwama attack was the worst and most tearful event and the release  of our Indian Pilot  Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman captured by Pakistan after his plane crashed on the other side of LoC while on a mission,   was the happiest moment for every Indian, Now it is time for India Post to honour our Heroes and celebrate their   courage and valour ! Those who sacrificed their life for the Nation and those who survived after fighting until their last strength must be honoured timely. There are many unsung heroes who need to be recognized  and honored. Why to wait for years to get acceptance for the release of stamps on them….The decision should be taken immediately…. India Post releases a large number of stamps every year on a variety of important and unimportant subjects . Now it is time to be selective and start a series of modern heroes of our Nation ! The heroes who are alive should be honoured in their lifetime….

This is all for this month. More in next Issue.

Happy Collecting !!








Contents


§  From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal
§  Recent Indian Issues
§  In The News 
§  Doon Philatelic Diary
§  Beginners’ Section
§  Rose Philately
§  Specialized Section
§  Interview
§  New Issues from Other Countries
§  Philatelic Clubs and Society
§  Blogs & Websites on Philately
§  Current Philatelic Magazines & Newsletters












PATHETIC CONDITION OF PHILATELY

(Philatelic Societies and Clubs need revival)


While discussing about the  status of philately and strength of philatelists, stamp collectors and stamp lovers in India with one of my dedicated and noted philatelic friends Mr. Pratisad Neurgaonkar, we could came to the  conclusion that  the condition of philately in India is genuinely PHATHETIC now  as we could  count the number of active philatelists in India to be not more than  500 and  genuine stamp collectors to be around 2000. State wise exhaustive telephonic survey was done by him inquiring from different philatelists, clubs, societies, post offices and other sources and the situation was found alarming. Philatelic growth was no where except a few places  such as Chennai, Jaipur and Bhubaneshawar. Rather the graph has been found declining. The  membership figures in Philatelic Bureaus has been found in genuine with hardly 30% genuine buyers of Indian stamps. Most of the members are either only India collectors or associated with stamp dealers. Most of the societies which were very active one to two decades before were found either dead or inactive. Yes, a few are working but not that actively as they should. Formation of new societies and clubs was found almost nil. Veteran philatelists have grown old and so became inactive and there is no much interest in philately for children because they have huge load of study and career building. So there is hardly any entry of youngsters in philately. Further, different modes of new generation communication and growing digitalization have caused reduction in paper postal transmission. Computer based games and mobile apps have given choice to the children and youngsters and so caused distraction from philately. In other words, no more attraction in philately.

Well, as I have written several times in past, it is high time that  the philatelic scenario throughout India needs to be reviewed carefully. New policies for its active functioning and revival needs to be evolved. A massive but collective and corrective effort is required to be done. With the use of better and fast communicating systems, interstate philatelists and philatelic society’s interaction can be bettered. We know philatelic clubs and societies are back bone of philately. These are the birth places, nourishing centres and launching pads of philately anywhere in the world. Attention has to be given to revive the dead or non functional ones and also to the formation of new societies. The clubs and societies whether active or inactive needs to be identified. The various reasons for them to go to shell needs to be recognized and appropriate measures are to taken. Old philatelists should be contacted and requested to spare some time and energy. Arrangements to be made for regular interaction. Funding, if required has to be arranged through sponsors, government aids, if any and mutual collections.

While discussing this, I just like to have  an overview of  functioning of philatelic societies in India. Here I must give my thanks and heartiest congratulations  to some of the philatelic societies which are working hard for the survival and promotion of philately such as SIPA…this society is the most active and dedicated society which is regularly involved in maintaining active philatelic scene in Chennai. From conducting workshops and exhibitions in schools, to have stalls in the big fun or other fairs, regular displays at GPO, regular uninterrupted schedule of meetings, periodic philatelic shows, release of covers and other philatelic material and publications and above all regular contact with far away residing members & maintaining good relations with the DOP. Bhubaneshwar based EIPA is another society which is also involved in active promotion of philately in Orissa in the same way as SIPA. PSR based in Jaipur also deserves appreciation for the active promotional work it is doing mainly at grass root level in Rajasthan. PSI (Philatelic Society of India) ,the oldest philatelic society in India of Mumbai  does big work of holding National Level Exhibitions and gives opportunity to Indian philatelists to gather at one platform. But this society does not work at grass root level. But it still deserves all thanks and appreciation because doing such a massive work certainly helps promotion of philately at higher level but it fails to introduce new philatelists. It is this society which has given opportunity to many philatelists to participate at National and further qualify for International exhibitions.

Apart from these I don’t find any other societies anywhere in India which are so active or doing such noticeable work. Yes, their activities are localized and not so aggressive. Of course, there are a few societies in Delhi but their functioning is restricted and promotional activities are not noticeable and are less. The members of these societies as I know do meet regularly and they enjoy philately but have apparently failed to develop philately strongly in Delhi. We seldom see local exhibitions being held there.  Yes, if all these societies in Delhi are grouped together and given proper guidance; philately can flourish there as Delhi has good number of old, genuine and true philatelists apart from philatelists who have sole monetary interests. A few members are dealers too which I look as good part for promotion of philately. The best part is that Delhi people have good relations with higher up of philatelic wings of Department of Post. This will also help in development of philately in Northern India.

Further, in other parts of India like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Lucknow etc. there is hardly any noticeable activity  for development and promotion of philately except in Gujarat where BPS and GPS have done some good work in past but of late, these societies have also become weak as we don’t see any philatelic activity except for publishing their philatelic bulletins.  All in all, societies are weakening or dying. Philatelist are  reducing in number. No new genuine stamp lover are coming. Hence, in general the overall scenario of functioning of clubs and societies  is pathetic.

It is often said that there is big  growth of philately in India as one can see regular participation of Indian philatelists in International shows. Well, the strength of philately does not only lie in such high level participation but induction of new stamp collectors all over India, active functioning of societies and huge participation in lower level exhibitions.

Looking at other aspects, stamp lovers who are coming to the field are mainly investors or investment oriented who look towards philately as  profit giving hobby but not the actual pleasure of accumulation, building a collection, developing a theme and displaying. Readymade exhibits are available today for display. These are detrimental for the development of philately. These should be avoided. Here the basic purpose of philately which is educational. personality development apart from recreation and relaxation.

I don’t blame DOP, for this though its policies are also not checking the fall of philately in India. Department is coming up with new stamps in huge number priced quite high. It is also introducing new innovative attractive philatelic products to attract philatelists. But its main motto is to earn revenue. It is where the problem lies. Further, it only serves philatelists with Indian stamps where as philately has a very vast span of time, area and material. Yes, material can be procured from internet market but at very unaffordable prices. This is another reason for creating bad health of philately in India.

We see at one place mobile apps are good for philately. Digital philately is attractive but it is bad for development of philately. It is low cost, handy, instantly available, easy display. But it is in other way detrimental for the growth of physical philately in terms of introducing the true philatelists. Paper stamp in hand gives you the true and everlasting pleasure. Genuine paper cover in hand gives you the true feel of possession of the cover and helps you  to genuinely feel the quality of the cover. The sensation of touch, smell, the rust and dust, the weight, the taste, the handling with hand or tweezers, placement in physical albums, paper print sheets, text etc… gives the true joy of philately. Digital or virtual philately is very good but not true philately. Philately starts from stamp collection and not just viewing stamps digitally. 

Finally, I would say that in general the overall state of philately in India is pathetic as practically I don’t see a bright future. I appeal to the federations, philatelists to come forward, join hands and  let’s make  India a PHILATIC INDIA. Let’s work for revival of dead or weak philatelic societies. Let’s make the once King of hobbies…. the king again…..

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

Recent Indian Issues





2 February 2019 : Kumbhmela Prayagraj – Rs 5
19 February 2019 : IIT BHU – Rs 5
23 February 2019:  12th Aero India International Show – Rs 5 + Rs 25 + MS

Recent Special Cover




9 February 2019 : Baghavan Bahubali Swamy 4th Mahamastakabhishek Mahotsav 2019 at  Ratnagiri, Dharmstala (District South Kannada) Karnataka
21 February 2019 : The 100th Operational Airport of India
22 February 2019 : SIKKIMPEX 2019, Gangtok
23 February 2019 : Mahatma Gandhi ‘s visit to Mangaluru


In The News

Stamps on 150 Years since the Birth of Mahatma Gandhi

From Magyar Posta


Date of Issue : 21 February 2019

The Magyar Posta issued a miniature sheet in honour of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi on 21 February 2019. Forty thousand copies of the miniaturesheet designed by the graphic artist Eszter Domé were produced by the printing company Pénzjegynyomda Zrt. The miniature sheet is available from Filaposta, philately specialist services, certain post offices and www.posta.hu.





The miniature sheet contains four identical stamps on which Mahatma Gandhi is giving a Namaskar, the greeting of respect made by pressing the palms together. The first day cover and the special postmark likewise depict Gandhi conducting activities typical of him: walking and weaving. The latter is interesting as he himself wove and encouraged the revival of traditional crafts in India including weaving.



From Serbia Post

 

Date of Issue : 28 February 2019

Serbia Post issued a commemorative stamp on 28th February to mark 150 years since the birth of Mahatma Gandhi.


U.S. Postal Service governors, postmaster, address UPU exit


Feb 15, 2019,
By Michael Baadke
During its Feb. 8 public meeting in Columbus, Ohio, the United States Postal Service board of governors issued a comment on President Donald J. Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. membership in the Universal Postal Union.
Established in 1874 with the United States as a founding member, the UPU is a United Nations organization that coordinates mail activities and rates between its 192 member countries.
“We’ve been working closely with the administration on the Postal Service’s relationship with the Universal Postal Union,” said USPS governor Robert M. Duncan.
“The president’s decision to move to self-declared rates is one that we fully support as a board. It will generate revenue and insure we’re no longer subsidizing foreign governments and companies.
“And this board will continue to closely oversee this process that culminates later this year.”
The recent decision by the White House to pull the country out of the UPU has been attributed by many sources as a response to certain UPU international postage rates favoring other countries, with China singled out most frequently.
According to a presidential memorandum signed by Trump Aug. 23, 2018, the United States is seeking “a system of fair and nondiscriminatory rates for goods that promotes unrestricted and undistorted competition.”
On Oct. 18, 2018, UPU Deputy Director Pascal Clivaz confirmed that the organization received a letter the previous day from U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo.
“This letter constitutes notification by the Government of the United States of America that it hereby denounces the UPU Constitution and, thereby, withdraws from the Universal Postal Union,” Clivaz said, quoting from Pompeo’s letter.
The withdrawal will be effective one year from when the UPU received the letter, which would be this year on Oct. 17.

 Postmark celebrates Valentine’s Day



The Valentine Remailing Program of Loveland, Colo., sponsored a pictorial postmark celebrating love.The popular offering from Colorado’s “sweetheart city” has been a staple in the community for 73 years.
Each year, in early February, the Loveland Chamber of Commerce partners with the United States Postal Service and local volunteers to hand-stamp cards from all 50 states and more than 110 countries with a special cachet.
According to the Loveland Chamber of Commerce website, www.loveland.org, residents embrace this yearly tradition, as evidenced by the waiting list of volunteers eager to stamp and remail valentines.
“Each year, more than 50 original valentine volunteer stampers and the one hundred plus that are on the waiting list, come to the chamber building during the first two weeks of February to hand-stamp valentines with a special cachet stamp sent with love from across the globe,” the website states.


Local artists often provide entertainment during the event, and visitors are welcome to stop by; they can even stamp their own valentines.
London 2020 exhibit applications due in June

Applications for the London 2020 international stamp exhibition are due this summer on June 30.

The individual regulations and application forms are now available online at the London 2020 website, 
london2020.co. The roughly 2,800-frame exhibition will be held May 2-9, 2020, at London, England’s Business Design Centre under the patronage of the Swiss-based Fédération Internationale de Philatélie.


13 COMPETITIVE CLASSES

Competitive classes include:
Championship;
Traditional;
Postal History;
Thematic;
Revenue;
Postal Stationery;
Aerophilately;
Open;
Picture Postcards;
One Frame;
Modern;
Literature; and
Youth.

Fees are £70 ($120 Cdn.) a frame for multi-frame exhibits and £90 (about $150 Cdn.) for one-frame exhibits. Youth and literature exhibits are both £25 (about $45 Cdn.).

Forthcoming International Stamp Exhibitions

CHINA 2019 World Stamp Exhibition



 CHINA 2019, FIP General World Stamp Exhibition to be held in Wuhan, China from 11 to 17 June, 2019.








Mr Umesh Kakkeri has been appointed National Commissioner for India.
The Exhibit Application forms and the detailed rules of exhibition (IREX) can be downloaded at :   https://stampsofindia.com/CHINA2019.htm  

Umesh Kakeri, umesh_kakkeri@hotmail.com Ph. +91 9969571767 

Commissioner for SINGPEX 2019 Philatelic Exhibition (FIAP)





Mr. Anil Suri has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the SINGPEX 2019, FIAP General Asian International Stamp Exhibition to be held in Singapore from 31 July to 4 August, 2019.
For details contact : Anil Suri Phone: (Res.) +91-11-2643 0813 / (Off.) +91-11-2647 4681
(M): +919811176908
Email: 
anilksuri@email.com
Commissioner for NEW ZEALAND 2020 Philatelic Exhibition (FIAP)



Mr. Ajay Kumar Mittal has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the NEW ZEALAND 2020, FIAP Asian International Stamp Exhibition to be held in Auckland, New Zealand from 19 to 22 March, 2020.
For details contact : Mr. Ajay Kumar Mittal Email: ajaymittal1957@gmail.com
Phone: (M) +91 9811032311
Commissioner for LONDON 2020 Specialized World Stamp Exhibition (FIP)




Mr. Surendra Kotadia has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the LONDON 2020, FIP Specialised World Stamp Exhibition to be held in London from 02 to 09 May 2020. The exhibition will be held in two parts from 02 to 05 and 06 to 09 May 2020, by changing over the exhibits on the evening of May 05.
Eligibility: The minimum eligibility for participation in a FIP exhibition for Senior Class & Youth Class (Groups B & C) is a Vermeil Medal and for Youth Class (Group A) a Large Silver Medal secured at a National Exhibition.

For details contact : Mr. Surendra A. Kotadia
Email: 
surendrakotadia@gmail.com
Phone: + 91 22 2202 4130 / 2202 4131/ 2284 3244
Fax : + 91 22 2284 3275
Mob : + 91 98199 03789
 PHILAMUSICA 2019

This philatelic exhibition will be held from June 8th to June 10th 2019 in Mondorf-les-Baines (Luxembourg).Indian Philatelists and from other countries are  invited for a participation in this important philatelic exhibition.
For more Details note:  www.philcolux.lu
Courtesy: Mr .Roger Thill, Philcolux and Mr. Wolfgang Beyer, German Philatelic Federation

WORLD OF REVENUES

Salon at 29th International Stamp Fair, Essen, Germany
May 9-11, 2019.
An international exhibition, devoted solely to fiscal philately, will be organized in cooperation by the FIP Revenue Commission, Arbeitsgemeischaft Fiscalphilatelie im BDPh e.V. (German Society for Fiscal Philately), and International Stamp Fair Essen. As this is the first time such a special revenue exhibition will be held, the Salon takes place with a non-competitive basis. However, every exhibitor who wishes will get an exhibit evaluation by a group of experienced jurors. The expected size of the Salon will be 200 frames. The frames accommodate 12 album pages and not 16, please note. Exhibits of 1 to a maximum of 10 frames may participate. The charges are Euro 18 per frame.
Please download the first Bulletin and Application form of the exhibition and participate from https://stampsofindia.com/worldofrevenues.htm

Anil Suri anilksuri@email.com is coordinating the participation from India and will carry the exhibits to and from the exhibition and obtain necessary governmental permissions.
Source: Stamps of India








PCI Meeting & Seminar

The next PCI Seminars and Annual General Meeting will be held at Nadiad (Gujarat)
on 6th and 7th April, 2019, respectively being Saturday and Sunday.
 Tentative Programme - 
6th April, Saturday -  
2pm to 6pm
Seminars / Presentations
 7th April, Sunday 
Morning session   -
10AM to 1 PM
PCI Annual General Meeting
For updates Visit :  www.philateliccongressofindia.com










New Secretary of India Study

Ms Jayoti Dutta, is taking over as Secretary of India Study Circle from Bruce Gillham.As well as the secretarial role on the committee, Jayoti will be the point of contact for potential news items that members wish considered for inclusion in the News Page on the website. She is also a executive Committee member of Deccan Philatelic Society. She is the first Indian Secretary of ISC as well as the first woman to be a Secretary. Jayoti Dutta is daughter of noted Indian philatelists Col Jayanta Dutta and Dr Anjali Dutta.

News from Germany

European roe deer – 2019 Animal of the year in Germany





On March 10th 2019 a new pictorial postmark will be available in 74072 Heilbronn.
The postmark is featuring the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). It´s the animal of the year in Germany.

Skylark - 2019 Bird of the year in Germany
Skylark  (Alauda arvensis)


 


The beautiful bird Skylark is the 2019 year of Bird in Germany . A special pictorial cancellation will be issued on 28th April 2019  in 98634 Kaltenwestheim . Other following  philatelic items will be available too with this pictorial cancellation : 

- sheetlet with personalized stamps
- stationery (postcard)
- Special Card(no stationery)





 All philatelic items are featuring the Skylark (Alauda arvensis) , bird of the year 2019 in Germany.

News from Philatelic Societies

SIKKIMPEX 2019, Gangtok

Two day Philatelic Exhibition  SIKKIMPEX 2019 (Feb 21-22) was held at Modern Senior Secondary School, Gangtok. Two Special Covers were released on the occasion. The event was organised by Sikkim Postal Department.

Special Cover on Pakyong Airport that was the 100th Operational Airport of India was released on the inaugural day by Ramtanu Shah, Airport Director, Pakyong. Royal Coronation throne of Norbugang, Yuksom was featured on a special cover was released on the next day by Dr. Anira Phipon Lepcha, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Sikkim University. Both the covers were designed by Singtam based philatelist Roshan Prasad.



Philatelic exhibition was held at Sikkim after ten years. Twenty one philatelists from different parts of Sikkim, Darjeeling and Siliguri had participated at the exhibition. Those philatelists were members of Sikkim Philatelic and Numismatic Society.  Souvik Roy and Eeshita Basu Roy from Kolkata were among the invited philatelist.



Eighty Six frames of philatelic materials were displayed that included rare postage stamps and other postal stationeries. Also displayed on the philatelic frames was International award winning exhibits on Cricket, National award winning exhibits on Music, a rare 14 frame exhibits on Buddhism of Souvik Roy and other popular exhibits.

List of participants included Ganesh Pradhan, CP Raya, Shital Pradhan, Deepen Pradhan, Vivek Yonzone, Padam Parajuli, Sushil Karthak, Sunita Gurung, Sishir Pradhan, Sheila Rai, Sanskriti Sharma, Tejeswani Neopane and others.

Jaipur Philatelic Society, Jaipur

Registered office:”Saket”HouseNo.1282, Sector 1 Malviya Nagar, Jaipur 302017.

Meeting of the Jaipur Philatelic Society, Jaipur was held on 17th February 2019 at the residence of Mr. Arun Mehta and chaired by President Shri Jatan Mal Dhor.
.



Patrons

1. Mr.  Jatan mal Dhor.
2 Mr. Shanti Prashad Jain.

President : Mr. Kailash Narain Mathur.

Vice Presidents
1.       Mr. A.K. Gupta.
2.       Mr.Arun Mehta
3.       Dr. Rakesh Thapar.

General Secretary :  Mr. K.K. Bhatia.
Secretary :  Mr. Ajay Mathur.
Treasurer : Mr. Brij Behari Sharma

Executive Members
Mr Kedar Nath Soni.
Mr. Madhav Ramchandani
Mr. Narendra Bairathi.
Mr. Nawal Kishore Tatiwala.
Mr. R.K. Agarwal.
Mr. S.R. Bafna
Mr. Vikas Sharma

Regional Co-coordinators

Ajmer
Mr. Vikas Jain
Bhilwara
Mr. Arvind Jain
Fatehpur Shekhwati
Mr. Pramod Kumar Jain.
Udaipur
Mr. M.R. Bhandari

To promote Philately new student members will be added and Rs.100 /- per annum will be charged.

For new members Rs. 300/- per Annum will be charged. And it will be made available for only one year.

 Life Membership will be Rs.1500/- It will be one time charge.

Society will be issuing Life Members card on Payment and it will be processed in coming months.

Ajay Mathur
Secretary
Jaipur Philatelic Society , Jaipur

Moon landing stamp caption contest by Linn's Stamp News


This year will mark the 50th anniversary of the first landing of astronauts on the moon.Two of the three men who left Earth on the July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 mission, Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, were the first humans to walk on the moon, on July 20. Astronaut Michael Collins continued to orbit the moon in the Apollo 11 Command Module.The U.S. Postal Service celebrated the landmark event by issuing a 10¢ airmail stamp (Scott C76) Sept. 9, 1969, about six weeks after the crew returned safely to Earth on July 24, 1969.

During the Apollo program, 12 astronauts walked on the moon between 1969 and 1972. But it was Armstrong’s first step on the moon that captured the attention and the imagination of the world.

That moment is captured on the stamp, which will be the March cartoon caption contest subject.
Armstrong’s first words on the moon, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” are hard to beat for marking the occasion in a formal way, but your challenge is to come up with something a bit less serious.
You are invited to put yourself in the space suit and consider what you might be thinking or saying as you take your historic first step. You can address the space program, the mission itself, the politics of the era, how the mission relates to stamp collecting, or anything else you think is appropriate.There will be two prizes given to the winners: one for the best philatelic line, and one for the best nonphilatelic line. The important thing is to use your sense of humor, because entries with a humorous twist have the best chance of winning a prize.

Put your entry (or entries) on a postcard if possible and send it to , John Hotchner, Cartoon Contest, Box 1125, Falls Church, VA 22041-0125; or email it to jmhstamp@verizon.net. If you send an email, it is essential that you include your postal mailing address.
For each winner, the prize will be a 13-week subscription to Linn’s (a new subscription or an extension). Entries must reach me no later than March 22.
Obituary




Noted philatelist of Cuttack (Orissa), Shri Pradeep Kumar Mohanty passed away on 19th February 2019.. Our heartfelt condolences . May his soul rest in Peace.He bagged several National & International awards. He won the highest award: "Championship Trophy" in recently concluded ODIPEX-2018 in Keonjhar. He was associated with Orissa Philatelic Association since 1986 and was also a life member of Philatelic Congress of India . Shri Mohanty was a very good Badminton player and well known for Odisha Badminton. He will always be missed by philatelic community,
Doon Philatelic Diary

State Bird of Uttrakhand – Himalayan Monal Pheasant


Date of Issue : 28 April 1975

The Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus), also known as the Impeyan monal and Impeyan pheasant, is a bird in the pheasant family, Phasianidae. It is the national bird of Nepal, where it is known as the danphe, and state bird of Uttarakhand, India, where it is known as the monal. It was also the state bird of Himachal Pradesh until 2007.Traditionally, the Himalayan monal has been classified as monophyletic.

India Post issued a postage stamp on Himalayan Monal on 28 April 1975. Many countries have issued stamps on this beautiful bird. Some of them have been featured here.


It is a relatively large-sized pheasant. The bird is about 70 centimetres long. The male weighs up to 2380 grams and the female 2150. The adult male has multicoloured plumage throughout, while the female, as in other pheasants, is more subdued in colour.



Notable features in the male include a long, metallic green crest, coppery feathers on the back and neck, and a prominent white rump that is most visible when the bird is in flight. The tail feathers of the male are uniformly rufous, becoming darker towards the tips, whereas the lower tail coverts of females are white, barred with black and red. The female has a prominent white patch on the throat and a white strip on the tail. The first-year male and the juvenile resemble the female, but the first-year male is larger and the juvenile is less distinctly marked.

Beginners’ Section


Parents Mail Their Daughter



Several instances of children traveling through the mail were by train. 


On February 19, 1914, parents in Idaho took advantage of the affordable Parcel Post rate to mail their daughter to her grandmother’s house.

A year earlier, the Post Office Department had initiated its Parcel Post service for fourth-class mail on January 1, 1913. Parcel Post service could be used for sending items weighing 16 ounces or more through the mail. The mail is divided into four classes, with Parcel Post making up the fourth class. Almost any type of merchandise could be mailed parcel post, including day-old chicks, baby alligators, and honeybees. Only items that could be dangerous to handle could not be sent through Parcel Post.


Rural Mail Carrier

It wasn’t long after the new service began that parents found an interesting loophole. None of the regulations concerning parcel post prohibited the mailing of people, and other living beings were being mailed that way. In January 1913, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Beauge of Glen Este, Ohio, sent their young son via Rural Free Delivery one mile to his grandmother’s. The parents paid 15¢ for the stamps and insured their son for $50. Later that month, a family in Pine Hollow, Pennsylvania mailed their daughter to relatives in Clay Hollow at a cost of 45¢.



Railway Postal Clerk

Then on February 19, 1914, five-year-old May Pierstorff’s parents in Grangeville, Idaho, wanted to send their daughter to visit her grandparents 73 miles away. They placed 53¢ in stamps on her coat and handed her over to the postal worker on the Railway mail train, who also happened to be a relative. Despite her safe delivery to her grandmother’s doorstep, once Postmaster General Albert S. Burleson heard her story, he officially prohibited postal workers from accepting humans to be mailed.



 Parcel Post stamps.

In spite of this, a woman mailed her six-year-old daughter 720 miles from Florida to Virginia the following year for 15¢. The last known instance of a child being mailed came in August 1915, when three-year-old Maud Smith was mailed from her grandparents to her sick mother in Kentucky. Even after this, some people attempted to mail children, but postmasters rejected their applications claiming they couldn’t be classified as “harmless live animals.”


Parcel Post Due stamps

Source : The Mystic Stamp Co.: This Day in History


In Memory of Dr Satyendra Agrawal….

 
Rose Philately

5 February 2019 : Moments To Treasure




Gutter Strips





Maxicards





Stamp Booklet



Specialized Section
First Transpacific Airmail Flight

 







-Col J Dutta & Dr Anjali Dutta

Aviation in the 1920s developed at an incredible pace. Instead of the fragile wood and fabric of early biplanes, aircraft were soon being constructed of sturdy, streamlined metal propelled by increasingly light and powerful motors. As planes became more safe and reliable, people began to realize the amazing potential of flight.  U.S. Airmail began regularly scheduled transcontinental flights only two years after its first flight in May 1918. Commercial travel developed alongside airmail, bringing passengers to their destinations quicker and easier than ever before. But as fast as flight was progressing, the oceans still proved a formidable obstacle.

In 1927, Charles Lindbergh and his Spirit of St. Louis made the first nonstop flight across the Atlantic.  A year later, the famous Graf Zeppelin airship began transatlantic passenger and mail flights. International air travel was becoming a reality for the first time. Realizing the huge economic potential, airlines began developing the infrastructure necessary to make worldwide scheduled flight routes possible.  It was a huge undertaking – not many countries had airfields large enough for a commercial aircraft to land, or access to the supplies and parts needed to maintain those planes.


The China Clipper over San Fransisco’s shoreline on its inaugural
trans-Pacific airmail flight

Pan American Airways had a novel solution to bring airmail and travelers to destinations without an airfield.  The company began to create a fleet of seaplanes, capable of landing anywhere with a sheltered harbor.  Pan Am bought out smaller airlines in Central and South America, and received landing rights and mail contracts to many countries in the area (including the U.S. Airmail contract to Cuba).  By 1930, Pan Am was flying along both coasts of South America as far north as Buenos Aires. However, the long-distance transpacific route remained out of the airline’s reach – a commercial seaplane capable of carrying mail and passengers across the Pacific simply didn’t exist. So the president of Pan Am, Juan Trippe, appealed to the aircraft industry to create a flying boat capable of the feat.

The Glenn L Martin Company accepted Trippe’s challenge, and in 1935 built three Martin M-130 flying boats.  Costing around $400,000 each, the aerodynamic, all-metal aircraft featured four 830-horsepower engines and a fuel capacity of over 4,000 gallons. Pan Am named its first M-130 the China Clipper.  With a range of 3,200 miles, the airline finally had the seaplane it needed to fly mail and passengers over the Pacific.

The China Clipper left Alameda, California, on November 22, 1935, carrying the first-ever trans-Pacific airmail.  Its crew included famous pilot Ed Musick and navigator Fred Noonan.  The pilot of China Clipper had planned to fly over the incomplete San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge. Shortly after taking off, however, he realized that he wouldn’t make it over the bridge and so flew under it – narrowly avoiding a crash.  The plane completed its historic 8,000-mile island-hopping journey across the Pacific on November 29, delivering 58 mailbags with more than 110,000 pieces of mail.




U.S. airmail stamp commemorating China Clipper’s historic first flight.

 

Cover carried aboard the first transpacific airmail flight




Cover flown on the "China Clipper" on the first commercial trans-Pacific flight from Alameda, CA, to Manila



First Flight Cover from Manila to Hongkong dated Apr 1937

Before the invention of radar, pilots used a compass and sea currents to navigate over the ocean.  At night, the position of stars in the sky would be used as a guide.  And if the weather was bad, dead reckoning (navigating from a known location) was used.  The vast oceans left pilots with little margin for error – go off-route, and the plane might not have enough fuel to make it to its next destination. On July 28, 1938, Hawaii Clipper disappeared on its way to Guam from Manila.  A ship noticed an oil slick along the plane’s route, but the aircraft – along with its six passengers and nine crew – were never seen again.  At the time, it was the Pacific’s worst airline accident – foreshadowing the fate of the other two Martin M-130s.


The Hawaii Clipper



First Flight Cover From Honolulu to New York City, 14 Jul 1940

With the outbreak of WWII, the remaining two M-130 flying boats were pressed into service with the Navy.  While still piloted by Pan Am employees, the flying boats’ range and capacity made it a valuable asset to the military.  At Wake Island, the Philippine Clipper survived strafing by Japanese aircraft the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor.  But just over a year later, the plane was flying Navy officers from Pearl Harbor to San Francisco when it crashed into a mountain during bad weather.  Of the three original M-130 seaplanes, only the China Clipper remained.

Painted olive drab with a large American flag below the cockpit, China Clipper managed to survive its service in the war.  By this time, Pan Am had newer, larger models of flying boats in service across the Pacific, so the China Clipper was transferred to the less-famous Miami–Leopold transatlantic route.  On January 8, 1945, it attempted to land at the Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago.  The plane hit the water nose-first at a high speed, breaking its hull in two.  The China Clipper quickly sank, taking 23 passengers and crew with it.  Over its career, the famous plane had spent over 15,000 hours in the air, transporting around 3,500 passengers and 750,000 pounds of mail over the oceans.

The loss of China Clipper and her two sisters was a somber ending to the amazing story of these flying boats.  The famed aircraft had become so well-known that most people referred to any Pan Am flying boat as a “China Clipper.”  The Martin M-130 seaplanes hold a special place in the history of aviation – and are a reminder of the dangers faced by the pioneers of airmail.

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


Interview


I am pleased to publish here the interview of Mrs Anuradha Gupta, a teacher by profession, has developed a variety of interests and reached up to the level of making many records. Heartiest Congratulations to Mrs Anuradha on her achievement. In her varied interests she also loves to collect  stamps and has prepared exhibits on Tagore and Mother Teresa. Here she tells about her wonderful collection, her association with different philatelic activities as well as her ideas about philately in an interview taken by Shri Naresh Agrawal  - Editor

Mrs . Kusum Anuradha Gupta, a teacher from New Delhi having a versatile personality, a winner of best teacher award, a dedicated  social worker, working for families of disabled persons, a writer, a collector of  postage stamps, Paper Napkins, water bottle/container labels, press clippings, social massages  and much more. Noticeably, her collections are not just accumulation of a few numbers but the ones who helped her to create several National Records and win her National awards practically on each of her collection / work. She is a phillumenist (match box collector) and a wonderful artist who created a picture of Lord Ganesha using more than One million match sticks & got herself registered in Limca Book of Records and India Book of Records. A serious philatelist  who again created records for most number of stamps on particular themes.
Rainbow is pleased to introduce such a dedicated lady to her readers through her interview. She has been so humble and have very precisely and truthfully answered the questions asked.



1. Rainbow feels honored to have interview of a wonderful lady having versatile personality. A lady who is a teacher, a social worker, a writer, a phillumenist (match box collector) and a wonderful artist , a collector of postage stamps, napkins, water bottle/container labels, press clippings and much more…. My simple question to you is to tell us how do you would like yourself to be addressed , to be known and be recognized?

Very humbly, I thank you for recognizing and appreciating my efforts and works. Though I am a teacher but believe me, I still consider myself a student who is trying to learn whatever is possible.



She made a National Record with her daughter, Kanika Gupta collecting more than 140 philatelic  items on Mother Teresa and Rabindranth Tagore

2. While appreciating the fact that you have commendable achievements in various fields of collections, art, social work etc., we would now talk about philately. We understand that you have a National Record of collection of stamps on India Nobel Laureates Mother Teresa and Rabindranath Tagore. This was entered in Limca Book of records also. Why and how did you collect such huge number of stamps?

I must admit that I have been a huge fan of Tagore his book Gitanjali for which he was the recipient of Nobel Prize for Literature. I have read Gitanjali in Hindi ad English both. I learnt Bangla to feel the real depth of all his poems dedicated to God. I started keeping philatelic items on Tagore when I was in standard XI as my symbolic homage to his great writings. Over a period of 25 years, somehow, I could collect a huge number of philatelic items on him from various countries of the world. Meanwhile my daughter got fascinated by the work of Mother Teresa and started collecting philatelic items on her. She is a doctor now but her passion for Mother Teresa is still the same.

3.Do you have other collections or philatelic interests apart from the above mentioned ones? What else do you collect and what are your plans for their display.

Initially, I made an exhibit on ‘Social Messages’ and was awarded with many medal in district level exhibitions. Then I gifted that exhibit to one of my students to pursue the hobby. The next exhibit we worked upon was on ‘Sports’ , It again won laurels in various exhibitions. Needless to say that our exhibits on Tagore and Teresa were awarded with medals and later on , it got participation in ‘Invitee’ category too. Lately , with the help of my daughter, I have made one exhibit on ‘Mahatma Gandhi’. Since we have loads of material on this theme, we are planning to add good number of frames in the same exhibit. We are also working on an exhibit on ‘Lord Hanuman’ for the last few years.

4. Philately is known as educational as well as recreational hobby. In many schools this has been introduced as part of curricular activities also because philately helps in personality development of children especially. What do you say about it?

It is cent percent true that philately helps in overall development of a child such as increase in concentration, patience, will power etc.. It is not just another recreational activity but also adds on to the general knowledge of a child. I am enthusiastic about the fact that some fine day C.B.S.E. may introduce it as a subject in schools. There is umpteen scope of research in this field and it should be introduced at the elementary level in schools. 

5.Displaying in philatelic exhibitions is also one of the way to show your collections and to get recognition. We understand you have participated in some of the philatelic exhibitions. Please share your opinion on those displays. 

Explaining international standards of making a philatelic exhibit through workshops/seminars is a great way to provide adequate knowledge to school children. Department of Posts has been organizing philatelic exhibitions at district level very often ,thereby providing a platform for the school children to earn diplomas/medals. A recognition by way of certificate/medal adds on to the self esteem and confidence in a child which further helps him/her to excel in academic too.

6. Is there any other way that you keep yourself engaged in philately such as attending seminars or workshops ?

Yes, yes ☺ , by participating in various seminars, organizing seminars for school children, participating in philately exhibitions and having healthy discussion on philately at home with husband and daughter are some of the ways to engage myself in this field.

7. Are you member of any club or society? Your views on how clubs and societies are helpful in promoting philately and nourishing philatelists? Are you engaged in any philatelic promotional activity?

Clubs and Societies are not just necessary but essential for a philatelist. You feel nice among a group where all are attached with an invisible thread of sharing the same passion. I do promote philately among my students whenever it is feasible.

8. With a very busy schedule you have , so much work in hand, so much to serve…we are not able to really understand how you manage your time, your life and yourself? Please tell us how do you do it?

No magic mantra as such. My mother used to tell us ‘Change of work is rest’. Following her teachings, I constantly engage myself in 4-5 activities simultaneously. So I hardly face any problem of time management. To me, eating and sleeping are the two time wasting activities ☺

9. Lastly, your appeal and advice to children and to the young ones too while giving importance to pursue at least one have a hobby such as philately. .

All the parents/teachers/elders should help small children to pursue at least one hobby in life. A hobby makes a person complete. Parents should always encourage the passion of their children as soon as it is not against the norms of the society.

Interview : Naresh Agrawal


New issues from other Countries

Australia

5 February 2019 : Moments To Treasure





Jersey

As birds by their very nature are migratory and representative of countries all around the world, six species which can be sighted in Jersey feature on the stamps, together with the traditional symbolic meaning with which they are associated.





50p - Kestrel - Vision and patience

65p - Swallow - Hope and renewal
76P - Swan - Purity and love
82p - Peacock - Glory and dignity
94p - Kingfisher - Peace and calm

£1.12 - Stork - New beginnings and commitment



**Special Feature**
Scan the swan and kingfisher stamps with your mobile phone, using the free CEE-App, and you will be able to hear the bird sounds
.

Maldova

13 February 2019 : World Radio Day





On November 3, 2011, the 36th General Conference of UNESCO proclaimed 13 February as the "World Radio Day", a proposal of the Spanish delegation, which was chosen to be the day it was issued the first program UN radio in 1946. the radio is a key means of communication for the people, both culturally as information continues to be a daily companion to millions of listeners around the world and has not disappeared, as predicted with the arrival of television and the internet. There were live performances, interviews with guests, radio stations open to visits from listeners and more, this "World Radio Day". 



To celebrate this day, the Post Office of the Republic of Moldova issued,  two stamps depicting old radios, the Telefunken, 1934, and Philips, 1943 on, February 13.

Portugal
8 February 2019 : Portugal China Joint issue




Russia

12 February 2019 : Uniforms of the courier service of Russia





The history of the State Courier Service of Russia dates back to December 17, 1796, when Emperor Paul I signed the Decree on the creation of a Separate Courier Corps. The personnel of the Courier Corps (courier) ensured the delivery of orders, reports, securities, parcels, as well as support of high-ranking officials.

Postage stamps depict :

- Officer and courier of the Courier Corps (1797);
- duty officer and senior courier of the Courier Corps (1862);
- Head of the feldpunkt and feldgeger by special commission (1923);
- Officer of Field Communications and Deputy Director of the SFS of Russia (2011)

UK
13 February 2019 : Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci from the Royal Collection.
A dozen new stamps from Great Britain’s Royal Mail display drawings by Leonardo da Vinci from the Royal Collection.
The Royal Collection includes more than 550 da Vinci drawings, acquired by King Charles II around 1670. Royal Mail issued  the stamps Feb. 13.

In conjunction with the 500th anniversary of da Vinci’s death, the 12 drawings shown on the stamps plus 132 others from the Royal Collection are being shown in 12 simultaneous exhibitions across the United Kingdom Feb. 1-May 6. This nationwide event is called “Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing.”
Born April 15, 1452, in Vinci, Tuscany, da Vinci died at Clos Luce, France, May 2, 1519. Perhaps best known for his paintings Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, he also was an inventor and much, much more.
The stamps are non denominated, each paying the first-class rate (currently 67 pence).
Starting on the left on the first strip, the first stamp shows a 1489 pen-and-ink drawing of a sectioned skull.
The next three stamps feature flora and fauna: sprig of guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) drawn in red chalk on orange red paper, circa 1506-12; a pen-and-ink study of three cats, circa 1517-18; and a star-of-Bethlehem and other plants in pen and ink over red chalk, circa 1506-12.
The fifth stamp shows the anatomy of the shoulder and foot, a pen-and-ink with wash drawing, circa 1510-11.
Completing the first strip of six is the head of Leda, a pen-and-ink over black chalk drawing, circa 1505-08. This drawing and the aforementioned drawing of a star-of-Bethlehem were studies for a painting illustrating the myth of Leda and the swan. The painting is believed to have been destroyed in the 18th century.
All six of the stamps in the second strip show people in some form, starting with a black chalk drawing, circa 1517-18, of the head of a bearded man.
The second stamp depicts an anatomical study of a skeleton in pen and ink with wash. According to information in the presentation pack, most of da Vinci’s anatomical studies were done in the winter of 1510-11 at the medical school of the University of Pavia near Milan.
Illustrated on the third stamp is the head of St. Philip. This black chalk study, circa 1495, was for the mural The Last Supper, painted in the late 15th century in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
The fourth stamp depicts a woman in a landscape, a black chalk drawing, circa 1517-18.
Illustrated next is a silver-point drawing on blue prepared paper of the design for an equestrian monument of Francesco I Sforza of Milan, circa 1485-88. The monument was never completed.
The last stamp in the strip features a pen-and-ink drawing, circa 1488, showing how light falls on a face.

Acknowledgement
- Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin March 2019 issue edited by Mohanchandran Nair

- Judaica Thematic Society (UK)  March 2019  Newsletter edited by Gary Goodman


Blogs & Websites


Philatelic Clubs & Societies 

Ananthapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Baroda Philatelic Society -  http://www.vadophil.org/
Chandigarh Philatelic Club
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
Eastern India Philatelists’ Association - http://www.filacapsule.blogspot.com/  
The Hyderabad  Philatelic and Hobbies Socirty
India Study Circle -  http://www.indiastudycircle.org/
Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana -   http://indianthematicstamps.webs.com/
Ludhiana Philatelic Club
Numismatic & Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort 
http://numismaticphilavellore.site40.net/index.htm
Philatelic Congress of India - http://www.philateliccongressofindia.com/
Philatelic Society of Rajasthan, Jaipur
Philatelic Society of India , Mumbai : http://www.psi1897.com/
Orissa Philatelic Association, Mail id-:  orissaphilatelic@gmail.com
Rajkot Philatelic Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India Philatelists Association -  http://www.sipa.org.in/
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune


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. Readers may send reports on new issues, special covers, cancellations & philatelic activities of their area for inclusion in this Blog. - Editor
Current Philatelic Magazines – Newsletters
VADOPHIL, Editor - Prashant Pandya & Timir Shah  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
India Post – Quarterly Journal of the India Study Circle publishes original articles submitted by members of ISC.

Deccan Philatelist from Deccan Philatelic Socity, Pune.  edited by Col Jayanta Dutta

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

SIPA Bulletin issued by South India Philatelists’ Association

Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue : 

Stamps of India ;  Suresh R.- Bangalore  ; Kasinath R., Tanjore;  Europa Stamps ; ; Marka;  Linn’s Stamp News , Meera Kundur, Ratnagiri, Dharmastala ( Karnataka); Sheetal Pradhan, Gangtok; Wolfgang Beyer, Germany


Address for communication :

Jeevan Jyoti,  c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Wildlife Institute of India, 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.  
          
*  If you like 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.

·         Please do not send forwarded messages for promotional section if you want to give any information for promotion please write personally with brief write up. As this newsletter is not used for any commercial purpose in any manner.

Attention –
Please do not send text or image for publication in PDF. 
Any material from this newsletter may be reproduced only with the written permission from the editor. 
Happy Collecting ……….                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun ( Uttarakhand ) India for free circulation among philatelists.




Recent Awards

AMRITPEX 2023 - Silver

CAPE TOWN 2022 - Silver

LONDON 2022 - Silver


INPEX 2019, Mumbai - Silver

CHINA-2019, World Stamp Exhibition, Wuhan - Bronze

INPEX 2017, Mumbai - Large Silver

CHINA 2016 - Bronze

TAIPEI 2015 - Bronze

CG International Philatelic Promotion Award 2014, Germany - ( 4th Position)

INPEX 2013, Mumbai - Vermeil

SHARJAH 2012, Sharjah ( UAE ) - Silver Bronze

IPHLA 2012, Mainz - Germany : Bronze

I
NDIPEX 2011 - World Stamp Exhibition, New Delhi - Bronze

JOBURG 2010 - 26th Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Johannesburg - Silver Bronze

PORTUGAL 2010 - World Stamp Exhibition, Lisbon - Bronze

Hong Kong 2009 -23rd Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Hong Kong - Silver Bronze

About Me

My photo
Participated in different philatelic exhibitions Wrote for philately column in The Pioneer and worked as sub-editor for U-Phil Times published from United Philatelists, Kanpur.Did Schooling from Kanpur Vidya Mandir and Post Graduation in Botany from A.N.D. College Kanpur.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in the articles published on Rainbow Stamp News Blog are solely those of the authors and contributors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Blog Owner. The Readers are requested to contact author or the contributor of the particular article if they have any objection or do not agree with the views expressed in the article . Please do not ask the Blog Owner to delete or change any Post published on this blog.The Post will be removed only after strong recommendation of the original author / contributor after proper verification .

All contents provided on this blog is for information only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this blog or found by following any link on this blog. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

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