Merry Christmas !!
Date of Issue : 31 October 2019
Dehradun December 2019 Vol. XII Issue No. 144
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
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Dear Reader,
I am pleased to release 144th issue of Rainbow Stamp News. With this issue it completes 12 years of successful digital publication. I express my gratitude to all its Readers and Contributors who added many colors to this newsletter in the last 12 years ! This newsletter was started just after INPEX 2008, Chennai and coincidentally when it completes 12 years another national exhibition INPEX 2019 is going to be held in Mumbai from 18-22 December 2019. The best exhibits in different categories prepared by the exhibitors from all the corners of the country will be displayed in this national show. Best wishes to the Organizing Team, participants and esteemed visitors. Visitors are requested to give sometime to the exhibits they like and see them thoroughly and if possible interact with the exhibitor to explain his or her exhibit. In this way one can enjoy exhibition much more than just visiting the exhibition and watching the frames at a glance ! To make this possible organizers can announce a fixed time ( May be 1hr in the morning and evening session of the exhibition) for the participants to be present around their exhibits. This will not only give a happy time to the visitor but also give great satisfaction and honour to the exhibitor !
This is all for this month ! More in next issue.
Happy Collecting ! Let’s meet at INPEX 2019 Mumbai !
Contents
§ From the Desk of Naresh Agrawal
§ Recent Indian Issues
§ In The News
§ Doon Philatelic Diary
§ Beginners’ Section
§ Specialized Section
§ Rose Philately
§ New Issues from Other Countries
§ Editor’s Mail Box
§ Philatelic Clubs and Society Blogs & Websites on Philately
§ Current Philatelic Magazines & Newsletters
JURY ANALYSIS : MOSTLY CORRECT AND FAIR
In my last column, I emphasized on the fact that we are philatelists, stamp lovers and not the ones striving for awards or medals. But from the various reactions, I could still feel that there is a hidden thirst for medals or award in most of the participants / exhibitors in competitive class of any philatelic exhibition. Exhibitions are platform to display exhibits and get appreciation for your work/collection. Appreciation is desired but appreciation in form of award may lead to dis-satisfaction.
Well, competitors getting lower award always curse jury for the same and not understand the fact that the valuation is done based on various facts. Beautiful exhibit and proper competitive exhibit are different. I understand every exhibitor is master of his exhibit but not every exhibitor is master of proper exhibiting. Collection and exhibiting are different. Exhibiting is a technique, an art, a skill and every exhibitor is supposed to know all the parameters like condition, plan, material, rarity, knowledge, presentation , treatment, development of theme etc. to be taken care of by the jury during valuation of any exhibit
There is no work , which can give absolute satisfaction to other. And to act as a judge in a philatelic exhibition is nothing but calling for strokes from all around. But even then, the hobby is such that people are acting as jury and enjoying the same. The exhibitor forgets that jury is selected from the most experienced and knowledgeable stamp collectors and exhibitors. They may not be master of all classes of philately but are good in most of the classes.
Well, it is also a fact that mistakes are committed by jury also. Looking in to the fact like limited span of time, burden of looking in to different exhibits, physical and mental fatigue, different subjects having different plans, limited knowledge, and skipping some good items and misunderstanding the story line etc. are the facts that lead to misjudgment. But either jury of organizers are helpless. We have to bear all these. Of course, as I have already said that certain decisions are taken in the jury room based on various aspects such as medals available, promotion of particular class etc. etc. From my experience ,I would like to assure that most of the times and mostly, the jury try to be fare but errors and omissions is the law of nature and must be overlooked.
Well, some instant suggestions coming in to my mind to go for more appropriate valuation could be :
· Increased number of jury in particular class
· Regular training programs for jury
· Panel of jury and not individual
· Hand free jury should have an assistant with the jury to note down the comments and finding.
There is long list of suggestions which can certainly improve the judgments in any exhibition but all that needs a set up, an infrastructure and of course a team of dedicated philatelists and huge funds.
As INPEX 2019 is knocking, most of the Indian philatelists are excited to visit the show and of course a good number are participating also, let’s be positive and wish the show a great success. I appeal to the participants to understand the spirit of the show and philately & to honor the decisions of jury. On the other hand, requests the appointed jury for the show to be careful and be fare in its analysis and valuation of exhibits. Philately is beautiful and emotional hobby. It’s development and promotion immensely depends upon the correctness of judgment of the jury.
Looking forward for a best competitive participation and the analysis of the exhibits.
Jai Philately
Recent Indian Issues
25th October 2019: SIACHEN GLACIER - Rs 5
09th November 2018: 550th Guru Nanak Dev Ji – 4 X Rs 10 stamps + Rs 15 stamps + MS
14 November 2019 : Children’s Day : 2 x Rs 15
FORTHCOMING ISSUES
Nov 18: 250th Session of Rajya Sabha
Nov 22: M M Kuzhiveli
Nov 26: Char Dham, Uttarakhand
Dec 4: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
Dec 18: Embroideries Of India
Dec 24: Indian perfumes - Kewra and Tuberose
Recent Special Covers
6 November 2019 : Mumbaipex 2019 : 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi
8 November 2019 : 150th Jubilee Celebration of Ammunition Factory Khadki, Pune
16 November 2019 : Ekla Chalo Re, West Bengal State level Philatelic Exhibition – Kolkata-
Day 1 : 3 special covers
1. Suchitra Sen 2. Rituparno Ghosh 3. Young India 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
25 November 2019 : Archaeological Survey of India, Bangalore Circle.
In The News
National Stamp Show
Philatelic Congress of India, with active support of INDIA POST and Philatelic Societies is Organising National Stamp Show with a Specialized Section on Mahatma Gandhi's 150 years from 18-22 December 2019 at Mumbai. The Se-tenant Logo Represents National Show and Special Gandhi Section.
The exhibition will be held at World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai during 18 to 22 December 2019. Dettails at the website of INPEX 2019 at www.inpex2019.com
CANBERRA STAMPSHOW 2020
Canberra Stamp show 2020 (21st National Philatelic Convention) will be held at the Hellenic Club of Canberra, Matilda Street, Phillip, (Woden), ACT 2606, Australia from 13-15 March 2020.
Mr.Madhukar Jhingan is coordinating the participation from India to Canberra Stampshow 2020 and will personally carry all exhibits to Canberra and back after obtaining all necessary Government permissions in India.
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.
NZ2020 37th Asian International Stamp Exhibition is organized by NZ2020 Stamp Exhibition Incorporated under the auspices of the New Zealand Philatelic Federation Incorporated.
NZ2020 will be held at the Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland, New Zealand and will open on 19 March 2020 and close on 22 March 2020, a total of 4 days.
NZ2020 is a General Asian International Stamp Exhibition. Participation in the Competitive Classes is open to all collectors who are members of the societies affiliated to member federations of FIAP.
For details contact : Mr. Ajay Kumar Mittal Email: ajaymittal1957@gmail.com
Phone: (M) +91 9811032311
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
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
AEROPEX 2019 is a Specialised National Philatelic Exhibition to be held at Drill Hall, Torrens Parade Ground, Victoria Drive, Adelaide 5000, Australia from Dec 6 to 8, 2019 to commemorate the Centenary of the epic England to Australia flight of Sir Ross & Keith Smith in 1919.
AEROPEX 2019 is jointly organised by Australian Airmail Society Inc. and the South Australian Philatelic Council Inc. under the Auspices of Australian Philatelic Federation Ltd., and under the Patronage of Fédération Internationale des SociétésAérophilatéliques (FISA).
EXPHIMO ’20
1 Frame Team Competition 30 May- 1 June 2020
Theme – Technology
IBRA 2021
International Stamp exhibition and stamp Fair IBRA 2021 will be held in Essen, Germany from 6-9 May 2021.
CHICAGOPEX 2019
CHICAGOPEX 2019 was held from Nov. 22-24th at the Westin Chicago Northwest USA.This year in CHICAGOPEX 2019 American National Stamp Exhibition, five societies participated Polonus Philatelic Society, the Rossia Society of Russian Philately, the Lithuania Philatelic Society, the Ukrainian Philatelic and Numismatic Society and the India Study Circle.
CHICAGOPEX 2019
Awards list of India Study Circle Participants
1. Sandeep Jaiswal : British India Queen Victoria Postal Stationery : 96 points : LARGE GOLD
India Study Circle Best Exhibit : United Postal Stationery Marcus White Award
2. Sandeep Jaiswal : British India King George VI Postal Stationery : 95 points : LARGE GOLD: India Study Circle 2nd place
3. Raj V Rajan : Mahatma Gandhi, 150 years of Life and Legacy (1869-2019) :91 points
Large Gold🥇;India Study Circle 3rd place; American Philatelic Association 1st
4. Mahalingam Ramachandran : Kingdom of Cochin : 90 Points : Large Gold
5. Jayoti Dutta : Fiscals of Bharatpore : 90 Points : Large Gold
6 Aayushman Sinha : My Life as Kingfisher : 90 Points : Large Gold🥇: Best Youth Exhibit :
American Topical Association Best Youth Award
7 Mohanchandran Nair : Development and operations of Indian airmails (1911-1950) : 89 points.
Gold
8. Dr. K. S. Mohan : Postal History of Travoncore :88 points : Gold
9 Ajay Agarwal : World War-II - Blitz and Pieces
Gold🏅 : Military Postal History Society Award : American Topical Association 3rd
10 Shanti Swaroop Rath : Beyond the Stripes :88 points :Gold
11. Bijayshree Routray : Global Warming : 88 points : Gold
12. Dr. Upendra Vennam : The comparative study of EPIC Ramayana in different culture
86 points : Gold🏅
13 Narendra Kumar saboo : Portuguese India semi postal stamps : 85 points : Gold
14. Kailash Chand Gupta : Elephants: Mega Gardners of the forest : 82 points : Large Vermeil
15. Pankaj Tyagi : Lucknow through Picture Post Cards : 82 points : Large Vermeil
16 Dr. Rajnish L Karnik : A Study of Indian Registration Markings : 81 points : Large Vermeil
17 S Vijayakumar :Water Birds :78 points : Vermeil
18 Rahul Ganguly : On his Exhibit :Early Cancellations and Postmarks of Allahabad : 74 points :Large Silver
19 Maulik Hansraj Thakkar : A Handbook of 1951 Gandhi Postcards : Bronze
BALIPHEX 2019 - 11th Bali Philately Exhibition
Result of Indian Participants
News From Philatelic Societies
COVERPEX 2020
( Philatelic exhibition of only covers related to philately)
(10-12 January 2020) organized by South India Philatelists Association
Sikkim Philatelic and Numismatic Society
Ek La Chalo Re..
Sikkim Philatelists grabs 2 Silver and 3 Bronze at WEBPEX- 2019
SINGTAM, NOVEMBER 21: Sikkim won two silver and three bronze medals at Ekla Cholo Re 2019, West Bengal State Philatelic exhibition held at Kolkata. The philatelic exhibition was held from November 16-22 at Academy of Fine Arts, Maidan, Kolkata.
Roshan Prasad and Sishir Pradhan won Silver for their exhibits ‘The story of Cricket’ and ‘The World of Football’. Ganesh Kumar Pradhan, Sunita Gurung and Tanishka Pradhan won three bronze medals for their exhibits Philatelic Exhibition of India, Special Cover Issued in Sikkim and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Doon Philatelic Diary
Valley of Words
Valley of Words, International Literature and Art Festival was held in Dehradun from 15-17 November 2019. During the Festival a small stamp exhibition was also organized at Hotel Madhuban. Exhibits of Noted philatelists of Dehradun, Abhai Mishra, Vinay Gupta Mukesh Mittal and Abhiri Mishra were displayed in the exhibition. To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary Year of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, a special cover and cancellation was also released on 15th November 2019 on Valley of Words theme showing Mahatma Gandhi on the cover & cancellation.
Beginners’ Section
World's First Christmas Stamp
Issued by Canada in 1898, Approved by Queen Victoria
In 1898, Imperial Penny Postage was established in Canada, lowering the postage rate from 3¢ to 2¢. New stamps were needed, and it became Postmaster General William Mullock's duty to present the design to Queen Victoria for approval.
The new stamp featured a world map with Great Britain's territories highlighted. Mullock reportedly suggested issuing the stamp on November 9 "in honor of the prince [of Wales]," but Queen Victoria made her displeasure known immediately, replying "what prince?" (She and her oldest son had a notoriously rocky relationship since Prince Albert's death in 1861. The Queen is said to have blamed her son and the stress caused by his "playboy prince" reputation for his father's death.)
Thankfully, Mullock was able to turn the meeting around by replying "Why, madam, the prince of peace." Proposing the new stamp honor Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ satisfied Queen Victoria and she approved the new stamp for issue December 7. It was the first Canada stamp to feature multiple colors.
The initial printing had a lavender background with the highlighted sections in carmine. A later printing changed the background color to blue, though there are several shades known to exist between the two colors. Small differences make collecting these stamps even more fun and interesting.
Specialized Section
Asian Koel on Maldives Stamps
The bird of the month is the Asian koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) a member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes. It is found in the Indian Subcontinent, China, and Southeast Asia. It forms a super species with the closely related black-billed and Pacific koels which are sometimes treated as subspecies.
The bird has been featured on many stamps some of which we detail below.
Issued by Maldives on 09.08.1990 as a part of the 8 stamps bird set
Issued by Maldives on 05.07.1993 as a part of the 12 stamps bird set
Issued by Maldives on 08.04.2002 as a part of the 8 stamps bird set
Issued by Maldives on 22.06.2010 as a single stamp issue
The Asian koel is a large, long-tailed, cuckoo measuring 39–46 cm (15–18 in) and weighing 190–327 g (6.7–11.5 oz). The male of the nominate race is glossy bluish-black, with a pale greenish grey bill, the iris is crimson, and it has grey legs and feet. The female of the nominate race is brownish on the crown and has rufous streaks on the head. The back, rump and wing coverts are dark brown with white and buff spots. The under parts are whitish, but is heavily striped. The other subspecies differ in colouration and size. The upper plumage of young birds is more like that of the male and they have a black beak. They are very vocal during the breeding season (March to August in the Indian Subcontinent), with a range of different calls. The familiar song of the male is a repeated koo-Ooo. The female makes a shrill kik-kik-kik... call. Calls vary across populations.
The word "koel" is onomatopoeic in origin. The Sanskrit name of "Kokila" and words in several Indian languages are similarly echoic. Being familiar birds with loud calls, references to them are common in folklore, myth and poetry. It is traditionally held in high regard for its song and revered in the Manusmriti, an ancient decree protecting them from harm. The Vedas, Sanskrit literature dated to about 2000 BC referred to it as Anya-Vapa which has been translated as "that which was raised by others" (or "sown for others to reap").This has been interpreted as the earliest knowledge of brood parasitism. It has been chosen as the state bird by the Indian union territory of Puducherry.
These birds were once very popular in India as cage birds. Feeding even on boiled rice, these hardy birds lived in captivity for as long as 14 years
BRIHADEESWARA TEMPLE AT THANJAVUR
CENTRE OF ARTS AND CULTURE :
A PHILATELIC AND NUMISMATIC DELIGHT
The towering Brihadeeswara temple at Thanjavur also known as (PeruvaudaiyarKoil) is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in South bank of Kaveri River, in Thanjavur, Tamilnadu built by Raja Raja Chola over a thousand years ago ( built between 1003 and 1010 AD) . It is the first world’s complete Granite Temple , and now a UNESCO World Heritage site,Known as the ‘Great Living Chola Temple’ . It is one of the largest South Indian Temples and an exemplary example of fully realized Dravidian architecture. The inscriptions predominantly related to Shivism but also of Vaishnavism and Shaktism traditions of Hinduism. The temple now stands amid fortified wall that were added after the 16th century.
The Brihadeeswara Temple
The Vimana Tower above the sanctum is one of the tallest in South India In all likelihood, one of the tallest strutures in the world at the time of its construction. It has one of the largest Shiva Lingas in India. It has commissioned a brass Nataraja –Shiva as the Lord of dance , in 11th century. The complex includes shrines of Nandi, Parvati, Kartikeya, Ganesha ,Dakshina Murthi, Sabhapati, Chandeshvara, Varhi and others. The temple is one of the tourist attractions in Tamilnadu. The Brihadeeswara Temple at Tanjavur marks the greatest achievement of the Chola architects. Known in the inscriptions as Dakshina Meru, the construction of this temple was inaugurated by the Chola King, Raja Raja I (985-1012 CE) possibly in the 19th regnal year(1003-1004 CE) and consecrated by his own hands in the 25th regnal year(1009-1010 CE). A massive colonnaded prakara with sub-shrines dedicated to the ashtadikpalakas and a main entrance with a Capital of the South’.
The Big Temple millennium Stamps and Coins
The Brihadeeswara temple turned 1000 years in September 2010. It was in 1010 CE , In his 25TH Regnal year , the kind Raja Raja Chola (985-1014) handed over a Gold- plated Kalasam for the final consecration to crown the Vimana , the 216 foot tall tower above the sanctum.
On 25th September,2010 the fifth day of Millennium celebrations, a special function was held in Tanjavur, which was presided over by then CM M Krunanidhi. On the occasion , the department of posts issued a RS.5 commemorative postage stamp in recognition of the a big Temple’s contribution to the country’s cultural, architectural and epigraphical history. The Multi- coloured stamp portrays the big temple.
The first day cover carries a picture of the giant Raja Gopuram of the temple, and cancellation has a sketch of the temple and its name.
Stamp and First day cover on Raja Raja Chola
The International Conference-Seminar on Tamil Studies was held in Tanjavur in 1995. To mark the occasion, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative stamp of Rs.2 denomination, featuring the statue of Raja RajaChola on 5 January 1995.
The First Day cover with the stamp of Raja Raja Chola
The First Day Cover has the legend of the conference in Tamil,in a circle.Shown in the centre are the pictures of the Flags of he three ancient kingdoms of Tamilnadu (Pandy, Chola and Chera) and saint Tiruvalluvar, with the Big Temple behind him.The legend is given n the cancellation mark also.
Commemorative coins
The Reserve Bank of India commemorated the historic event by releasing a Proof and Uncirculated coin sets of Rs,1000 and Rs,5 in 2010. Though India has issued a large number of Proof an UNC coin sets in the past, of various denominations , it was for the first time that a Rs.1000 coin was issued by India Gov’ts Mints.
The Rs.5 coin is made of Nickel brass and the Rs 1000 coin of 80% silver and 20% Copper. Both the coins have, on the obverse side, the Ashoka Lion Capital with the denomination below it. On the reverse side are embossed the Big Temple with the statue of Raja RajaChola in front, and the words ‘Tanjavur’ and 2010 written below it. The legend ‘1000 years of Brihadeeswara Temple’ both in Devanagari and English, are inscribed in circle. Thee coins were minted in the Govt of India Mint, Mumbai.
Rs. 1000 Coin
RS.5 Coin
A Maxi card was issued by the Post Master General,Tiruchirapalli at the World Philatelic Exhibition held at New Delhi during 12-18 February 2011 (INDIPEX 2011). It carries a picture of Brihadeeswara Temple on the left side. The department provided special cancellation on the Rs.5 stamp dated 26-9-2010.
Pictorial Cancellation
The Postal Department had from to time issued permanent pictorial cancellations at a number of places. A Permanent pictorial cancellation carrying a sketch of the Brihadeeswara temple was introduced at Tanjavur on 10 December 1974.
Also shown is a pictorial cancellation on Maxi Card with the photo of the Temple.
Another beautiful Maxi card
Aerogramme
For a long time the postal department has been releasing Inland letters and Aerogrammes with pictures of predominant places as a printed stamp. An aerogramme of Rs.8.50 had been issued with the picture of Brihadeeswara Temple.
Indian Ocean and RajendraChola 1
India Post celebrated the National Postal Weekfom 9 to 15 October 2014 and 13 October was celebrated as Philately Day. On that occasion the South Indi Philatelists’ Association(SIPA) , Chennai brought out two special covers. Of them, one was to commemorate the 1000th year of the crowning of Raja RajaChola 1 in 1014.
A thee day international conference titled ‘India & the Indian Ocean: Renewing the Maritime Trade & Civilizational Linkages’, was held at Bhuvaneshwar on 20 March 2015. At the inauguration function a commemorative stamp on ‘Indian Ocean and RajendraChola I’ was released. The Rs.5 stamp depicts the ocean and statue of Rajendra. The stamp also commemorates he 1000th anniversary of his coronation.
In 1954, the Government introduced high denomination currency notes of Rs.1000, Rs.5000 and Rs.10,000.Of these the Rs. 1,000 carried the picture of Brihadeeswara temple. However in 1978, during Indira Gandhi’s regime, these high denomination notes were demonetized to curb unaccounted money.
The first one has the Silhoutte of Tanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple and photo of world famous Tanjavur Veena with the stamp of the great Veena with the stamp of DK Pattammal, a famous vocalist of South India,and Cancellation of Veena. The ancient Veena considered the queen of Indian Instruments, is also our national musical instrument. The present form of the Veena with fixed frets is said to have been designed by Govinda Dikshita during the reign of Raghunatha Nayak of Tanjavur (regnal years 1630-1634) .It is therefore called Tanjavur Veena.
The second cover carries the Picture of famous Tanjavur Dolls and the cancellation of Tanjavur Dolls on the stamp of Vilayat Khan. A Tanjavur Doll is a type of traditional Indian bobble head toy made of terracotta material and finished with detailed, painted exteriors.
The third one is with the famous Tanjavur art plate with the cancellation of Tanjavurart plate and stamp of Vilayat Khan. The plate is a traditional metal craft with intricate workmanship of high value. It is a tri metal plate made of Brass,Copper and Silver. The base circular plate is made of brass and the silver and copper images are embossed on itwith a central figure of various choices. The motifs may be mythological or non-religious.
The fourth special cover is with the photo of Tanjavur Paintings which are world famous. The cover is cancelled with replica of Tanjavur paintingand stamp of Famous DK Pattammal, a great vocalist of South India.The Tanjavur Paintings is a classical painting style and technique which originated in Tanjavur durig Maratha Period (1676-1835). It is an integral part of the unique art and crafts of Tanjavur. The painting would be made by the gilded and gem set technique wherein God leaves and sparkling stones are used to highlight certain aspects of the painting, like ornaments and dresses and would be bright,colourful and breathtakingly beautiful.
The fifth cover consist of a beautiful Tanjavur Thavil which is a percussion accompaniment to the Nagaswaram. The Tavil and the Nagswaram are are essential components of traditional festivals and ceremonies in South India.Tanjavur is famous for Tavils , hence it is often called Tanjavur Thavil. The cover also has in addtion to a beautiful cancellation of Thavil on the stamp of the famous vocalist of carnatic music Smt DK Pattammal.
Philately from Early days to Millennium Era
It’s a pleasure for Indian philately community that 14thIndia National Philately Exhibition (INPEX) is to be held in Mumbai from December 18th to 22nd 2019 at Word Trade Centre, Colaba, Mumbai. The first INPEX was held in 1970. The 14thnational philately exhibition is being held at a time when philately in India is struggling to be relevant in today’s technology driven and dynamic era. In such a situation it is very important to understand philately of the past, present and future.
Currently there are three main objectives for which philately is pursued namely, ‘exhibiting, collection, and economic’. The ‘Creativity, Fun, Enjoyment and Education ‘will be the fourth objective of the philately in the times to come which will have the ability to attract new comers to philately in large numbers continuously. The fourth objective of philately will undergo many exploring and experiment sessions before itis accepted by all sections of community. Future of philately in India will depend upon two initiatives:
· Philately to be integrated with educational curriculum.
· Philately Curriculum (to be developed)which will help the new comers to philately to gain the basics / foundation of philately.
A change in India philately is now a MUST, and hope, INPEX 2019 brings a new era in India philately.
Now, let’s scan philately from past to future :
COMMUNICTION is fundamental to human civilization. In the early days of civilization, communication was primitive using verbal (sound) and Signal mode of communication. A primitive written communication existed for King’s official purposes carried by humans and horses. Invention of writing gave birth to an organized postal service conveying letters from SENDER to RECEIVER.
Basics of Communication – Sender and Receiver
Post Horn and Pigeon carrying a letter is the traditional way of representing a postal service depicted on stamps issued by many countries on various postal occasions.
Traditional representation of Postal Service
Traditional Philately (1840-1945)
With postal reform and introduction of adhesive stamp in 1840 in United Kingdom initiated the wonderful hobby of “PHILATELY” by collecting and study of “Postage Stamps” in the 1850’s. Mostly, the postage stamps had the picture of colonial heads. In 1851, Canada issued its first postage stamp in 1851 with an image of an animal Beaver. Beaver is popular in Canada and it is for the first time that a picture other than colonial head was printed on the postage stamp. Initially the hobby of philately started in various European countries including England and France.
Early days of stamp collecting
In the late 1860’s, studying the postally travelled covers with stamps affixed and postmarks gave rise to a branch of philately known as “Postal History”. Postal history is built on the political developments particularly the Europe andtheir colonies and deals with study of postal system through “Rates, Routes and Postmarks”.
Postal History
Elihu Burritt advocated that Britain, which introduced the Uniform Penny Post in 1840, should introduce an international "Ocean Penny Post" and reduce the cost from one shilling (12 pence) to threepence. He argued this would increase international correspondence, trade, and hence universal brotherhood. This is possibly the origin of Pen friends through letter writing.
Ocean Penny Postage
By end of 1800 and early 1900, the following important philately development took place.
· By late 1800, circular date stamp were introduced in UK first and then all over world.
· By late 1800, postal marks as messages were marked on letter for educating the people of various day to day issues like health, safety, correct addressing on letters and many more.
· Special postal cancellations issued on special events like exhibitions.
· In 1888, New South West Wales, a province of Australia issued the world’s first commemorative stamp to honour then governor of NSW Lord Carrington. This was followed by a second commemorative stamps of 15 issued by USA in 1893 on the occasion of 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus. The set of 15 commemorative stamps was issued by then USA’s postmaster general John Wanamaker with a motive of making money from sale of such commemorative stamps.
· In 1923, George Linn prepared the first Cachet first day covers in connection with the Harding Memorial issue. From this simple beginning has grown the First Day Cover hobby as a part of philately.
This era ensured that communication is the foundation to philately.
Philately in Modern Era (1946-2000)
With the end of world war 2, the countries started to get their independence from the colonial rulers and the world progressed for overall world peace and wellbeing of human beings.
· The establishment of United Nations, its various agencies and their roles for peace, heritage, health, education, trade, labour, standards and many more.
· World organization like Red Cross, European Union, Scout, NATO.
· Development various technologies making better and faster communication. This includes Space Exploration, Air Travel, High speed trains, Digital communication and many more.
· Countries around the world developed internally and their relations with other countries. then USSR stands unique in philately during 1960’s when their socialism and space exploration were depicted on their postage stamps.
· Countries are working for better world for the future. Efforts like forest & environment conservation, flora and fauna, avoid in gone-time plastic and many more.
· Countries gave importance to their various aspects of histories and various aspects of philately like greetings, postal history, stamp exhibitions, and letter writings.
All these progresses were depicted on stamps as commemorative stamps. In 1956, then USA president Eisenhower initiated a “People to People” program focused on creating cultural exchange programs. One of the cultural exchange programs, was philately through letter writing. Such commemorative stamps were attractive in many ways and encouraged the hobby of philately to masses. Commemorative stamps earned the title “Ambassadors” of the issuing countries.
Commemorative stamps
Apart from commemorative stamps definitive stamps, postal stationery were also collected and studied as a part of philately..Stamps progressed with introduction of Miniature Sheet and Fancy stamps (3D, foiled, irregular shaped etc.).
With regular philately exhibitions and establishment of Federation of International Philately, the hobby of philately became an organized hobby. Philately organisations from Canada, Australia, Malaysia and many others have celebrated their organised philately by issuing postage stamps or souvenir covers. Importance and popularity of philately has earned the title “King of Hobbies” and postage stamps as “Window to Knowledge”. Postage Stamps were called as ambassador of the country.
In early days, philately was pursued mainly to utilize the abundant available leisure time and the need for postal communication with postage stamps.
Traditional Representation of Philately
Philately in Technology Era (2000 onwards)
Since the start of the millennium, technology has made digital communication affordable transforming the way human being communicate and work. Communication nowadays is INSTANT and INTERACTIVE (two way) with mobiles and internet without any physical carriers of communication as in the early days. Computerized receipts have replaced postage stamps for express postal services like speed post, registered post & parcel where the need for postal cancellation is avoided.
A computerized receipt is the variable postage stamps introduced in UK in 2010 called “Post and Go Stamps”. These Post and Go stamps have pictorial images like postage stamps.
Meter Cancellation introduced in the early 1900’s was the forerunner of variable postage stamps.
Both philately and postage stamps also has changed with time from just closely linked to postal services to different types of products marketed by postal organizations world over. Postage stamps are now perceived beyond pre-payment receipt.
Postage stamps are recognition of the subject’s importance that is depicted on it. Philately nowadays has become a tool to learn, and share all types of knowledge through the IMAGES of postage stamps and other related accessories.
The hobby of Philately is getting associated with many unconventional and modern subjects like origami, puzzles, technology and many more. There is no subject known in this world that is not associated with postage stamps. It will be wrong to say that a particular subject is out of philately scope. In a way postage stamps have become a custodian of knowledge. In a very short period of time there is a major shift the way philately is being perceived in the technological era.
Paper Folding Puzzles
Folded envelope from Russia Illusions
Puzzle_Tangram Popular Food
Greetings Magic
11th November 2019, was celebrated as World Origami Day. Its for the first time in India philately Mr.Jigar Desai a philately enthusiast from Mumbai celebrated the World Origami Day by posting a colourfuland creative origami envelope. The origami envelope relates perfectly for the origami day. This shows the emergence of philately in the modern era.
Front Back
Philately department from Postal organizations and philately societies world over are leading the hobby of philately using commemorative stamps, postal cancellations and various covers in different areas of education (history, geography, commerce, science, arts and many more themes) with Creativity, Fun & Enjoyment. Philately in recent trends are getting associated with commemorative coins, first day / special creative covers & presentation packs. Stamps are being issued with different shapes and pictures being printed with multiple technologies like sand coating.
Different shapes of stamps
Outside Inside
Presentation pack in the shape of Post Box
Suggestions on Future Philately
Overall, Philately in today’s circumstances offer wide range of interests to all type’s hobby enthusiasts considering today’s fast-moving daily life and less leisure time. It’s up to the individual to select a topic of their interest and pursue the hobby. The Philately organizations must widen the scope of philately in the modern circumstances which can cater to wide range of hobby enthusiasts with considerable freedom, flexibility and be less rigid. Some of the suggestions are:
· Exhibiting essay writings with postage stamps is one such area which can promote stamp collecting and philately literature.
· Exhibits of one page and one frame can be another possibility of philately promotion.
· Philately needs to be greatly associated with arts on stamp design, First Day/Special Covers, and other philately products. The art aspects will increase the aesthetics of philately in general.
Many such areas of philately need to be explored. All these actions will help the hobby of philately to be popular with relevance to our daily life and connected to modern generations. This will be the fourth objective of philatelyhaving Education, Creativity, Fun, Enjoyment and Education as mentioned in the beginning.
Conclusion
Philately in modern times is about integrating different types of knowledge using postage stamps and related accessories. The knowledge through philately helps in learning various skills which are not easily available in day to day life. Earlier it was “Stamps as a Window to Knowledge” which has now matured to “Philately as a Window to Knowledge”.
In Memory of Dr Satyendra Agrawal….
Rose Philately
Stamp depicting water droplets on red roses came in third place in the poll for the most beautiful Finnish stamp of 2013.
Scented stamps
In 2000, Australia Post produced its first scented philatelic product. The Gardens stamp issue (consisting of five 45c stamps) contained a “scratch and sniff” area in the self-adhesive booklet, which smelled of freshly mown grass.
Roses sheetlet of 10 (2006), featuring the “scratch and sniff” red rose design
Then in 2006, things got even sweeter with the release of the scented rose stamp for Valentine’s Day. The Roses stamp issue included a classic red rose design. The red rose design in the sheetlet of 10 (aptly named “Scent of a Rose”) gave off a sweet rose scent, when scratched.
The scent was specifically designed by Flint Ink, and Australia Post conducted considerable research to ensure that the scent really did resemble a rose and was durable.
The scent is made of a non-toxic oil base and is encapsulated. This means that there are millions of microscopic bubbles sitting on top of the printed rose image. Light rubbing breaks open the microscopic bubbles, to release the scent. The full scent is released over several rubs and should last a very long time (some collectors may still be able to smell the scent today).
The “scratch and sniff” Roses stamp was printed by Pemara Labels, using a flexographic printing process. While the Gardens stamp issue in 2000 also featured the “scratch and sniff” component, the Roses stamp was the first time it had been incorporated onto the stamp itself.
New issues from other Countries
Christmas 2019 stamps
Australia
1 November 2019 : Christmas
This year’s traditional Christmas stamps feature images from a magnificent French illuminated manuscript from the 15th century, one of the treasures of the University of Sydney Library. The two scenes from the Christmas story include the Adoration of the Magi and the Flight into Egypt.
The three secular designs in this issue are in the style of the traditional Japanese art of origami, or paper folding. They reflect more general aspects of Christmas cheer: a Christmas tree, star and gift.
Canada
14 November 2019 Hanukkah
Canada Post issued a new Hanukkah stamp Nov. 14 in self-adhesive booklets of 10.The stamp features a stylized menorah with its nine candles shining brightly against a background that transitions from purple at the top to dark red at the bottom.The “P” inside a maple leaf representing the permanent rate (currently 90¢) appears at bottom right, just below the menorah.
Israel
26 November 2019 : Ethnic Festival in Israel
26 November 2019 : Ethnic Festival in Israel
Romania
19 November 2019 : Animal Emotions
Sri Lanka
1 October 2019 : World Children’s Day
2 October 2019 : 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
5 October 2019 :National Park of Sri Lanka - Wasgamuwa
16 September 2019 : Colombo Lotus Tower
New Posmarks from Taiwan
New pictorial postmarks on mouse will be issued by Taiwan on 3 December 2019
Promotional Section
Gems of Indian Philately ( Edition 1)
Dear Members of PCI and its Affiliates,
An initiative titled - "Gems of Indian Philately (Edition 1)" is an attempt to compile the Heritage and Diversity of Indian Philately by the publication of 100 or more philatelic materials present in the hands of the collectors.
The idea is to bring all aspects of Indian Philately (Traditional, Postal History, Aerophilately, Postal Stationery, Indian States, Foreign P.O.s, Post-Independence, Mahatma Gandhi, Thematics etc.) under one roof. This book will prove to be a good source of reference with a lot of interesting and rare materials and will encourage philatelists to explore other areas of Indian Philately besides what they are already collecting.
The book is scheduled to be released��during the Inpex 2019 (18-22 Dec.) in Mumbai. A copy of this beautifully published book will be presented to each contributor for his personal collection.
Sincerely,
Pragya Kothari Jain
(Coordinator & Compiler - Gems of Indian Philately Edition 1)
Whatsapp -��+919709638790
Request from a philatelist
I am 71 year old philatelist from Kerala, India and collect whole world Stamps, Coins and Currency notes. I have lost most of my collection in last year flood in Kerala and want to restart my collection. I would like to exchange stamps coins and currency note from collectors all over the world . email : abrahamjohanncheeran@gmail.com Postal address : C Abraham Jos , Pvs-Iris Apartments , Tower 1-11A,( P O ) Desom , Aluva 683 102,Kerala India .
Acknowledgement
- Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin October 2019 issue edited by Mohanchandran Nair
- Judaica Thematic Society (UK) November 2019 Newsletter edited by Gary Goodman
- Deccan Philatelist Vol 19 No 2 2019 edited by Col Jayanta Dutta
-The Hyderabad Philatelist August 2019 issue edited by Prakash Agrawal
-The Hyderabad Hobby Magazine October 2019 issue edited by Prakash Agrawal
- Journal of the Army Philatelic Society Vol.17 No.3 & 4 edited by Col. Jayanta Dutta
Blogs & Websites
Philatelic Clubs & Societies
Ananthapuri Philatelic Association, Thiruvanthapuram
Chandigarh Philatelic Club
Deccan Philatelic Society – Pune, Maharashtra
The Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society
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
The Army Philatelic Society, Pune
Stamps of India – http://www.stampsofindia.com
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 &TimirShah 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
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Jeevan Jyoti, c / o Mr. Ajay Srivastav, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun – 248002. India
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.