Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Dehradun June 2022
Vol. XV Issue No. 174
Readers are requested to send reports of philatelic
activities in their area for publication. Short write ups by the readers about,
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
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Those who wish to receive it regularly please reply giving the name of your
city / country with the subject SUBSCRIBE RAINBOW
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II-Platinum Jubilee
70th Anniversary of the accession
(1952-2022)
Editorial….
Role of National Commissioner
Dear Reader,
I am pleased to present June 2022 issue of Rainbow Stamp News. After the
relaxation in COVID protocols, dates for some physical philatelic exhibitions
have been announced and some are already being held. The time period of 2020 -
21 was the worst time for all…. Now gradually life is coming to normal. The
promoters of philately did a good job by organizing virtual shows in this worst
period of COVID time. Let’s hope that such poor situation may never come in future….
When talking about the international exhibitions, it has been observed
that some of the national commissioners, appointed for the exhibitions do not
communicate properly with the participants. The role of commissioner is very
important. The commissioner is mediator between the exhibitor and organizing committee
during the exhibition for the participants as well as the philatelic ambassador
of the country. It is the duty of every
commissioner to reply to the mails and messages of the exhibitor. After the
results are announced it should have been communicated to the participants as
well as to the print and digital media. The medal certificates and catalogue /
list of palmares. etc. must be sent to the participants in time. But it is not
so…. Sometimes exhibitors have to wait for a long time for their medals and
certificates. Catalogues and list of palmares are never sent to the participants.
The commissioners stop communicating after taking fee for the exhibition. Some participants have complained that they
have not received their medals even after more than two years of the exhibition…Is
it justified??? If these commissioners do not have time to reply, post medals,
certificate and return the exhibits timely, why are they appointed??? Are they
appointed to enjoy the perks of commissioner which includes the
opportunity of a trip abroad, the chance to see hundreds of great exhibits from
around the world at one place, to enjoy free accommodation and free travel to
and from the exhibition? Besides this they get a chance to attend various events
including the palmares dinner, to participate in scheduled meetings and
seminars, to discuss with other countries’ Commissioners, with judges, other
visitors. Above all they represent our exhibitors at the international
show. These exhibitors spend a good sum of money during participation at these
big international shows. After the exhibition they deserve proper communication
from the commissioner regarding their result, return of exhibit as well as their
awards, certificates, catalogue palmares list etc. Extra fee for all this is
already charged in advance from the exhibitors. Then why some of the commissioners
do not perform their duty well. Here I wish to mention that there are
some commissioners who had done their job very well and must be highly
appreciated for their prompt work and good communication but there are some who
need to be fired for not fulfilling their responsibility and not doing their
duty well. This is a matter of
concern and The new Governing Council of the PCI must look into the matter.
This is all for this month. More in the next issue. Happy Collecting!
Contents
§ Editorial
§ From the Desk of
Naresh Agrawal
§ Recent Indian
Issues
§ In
The News
§ Letter
to the Editor
§ Thematic
Watch
§ Specialized
Section
§ Beginners’
Section
§ Interview
§ New Issues from
Other Countries
§ Lighter side
§ Philatelic Clubs
and Society
§ Blogs &
Websites on Philately
§ Current
Philatelic Magazines & Newsletters
YES, THERE IS GOLD IN
THEMATIC TOO
A few years back I had written about “WHY NO GOLD IN
THEMATIC”. The reason was that by then I had never heard about GOLD in
Thematic by any Indian in FIP exhibitions. Thematic Philately is pursued by
most of the philatelists but unfortunately due to changing judging criterions
with the time and regular modification in thematic exhibiting being changing
from Ist generation to 4.5th generation. But now there is a
GOLD by an Indian.
However, by then I never knew that only one Indian (Mr. Rajesh
Bagri) had already received GOLD long back in 1989 in probably in Thaipex 1989
International Stamp Exhibition. Even most of the philatelists were
unaware of this. But of late, it was a great news to know that one Indian has again
achieved the so-called hardest peak to win after almost 33 years. The best part
of this achievement is that this is supposed to be the toughest phase of
thematic exhibiting i.e. 4.5th generation
thematic exhibiting which requires not only a big variety of material, a good
number of exclusive and rare items but a huge thematic and philatelic
search and research. The exhibit has to be model in modern perspective i.e.,
well planned, developed, treated, completed and presented as per the FIP
guidelines.
Well, this GOLD will certainly motivate and inspire thematic
philatelists. Those who were very pessimistic about this, now can think
positively. Gold is now within reach. May be tough but achievable. Yes, one has
to work for it with an aim, a goal to achieve which of course is achievable. I
happen to go through some of the pages of this esteemed exhibit and am truly
mesmerized by the way it has been created. Lot to see, lot to learn and a lot
to be adopted. This 5-frame exhibit (not 8 frame as it is desired normally for
higher awards) is certainly a masterpiece. After this article, I shall
introduce you to this GOLDEN MAN of thematic philately in India. We shall
know about his journey to the gold briefly and his techniques to prepare such a
quality exhibit. I have the honor to interview this gem .
TAIL PIECE :
There is apparent silence in PCI after the election of the
governing council in Kolkata. After the formation of a new governing
council, PCI has not yet met for finalizing the new projects / works to be
undertaken. It is understood that promotion of philately at school level is one
of the major agenda which PCI will take up. Methodology will be discussed to
promote philately at grass root level. Let’s see how PCI moves ahead with this.
It is also heard that PCI might think about organizing a national
exhibition later this year. Hence, we all look forward to the next
meeting of PCI .
I would like to see how PCI celebrates this GOLD in Thematic.
There have been higher awards in other classes in the past and of course even
now but GOLD in Thematic is special… far more than special. My personal feeling
is that PCI should felicitate Mr. Anand Kakad, the man who did the
so-called impossible by any Indian. I also congratulate other medal
winners in the recently concluded exhibitions, especially my dear friend Mr. Madhukar
Deogawanka who also received GOLD for his entry in literature
class. And a GOLD in literature is also as good as GOLD in Thematic. No Indian
has received a GOLD in Literature ever before.
My humble submission to PCI that in the next big event these two
philatelic personalities along with others to whom PCI feels good
may be honored / felicitated.
-Naresh Agrawal: email – nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in
Recent Indian
Issues
3 April
2022 : India and Turmenistan- 30 Years of Partnership MS + 2 x Rs 25
18 April
2022 : Pandurang Vaman Kane – Rs 5
21 April
2022 : Prakash Guru Parb : Shri Teg Bahadur Sahib Ji : 400th birth
year - Rs 25
1 May 2022
: Delhi University Centenary Year – Rs 5
New Special Covers
16 April 2022 :75 Years
of IICE : Kolkata
18 May 2022 : 12952
Rajdhani Express Carried Special Cover: New Delhi
19 May 2022 : Godavri
Delta : Rice Bowl of Andhra : Ravulapalem
19 June 2022 : Platinum
Jubilee : CSIR Central Leather Research
Institute India : Chennai
In the
News
New Book on Philately
released….
Philately Its glorious
Past and uncertain future By Anil Dhir
(Festschrift volume in
Memory of Late Bijayshree Routray)
A
book on Philately was released at Bhubaneswar
on the 2nd June, the first Death Anniversary of the Founder President of Eastern India
Philatelists’ Association, Bijayshree
Routray.
The
Book titled: “Philately: It’s Glorious
Past and Uncertain Future” is a Festschrift Volume in his honour. The book,
written by Anil Dhir, has a foreword by Jeevan Jyoti. It has many interesting articles on the past
and present of Philately in a world perspective, with special reference to the
Indian context. The book is divided into two parts, the first comprises of
scholarly and informative articles, and the second part is memorials and
testimonials from philatelists over the country who have written wonderful and
emotive pieces.
The
book was released by the governor of Odisha, Prof. Ganeshi Lal in the presence
of many other eminences of the state. Speaking on the occasion, Anil Dhir, the
author of the book said that Bijayshree Routray was not only a politician with
a long term stint, but also an excellent scholar and academic person. His role
in firming and taking EIPA to great heights will be ever remembered.
Philatelists from all over the state attended the memorial.
The book is priced at Rs 400 and is available on Amazon and
Flipkart. However a few copies will be given to philatelists for Rs 200.
HELVETIA 2022 a specialized world stamp exhibition,
with FIP Patronage and FEPA Recognition was in Lugano, Switzerland from 18-22
May 2022. Here is the award list of Indian participants.
Heartiest Congratulations to all the winners !
1. Om Prakash Kedia 2. Dr. KS Mohan
3. Madhukar Jhingan
4.Piyush Khaitan 5.Lokeswara Rao Madiraju
6. Dinesh Sharma
HELVETIA 2022 AWARDS
Indian participants
Large Vermeil Medal
Om Prakash Kedia's Litho Stamps of Bhopal
E P James's Cochin Postal History
Dr KS Mohan's Service Stamps of Cochin
Vermeil Medal
Madhav Ramachandran's British India
Mahalingam Ramachandran's Kingdom of Cochin
Madhukar Jhingan's Indian Aerogrammes
Large Silver Medal
Piyush Khaitan's Air India
Dinesh Sharma's Summer Olympic Games
Lokeswara Rao Madiraju's Buddhism on Stamps
Bronze Medal
Dinesh Sharma's Olympic Flame & Torch Relay
Cape Town 2022
International Stamp Exhibition Update
📢📢📢The Organising Committee for CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL
STAMP EXHIBITION 2022 ( 8-12 NOVEMBER 2022) has announced that the deadline for
entries has been extended to 30 June 2022.📢📢📢
Mr. Shakil Ahmed is Indian National Commissioner for the Cape
Town 2022. Exhibition Classes: Traditional, Postal History, Aerophilately,
Postal Stationery, Revenue, Thematic, Open, Modern Philately, One Frame,
Philatelic Literature and Picture Postcards only)Shakil Ahmed : Email: ahmedshakil99@gmail.com : (M)
+91-9437225760 / +91-7008025663
Visit : https://capetown2022.org/
CAPEX 22 Specialised Exhibition CAPEX 2022, to be held from 09 – 12, June, 2022 at Toronto, Canada. Awards will be treated as Continental awards. The One Frame exhibition will include : Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Aero-philately, Astro-philately, Thematic, Maximaphily, Revenue, Youth, Modern Phil., Phil. Lit. and Picture Postcards, Classes only. Mr. Angeet Suri has been appointed National Commissioner.
ANGEET SURI, Email: angeet86@hotmail.com
Phones: +91 9891370070, 8588077077. +91 11
40523366 : Vist : http://www.capex22.org
LIBEREC 2022
European
Stamp Exhibition and Polar Salon “LIBEREC 2022”
is organized by Svaz českých filatelistů, z.s. (Union of Czech Philatelists)
in cooperation with club “Evropská výstava poštovních známek LIBEREC 2022,
z.s.”, established for this purpose under FEPA patronage
and with FIP recognition.
Venue: Wellness Hotel Babylon https://www.hotelbabylon.cz/en/
Date: October 13th –
16th,
2022
Exhibition
size: 1200 exhibition frames
European Stamp Exhibition and Polar Salon LIBEREC 2022 : IREX
Visit : https://www.liberec2022.eu/en/aktuality-en/
TAIPEI 2021
Mr. Rajan Jayakar has
been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the Taipei 2021 38th
FIAP Asian International Stamp Exhibition, Taipei, Chinese Taipei to be held
from 6 to 10 May, 2022
Rajan
Motiram Jayakar : Email:
rajanjayakar1948@gmail.com
Phone: +91-22-22820570, +91-22-22820572, (M)
+919821072417
IBRA 2023 and 33st International Stamp Fair will
be held at Hall 1 and 2, Messe Essen, Germany from 25 to 28 May, 2023. Mr.
Madhukar Jhingan has been appointed as Indian National Commissioner for the
IBRA 2023.
Madhukar Jhingan : Email:
mj@stampsofindia.com
(M) +91-9811160965
New Catalogue released…
Phila India 2022-23
Latest
edition of Phila India Catalogue ( 2022-23) is now available in the market.
News from India Post
Marching Towards International Day of Yoga
21 June - International Day of Yoga
News from Philatelic Societies /Associations/ Club
SIPA AMRITPEX 2022
Visit : http://www.sipa.net.in/exhibition.html
ANDHRAPEX- 2022
A state level philatelic exhibition will
be organized by the Andhtra Postal Circle in October 2022 at Vishakhapatnam.
Visit : andhrapex2022.blogspot.com
HYPEX – Diamond 2022
Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society is
going to organize an exhibition of stamps ,coins, notes and other collectibles
from 19 to 21 November 2022. For more details plz contact : Shri Prakash
Agrawal Ph. 9346777206 email : spagarwaal07@gmail.com
Honours , Awards &
Felicitations
FELICITATIONS
Recently, North East Philatelic
Association, Silchar, (Assam), conferred “Life-time achievement Award” to Sri
Souvik Roy for his contribution to Philately. The organization is a registered
association affiliated with Philatelic Congress of India.
Souvik
Roy started his collection of stamps, at an early age, way back in 1972 and had
won a medal in his first participation during a State Level Exhibition in 1975.
He was the student of CLT Philatelic Club of Kolkata. He also represented West Bengal in National
School of Philately in the year 1977 at Bangalore.
Since
then he had participated in various State, National and International Level
Philatelic Exhibitions. He won his first Gold medal for his collection on
Hinduism, at Dak Bharati 2004: Akhil Bharatiya Philatelic Exhibition,
Ahmedabad.
He has also designed a number of special
covers on different topics. He served as Secretary General for Forum for
Collectors at Gorky Sadan, Russian Centre for Science and Culture, Kolkata.
Some
of his important collections are: Hinduism, Buddhism: a way to Nirvana,
Indian
Telegraph (1947 to 1965), Geographical Influence on Indian Cultural
Development, Science and Kolkata, Bengali Cinema.. to name a few.
Report by Eeshita Basu
Felicitation to Madhukar Deogawanka by Rammohun
Library Kolkata
Mr Madhukar Deogawanka was felicitated by Rammohun
Library and Free Reading Room, Kolkata upon his winning Gold Medal at LONDON
2022 for his book entitled Indian Stamp Booklets. It is the first time that an
Indian Entry in Literature Class won a Gold medal at FIP Exhibition.
RPSL Plaque to Markand Dave
Shri D N Jatia RDP FRPSL was the 1st Indian to
present his paper at the RPSL on 1854 Four Annas 3rd Printing. After a long gap
of nearly 40 years Shri Markand Dave FRPSL brings us the pride back and keeping
the Indian flag high at RPSL. Shri Dave was presented with RPSL Plaque by Mr.
Peter Cockburn, FRPSL, President, RPSL, for his outstanding research of One Anna
wmk on 1854 Two Annas.
Visit : http://www.sipa.net.in/exhibition.html
ANDHRAPEX- 2022
A state level philatelic exhibition will
be organized by the Andhtra Postal Circle in October 2022 at Vishakhapatnam.
Visit : andhrapex2022.blogspot.com
HYPEX – Diamond 2022
Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society is
going to organize an exhibition of stamps ,coins, notes and other collectibles
from 19 to 21 November 2022. For more details plz contact : Shri Prakash
Agrawal Ph. 9346777206 email : spagarwaal07@gmail.com
Obituary
Mr Arjun Ghosh, noted Retail and Wholesale
Stamp dealer of Kanpur passed away on 20 May 2022. He had a good collection on
war Tax Stamps which he displayed in national exhibitions. His shop ‘Stamp and
Book Corner” at Naveen Market Kanpur was very famous among philatelists and Book
Lovers as besides stamps he had a big library in his shop and people used to
take the books from there. He also opened a stamp shop at Nehru Place, New
Delhi which used to be a centre for the philatelists. He promoted philately by
donating stamp packets at exhibitions and was associated with Philatelic
Society of Kanpur ‘United Philatelists’, Kanpur. He was also jury in some stamp exhibitions
held at Lucknow and Kanpur. He used to supply stamp Catalogues, Exhibit sheets,
Books and other fine philatelic accessories . A person deeply associated with
the hobby of stamp collecting…. will be missed always... Our deepest condolences.... May his soul rest
in peace....
Shri DH Rao noted Astro - philatelist from Chennai and
Senior member of South India Philatelists’ Association passed away on 1st
June 2022. Mr. D H Rao was President of SIPA for more than 2 terms and Founder
President of the defunct Madras Coin Society. He had special interest in ships
and lighthouse themes. He donated his Navy theme collection in 2018,
and now can be seen at the permanent pavilion created at INS Valsura, Gujarat.
He had also designed some special covers for SIPA. RIP.... Our deepest condolences !
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
As a regular reader of Rainbow Stamp News, I eagerly wait at the beginning
of every month for the new issue. Every issue has something or other special
and unique.
The latest issue of May'2022 has many informative philatelic articles.
E-Books on philately is indeed a great opportunity for philatelists as
well as bookworms!
Hoping to see more interesting articles in the forthcoming issues.
Kumar Biswas , Noida
Dear Jeevanji,
Thank you very much for including my letter in his issue.
As usual this issue with lots of nice news items including a War Ship story,
an interview with Major Rituji, books about Singapore and Goa, India Post
news, and much more reference resources.
Once again sincere best wishes.
What Thematics are all about….
Next part : Developing
The Theme
Source : Stamp
Lover
Specialized
Section
THE STORY OF PIGEON POST IN INDIA
( Pigeon Mail : The First Air Mail Of The World )
-By Naresh Agrawal
PIGEONGRAM :
Though there is no recorded history of issuance
of modern pigeongrams in India but it was in 1931 when first official
pigeon post was organized with messages carried by pigeons from Asansol to Kolkata.
There after there has been regular commemoration of this service during
different events, exhibitions etc. in different parts of the India. Though
Calcutta Homing Pigeon Club has played a great role in keeping this service
alive by providing pigeons during such shows. The pigeon mail
in India now is very seldom used but officially it was closed in 2004
when Orissa police retired their fleet of about 800 pigeons.
The pigeon mail covers and the messages carried
by them are known as pigeongram or pigeon o gram. Given hereunder is study of
various pigeongrams issued in India during different events
starting from 1931 till 2009
Contd.. from the last issue ….
INDIA WWII PIGEONGRAMS (1940)
NUR JEHAN :
Indian Airmail Society issued WWII pigeongrams to commemorate and
to give tribute for the bravery, contribution and outstanding role of carrier pigeons
in saving thousands of lives and to send important mails and missives in record
time under stringent and life warning conditions of WWI and WWII. Though
there were several pigeons belonging to different countries who had their
commendable contribution but there are some prominent names such as Cher Ami,
Paddy, G.I.Joe etc. and were awarded for their commendable services.
14th Oct.
1940 Pigeongram carried by pigeon named Nur Jehan from Burdhwan
to Calcutta. The envelope carries a half anna stamp on it
with Calcutta cancellation. It shows possibly olive tree with Pigeons
flying. The reverse side carries signature of Stephen Smith, the secretary of
Indian Airmail Society that time or rather father of Rocket Mail in India.
The envelope also has a box shaped slogan cancellation on it which states
"BUY DEFENCE SAVINGS CERTIFICATES".
The patriotic message is
also written on the pigeongram urging everyone to be united and contribute as
much possible to help win the war:
RAJA :
14th Oct. 1940 Pigeongram
cover with message inside carried by pigeon RAJA from Burdwan
to Calcutta signed by Steph on reverse en Smith
TOMMY :
14th Oct. 1940 Pigeongram cover with message inside carried by pigeon TOMMY from Burdwan to Calcutta signed by Steph on reverse en Smith
1941
During the WWI, in 1941 Vice-Admiral Sir Herbert Fitz-Herbert,
Flag Officer Commanding, Royal Indian Navy established a ‘Pigeon Mail Service’
in India. Lieutenant Commander Boman Kaikashrov Shroff, a pigeon fancier
of Bombay and Officer-in-Charge, Naval Carrier Pigeons, initiated the
Mail Service from Lion Gate, Bombay.
The First Pigeons Flight
of Royal Indian Navy was performed on 6th April 1941 to
raise funds for the British Navy when about 250
nos. Homing Pigeons in Bombay Presidency were flown
from Kalyan to Bombay, a distance of about 30 miles. Each bird
carried eight slips of ‘Messages'. Each cover contained pigeongram
franked with George V 1a 3p stamp
with SERVICE overprint tied by magenta
"Kalyan/First Pigeon Missive/6 Apr 1941" date
stamp. Also shows, ‘1230P.M./ 6 APR. 41 DELIVERY/ POST BY AIR AND
SAVE TIME/ BOMBAY G.P.O.’ boxed delivery
postmark.
.
The Message
1963
16.06.1963, PIGEONGRAM:
First official pigeongram signed and flown by Prof. Hamayun Kabir,
Union Minister for Scientific Research and Cultural Affairs from Birla
Industrial and Technological Museum, Calcutta on occasion of the inauguration
of the gallery on Communication.
1974
125 Missives were carried
by Homing Pigeons of Calcutta Racing Pigeons Club
from Raj Bhawan to Amherst street Post Office
in Calcutta on 6th December, 1974 to commemorate Aeropex 74.
The pigeongrams were numbered.
1977
Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society organized Pigeon Post on 14th Jan
1977 on the occasion of APPEX 77. As many as 500 small pigeongrams were
issued which were numbered too franked with 2Rs with special Appex 77
cancel. Message was put inside.
1981
INDIA 1981 PIGEON
FLOWN COVER LEOPEX RARE PIEGEONGRAM
On 06.04.198, 250
Missives were carried by Homing pigeons
of Calcutta Racing Pigeon Club
from Great Eastern Hotel to Sarat Bose Road, Calcutta to Commemorate LEOPEX
81. The reverse shows a man relieving the pigeon with missives
1984
Pigeongram issued
during APPEX
84 by Hyderabad Philatelic And Hobbies Society
on 07.10.1984. The stamp affixed had pictorial
cancellation showing Nagarjuna Museum
1987
Hyderabad 1987 small
thin special Pigeongram cover issued
by The Hyderabad Philatelic
and Numismatic Society on SILVER JUBLIEE
PIGEONGRAM franked with 60p with special cancel dated 27.2.87. Showing BIRD at
left. Delivered on 28.02.1987
1989
On
03.11.1989 during ORPEX-89, a regional Philatelic Exhibition
at Cuttack , a pigeon mail service was organized with pigeon carried
messages from Barabati Stadium to Cuttack G.P.O.
Postal
stamps commemorating pigeon post was also issued on the same day and
first day cover was released.
The postal stamp
commemorating the first ‘Pigeon Post’ organised by the "Royal Indian
Navy" in 1941(issued on 3rd. November, 1989). India - FDC -pigeon
post madras-1989
: Naresh Agrawal : email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in
For Contributors : Guidelines for the articles
1. The article should be a maximum of 10 pages (A4 size) including images in MS word only. Long articles, if accepted, will be published in parts.
2. Do not Format your article. Like no text wrapping, no caption on the images. Simply insert the images where required.
4. There should be No Hyperlinks in the text. Use only wherever it is quite necessary.
5. Images should be clear and sharp. Blurred images will be deleted. Kindly strictly avoid non -philatelic images.
6. The article will be published as per availability of the required space.
7. Regarding the selection and size of the images, the editor’s decision will be final.
8. New, good and selective articles will be entertained for publication but strictly subject to acceptance by the editor “. Articles already published somewhere will not be accepted for publication.
Beginners’ Section
First USPS ATM Stamp
US #2475 –
This stamp was part of what the USPS called its “EXTRAordinary” line of stamps.
On May
18, 1990, the USPS issued an experimental plastic stamp to test the popularity
of selling stamps through Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs). While the
plastic stamp proved unpopular, especially with environmentalists, the ATM
format proved to be a success.
While
this was a first for the USPS, two years earlier a private company tested a
similar idea. On December 14, 1988, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s Equibank
ABMs dispensed regular US coil stamps under a system they called The Stamp
Shop. The stamps were sold in groups of nine, affixed to carrier paper
that was in the same size and shape of a dollar bill.
The USPS ATM stamp was born out of the development of
pressure-sensitive stamps in 1986. They weren’t specifically thinking
about ATMs at the time – that development came in November 1987. At that
time, they began working on a vending machine program and workers found
themselves constantly thinking about the different things offered by vending
machines. Then in March 1988, someone said in passing that “One of these
days it might be possible to make stamps that ATMs could dispense like
currency.” The new postmaster general, Anthony Frank, had come from the
banking industry and was immediately intrigued. He told his team to see
if they could do it.
Partnering
with Seattle First National Bank (Seafirst), the Postal Service’s Stamp and
Engineering Divisions joined forces to develop a stamp sheet that could be
dispensed from ATMs. Because the machines depended on the exact thickness
of currency (to prevent “double-vending”), the new ATM stamps had to be exactly
the same shape and thickness as US paper currency.
To achieve this, the USPS first tried a stamp made of
conventional paper. They found that unlike currency paper, stamp paper
would not allow the precise depth control needed for ATM use. The idea of
using plastic came from pharmaceutical labels. Plastic proved to be a
good product as far as depth control was concerned, and plastic took gravure
printing extremely well. The USPS proceeded with a plastic, die-cut,
imperforate sheet of 12 stamps, attached to a self-adhesive backing, in the
exact shape of paper currency.
The USPS displayed specimens of the new stamps at
World Stamp Expo in late 1989. They brought an ATM into the convention
center to show how the stamps would be vended. The stamps were also
included in a video presentation on the “Post Office of the Future.” In
announcing the stamps, the postmaster general said that postal customers would
have “round-the-clock access to stamps.” And that “For years, customers
have enjoyed the convenience of ‘banking by mail.’ Now they will have the
convenience of ‘mailing by bank.’”
Under
this plan, cardholders could select the stamps from a menu of banking
options. The cost of the stamps would be deducted from their account and
the stamps would be dispensed just like money. Customers would also
receive a bank receipt showing the date, location, and transaction
account. Some collectors would keep their receipts in their albums
alongside the stamps.
The first plastic flag stamps were issued at five ATMs on May 18, 1990, at the Seattle Columbia Seafirst Center during the stamp’s First Day Ceremony. The following day, the ATM stamps were also sold at another 22 ATMS in 10 Seattle locations. Although born of a good idea – to offer 24-hour service to postal customers – the stamps were not without their critics. Environmentalists were against them because they were made of plastic, and recyclers warned they would make paper envelopes useless for recycling. The USPS said that if the test proved successful, they would find ways to make future ATM stamps recyclable.
By the
following year, the first class rate was changing, and the ATM experiment was
still on-going. The USPS would have liked to have developed the
recyclable paper stamps, but hadn’t quite done it yet. So, on January 22,
1991, they issued an “F” rate non-denominated stamp to meet ATM customers’
needs.
But the work was on-going, and on June 25, 1991, the USPS issued the 29¢ Liberty Torch stamp on 50% recycled paper. It was still part of the test phase and was only available in select ATMs in Washington, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. The following year, the USPS issued a Christmas stamp for ATMs that reproduced one stamp from the block of four issued in other formats. They did the same in 1993, but in 1994, issued an ATM Christmas stamp with an original design. The popularity of these stamps has led the USPS to regularly issue patriotic definitives and holiday stamps for use in ATMs ever since.
Source
: Mystic Stamp Co.
Interview
Anand Maruti Kakad, resident of Nasik, a Mechanical engineer of 43 years of age who runs his own business and
consultancy for Purchase and Supply chain, is the new shining star in the field
of thematic philately in India. He is the Golden Man of Indian thematic
philately who was awarded GOLD in the recently concluded HUNFILEX -2022 FIP
World Stamp Exhibition, held in HUNGARY BUDAPEST this year for his 5
frame exhibit.
Most
of the philatelists might not be well aware of the name of this gem as it
emerged on the philatelic scene in India very quickly and recently but his
entry has been excellent as he reached the GOLD in thematic in short
span of 6 years after his first participation in Sate Level Exhibition
in 2016.
A
man with varied personality traits, a sports person having interest in Soccer,
Formula-1, cricket and badminton is hopefully a big motivation for the Indian
philatelists especially thematic philatelists. We wish him a very bright future
in philately as it can be well visualized that Large Gold is not far away from
him.
We present here his valued interview which we hope the readers would love to read and get inspired by this Golden Man.
Interview with Anand Kakad
Ans –It was a feeling of great joy, up on cloud nine, a dream come true, I'm
very happy to get a gold with five frames.
2. Well, tell us about how you fell in love with stamps and how you pursued this hobby in the initial years before you matured in to a philatelist?
Ans- I was fascinated with stamps when in secondary school but it was just used stamps on envelopes...in the year 2005 I started collecting bird stamps.
My childhood fancy and growing love for the birds especially peacock forced me to collect and prepare exhibit on peacocks. Watching birds through stamp eyes relaxes me. Starting from collection of almost all spices of birds I finally ended up with the peacock and then gradually extended to its whole family the Phasianidae.
A page from Anand’s exhibit
Ans :-Yes, I played football and also badminton for many years. I'm also a great passionate Formula One Ferrari fan as well as for the Arsenal soccer team. With the same passion I also pursue thematic philately.
Ans:-My philatelic interests are varied because as a pure thematic collector
one has to know all aspects of philately, from counting the perfs on an
ordinary postage stamp to understanding postal history and rarities. That is
the beauty of a thematic collection, one becomes well rounded is so many
aspects of the hobby. The development of the collection happens with time as
there is so much to learn and appreciate
Ans:-My exhibiting journey began in 2016 with the Maharashtra show at state
level...... I have exhibited each year since then at national and international
level, gradually improving the result each time
7. A man cannot succeed unless he is guided, backed, helped by his family. How did your family and close social circle help you in your journey?
Ans - My family have always supported me in my hobby. They always believed I would achieve my goals as do my close stamp friends who are always there to help.
8. Please tell us about your philatelic achievements and your goals in philatelic life .
Ans: My philatelic achievements have certainly
enriched my life and the recent gold medal was a goal I never expected in so
few years.
Ans :-By joining stamp clubs, being part of online specialist stamp groups and also developing a good network with collectors of similar interests one can learn how to create a good thematic exhibit.
10.Getting higher awards in FIP exhibitions needs a lot of searches, research, hard work and of course a big pocket to procure some exclusive, special and rare material. Otherwise, a big part of life just passes in searching material. Please put some light on how to build a Gold winning exhibit in FIP exhibitions?Ans :-To fully understand Thematic philately from the exhibiting side of it requires a certain amount of study and research and that is why it takes so many years and collaboration to develop a successful exhibit. It starts with a story you want to tell, you must have a plan and slowly accumulate the material to tell that story. The rules are on the FIP website, they need to be studied and understood. We also learn from studying other exhibits, not only at exhibitions but there are many online.
Ans: - For a
successful thematic exhibit, one needs to know and love the subject so the
passion shines through
12. Digital
philately is trying hard to replace physical philately and exhibiting. Your
opinion on this. What is the future of philately in your opinion?
Ans:- Its good to see philately keeping up
with the times and the increasing number of virtual exhibitions available. FIP
too, have added new exhibiting classes so it looks like philately is here to
stay.
13.Finally, appeal to how
to promote philately at grass root level and also at FIP level?
Ans. Philately is a hobby to be shared, it always has been. I recommend collectors to join local stamp clubs and get involved in local competitions such as the One Page comps. Get online, join the online stamp groups of your particular interest, get involved with stamp exchanges, enjoy the hobby, it can take you on a wonderful journey.
- Interview By Naresh Agrawal
New issues
from other countries
Austria
30 April 2022 : Golden Yellow Sweet Wine
The
distinguishing features of the city of Rust on the shores of Lake Neusiedl are
the storks that nest on chimneys and the city’s wine, especially the delicately
sweet “Ruster Ausbruch”.
It
is a golden yellow sweet wine made from grapes affected by botrytis cinerea, an
edible mold. The berries are dried, which increases the sugar content and
enhances the aroma. The “Ruster Ausbruch DAC” must be made from hand-picked
white quality grapes grown in the area of Rust and have a minimum must weight
of 30 °KMW.
The
city centre of Rust with its stately homes dating from the 16th to 19th
centuries is a protected area. In addition to the historic buildings, large
stork nests on the roofs catch the eye, which is why Rust is called the “city
of storks”. Rust is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage site Fertő/Lake
Neusiedl, recognised in 2001.
27 May 2022 : Landscapes
Austria
has many different landscapes to offer. This souvenir sheet includes beautiful
landscape motifs that were previously released as dispenser stamps. The
impressive Krimml Waterfalls are Austria’s highest waterfalls. The Krimmler
Ache river flows down almost 400 meters over three levels. The picturesque town
of Seewinkel, located to the east of Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland, stands out
for its salty ponds that are home to many rare plant and animal species.
Dachstein Mountain is located between the provinces of Salzburg, Upper Austria,
and Styria. Gondolas provide easy access to the Dachstein glacier, which offers
many hiking and climbing options. The Blockheide nature reserve is located in
the Lower-Austrian Waldviertel region near Gmünd. It offers legendary rocking
stones and numerous bizarre granite formations.
Brazil
28 April 2022 : Centenary of the week of
Modern Art
The Municipal Theater of São Paulo was the place chosen by several artists to present the Modern Art Week that took place from the 11th to the 18th of February 1922. This centenary that has now been marked celebrates the participants and great exponents of Brazilian modernism, Mário de Andrade, Oswald de Andrade, Anita Malfati, Di Cavalcanti and Heitor Villa-Lobos, as the text of the Brazilian Institute of Museums tells us in the public notice for the philatelic issue of Correios do Brasil, which was released on April 28.It is philatelic block with four stamps. The stamps represent literature, painting, music and architecture.
3 May
2022 : Sunsets
4 May 2022 : Professions : Firefighters
Netherlands
16 May 2022 : Mail Trains
New Zealand
1 June 2022 :
Welcome Back
From 31 July
2022 New Zealand’s borders will reopen to all tourists and visa holders. This
follows more than two years of restrictions on entry in response to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
A group of
organisations including Tourism New Zealand wish to welcome back visitors to
explore h in the spirit of manaakitanga - with respect and care. New Zealand is
precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look
after it. This special Welcome Back stamp issue reflects the
message of the Tiaki Promise.
Tiaki – Care for New Zealand was created
through a collective desire to share a connection to the natural world,
inspiring and helping visitors to travel safely and conscientiously. It is a
message that has been brought to life by organisations throughout New Zealand’s
tourism sector.The Tiaki Promise is a challenge and commitment to care for New
Zealand, for now and for future generations.
Slovenia
27 May 2022: Occupations 1. Driver 2. Education 3.
Outdoor labour 4. Performing Arts
27 May 2022 : Visit Slovenia : 1. Carved wooden
mould – D 2. Panthera Aircraft – C 3. Great Kozjak Waterfall – B 4. View from Lipanski Vrh –
A
Visit
Slovenia - Carved wooden mould – D
Slovenia's
essential characteristic, from both the historical and modern points of view,
is its diversity, which results in an abundance of riches and beauty in a
relatively small geographical area.
This
is also illustrated by all four stamps inviting visitors to Slovenia. Slovenia
is a green, mountainous country, as shown by the stamp featuring the view from
Lipanski Vrh towards Pokljuka. Slovenia is also a land of abundant fresh water,
as illustrated by the stamp showing the Kozjak or Great Kozjak waterfall on the
Kozjak stream, which flows into the emerald river Soča at Kobarid. Slovenia is
also a land of know-how, as symbolised by the high-tech Panthera aircraft built
by the Ajdovščina-based manufacturer Pipistrel. In all its modern endeavours,
Slovenia does not forget its cultural heritage, which represents not only
stored historical memory, but an excellent starting point for contemporary
creativity. The fourth stamp features a photograph of a carved wooden mould
used to make decorated gingerbread, which relates both to artistic heritage and
(because of the use of honey to make gingerbread) to Slovenia's remarkable
beekeeping tradition and modern forms of apiculture.
Slovakia
27 May 2022 : 150 Years of Scientific Observations of
the Earth
150 Years of Scientific
Observations of the Earth
The desire to learn about
the Earth is as old as humanity itself. The first written records of
observations of the natural world go back to antiquity. In Mesopotamia and
Ancient Egypt these were mainly records of climatic phenomena and weather that
met the needs of farmers. The Phoenicians were not only excellent traders and
seafarers but also cartographers. In addition to philosophy, the Ancient Greeks
and Romans developed mathematics and physics and were also able to describe the
effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. In China and India, a high level
of science developed. The Arabs were excellent metallurgists and chemists. In
Slovakia, scientific knowledge of the Earth especially developed in the 18th
century in relation to mining and metallurgy during the extraction and
processing of mineral raw materials.
Lighter Side
There
was a time when letters were the only form of mass communication and we all
have written letters to cousins, grand parents and family members.. Waiting
eagerly for the Post man to arrive with response. Letters also formed an
integral part of communication in Films too many songs have been picturised on
writing letters and waiting for the response. This was the same Post office
where then the sensation Mandakini used to write and post letters to Rajeev
Kapoor in Raj Kapoors super hit film "Ram Teri Ganga Maili"..
Apparently Raj Kapoor was a great fan of Uttarakhand and this film was
extensively shot in these locales..
A
hidden gem near Gangotri Dham, Harsil is
a serene Himalayan hamlet surrounded by snow- clad mountains,pine forests and
apple orchards.Popularly referred as the mini Switzerland of India..The village
Post office situated at an altitude of 9005ft (2745m) from sea level,which was
featured in this film,stands here even today, just the way it was 40 years
ago...
Philatelic
Clubs & Societies
Prayag Philatelic Society - https://prayagphilatelicsociety.org/
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 Society
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
Rainbow Stamp
Club -http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com/
Rajkot Philatelic
Society – Rajkot, Gujarat
Gujarat
Philatelic Association - Ahmedabad
South India
Philatelists Association - http://www.sipa.net.in/
The Army
Philatelic Society, Pune
Stamps of India – http://www.stampsofindia.com
Blogs & Websites
RAINBOW STAMP CLUB
This
is a blog of e-Stamp Club www.rainbowstampclub.blogspot.com . The idea of
this blog is to extend the 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
Posts on recent issues, news on stamp activities, and Contributions 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
-India Post – Quarterly Journal of the India Study Circle publishes original
articles submitted by members of ISC.
-Deccan Philatelist from Deccan Philatelic Society, Pune.
-The Hyderabad Philatelist from Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society Editor
– Shri Prakash Agrawal
-SIPA Bulletin issued by South India Philatelists’ Association
Acknowledgment
- Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin June 2022 issue edited by
Mohanachandran Nair
- Judaica Thematic Society (UK)
June 2022 Newsletter edited by Gary Goodman
email : judaicathematicsociety@talktalk.net
The Hyderabad Philatelist Feb-March 2022
edited by Prakash Agrawal
Courtesy - News and
Image Resource to this issue : EIPA, Orissa Philatelic
Association, SIPA, Philately Promoters
Whatsapp groups ; Europa Stamps , Jagaannath Mani, Suresh R. Bangalore;
Anil Dhir -Bhubaneshwar, Madhukar Jhingan - New Delhi ; India Post; The
Philatelist
Address for communication:
Jeevan Jyoti, c/o Mr. Ajay
Srivastav, PCCF, HOFF, HP Forest Deptt., Talland Shimla-171002, India . E-mail – j.jyoti9@gmail.com
A Request to
Readers & Contributors –
· Please do not send the text in scan form or PDF. Send
your write ups in MS Word only.
- Last date for receiving articles/ News /write ups
– 25th of
every month.
- For articles : Kindly send images in
jpg compressed form and text in MS Word only Please do not use any formatting and text wrapping in
the article. Simply put the images under text where required.
- If you
like this issue please forward it to your friends and help in promoting
philately.
·
Please do not send forwarded messages for promotional
section if you want to give any information for promotion, please write
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Attention
– Please do not
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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.
