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

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Rainbow February 2025

    

Valentine's Day Greetings



Date of Issue:31 January 2025


Dehradun January 2025 Vol. XVIII Issue No. 205

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 commercial purpose. The bulletin will be sent to the readers only on request. Those who wish to receive it regularly please reply giving the name of your city/country with the subject SUBSCRIBE RAINBOW



Date of Issue: 17 January 2025



Dear Reader,

I am pleased to release February 2025 issue of Rainbow Stamp News. It is my pleasure to publish memorable experiences of a philatelic exhibition by noted philatelist, Dinesh Chandra Sharma in this issue. Hope readers would enjoy this section. I welcome readers to send their memorable philatelic experiences for publication. It is not just the memory but a detailed depiction and personal experience of the event through the eyes of the philatelist…These experiences when shared with other philatelists, become a philatelic treat for all….

February is the Month of Love with beautiful issue of stamps for Valentine’s Day from different postal administrations. Collect these beautiful stamps and make your collection wonderful and do not forget to gift few of these beautiful stamps to your loved ones!  

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    

. Philatelic Memories and Experiences                                                                

. Book Review                                                                                                                             

· Specialized Section                                                                                                   

· Beginners’ Section                                                                                       

. Stories Behind Stamps                                                                        

· Thematics                                                                                                            

. New Issues from Other Countries                                              

· Philatelic Clubs and Society                                                                             

· Blogs and Websites on Philately                                                     

· Current Philatelic Magazines and Newsletters    


        








PARTICIPANTS IN LITERATURE CLASS : LET’S BE TRUE AND ORIGINAL

                                                                      


Exhibiting in philatelic literature class appears to be easy because presently it is being encouraged by the organizers and philatelic promoters but in fact, it is not that easy because philatelic literature is study which is supposed to be original, well in depth researched, skill fully developed, carefully treated, technically sound, nicely produced and  well-presented adhering to the set parameters, norm, rules and regulations. 

Well, as I remember, in one of my previous articles, I had mentioned about the increasing interest of philatelists in Literature class. The reason may be that philatelic promoters have started encouraging Literature Class in exhibitions at all levels.  The purpose of such encouragement to philatelists to participate in philatelic literature competition class is to encourage, support, evaluate, and improve philatelic publications both print or electronic, regardless of length or method of presentation and distribution. The other purpose is also to collect, preserve and present the social history, development of civilization in all parts of the world and also the postal history and also to put before the readers the happenings of and in the philatelic field. Such encouragement not only helps in recognition of efforts of participant but help philatelists to get their literature and other philatelic exhibits a better and well researched shape. From literature point of view the feedback received through these exhibits helps authors and editors to produce an even better product to help in giving better satisfaction to philatelists and promote and develop philately in better way in the time to come.

Apart from the basic reason discussed above, we shall try to analyse other reasons behind this growing interest and also the increasing participation in Literature Class in philatelic exhibitions.

“Philately for satisfaction and relaxation” is the old quote which hardly has any practical value today. “Philately for awards” if I say so, should be the better quote when I look on to the mind set of philatelists who intend to exhibit in philatelic completions today. And this participation has a strong intention and well, if not lust, to get award only. Today time is short with people, aspirations are high, short term enjoyment and relaxation have become way of life. And so is with the philatelists and exhibitors who too want to participate in short time with minimum efforts. Looking in to other classes of philately where every piece of stamp or philatelic item needs rich study and to prepare an award-winning exhibit requires lot of involvement, research, hard work to prepare an exhibit. In comparison, what I see, it is easier to get award in Literature Class today.

In the last few years various new books, periodicals, journals, newsletters and other philatelic literature items have emerged in huge numbers in the philatelic field and most of these are being produced to get placed in Literature class of philatelic exhibitions and further are being awarded appreciably also. This serves the very purpose of the participating philatelists. 

We must appreciate one thing that an original and true literary work is outcome of in-depth research and very hard work. Originality is the aspect of created or invented work that distinguish it from reproductions, clones, forgeries, or substantially derivative works. Literature is not just a work which a philatelic writer produces but it is the work which   informative and the one preserved for the generations to come as historical document or collection.

When we look at the normal components of adjudication of a literature class exhibit, we see that in normal practice the marks allotted to different assessing parameters are: 

Treatment (of contents) or “Authorship and Editorship” — 30% 

Originality, Significance, and Research — 50% 

Technical Matters — 15%

 Production — 5% 

It is clearly evident that the judging has main concern on treatment, originality, significance and research having almost 80 marks. This is where our above discussion focuses. How many literary works, published through print media or electronic media adhere genuinely to the above requirements? How many philatelic writers truly write from their own brains, wisdom and intelligence? How much hard work is done by a participant of this class before preparing his exhibit? 

 In today’s scenario there is huge philatelic literary work done in different field of philately. Preparing catalogues, periodicals, journals, newsletters, articles, books and articles related to different fields of philately etc. Writing a book in philately on some subject of philatelic interest used to take years in the past but today with the help of Internet and Artificial intelligence; books are written not in months but in few days’ time. Publishing of course has become easy. Plenty of sales platforms too have emerged. In fact, the search required to do is done just to search related information on net which is very handy. Hence, the book writing is one of the simplest ways today because it is not original, poorly treated and developed, no research done and hence not original. I understand jury needs to check this aspect carefully before allotting marks.

 Well, having said and discussed this, I never mean to demean the efforts done by participants. Whatever they do, to a big extent it is helpful for philatelists but my only contention is that they should be to be original, have their own efforts put in and should be original research oriented. I understand a very good practice of getting the exhibits published in form of book is prevailing today. Very good idea to preserve lifelong efforts to serve philatelists. But a publication, say book with good number of images but poorly treated and developed, with no appropriate research, lacking originality not supported by quality text make such publication poor. Readers might not appreciate this. Yes, such publication today might get an award in philatelic exhibition but it can never help development of philately. 

While I appreciate the efforts of such philatelists, I most humbly appeal them to do some hard work in research, in treatment and development and to be original. Awards will come, certainly come. They will enjoy reading their own publication again and again. 

-Naresh Agrawal, Bilaspur (C.G.)  email  nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in 


Recent Indian Issues



1 December 2024 : 75 Years of UNICEF with India

15 December 2024 : 200th Birth Anniversary of Maharshi Dayananda Saraswati- Rs 5

15 December 2024 : Centenary of Tansen Samaroh – Rs 5

25 December 2024 : Atal Bihari Vajpayee Birth Centenary - Rs 5

25 December 2024 : 2800th Nirvan Kalyanak of Bhagwan Parshvanath- Rs 5

30 December 2024 : 50 Years of NIMHANS – Rs 5

31 December 2024 : Veer Meghmaya – Rs 5

28 January 2025 : Peasant Uprising of Patharughat – 1891 – Rs 5





New Special Covers

20 January 2025 Guru Ka Langar , Patma

22 January 2025 : Shri Panchayati Akhara , Prayagraj

29 January 2025 : Mahakumbh : Mauni Amavasya , Prayagraj

3 February 2025 : Mahakumbh : Kalpvas Basant Panchami , Prayagraj







TANAPEX 2025 Special Covers

29 January 2025 : Thaikkal Rattan Craft



29 January 2025: Manapparai Murukku


29 January 2025: TANAPEX 2025



29 January 2025: East India Leather



30 January 2025 : Sholavandhan Betel Leaf

30 January 2025 : Vellode Bird Sanctuary


30 January 2025 : Authoor Betel Leaf



New Special Cancellations 

 

24 January 2025: National Girl Child Day

        


1.     29 January 2025: Divya Bhavya and Digital Maha Kumbh

2.    4 February 2025 : World Cancer Day 






TANAPEX 2025


New Picture Postcards




Sets of picture postcards released by PSOI under the aegis of India Post, Utter Pradesh at Prayagraj during the celebration of Mahakumbh 2025.






A picture postcard to observe World Cancer Day duly decorated with special cancellation was released by PSOI under the aegis of India Post Karnataka circle on 4 February 2025.


Postcard Calendar 2025


Places of Worship through Indian Stamps


In The News

 

Forthcoming Stamp Exhibitions



URUGUAY 2025

17-22 Feb 2025

URUGUAY 2025 is a Specialized World Stamp Exhibition with a capacity of 2000 display frames, that will be held to celebrate the 200 years of the declaration of independence of Uruguay.

Classes available for participation are: for Competitive classes Postal History, Traditional, Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Thematic classes, Open Philately and Literature.

National Commissioner: Parvesh Kumar Gupta, Email : maachis001@gmail.com  WhatsApp +919810628387 

 Joint National Commissioner : Raunak Dutta , Email : raunak.dutta1990@yahoo.in

  WhatsApp +919830146836


Melbourne 2025 Update


BOSTON-2026

The FIP Patronaged 12th International Philatelic Exhibition of the United States gathers at the Seaport section of the city Boston Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) will be held from 23 to 30 May 2026. For more details: https://boston2026.org/


EuroPhilex Birmingham 2025

European Philatelic Exhibition 7-11 May 2025



Literature Entry Deadline: 31 March 2025

Visit : https://europhilex2025.co.uk/


AMSIPEX- 2025




1st International Virtual Aerophilatelic and Astrophilatelic Exhibition (15-23 February 2025)


Visit : www.amsipex.com

AMSIPEX-25 Webinar

18 February 2025, World Air Mail Day






PHILAKOREA 2025 Specialised World Stamp Championship Exhibition

 From 17 - 21 September, 2025

At COEX Le West Convention Center in Seoul, Rep. of Korea.

PhilaKorea 2025 with a capacity of 2000 display frames, is organized by The Philatelic Federation of KOREA under the Patronage of FIP.

Classes available for participation are: Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Astrophilately, Thematic, Maximaphily, Revenues, Open Philately, Picture Postcards, One Frame, and Philatelic Literature. Plus, a new Experimental, Class 12 -II, for 2 or 3 Frames exhibits.

Detailed rules of exhibition (IREX) and Exhibit Application Forms are available for download at https://philakorea2025.kr

The duly filled Form along with a copy of the first page of the exhibit should be submitted by

January 25, 2025,

To the National Commissioner for India,


KAPIL GOGRI

Email : kapilg25@hotmail.com   WhatsApp +91.98211.11140

OR CC. to the Apprentice National Commissioner for India,

Meena Mutha :Email meenu55@gmail.com


News from Philatelists and Philatelic Societies


 TANAPEX 2025 : State Level Philatelic Exhibition: 29 January – 1 February 2025: Chennai

Glimpses




Glimpses of MAHAPEX 2025, Mumbai




MAHAPEX 2025

 Maharashtra State Level Philatelic Exhibition, Department of Posts, Government of India was held at the World Trade Centre, Mumbai from 22-25 January 2025.



Mahakunbh 2025 - Prayagraj Special Cover 




Anatomy of the cover released on Amrit Snan.

The Special Cover released on Shri Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani is unique in nature.

1) First cover on a recognised Akhada. This Akhada has the privilege of taking the first dip in the Sangam during Royal Baths.

2) First cover in India with a cancellation based on Bhagwan Kapil Mahamuni, who had a great impact on Buddhism & Jainism apart from being the 'Aradhya dev' of some Akhadas in Hinduism.

3) The front of the image shows the real image of Naga Sadhus marching towards the ghat before the sunrise with their weapons & deities on the left and the common people taking bath after all 13 Akhadas have finished their bath & prayers on the right.

4) First cover in U.P. with an image of the sitting Prime Minister in the back.

5) The back of the cover also features the newly constructed railway bridge on R. Ganga, very recently inaugurated by the PM.

6) On the corner is the image of " Alopi Devi / Alop Shankari " which is a Shaktipeeth in Prayag ( One out of three shaktipeeths in Prayag).

7) First & only cover released from the temporary post office Central Mahakumbh Mela P.O. (211020) till date at the temporary 45 day district of U.P. the " Mahakumbh Mela district ".

- Dr.Aditya Singh , Prayagraj

Special Cover released at Patna



Guru Ka Langar special cover released by Chief Postmaster General Mr. Anil Kumar at Patna GPO on 20 January 2025 to honor the spirit of anchor and the remarkable contribution of the Sikh community. It's a beautiful tradition that continues to thrive in Sikh communities worldwide. Nearly Six Millions (60 lacs) have Langar prasad everyday which is record by any institution in the world.



Takht Harmandir jee Sahib representative were also present with Philatelist Paramjeet Singh. They are going to set ‘Langar’ alive on 27th Jan – 1.00 to 2.00 noon at Patna GPO complex for the entire Postal employees of Bihar Postal Circle at Patna GPO – One thousand (1000) members.

-Pradip Jain, Patna


New Book ‘Ramayana on Stamps’ released……



On the first anniversary of the Prana Pratishtha of the Ayodhya Shri Ram Temple, the book "RAMAYANA ON STAMPS" by M Lokeshwara Rao was unveiled at the General Post Office Philatelic Bureau by Chief Postmaster General, Sri Rajendra Kumar.


The Ramayana is a Sanskrit epic written in India 2,500 years ago as part of the Hindu canon the Smriti. The epic tells the adventures of Lord Rama, an incarnation of the God Vishnu, and his fight against Ravana, the demon king. The Ramayana is a tale of devotion, separation, and reunion and an expression of the eternal battle between good and evil. In general, the epic explores the tenets of human existence and the concept of Dharma—the person’s righteous duty on earth.



“Ramo Vighravan Dharma” means Shri Ram is Dharma incarnate. Maharishi Valmiki called Shri Ram ‘Dharmavigrah’ in the Ramayana, signifying that God incarnated for the welfare of the people. Maharishi Ved Vyas stated that the incarnation of Shri Ram was not just for killing demons but for teaching dharma to humans. Patience, forgiveness, control of mind, selflessness, purity, restraint of senses, wisdom, knowledge, truth, and mercy—these ten characteristics of dharma are properly reflected in the entire conduct of Shri Ram. 

The Sage Valmiki is the author of the most popular Sanskrit epic, the Ramayana. The Ramayana is called the Adikavya, the first poetry in classical Sanskrit, and in its present form, it is dated variously by scholars: Thus, it appears that the current form of the Ramayana in proper classical Sanskrit was due to some re-editing accomplished within the Valmiki School of tradition by a later sage. For the world, the Ramayana is an epic composed in Sanskrit by Maharishi Valmiki. It tells the life story of Prabhu Shriram, the Supreme Being who was elevated to the status of the most worshipped Hindu god. 

The story of Lord Rama, the seventh Avatar of Lord Vishnu, is a fascinating tale from this ancient Indian epic. The Ramayana narrates the divine incarnation of Lord Rama and his heroic journey. The Valmiki Ramayana is the first classical epic in Sanskrit, and no other book in the world has had such a profound impact on the lives and thoughts of people across many nations, including India. The story of Lord Ram, Sita, his brother Laxman, and Hanuman has found resonance in different parts of the world. “The story of Rama lives in the mind of every Indian.” 

The book “Ramayana on Stamps” contains a total of 39 chapters, some important shlokas have been included in the synopsis of each Kanda in the chapter “Ramayana at a Glance,” and additional shlokas are featured in other chapters as well. All details of the Ramayana are provided in the chapter titled “All about Ramayana.” Ayodhya Ram Janmbhoomi stamps are included in a separate chapter. One chapter is dedicated exclusively to “Ram Van Gaman Path on Stamps” (Rama’s Exile Path), where stamps and special covers related to the places Rama visited during his exile are featured. Stamps related to the Ramayana issued by different countries are included in the country-wise chapters of “Ramayana on Stamps.” Quotations taken from the Ramayana are provided in the “Life Lessons of Ramayana” chapter. A separate chapter, titled “Raghupathi Raghava Raja Ram,” is also included at the end of the book. Under the “Nama Ramayanam” chapter, 108 shlokas have been included; Nama Ramayanam is the condensed version of the epic Ramayana. Detailed references are added to the bibliography. 

In this modern world filled with complexities and moral dilemmas, the Ramayana highlights the importance of righteousness, truth, and moral integrity as anchor points. The lessons of the Ramayana remain relevant today, just as they were thousands of years ago, as it shows us that the pursuit of truth and ethical conduct is not limited to any one age but is rather universal path towards a better and more enlightened world. This book is valuable to a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals, managers, employers, employees, students, environmentalists, and philatelists. Foreword written by CPMG, Karnataka Circle Sri S, Rajendra Kumar and book is released by Sri S, Rajendra Kumar, CPMG, Karnataka Circle on the occasion of first anniversary of Prana Pratistha of Lord Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Details of Book 

Book: “Ramayana on Stamps” Author: Shri M. Lokeswara Rao IFS (Retd.):Year of Publication: 2025 : Pages: 237, more than 400 colour images : Publisher: Indie Press: Paper Back: ISBN: 978-93-6045-826-3: MRP: INR 1779 :Contact author: 9436215175, madirajul@gmail.com : 10% discount on MRP inaugural offer, the price inclusive of registered parcel



Study Group for Europhilex 2025 in Birmingham between 7-11 May

Europhilex 2025 is in Birmingham between 7-11 May and promises to be an outstanding show. I am forming a group of Philatelists interested in attending the event.

 Schedule: 

Arrive in London on Monday 5 May (free day)

 London – Tuesday 6 May – Visit Postal Museum, Mail Train ride, visit RPSL, Rowland Hill statue and common lunch. Evening train to Birmingham. 

Birmingham – Wed-Sat (7-10 May) – attend Europhilex including the following planned activities

- Club Meetings (prior permission from respective societies will be needed) – Wed/7th India Study Circle, Thu/8th Royal Philatelic Society London, Fri/9th British Air Mail Society, Sat/10th Pakistan Study Circle (?)

- Selected exhibits walk through along with exhibitor

- Informal dinner and philatelic discussions.

- In depth philatelic introduction of each person including show & tell, talks etc.

- Plenty of free time to visit dealer stalls, see exhibits etc.

- Birmingham sightseeing 

You need to make your own arrangements for air tickets, hotel, visa etc.

All persons interested in participating, please connect with me on Private Message via WhatsApp or Email. Piyush Khaitan : Email pk@khaitan.in : Phone +91 98200 19000 (WhataApp only).


Philatelic Memories and Experiences




Olymphilex – 2000

My most memorable and Special Philatelic Exhibition held in conjunction with the Sydney Olympic Games



                                                                

In August 1993 travelling to Singapore to represent Republic of Nauru at SINGPEX -1993, International Philatelic Exhibition, I had a stopover in Sydney (my first ever visit). Sydney was decorated with flags, posters with Olympic Rings as Sydney was one of the bidders to host the 2000 Olympic Games. I did know that Sydney might be the next city to host the Olympic Games. I was thrilled just to think if the Olympics are awarded to Sydney, I may say that I have visited the city going to host the Olympic Games. Although I visited Sydney few more times later. 

On 23rd September, 1993 the news came that Sydney had been chosen to host the Olympic Games in 2000. Being an Olympic Philatelist, I was hopeful to participate in the Olymphilex - a philatelic exhibition that showcases Olympic collections from around the world. It has been held in conjunction with the Olympic Games since 1988 Olympics. 

In 1999 while attending (represented Nauru Post) the CHINA -99, World Philatelic Exhibition held at Beijing, received the invitation to attend the OLYMPHILEX – 2000 from the President of Organising Committee Mr. Bernard Beston (a good friend since we met in Fiji in 1995). He became the President of Federation of International Philately later. 

                    


From Left: Late Mr. Rantag Harris- Director Nauru Post, Mr. Bernard Beston -President of Organising Committee and myself at the Nauru Post Booth at China -99 World Philatelic Exhibition, Beijing

I had been participating in the editions of Olymphilex since the first edition OLYMPHILEX – 1985 held in 1985 at the headquarter of International Olympic Committee Lausanne, Switzerland. Also I had already participated in the editions of Olymphilex held in 1988 Seoul Olympics (First time in conjunction of Olympic Games), 1992 Barcelona Olympics and 1996 Atlanta Olympics. I was preparing to send my exhibit for my participation at OLYMPHILEX – 2000. 

Nauru Postal Administration had chosen me to represent them in OLYMPHILEX – 2000. On the other hand, my exhibit was also accepted. Therefore, I participated in two categories – Official as well as in personal capacity. Until that time I had never visited any Olympic Games.

On 15th September, 2000 the inauguration of OLYMPHILEX – 2000 took place at the City Centre, the venue for the exhibition and I was exhilarated when I was asked to be a part of the inauguration ceremony. Mr. Juan Antonio Samaranch President of International Olympic Committee along with President of organizing committee and President of Australian Philatelic Federation and other dignitaries. I still have the ribbon with five Olympic Colours. What a moment was that. President Samaranch presented me pin with the Olympic rings.

                  

    

Part of the opening ceremony of ‘OLYMPHILEX – 2000’. From left in front row Mr. J. A. Samaranch, President of International Olympic Committee, Mr. Bernard Beston, President ‘OLYMPHILEX – 2000’ and Mr. Bernard Doherthy, Commissioner General, ‘OLYMPHILEX – 2000’     

  

                  

With Mr. Knud Mohr- FIP President and Dr. E.C. Druce from Australia at Nauru Post Booth

            


1.     With late Mr. Shenoy, Mr. Trevor – Nauru Post & Korean representative at Nauru Post Booth

2.      With Shahnawaz Husain during the stamp issue by India Post at Sydney

              

With Mr. Maurizio Tecardi -Secretary General FIPO

At Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, my dream to attend the Olympic Games as well as an Olymphilex came true. During the stay of 20 days I had a chance to witness the Olympic city with cultural activities, fire work. I did not have chance to watch any sport event as I had to work for Nauru Post, but after work it was exciting to watch the events on very big Panasonic screens among a large gathering at Sydney Harbour, Darling Harbour and some other parts of the city. An unforgettable great atmosphere with high Olympic Spirit.

I could see some finest exhibits on Olympic and Sport Philately. I did this about an hour before the exhibition’s opening time and after the close of the exhibition. It was possible because of attending the exhibition as Postal Administration. I really enjoyed the outstanding exhibits. 

When I was in school I read that chess Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov has a collection of Olympic stamps and other philatelic items related to the Olympics and his collection was considered one of the world's most important stamp collections. I just began collecting Olympic Stamps (not seriously) at that time and I used to play chess and followed chess tournaments. Karpov participated at Sydney OLYMPHILEX – 2000. I had seen his impressive exhibit on '1920 and 1924 Olympic Games'. What a coincidence after 25 years we both displayed exhibits in the same exhibition. I think his exhibit was awarded a Vermeil Medal. I was hoping to meet him but he did not visit Sydney. When I went to Moscow in 2001, I tried to meet him but he was travelling. 

      


Anatoly Karpov with his philatelic collection. Photo Courtesy Google

My exhibit was displayed at Canberra, so I have visited for one day to see the exhibition at Canberra. Since the available space was not enough to display all the exhibits at Sydney venue a part of exhibition along with Olympic memorabilia exhibition were housed at the Australian Mint’s spacious premises in Canberra. The Canberra exhibition was opened two days before and because of it I could visit. I travelled by bus and approximately 300 kilometers were covered in 3 hours. 

The Palmares was held on 21st September, 2000. Mr. Samaranch had to attend the plamares but he had to fly back to Spain as he lost his beloved wife. I won a Large Silver Medal and I was expecting it to be received from Mr, Samaranch.  

       


    

At Palmares of OLYMPHILEX – 2000 held at Race Course. In the photo from left Mr. Maurizio Tecardi -Secretary General FIPO, Mr. Knud Mohr- FIP President, Mr. Dinesh Sharma and Dr. E.C. Druce from Australia .                                               

The exhibition was over on 28th September, 2000. I had full day on 29th September to experience the atmosphere in the day- time and I walked the whole day to different parts of the city (very limited taxis were in operation to keep the traffic quite low). On 30th I had my flight to return to Nauru and I had really tough time as I could not book the call taxi. No one was accepting to go to airport. Finally, one taxi stopped and I was a bit relieved. The taxi driver was a Bangladeshi. He told me that there were traffic restrictions due to the Marathon race. He told me that he saw my desperation and considering me either from Bangladesh or India, he decided to help. If I had missed my flight I had to give explanation to my Minister at Nauru, but the kindness of the taxi driver saved me. 

A lot is there to share but I conclude before it gets boring. Thanks Mrs. Jeevan Jyoti for your kind request to write my experience of a memorable exhibition I have visited. 

Commemorative Coins, Covers and Stamps Issued  

·      -To commemorate the 2000 Olymphilex exhibition, the Royal Australian Mint released a one-dollar coin. 


·       -- Special covers and stamps are also issued to commemorate Olymphilex exhibitions.




-Australia Post issued digital stamps (introduced for the first ever time by any postal administration) to commemorate the Australian Gold medalists the next day of the event and every morning 100s of Australians were lined up even before the opening of the Australia Posts booth.


Book Review


-By M. Lokeswara Rao (IFS Retd.)

“Tiny Treasures: The Science and History Behind the World of Stamps”

-Dr MR Ramesh Kumar



Tiny Treasures: The Science and History Behind the World of Stamps : Author - Dr M.R. Ramesh Kumar : Year of Publication – 2025 : Publisher - Notion Press :  ISBN 979-8-89632-799-8(Paper Back): ISBN 979-8-89632-792-6(Hard Case) :MRP - Paper Back: INR 725 : Hard Case: INR 900 :The price inclusive of Registered Parcel

Philately is a hobby which teaches so much and also provides fun and pleasure. A postage stamp is a small piece of paper issued by a post office or an authorized vendor to a customer who pays for ‘postage’, which is the cost for insuring, moving or registering mail. On 1 May 1840, the ‘Penny Black’, the first adhesive postage stamp was issued in the United Kingdom. Within three years postage stamps were introduced in Switzerland, Brazil and the United States. By 1860, nearly 90 countries had issued postage stamps. Stamps are miniature gateways to the world. Every stamp and piece of mail tells a story. It’s a way to explore the world and tell the story of different countries, their diverse history, their colourful cultures, their natural beauty,  flora and fauna.  Nations have represented themselves and honoured their priorities through stamps. The effectiveness of stamps as tools to engage the public is demonstrated by the enduring popularity of stamp collecting, which began the year after the stamp’s invention. In this Digital and Technological Era, Philately can still bring the good old charm of writing a letter, and sending a Postcard to a friend through Post crossing, looking at the newer technologies gives such as Quick Response (QR) code or Augmented Reality (AR) and crypto stamps too have added the charm in collecting and knowing the stamps and Stamp Collecting in more detail. 


There are several books in the market for beginners of stamp collecting. But the book “Tiny Treasures: The Science and History Behind the World of Stamps” written by Dr Ramesh Kumar, is unique one, which gives complete information about stamp collecting. The book guides beginners to choose different themes for collection of stamps. 


Dr M R Ramesh Kumar, Chief Scientist (Retd) and also a renowned Philatelist who always visits schools and institutes to educate and create awareness among children’s and others, by asking spot quizzes as well as giving Philatelic talks and conducting philatelic Seminars and Workshops ..etc. He has also exhibited the Stamps shows at various Schools and Colleges, various Seminars and Conferences. His vast knowledge on philately made him to write the book for the needs of beginners and others to start the golden hobby Stamp Collection.

Dr Ramesh Kumar has written this book in a very easy to read and understanding way and the book takes reader to the journey of philately and various aspects of philately. The book covers various chapters like Chapter 1 History of Postage Stamps, Chapter 2 Interest in Philately and Some Philatelists, Chapter 3 covers Environment theme, Chapter 4 India’s Rich Cultural Heritage covers, Saints and Poets of India, Personalities of India, Forts of India, Festivals and Fairs of India, Art, Cinema, Dance, Music and Paintings of India, Tribes of India, Yoga and Ayurveda, Food and Spices of India, Handlooms of India, Museums of India, Means of Transport Through the Ages. Chapter 5 Sports and Games, Chapter 6 Scientists and Scientific Institutions in India. Chapter 7 Magic of Indian Movies. The book also covers   Countries and their Names on Stamps, Glossary, Philately Quiz, Some Useful Philatelic Links. It is a must read book for all sections of society especially children.

 Specialized Section

Late Dr Satyendra Agrawal was a regular contributor to Rainbow Stamp News. He wrote more than 100 articles for Rainbow’s Specialized Section. I am giving a series of some of his very special articles published in earlier issues of Rainbow long time back. -Editor


POSTS, you never dreamed of….

 


Can you ever dream of welcoming your little relative from abroad with a mailing tag around her neck, delivered by a postman at your doorstep? This happened in USA in 1914 when a postman in a railway post office discovered that, being a small four-year-old girl named May Pierstorff living in Grangeville and wanted to visit her grandparents in Lewiston, sending her as "parcel post" by the pound, would be cheaper than buying a ticket on the train. She was pinned the fifty-three cents in postage in her coat and put in the baggage car, under the care of the postal clerk. Though it was customary to leave packages in the post office overnight, when May arrived in Lewiston, the postmaster took her to her grandmother immediately.    


Girl child to be posted

This event alerted The US Post Office Department and on June 13, 1920 it issued new rules, announcing that children would no longer be accepted as a parcel post. Still two more incidence of booking of a baby to the husband who had left her and the body of a child who had died of natural causes come in light when it was mailed to an undertaker in Albany, New York. It arrived on November 20, 1922, and carried no 'return address'. She was buried '...through the kindness of individuals' under the apt name of 'Parcella Post.'

Even mailing of a young man also published in early 19th century when to save him from slavery, Henry “Box” Brown, mailed himself to freedom on March 29, 1849 with the help of a storekeeper in Louisa County, Virginia. He packed himself into a crate that was 3’x 2’x 2.6’ and labeled “This Side up with Care,” to be sent to the home of Philadelphia abolitionist James Miller McKim.


Henry “Box” Brown in a crate- ready to be mailed

With only a small container of water he journeyed for 27 hours loaded onto a wagon, then to the baggage car of a train, then another wagon, then a steamboat, then another wagon, then a second baggage car, then a ferry, then a third railroad car, and finally a wagon that delivered him to McKim’s house. When the box was opened, Brown stood up, and passed out.  

Chrissie Maclean writes in his book ‘'The Stornoway I Knew Memories from 1930s to 1950s', published by Stornoway Historical Society that ‘During the war ... Some unusual parcels went through the mail then. Often a customer would come in with a large dead hen, complete with feathers, its legs tied with string to which was attached the address label. These hens were destined for mainland relatives.’

One more interesting story related to delivery of unusual item by post born in1916 when construction of historical building of The Bank of Vernal (or Parcel Post Bank) started by  WH Coltharp. He wanted to use textured bricks to give a modern style to the facades. Since those bricks were manufactured in Salt Lake City the delivery cost was enormous, amounting to four times the cost of the material.

Coltharp managed to send those bricks by USPS, through the standard mail delivery system: bricks were packaged in 50 pound parcels (7 bricks each), and sent by lots of 40 packages per day. The total amount exceeded 80,000 bricks.

Again US Postal Regulations were changed to avoid further exploiting of the service, and a limitation of 200 pounds per day per receiver was introduced. The United States Postmaster General Albert Sidney Burleson explicitly stated in a letter that "it is not the intent of the United States Postal Service that buildings be shipped through the mail".

The United States had a special rate for "live bees, baby alligators & chicks." Occasionally ladybugs were also sent by mail.


Instruction Label

In December, 1954, the postmaster in Orlando, Florida, received a chameleon posted from Fostoria Ohio with request to let him deliver somewhere in the ground as in Orlando was too cold for his chameleon to live. He also requested for acknowledgement of its safe arrival which was done happily by the postmaster in following words “I received your chameleon yesterday and he was immediately released on the post office grounds. Best wishes for a merry Christmas!”

But can you imagine in your post-box a field post envelope made of birch bark or letter written on a leaf attached to it a 7k commemorative the international post charges for a postcard from Yalta, Crimea in the USSR to New York? Apparently, the item caused some consternation in Crimea as it received the postage-due oval and the manuscript "T". Both have been subsequently erased


Field post envelope made of birch bark

Posted in July 1928 from Yalta, Crimea in the USSR to New York.  

Hundreds of coconuts were also sent back to U.K. Pacific Ocean, via the mail system. Many tourists paint a tropical island scene on one side, put the address and stamps on the other and off they would go.

Examples of booking of many more strange articles with stamps pasted directly on the booked item with address written on them also exist. Strangely reports of their safe delivery to the recipients were also recorded.


                   Globe              Tobacco Pipe      Crockery        Spectacle            Mask

           

                                 Toys                                                         Ball

 



                     Bone                Human Mask         Glass bottle         Gramophone Record

Delivery of a biscuit that was sent to an American student away at college in the early 20th century - not wrapped or packaged in anyway, simply a biscuit with postage and address somehow affixed was also reported in a magazine.  It is said that the biscuit was being preserved in the University's archives.

And what would be a great surprise for the receiver and a matter of pride for the postman who got the opportunity to deliver a rose bud to others Valentine sent per post attached to a card that was tied to the stem with address and stamps on it. It has taken three days to get delivered but rose bud was still gracing the stem. What an efficient US postal system is.

And what will you do with the wine filled bottle received as an FDC? Not a dream but it happened for an “Australian Folklore” series of 1983, consisting  a set of five se-tanent stamps issued to commemorate the 107th Anniversary of Birth of C. J. Dennis, who wrote numerous verses, one of which was the Sentimental Bloke, popularized in films, stage plays, musicals, records, and radio & TV programs and depicted on these stamps .Along with regular FDCs, in Auburn,  Australia, the birth place of Dennis,  540 bottles of 1976 vintage port wine were also used for FDCs on which this set of se-tenant strip of five stamps were pasted on the obverse and cancelled with the pictorial postmark of Denis with a Tobacco pipe in his mouth on 7 September 1983. 


 Se-tenant stamps of five pasted on a 1976 vintage port wine bottle with First Day pictorial cancel of Dennis.(Sorry, bottle is missing)


Beginners’ Section


Love Stamp


US #1475 was issued on this day in 1973.

On January 26, 1973, the USPS issued its first Love stamp. In 1962, the Post Office issued its first Christmas stamp after numerous calls for a stamp honouring the holiday. After the Christmas stamps proved popular, they turned their attention to a new holiday in the 1970s.

 


A holiday with a close connection to greeting cards, Valentine’s Day was a natural choice to receive its own special stamp. For the design, the USPS turned to artist Robert Indiana. Indiana had come up with the now famous design in 1958. Then in 1965, he provided the design for the Museum of Modern Art Christmas card. That card was the most popular card they ever produced. The following year, Indiana created his first LOVE sculpture. In the years since the sculpture has been replicated in different colors and cities all over the country and the world.



 

The new Love stamp was issued on January 26, 1973, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, “The City of Brotherly Love.” The USPS didn’t call it a Love stamp and didn’t see it as the start of a new series. They called it “A Special Stamp for Someone Special.” They printed more than 320 million stamps. It was generally very popular, though some called it a “Hippie stamp.” When the first-class postage rate was raised the following year, the USPS received many requests to issue the stamp at the new rate, but they didn’t.


Requests for another Love stamp began to pour into the USPS. Finally, in 1982, they released a second stamp, with the word Love spelled out in flowers. Two years later, the third stamp was released. Like the stamp before it, these Love issues weren’t considered part of a series and were issued in higher quantities and available for longer lengths of time than standard commemoratives. As the USPS described it, the stamps were “not just for Valentine’s Day, but for special occasions throughout the year, such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and letters to loved ones.”


The second Love stamp issued in 1982

Love-themed stamps continued in this way until 1987. That year the USPS officially announced that they would issue a new Love stamp every year. By the following year, annual production of Love stamps neared one billion. 1988 also marked an interesting first. It was that year that the USPS first issued two Love stamps. One was for the one-ounce first-class rate and the other for the two-ounce rate. Love stamps had become popular on Wedding invitations, so this gave couples the opportunity to use matching stamps on their invitations and RSVP envelopes. In 2006, the USPS issued the first stamps specifically designated for Weddings.




There wasn’t a Love stamp in 1989, but there was a Love stamped envelope. This was the first of a handful of stamped envelopes the USPS would issue in the coming years.

The Love Series continues to be popular today, with both Love and Wedding stamps issued on a regular basis.

Source : Mystic Stamp Co.


Stories Behind Stamps




France - 10c Bister

 

10c Bister on yellowish tete – beche block, issued in 1849

 

Price : $90,000


Stunning block of nine postage stamps was published the same year as the first stamp. The keen reader will instantly see that the stamp in the middle of this lot has been printed upside-down, indicating a rare printing mistake. Furthermore, the number of stamps in the block distinguishes the duplicate from the original. Collectors typically come across a strip of 2-3 pieces, but this lot has 9 things, which has enhanced its worth many times.

Since most tete – beche multiples are either pairs or strips of three this block is an exceptional philatelic item with the number of stamps making it worth a fortune – more precisely, $90,000 for how much it got sold by Robert A. Siegel in 2010.

-Nisarg Sutaria : email : nisargsutaria78@gmail.com


Thematics


MAJESTIC WORLD OF AVIAN PHILATELY


 








-Capt. Vijay Wadhwa

 

Tinamous


Camouflage Masters with Melodious Calls

Tinamous are a fascinating group of birds belonging to the family Tinamidae within the order Tinamiformes. Native to Central and South America, they are among the world's most ancient bird lineages. Despite their superficial resemblance to game birds like quails and partridges, tinamous are more closely related to the flightless ratites, such as ostriches and emus, forming part of the avian superorder Palaeognathae. Tinamous exhibit a combination of primitive features and adaptations that make them unique among birds.



Known for their shy behaviour, distinctive calls, and ecological importance as seed dispersers, they hold a unique place in the avian world. Among the 47 species of tinamous, a select few, such as the Solitary Tinamou (Tinamus solitarius), Great Tinamou (Tinamus major), Cinereous Tinamou (Crypturellus cinereus), and others, have been commemorated on postage stamps by nations across the globe. These stamps highlight the significance of these birds, showcasing their beauty and reminding us of their ecological roles.

However, many tinamou species are under threat from habitat loss, hunting, and climate change, with some facing the risk of extinction. While the stamps featuring species like the Little Tinamou (Crypturellus soui), Red-legged Tinamou (Crypturellus erythropus), and Puna Tinamou (Tinamotis pentlandii) celebrate their existence, much remains to be done to bring attention to lesser-known species.


Morphological Characteristics

Tinamous are medium-sized, ground-dwelling birds with a plump, oval-shaped body, short legs, and rounded wings. They exhibit subtle but beautiful plumage, with earthy tones of brown, grey, and buff, often patterned with spots, stripes, or mottling. This coloration provides excellent camouflage against predators.

  • Size: Tinamous range in size from the Dwarf Tinamou (Taoniscus nanus), which measures about 20 cm (8 inches), to the Gray Tinamou (Tinamus tao), which can reach up to 49 cm (19 inches).
  • Beak: Their beaks are short and slightly curved, adapted for a diet that includes seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates.

Feet: Unlike many ground birds, tinamous have three forward-facing toes and lack a functional hind toe (hallux) in most species. This adaptation aids their terrestrial lifestyle.



Habitat

Tinamous occupy a diverse range of habitats, including tropical rainforests, dry savannas, grasslands, and montane regions. They are widely distributed from southern Mexico to Patagonia.

Feeding Habits

Tinamous are omnivorous, feeding primarily on seeds, fruits, insects, and small animals. They forage by walking slowly and pecking at the ground or low vegetation.

Vocalization

One of their most distinctive traits is their melodious calls, which are used for communication and territorial defence. Their whistles and trills vary by species and are particularly resonant in forest species.

 Reproductive Behaviour

Tinamous exhibit a unique reproductive strategy:

  • Mating System: They are polyandrous, with females laying eggs for multiple males, each of whom incubates the clutch and cares for the chicks.
  • Nesting: Nests are simple scrapes in the ground, often hidden among vegetation.
  • Eggs: Tinamous lay glossy, brightly colored eggs, often in shades of green, blue, or purple. These eggs have a porcelain-like sheen and are among the most striking in the bird world.
  • Chicks: Precocial and capable of walking and feeding themselves shortly after hatching, the chicks are cared for by the male parent.


Taxonomy and Species Diversity

The family Tinamidae comprises approximately 47 species divided into 9 genera. Below are the key genera and representative species:

1. Tinamus (Forest Tinamous)

  • Large-bodied species inhabiting dense forests.
  • Examples:
  • Great Tinamou (Tinamus major): Found in lowland tropical forests; known for its haunting calls.

Gray Tinamou (Tinamus tao): The largest tinamou species, inhabiting Amazonian rainforests.

2. Nothocercus (Highland Tinamous)

  • Medium-sized birds adapted to montane forests.
  • Examples:
  • Highland Tinamou (Nothocercus bonapartei): Found in cloud forests of the Andes.
  • Tawny-breasted Tinamou (Nothocercus julius): Inhabits subtropical regions.

 

3. Crypturellus (Wood Tinamous)

  • The most diverse genus, with small to medium-sized species found in woodlands and forests.
  • Examples:
  • Little Tinamou (Crypturellus soui): A shy species common in lowland forests.
  • Red-legged Tinamou (Crypturellus erythropus): Recognized by its distinctive red legs.

4. Eudromia (Elegant Crested Tinamous)

  • Plains-dwelling species with a distinctive crest.
  • Examples:
  • Elegant Crested Tinamou (Eudromia elegans): Found in arid scrublands and grasslands of southern South America.

5. Nothura (Grassland Tinamous)

  • Small tinamous adapted to open grasslands.
  • Examples:
  • Spotted Nothura (Nothura maculosa): Common in pastures and agricultural areas.

6. Rhynchotus (Red-winged Tinamous)

  • Medium-sized tinamous with striking plumage features.
  • Examples:
  • Red-winged Tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens): Found in open grasslands and savannas.

7. Taoniscus (Dwarf Tinamou)

  • The smallest tinamou species.
  • Example:
  • Dwarf Tinamou (Taoniscus nanus): Endangered due to habitat loss in Brazil’s Cerrado region.

8. Nothoprocta (Andean Tinamous)

  • Highland species adapted to rocky, barren terrains.

 

  • Examples:
  • Andean Tinamou (Nothoprocta pentlandii): Found in high-altitude grasslands of the Andes.

9. Tinamotis (Puna Tinamous)

  • Large-bodied tinamous of arid regions.
  • Example:

Puna Tinamou (Tinamotis pentlandii): Adapted to the dry Puna grasslands of South America

Conservation Status

While some species like the Little Tinamou are widespread and common, others face significant threats. Habitat destruction, hunting, and fragmentation have pushed several species to the brink of extinction. For example:

  • Endangered Species: The Dwarf Tinamou (Taoniscus nanus) and the Yellow-legged Tinamou (Crypturellus noctivagus) are critically endangered.

Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and raising awareness about these unique birds.



Tinamous and Human Culture

In local folklore, tinamous are often symbols of stealth and resilience. They have been hunted for food by indigenous peoples for centuries due to their rich, gamey meat. Today, they are admired for their elusive nature and enchanting vocalizations.

Recommendation

It is vital for postal administrations worldwide to recognize and commemorate other species of tinamous on stamps. This would not only celebrate their diversity but also raise awareness about their conservation before these remarkable birds vanish from our ecosystems. Highlighting their plight on stamps could inspire action and appreciation, ensuring their survival for future generations.

Conclusion
Tinamous are a remarkable example of avian diversity, showcasing ancient evolutionary traits and complex ecological roles. Protecting these birds is essential for preserving the intricate ecosystems of Central and South America, where they play crucial roles as seed dispersers and prey for larger predators. Their quiet yet impactful presence in the natural world reminds us of the delicate balance of life on Earth.

-Capt. Vijay Wadhwa : email : vicks552000@gmail.com


New Issues from other countries

Aland

3 February 2025: Boathouse

 Boathouse

The stamp is one in a 3-year series featuring boathouses on Åland. The stamp series is issued from 2024 to 2026 and consists of a total of six stamps.


Eckerö

The stamp shows two boathouses in Käringsund, Eckerö – one of the oldest preserved fishing villages on Åland with origins stretching back to the 17thcentury. These simple and functional boathouses stand on stone chests in the water and have wooden boardwalks to land. They are large and unpainted – having turned silver-grey over time – with tin roofs and few windows.

The denomination Inrikes (domestic postage) of the stamp indicates a specific franking value when you use it to frank letters or cards. The value corresponds to the current postage tariff for a mail item up to fifty grams sent to Finland.



Hammarland

The stamp shows a boathouse in Bovik, Hammarland, built in 2016–2017 by the owner Conny Häger. Inspired by the technique of "timber framing", this new boathouse combines the joy of carpentry with traditional craftsmanship. Built of Åland pine, the boathouse measures 10 x 6 meters and has room for two boats.

The centre gutter of the stamp sheet shows a close-up of the boathouse and the owner’s fishing boat made from oak in the 1960s.

France

27 January 2025: Pierre Herme



Pierre Herme

Pierre Hermé, heir to four generations of Alsatian bakers and pastry chefs, founded Maison Pierre Hermé Paris in 1997. Celebrated in France, Japan and the United States, the man who was voted Best Pastry Chef in the World by the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Academy in 2016, brought taste and modernity to pastry. With “pleasure as his only guide”, Pierre Hermé invented a universe of tastes, sensations and pleasures. His original approach to the pastry chef’s profession led him to revolutionize the most established traditions. His work and his audacity make him an essential name in French gastronomy today.

In this spirit of creation and innovation, Pierre Hermé has imagined for La Poste, the 2025 Collection of the famous Heart Stamp. The two resulting stamps are based around the House’s iconic flavor combination, Ispahan, which intertwines the suave and floral scent of roses, the delicate sweetness of lychee and the tangy liveliness of raspberry. This initiative celebrates the encounter between philately and haute pâtisserie, two disciplines deeply rooted in French culture. By combining tradition and modernity, La Poste and Pierre Hermé Paris pay tribute to French crafts and gastronomic excellence. The subtly scented stamps capture notes of Rose in their hearts, becoming missives with a sweet trail. All you have to do is take out your finest pen to write your message, adorned with the new Pierre Hermé Paris Heart Stamp.

Greenland

31 January 2025 : Gender Equality





Greenland’s Council of Gender Equality - NALI

Greenland’s independent Council of Gender Equality was founded on 1st July 1998. The Council has since strived, within a funding framework and with rotating chairpersons and members, to reshape societal views of equality between women and men.

31 January 2025 : Greenlandic Dog Sleds II


Greenlandic Dog Sleds II

In this second part of our series about Greenland dog sleds, we feature the East Greenland sled. The construction of dog sleds varies depending on whether they are used in North, West or East Greenland. Dog sleds used on the East coast are specially designed with ‘skis’ underneath instead of runners, which affords the necessary flexibility to navigate in deep snow and tackle the challenging terrain of high mountains. The East Greenland dog sled is constructed of polished wooden batons lashed together with cord or leather straps. If the sled was assembled with screws, the wood would quickly split. The hunter binds his equipment securely to the sled. It must be lashed so tightly that the sled can roll 180 degrees without anything falling off. The dog sled must be able to carry a lot of equipment: rifle, clothes, tent, cookware and food, along with the catch. Most hunters also bring an ice auger for hacking holes in the ice, as well as a shooting screen to hide behind as they approach a seal lying on the ice.

31 January 2025 : SIRIUS Patrol Celebrates 75th Anniversary



SIRIUS Patrol Celebrates 75th Anniversary

This year, we can celebrate the 75th anniversary of the legendary SIRIUS Dog Sled Patrol. The patrol is a small Danish special military unit under the Arctic Command that patrols by dog sled in Northeast Greenland.

The sled dogs

It is no coincidence that the sled dog patrol is named after the brightest star in the constellation, the Great Dog. Without sled dogs, the SIRIUS Patrol would not exist. Through extensive crossbreeding, a unique dog breed has been bred called the ‘SIRIUS dog’. It is both larger, heavier and stronger than normal Greenlandic sled dogs. The ideal SIRIUS dog is human-friendly, short-haired, pointy-eared, long-legged and weighs between 40 and 50 kilograms. The dogs are usually worn out after about five years of service, having typically pulled their own body weight through more than 20,000 kilometres of patrols. The dogs must be able to pull the sled across all kinds of terrain. After five years of service with the SIRIUS Patrol, the fate of the dogs is decided. Perhaps to live out their retirement with the staff at the civilian weather stations. If they have become too worn out, they are put to sleep.

Hungary

30 January 2025 : 50th Anniversary of The Patenting Of The Rubik’s Cube


50th Anniversary Of The Patenting Of The Rubik’s Cube

Magyar Posta is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the patenting of the Rubik’s Cube® with a stamp issue.

 


The Rubik’s Cube®, or Magic Cube as it was originally called, was invented by the architect, interior designer, designer, toy designer, and Kossuth and State Prize-winning Hungarian sculptor Ernő Rubik Jr. An honorary professor, he was awarded the title of Artist of the Nation and is a member of the European Academy of Sciences. An expert on innovation and creativity at international level, his toys were inspired by a child-like inquisitiveness and imaginativeness. As a designer, he created many logic toys and his most famous invention, the Rubik’s Cube®, is a captivating puzzle. Rubik applied for a patent for the Cube on 30 January 1975, which was granted on 31 December 1977. Success came soon after. It is not a simple game, but takes the cuber straight towards human creativity. The Cube activates in everyone skills such as concentration, curiosity, playfulness and the desire to find the solution. The Rubik’s Cube® became a global craze. It has appeared frequently in books, plays and Hollywood blockbusters, has been the subject of university courses and is used as a piece of sporting equipment at world speed solving competitions. Over its past of almost half a century, it has become the game of a billion people. 

The stamp design of the numbered souvenir sheet issued by Magyar Posta shows a scrambled Rubik’s Cube®, while the squares and rectangles forming the frame are in the colours of the Cube. The special first day cover features an image of the so-called Retro Rubik’s Cube®. The Hungarian version of the official logo for the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Rubik’s Cube® (50 Years of the Rubik’s Cube®) appears on the souvenir sheet, the first day cover and the imprint of the postmark on the cover.



Monaco

4 February 2025: International Cat Festival


International Cat Show

Organized by the Monegasque association “De Gati de Munegu”, the Monaco International Cat Show delights cat lovers every year. The stamp represents a Selkirk rex, a breed of cat with curly hair like a sheep, which appeared in the United States in 1987.

New Zealand

5 February 2025: The British Empire Games 1950




The British Empire Games 1950

In February 1950, New Zealand hosted the British Empire Games - now known as the Commonwealth Games - for the first time. At the time it was by far the biggest international sporting event ever held in this country. Based in Auckland, it took place only a few years after the end of the Second World War and was seen as an opportunity to reinforce New Zealand’s ties with other Commonwealth countries. 

Five hundred and ninety athletes from 12 countries competed in 11 sports, watched by a total of 246,694 paying spectators. Highlights included New Zealand’s Yvette Williams winning gold in the long jump and silver in javelin, and Harold Nelson winning the 6-mile race. New Zealand won 10 gold, 22 silver and 22 bronze medals to place third on the medal table behind Australia and England.

The stamps in this series give a taste of the games by showing some athletes in action. The 1950 Empire Games were long remembered as a spectacular sporting event that marked an end to post-war austerity. 

Slovenia

31 January 2025 : Greetings Stamp



Spain

30 January 2025 : Popular Festivals - Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife



Philatelic Clubs and Societies

Karnataka Philatelic Society - https://www.karphil.in/index.html

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


Philatelic Congress of India

Indian Philately Digest

Stamps of India

Rainbow Stamp News

Se-tenant Stamps of India

Flags & Stamps

Europa stamps

Welcome to Indian Philately

Blogs by Kumar Biswas

The Philatelist

Ship Theme Gallery

Echo’s Phila House

Prayag Philatelic Society


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 to 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 in 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/ 

-Ananthpuri Stamp Bulletin - Monthly e -stamp bulletin of Anathapuri Philatelic Association,
 Thiruvananthapuram. Eduitor – Mohanachandran Nair

-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 edited by Dr Anjali Dutta email :
dranjalidutta0303@gmail.com 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
 

-The Fila Capsule issued by Eastern India Philatelists' Association, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Editor - Dr Bibhudutta Mishra

Acknowledgment

-VADOPHIL, Apr-Dec 2024 issue Editor - Prashant Pandya &Timir Shah and published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/ 

- Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin February 2025 issue edited by Mohanachandran Nair:  email : apa.tvpm@gmail.com

- Judaica Thematic Society, UK .  Society Newsletter February 2025 edited by Gary Goodman email :  judaicathematicsociety@talktalk.net 

- FILA Capsule January 2025 issue edited by Dr Bibhudutta Mishra .email : bhanubibhu68@gmail.com

Courtesy - News and Image Resource to this issue :  SIPA, Philately Promoters,  EIPA , Indian Philately, Prayag Philatelic Society Group, Philatelic Exhibitions, Deccan Philatelic Society Whatsapp WOPA  Mystic Stamp Co.; Pan India Pictorial Place Cancellations ;  Pradip Jain – Patna ; Timir Shah - Vadodara; Prakash Mody - Canada; M.Lokeswara Rao-Bangalore; Aditya Singh – Allahabad ; Mohammed Dhia – Baghdad ,Iraq

Address for communication:

Jeevan Jyoti, 509, Design Arcade, Chandrabani, Wildlife Institute Road, Dehradun-248001. India . e-mail –    j.jyoti9@gmail.com

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Happy Collecting ……….                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Rainbow Stamp News is edited and published monthly by Jeevan Jyoti from Dehradun    (Uttarakhand ) India for free circulation among philatelists.

 


 

 


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Recent Awards

AMRITPEX 2023 - Silver

CAPE TOWN 2022 - Silver

LONDON 2022 - Silver


INPEX 2019, Mumbai - Silver

CHINA-2019, World Stamp Exhibition, Wuhan - Bronze

INPEX 2017, Mumbai - Large Silver

CHINA 2016 - Bronze

TAIPEI 2015 - Bronze

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

INPEX 2013, Mumbai - Vermeil

SHARJAH 2012, Sharjah ( UAE ) - Silver Bronze

IPHLA 2012, Mainz - Germany : Bronze

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

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

PORTUGAL 2010 - World Stamp Exhibition, Lisbon - Bronze

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

About Me

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

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