"A rose is a rose is a
rose"
Royal Mail released
a new set of special stamps celebrating the beauty and heritage of roses in the
UK. Roses are among the world’s most beloved flowers, admired for their colour
and fragrance. The UK is home to more than a dozen wild species, and cultivated
varieties have flourished for over four millennia. This issue marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of
David Austin OBE (1926–2018), the pioneering British breeder whose creations
transformed modern rose cultivation.
Dehradun March 2026 Vol. XIX
Issue No. 219
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
Spanish Capital of Gastronomy - Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz)
Date of Issue : 27 February 2026
Jerez
has been designated the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2026, taking over
from Alicante. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a city that is more
than just a destination: it is an ambassador of an identity rooted in an
ancient culture and the essence of Andalusia, evident in its cultural and
folkloric attractions. This very culture is what makes Jerez a unique enclave.
Editorial……
Dear Reader,
I'm pleased to present the March 2026 issue of
Rainbow Stamp News. The Department of Posts releases beautiful picture
postcards on different themes, but they're philatelic souvenirs, not
exhibit-worthy items.
A great opportunity exists for India Post to
issue pre-paid picture postcards, making them a treat for philatelists and a
valuable addition to exhibitions. With a dedicated class for picture postcards,
India has very few pre-paid picture postcards that are counted as philatelic
items. Issuing them once or twice a year could delight philatelists and boost
revenue too. Let's hope India Post considers this idea and releases some official
picture postcards on popular themes.
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
. From the Pen of Dipok Dey
· Specialized Section
· Beginners’ Section
. Stories Behind Stamps
. New Issues from Other Countries
· Philatelic Clubs and Society
· Blogs and Websites on Philately
· Current Philatelic Magazines and Newsletters
Literature Class
It is really pleasing to note that Literature Class is
being appreciated in high level philatelic exhibitions as it is getting good
pace and place in every show as a good number of entries in this class are
being entertained by the organizers. This has certainly created a good list of
philatelic writers, especially philatelic books. In India a few new philatelic
writers have emerged in last 2/3 year namely Mr. Sushil Mehra, M.Lokeswara Rao,
Sri Devi N., Roshan Prasad Capt. Vijay Wadhwa and a few more. These writers
have brought honour to not only themselves but to India also. My heartiest
congratulations to all Indians and other participants and wish them the best
for the future.
Now the
literature class is a recognized, competitive, or non-competitive category
within FIP sponsored exhibitions, emphasizing that study and research are vital
to modern philately. Literature Class which covers Books, monographs,
periodicals, journals,
catalogues, websites, digital media. etc. Are
now attracting many stamp lovers and motivating them to write.
Recent
major international philatelic exhibitions (2024–2026) include the
FIP-patronized like DUBAI 2026, PHILAKOREA 2025, EUROPHILEX 2025,
THAILAND 2025, alongside specialized virtual shows like AMSIPEX-25.and AMSIPEX-26
and others featured dedicated literature class and entertained sufficient
number of entries in this class. These events include handbooks, specialized
studies, and periodicals, with recent results for Indian exhibitors
highlighting studies on postal history and thematic topics. For example,
DUBAI 2026 had 50
entries, Phila Korea 2025 -33 entries, Europhilex 2025 as many as 121entries,
AMSIPEX 2025-16 entries and AMSIPEX 2026-16 entries. Here the most appreciable
thing is that the participants in literature class were awarded very high
scores. This is a very good sign for the development of this class. FIP and
other federations are working on how to improve the exhibiting and judgment in
this class.
It is really a matter of great pride for us that a good number of Indian philatelists are participating in these exhibitions and scoring very high. It is not only the participation but the important fact is that philatelic literature is being written and published in a vast range. The written literature is undoubtedly a rich and important asset for philately.
My concern here is how can this class be developed even in a better way and promoted at all corners. The participants of this class hardly get any proper guidance to develop their exhibit. Related guiding material, articles, jury comments and opinions, proper rules and guide lines need to be propagated properly. Societies and clubs need to work on this. Like in other classes which have developed and well researched tutorials, presentations, educational literature, articles etc.
-Naresh Agrawal, Bilaspur (C.G.) email nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in Mob /
WhatsApp: 09425530514
1 February 2026: Uddhavdas Mehta – Rs 5
1 February 2026: Bhartiya Tatarakshak Swarnim
Jayanti – Rs 5
13 February 2026: Puppets of India 2 x Rs 5 +
MS
13 February 2026: Seva Teerth Nagrikdevo Bhava -Rs5
16 February 2026 : 100 Years of Ol Chiki Script by Pandit Raghunath
Murmu - Rs 5
New Picture Postcards
1. 150 years of Vande Matram
2.
First All India Postal Para Games
3.
Flora Of Uttar Pradesh
New Special Cancellations
7 February 2026: Under
19 Men’s Cricket World Cup : Raipur
13 February 2026 : World
Radio Day : Bengaluru
19 February 2026 :
Chhatrapati Shiva Ji Maha RajJayanti: Bengaluru
27 February 2026 : Marathi
Bhasha Gaurav Din : Pune
3 March 2026 : World
Wildlife Day : Leh
New Special Covers
13
February 2026 : Magh Mela : Prayagraj
16
February 2026: Sivalaya Ottam Carried Cover: Munchirai
16 February 2026 : Cycle Mail from Kadamatala Pearcherra BO
27 February 2026 :Bhojpatra or Himalayan Birch
: Dehradun
In The News
AMSIPEX 2026
AMSIPEX-26
2nd International Virtual Aero- & Astrophilatelic Exhibition
14-22 February 2026
The 2nd international
Virtual Aero & Astro Philatelic Exhibition, Amsipex- 26 was organised by
Airmail Society India Foundation (AMSI) from 14 to 22 February 2026. There
were 194 frames of exhibits from 78 participants
displayed.
Beside these 5 Literature class entries were also participated
Congratulations !!
Dubai 2026
Indian Winners at Dubai 2026
Heartiest Congratulations!!
R 1: 1.Ramchandran Mahalingam2. Piyush Khaitan 3.Ronald Nelson 4.Sushil Mehra
R 2. : 1. Sandeep Murjani
2.Omprakash Kedia 3.Madhukar Jhingan 4. Shanti S. Rath
R.3 : 1. Dr KS Mohan
2.RajeshPaharia 3.Senthil Kumar Chandrasekaran 4. Ajay Agarwal
R.4 : 1. Pankaj Tyagi 2.Vijay
Seth 3. Pragya Jain 4.M. Lokeshwara Rao
Result - Indian Exhibitors
India
wins 23 medals
1
Gold
6 Large
Vermiel
7
Vermiel
5
Silver
4 Silver
Bronze
& 2
Special Prizes
For All Thematic Collectors
14th February 2026
3pm CET, 7.30pm
IST on Zoom conference.
Important
decision of the FIP Thematic Commission
-Team work.
Announcement
reg FIP Thematic Guidelines 2026 (Draft) finalised
After
continuous efforts, initiatives and discussions, the revised draft Thematic
Guidelines have been provisionally finalised.
In a meeting of
the FIP Thematic Commission alongwith FIP President, FIP Thematic Commission
Co- ordinator, Acting Chairman, Bureau and Delegate members from almost 50
countries have unanimously approved and passed the final new draft Thematic
Guidelines 2026
The said draft
new Thematic Guidelines 2026 shall be submitted for approval/adoption at the
forthcoming FIP Congress at Macao 2026.
The previous
Guidelines were initiated with the efforts of Shri R Binani who also formed a
Thematic Group in India and was in direct interaction with the then FIP
Thematic Commission thru the good offices of the then FIP President, Mr DN
Jatia and later these guidelines were formulated and approved at Madrid 2000
FIP Congress, which was also attended by the undersigned.
Although some
very important points, at that time, were not
harmonized/aligned properly with the Guidelines of other classes. This
led to disparity between the Thematic Class marking evaluation system and other
classes. Now revised.
Rajesh
Kumar Bagri,
Indian
Delegate - FIP Thematic Commission;
Hon
Secretary General - PCI;
Member,
Philatelic Advisory Committee (PAC), DOP, Govt of India
MACAO 2026
BOSTON-2026
BOSTON
2026 GWSE is organized by American Philatelic Society (APS) in accordance with
Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP). The exhibition will open on May
23 and close on May 30, 2026.
The
exhibition will be held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC)
in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Approximately 4,000 exhibition frames judged
under FIP rules will be available
National Commissioner:
Mr. Pratisad Neurgaonkar, Email: pratisadn@gmail.com , Mobile: +91 9766310553
From
27-31 August 2026
It will be organized under
the Patronage of the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP)
Classes available for
participation are: Traditional, Postal History, Postal Stationery,
Aerophilately, Thematic, Maximaphily, Revenues, Modern Philately (2001 to
date), Picture Postcards, Open Philately, Promotional Competitive, Philatelic
Literature, and Youth Philately.
Detailed rules of
exhibition (IREX) and Exhibit Application Forms are available https://bandung2026fiap.com/#
Participants may contact
the National Commissioner to obtain the application form. The completed
application, along with the first page of the exhibit in PDF format and the
exhibitor’s declaration in the prescribed format, must be submitted to the
Commissioner.
To the National
Commissioner for India,
VIRENDRA SHARMA
185, Bhupalpura Main Road,
Udaipur, Rajasthan -
313001, INDIA
Email virsharma@yahoo.com WhatsApp
+91-9928570097
OR CC. to the Apprentice
National Commissioner for India,
Mukesh Kumar Malhotra
Assistant Commissioner
B-III, 1266 BAJWA NAGAR
LUDHIANA 141008, India
Email: mukeshlibra@yahoo.co.in Phone: 919023084608, 918360758242
PHILATAIPEI 2026
PHILATAIPEI
2026 World Stamp Championship Exhibition. (FIP)
The exhibition is scheduled
to be held from November 20 to 25, 2026, at Taipei World Trade Center
Exhibition Hall 1, Areas B and C. It will be organized under the Patronage of
the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP)
Classes available for
participation are: World Stamp Championship Class, Traditional, Postal History,
Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Astrophilately, Thematic, Revenue, Modern
Philately (2000 to date), Maximaphily, Picture Postcards, Experimental Class,
Philatelic Literature (No Digital Format), and Youth Philately.
Detailed rules of
exhibition (IREX) and Exhibit Application Forms are available PHILATAIPEI 2026
World Stamp Championship Exhibition. (FIP)
The exhibition is scheduled
to be held from November 20 to 25, 2026, at Taipei World Trade Center
Exhibition Hall 1, Areas B and C. It will be organized under the Patronage of
the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP)
Classes available for
participation are: World Stamp Championship Class, Traditional, Postal History,
Postal Stationery, Aerophilately, Astrophilately, Thematic, Revenue, Modern
Philately (2000 to date), Maximaphily, Picture Postcards, Experimental Class,
Philatelic Literature (No Digital Format), and Youth Philately.
Detailed rules of
exhibition (IREX) and Exhibit Application Forms are available
https://taipei2026.post.gov.tw/taipei2026/en/index.jsp?ID=1466652910382
Participants may contact
the National Commissioner to obtain the application form. The completed
application, along with the first page of the exhibit in PDF format and the
exhibitor’s declaration in the prescribed format, must be submitted to the
Commissioner by 25th March 2026.
To the National
Commissioner for India,
Pratisad Neurgaonkar
884, Bhandarkar Road, 14
Patil Terraces, Pune 411004
Email
pratisadn@gmail.com.com / WhatsApp +91-9766310553
OR CC. to the Apprentice
National Commissioner for India,
Mr. Sunil Joshi,Assistant
Commissioner
Email:
mukeshlibra@yahoo.co.in
Phone: 9822026422
Participants may contact
the National Commissioner to obtain the application form. The completed
application, along with the first page of the exhibit in PDF format and the
exhibitor’s declaration in the prescribed format, must be submitted to the
Commissioner by 25th March 2026.
AUSVIPEX 2026
Join AUSVIPEX 2026!
Australia’s Premier Virtual Philatelic Exhibition!
Calling all stamp
collectors, exhibitors, and philatelic enthusiasts!
AUSVIPEX 2026 – Australian
Virtual Philatelic Exhibition will soon be open for entries.
Showcase your collection,
connect with fellow collectors worldwide, and be part of this exciting online
national-level stamp exhibition.
News from Philatelists and Philatelic Societies
Uttar Pradesh Philatelic Society
2 Postcards were released by the Department of
Posts and PSUP from Allahabad - the land of the world's first airmail and the
land of Kumbh Mela on 18th February, 2026, the International Airmail
Day 2026.
The cards pay tribute to:
1) Raja Harshvardhan - who restarted
Kumbh Mela and donated all his wealth and riches as charity.
2) 115 years of Aerial Mail during U.P.
Exhibition of 1911.
Released of Special Cover and Cancellation
A
special Cover and Cancellation
commemorating 50 years of Jagat Taran Girls' Degree College , Prayagraj
were released from George Town Post Office.
The
cancellation depicts Rabindranath Tagore who frequently visited Allahabad
and was closely associated with Sh. Chintamoni Ghosh & Dr. (Maj.) Babu
Baman Das. His famous book Gitanjali
was published from the same acclaimed Indian Press situated in Allahabad
.
The
cancellation also features Smt. Savitribai Phule, who is the first
female teacher in modern India and is a source of inspiration for the college.
-Dr Aditya Singh - Prayagraj
BRITISH SUPREMACY IN PHILATELY AND THE COMMUNICATION INDUSTRY
Britain holds an unparalleled position
in the evolution of global postal and communication systems. Many fundamental
innovations that define modern mail handling, stamp usage, and communication
technology were first introduced in Britain and later adopted across the world.
From the earliest postal markings to mechanised sorting and advanced stamp
technology, British leadership shaped the very framework of global philately.
INTRODUCTION OF THE POSTMARKS – 1661
In 1661,
Britain introduced the postmark, marking a historic turning point in postal
administration. For the first time, letters carried an official indication of
the date and place of posting. Before this innovation, neither sender nor
recipient could determine when a letter was mailed or how long it took to reach
its destination. The postmark brought transparency, accountability, and
efficiency to postal communication.
THE WORLD’S FIRST ADHESIVE POSTAGE STAMP – 1840
In 1840, Britain revolutionised postal communication with the issue of the Penny Black, the world’s first pre-paid adhesive postage stamp. Prior to this reform, postage charges were paid by the recipient, often resulting in refused deliveries. The Penny Black introduced the principle that postage should be paid in advance by the sender, a concept that remains universal today and marks the birth of modern philately.
INTRODUCTION OF GUMMED STAMPS – 1840
Along with
the Penny Black in 1840, Britain introduced gum on the reverse of stamps,
enabling them to be easily affixed to envelopes. This innovation transformed
stamps into a practical, standardised postal tool and eliminated the need for
pins, sealing wax, or other improvised methods of attachment.
INTRODUCTION OF PERFORATION – 1854
In 1854,
Britain adopted perforation for separating stamps from sheets. Before
perforation, stamps had to be cut individually with scissors, a slow and
inefficient process. Perforation greatly improved speed, uniformity, and
convenience for both postal staff and the public.
INTRODUCTION OF THE TELEPHONE – 1876
British
leadership in communication extended beyond the postal system with the
introduction of the telephone in 1876. This invention ushered in a new era of
real-time voice communication and complemented the existing postal network,
reinforcing Britain’s role as a global communications pioneer.
INTRODUCTION OF AUTOMATIC CANCELLING MACHINES – c. 1880s
With the
rapid growth of mail volumes during the late nineteenth century, Britain
introduced automatic cancelling machines in the 1880s. These machines applied
postmarks quickly and uniformly, replacing slow manual cancellation and
significantly improving postal efficiency.
INTRODUCTION OF AUTOMATIC MAIL SORTING MACHINES – Early
20th Century (c. 1900–1910)
As
correspondence expanded further, Britain introduced automatic mail sorting
machines in the early twentieth century, around 1900–1910. These machines
enabled faster and more accurate sorting of mail, laying the groundwork for
modern mechanised postal systems.
Graphite Stamps
USE OF GRAPHITE LINES ON STAMPS – 1957
In 1957,
Britain introduced graphite lines on the reverse of postage stamps. These lines
assisted automatic facing and sorting machines by allowing them to detect stamp
orientation, marking a significant step toward full postal automation.
Phosphor band at each edge
INTRODUCTION OF PHOSPHOR (PHOSPHATE) COATINGS – 1959
In 1959,
Britain became the first country to introduce phosphor-coated stamps. These
stamps could be detected under ultraviolet light, enabling high-speed automated
sorting and cancelling. This innovation revolutionised machine-readable
philately worldwide.
STAMP PRINTING EXCELLENCE – OFFICIAL PRINTERS (1840
onwards)
British
stamps were initially printed by the Monarch’s Printer beginning in 1840,
ensuring official control and quality. Later, stamp printing was undertaken by
De La Rue, whose involvement from the mid-nineteenth century onwards
established global standards in security printing, engraving, and stamp
production.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AS A MEDIUM OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATION
The greatest
contribution of the British to the system of communication is their
language—English. Without English, today’s world would be almost paralysed. The
English language became a medium of international communication largely because
of two queens of England from two different eras: Queen Elizabeth I and Queen
Victoria. Had they not expanded their empire extensively across the world,
communication and exchange of ideas among people speaking different languages
would have been extremely difficult in today’s world.
Apart from
language, another major British contribution that bound the world together is
the telephone.
Perhaps it
is because of these two factors that the true significance of Indian philosophy
and the writings of Rabindranath Tagore can be fully realised.
FOR GLOBAL COMMUNICATION
INDIAN
PHILOSOPHY AND RABINDRANATH TAGORE
Rabindranath
Tagore wrote (Rabindranath Tagore, Geetabitan):
“Thou hast
made me known to friends whom I knew not,
Thou hast
given me seats in homes not my own.
Thou hast
brought the distant near and made a brother of the stranger.”
INDIAN
PHILOSOPHY, too, proclaims “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, meaning “The whole world is
one family.” This expresses a universal outlook in which all human beings are
seen as members of a single family, emphasising unity and cooperation beyond
divisions of nation, religion, or language.
Such a
vision can succeed only when there exists a sound and universal system of
communication—and that system was created by the British. Perhaps for this
reason it is said that the sun on the British Empire will never truly set.
CONCLUSIONS
From the
first postmark in 1661 to phosphor-coated stamps in 1959, Britain consistently
led the world in postal and communication innovation. Each advancement
addressed practical challenges of its time and collectively created the
foundations of modern global philately and communication systems. Britain’s
supremacy in this field remains one of its most enduring contributions to world
history.
-Dipok Dey: email: dipokdey38@gmail.com
Specialized Section
Some
Unidentified Cancellations
Why is Gandhi Philately still relevant
Collecting stamps and philatelic material related to Mahatma Gandhi remains incredibly relevant and important for a multitude of compelling reasons given below:-
Pleasure:
- Aesthetic
Appreciation: Gandhi stamps often feature beautiful designs, portraits,
and artistic representations, offering visual enjoyment.
- Personal
Connection: For many, collecting Gandhi stamps fosters a personal
connection to his ideals and legacy.
- The
Thrill of the Hunt: Discovering rare or unique Gandhi-related items can be
an exciting and rewarding pursuit.
- Sense
of Accomplishment: Building a comprehensive Gandhi collection provides a
tangible sense of achievement.
- Relaxation
and Focus: The meticulous process of organizing, researching, and
cataloging a collection can be a calming and engaging hobby.
Philately:
- Global
Scope: Gandhi has been commemorated on stamps by numerous countries
worldwide, offering a diverse and international collecting theme.
- Variety
of Material: Beyond stamps, there are first day covers, postal stationery,
cancellations, and essays related to Gandhi, enriching the philatelic
experience.
- Study
of Printing Techniques: Examining Gandhi stamps across different eras and
countries allows for the study of evolving printing methods.
- Understanding
Postal History: Gandhi-related postal items often reflect significant
historical events and postal practices of their time.
- Meaningful
Collecting: Gandhi provides a focused and meaningful theme within the
broader hobby of philately.
Historical
Significance:
- Preserving
a Legacy: These collectibles serve as tangible reminders of Gandhi's
pivotal role in India's independence movement and his global influence.
- Visual
Chronicle of a Life: Stamps and related material often depict key moments
and portraits from Gandhi's life.
- Understanding
Historical Context: Studying the issuance of Gandhi stamps can provide
insights into the political and social climate of different periods.
- Educational
Value: A Gandhi collection can be a powerful educational tool, sparking
curiosity about history and social justice.
- Connecting
Generations: These collectibles can bridge generational gaps, allowing
older individuals to share their memories and knowledge with younger
generations.
Inspiration:
- Reinforcing
Values: Owning and studying Gandhi-related items can serve as a constant
reminder of his principles of non-violence, truth, and social justice.
- Promoting
Dialogue: Sharing a Gandhi collection can initiate conversations about his
philosophy and its continued relevance.
- A
Source of Reflection: These items can encourage contemplation on the
impact of individuals on history and the pursuit of positive change.
Investment
Value:
- Potential for Appreciation: Rare and historically
significant Gandhi-related philatelic items can appreciate in value over
time, making it a potential long-term investment.
- Tangible Asset: In times of economic uncertainty,
physical collectibles like stamps can offer a tangible asset with inherent
value.
- In essence, collecting stamps and philatelic
material on Gandhi offers a unique blend of personal enjoyment,
intellectual stimulation, historical understanding, inspirational
reflection, and potential financial reward, making it a pursuit that
remains deeply relevant and important today.
Step by
Step Guide to Make and Start Collecting Privately Designed Self-Made Covers
- Choose
a Theme: A Theme should be such that the design element of the cover can
be linked to the stamp/cancellation through dates/person/event. Example
themes include: Google Doodles, Amul Topicals, Cricket IPL, Any recurring
sporting event, movies of a particular actor, life of a particular leader.
- Create
a Template for the Cover design:-
- Front:
It should have the digital design ideally on the left of the cover. The
middle should have space for the addressee’s address. Top right should
have space for the stamp and cancellation
- Back:
It should have sender’s name and address
- Whenever
an event connected to the theme triggers choose an appropriate design for
the cover.
- Design
the cover using digital designing tools like CorelDraw or Adobe Pagemaker
or Adobe Illustrator or Powerpoint or Canva or Word or Docs.
- Self
print the cover using a Laser Printer or external digital printing
companies like Printo. Empty Envelopes are easily available in stationary
shops or online.
- Affix
a Stamp directly or indirectly connected to the theme/event/person on the
cover.
- Speed
is important in this so that the date cancellation window is not missed.
In case you do miss it, design and keep the cover, cancel it next year on
the same date.
- Post
it, Collect it, Enjoy !
- Once
you have enough material to make a multi frame collection, lay the covers
on an A3/A4 thick sheet. Ideally A3 can take about 3 Covers.
- Exhibit
the same in Thematic or Modern Philately (Thematic) category.
Some Examples of Self Designed Covers on Google Doodles
-Sushil Mehra : email: gajreshmehra@gmail.com
Beginners’ Section
Linus Pauling - the only person to win two unshared Nobel Prizes -For Chemistry and Peace
American scientist Linus Pauling was born on February 28, 1901, in Portland, Oregon.When he was a child, Pauling first became interested in chemistry after witnessing his friend conduct experiments with a small lab kit. He later recalled, “I was simply entranced by chemical phenomena, by the reactions in which substances, often with strikingly different properties, appear; and I hoped to learn more and more about this aspect of the world.”
Pauling
began conducting his own experiments in high school but dropped out because of
a disagreement with the principal. He then worked at a grocery store, in
several manufacturing plants, and as a photographer until he made enough money
to attend Oregon State University. Pauling was an active student and taught
quantitative analysis during his second year there. Also, while still in
school, Pauling became interested in the way physical and chemical properties
of substances relate to their atoms, making him one of the founders of the
field of quantum chemistry.
US #1002 – In 1931, Pauling received the American Chemical Society’s Langmuir Prize.
After
graduating from Oregon State, Pauling went on to attend the California
Institute of Technology before earning a PhD in physical chemistry and
mathematical physics. From there, he received the Guggenheim Fellowship and
spent two years in Europe with leading scientists studying quantum mechanics.
When he returned to America, Pauling began working as a teacher at Caltech. In
the coming years, he published 50 papers and created Pauling’s rules on the
crystal structures of ionic compounds. Also during this period, Pauling
published The Nature of the Chemical Bond, which is often considered the
foundation of modern chemistry and molecular biology.
Pauling took a break from his theoretical work in the 1940s to contribute to the war effort. To this end, he developed a synthetic blood plasma that could be used in battlefield emergencies as well as an oxygen detector for submarines and airplanes. In recognition of his wartime accomplishments, Harry Truman gave Pauling the Presidential Medal for Merit.
Item #M11282 –
Pauling received his Nobel Peace Prize on the same day the Partial Test Ban
Treaty went into effect.
Though he had aided the war effort, Pauling was
worried about the future. So he joined Albert Einstein’s Emergency Committee of
Atomic Scientists and spoke out about the dangers of nuclear war.
Professionally, Pauling also made significant discoveries during this period.
In 1949, he published research proving an abnormal protein in the cell caused
sickle-cell anemia. He also discovered the alpha helix, which he believed was
the basic structure of DNA. Though his model was later proved incorrect, he
received the 1954 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for research on chemical bonds.
US #3877 – Pauling was a significant contributor to what
we now know about sickle-cell anaemia
Pauling and
a group of scientists then launched a campaign condemning the testing and
proliferation of nuclear arms. They sued the US Department of Defence to
prevent testing and delivered a petition to the United Nations calling for an
end to nuclear testing. He also published a book called No More War! which
shared his beliefs on the subject. For his efforts, he received the Nobel Peace
Prize in 1962. He’s the only person to win two unshared Nobel Prizes, and one
of just two people to have the prizes in different fields.
Pauling then
turned his chemistry research toward how it related to the human body. In 1970,
he published Vitamin C, the Common Cold and the FLU, and later, Cancer and
Vitamin C, and How to Live Longer and Feel Better. Three years later, he
founded the Institute of Orthomolecular Medicine, a non-profit research
organization, later renamed the Linus Pauling Institute. However, many in the
medical community balked at his beliefs and his funding dried up. Pauling began
working less but was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1991. He later died on
August 19, 1994.
Stories Behind Stamps
Japan - Tama 6 yo Stamp, 1875
Price: USD 124,635
A Scandinavian philatelist recently discovered a Japanese Tama 6 yo stamp and was unaware that he had become the owner of this uncommon philatelic item. After purchasing a significant All World collection from a European auction company, he hoped to locate some stamps suited for his collection. He didn't have time to study everything, thus the Japanese Tama 6 yo stamp ended up in a collection of stamps he planned to go over later. Imagine his amazement when he found that this stamp was genuine and quite valuable.
Until
this discovery, only six additional copies were known. Some Japanese experts
consider this copy to be the best of the few remaining copies, all of which are
owned by prominent Japanese collectors. This stamp, which had a catalogue value
of $336,900, sold for $124,635 at the Postiljonen Jubilee Auction #200 on April
28, 2012, in Malmö, Sweden.
Reference: https://findyourstampsvalue.com/rarest-stamps/most-valuable-japanese-stamps
- Nisarg Sutaria: email - nisargsutaria78@gmail.com
New Issues from other countries
Aland
18 March
2026 : Summer Shimmer
Hungary
5 March 2026: Easter
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and is the most important feast in the Christian calendar. Húsvét, the Hungarian word for Easter, literally means “eating meat” again at the end of Lent after 40 days of fasting. Thus, this Easter tradition symbolically refers to resurrection and rebirth. Easter is organically linked to our culture and traditions, defining our identity. Festive traditions awaken childhood memories, and bring to mind customs, and family events for everyone. The Easter Bunny, eggs, and colourful flowers symbolise spring, fertility, purification, and rebirth.
There
are various Hungarian folk traditions and customs associated with Eastertide
which celebrate the rebirth of nature in spring and the blossoming of the
colourful world around us, such as “sprinkling” (boys throwing water over
girls, symbolising purification), blessing pussy willow branches, and the
willow procession (parading decorated willow branches and giving eggs as
gifts). (Source: nepszokasok.hu)
The stamp and the
motives of the postmark on the first day cover feature Easter symbols
embellished with colourful floral motifs. The Hungarian word for “Easter” is
inscribed on the first day cover in a multi-coloured field reminiscent of mixed
spring flowers.
Liechtenstein
2 March 2026 :
Carnival
Carnival - Tradition
Our new self-adhesive definitive stamps are dedicated to “Fasnacht”
(meaning carnival), a tradition that is actively celebrated in Liechtenstein.
“Fasnacht” comes from Middle High German and literally means the night before
the start of Christian Lent. With these colorful stamps, we want to highlight
this tradition that is typical of the region. Shortly after the turn of the
year, many venues are decorated and the first masked balls and parades begin.
San Marino
3 March 2026: San Marino Song Contest
San Marino Song Contest
A singing competition to select San Marino's representative for the
Eurovision Song Contest 2026, scheduled to take place in Austria in May 2026.
An international line-up of performers will compete for the top spot and the
honor of representing the Republic of San Marino at this exceptional European
singing competition. The event is produced and organized by the Secretariat of
State for Tourism, Post, Cooperation, Expo, Information, and Tourism Investment
Attraction of the Republic of San Marino and by San Marino RTV.
3
March 2026: Medical
Oncology
Medical Oncology
Medical Oncology deals with the diagnosis,
medical treatment, and prevention of tumors using drug therapies and
multidisciplinary approaches. It was developed in 1976, when the New England
Journal of Medicine published a study by Dr. Gianni Bonadonna, Head of the
Milan Cancer Institute, aided by internationally renowned researchers, showing
that chemotherapy could prevent the recurrence of breast cancer following
surgery. From then on, the prognosis for many patients has shifted towards a
complete recovery. The aim of this series of stamps is to raise awareness about
medical oncology and express solidarity with cancer patients.
Switzerland
5 March 2026: Animal of
the Year - European Hedgehog
Pro Natura
has selected the European hedgehog as animal of the year in 2026. This prickly
beast is always a welcome guest in the gardens and green spaces but it needs
protection.
At the
moment, they’re buried deep under piles of leaves. Whether they’re actually
sleeping, we don’t know. But as soon as temperatures rise again, hedgehogs will
come out of their hibernation and start roaming through our gardens, parks and
meadows again. Few other wild animals are as beloved as the hedgehog, despite
or maybe even because of its spines. To ensure that it can carry on living in
our neighbourhoods, it needs suitable hiding places. In many parts of the
countryside, these have disappeared, which is why hedgehogs are increasingly
living in built-up areas.
An old acquaintance
Hedgehogs have existed for over 15 million years, long before humans
were walking the earth. They have survived ice ages and coexisted with
mammoths. Following the end of the last cold period around 20,000 years ago,
hedgehogs returned to Switzerland from southern Europe. The variety found in
this country is known by the zoological name of “European hedgehog” (Erinaceus
europaeus).
Prickly but still cute
The hedgehog’s most distinctive feature is its 5,000 to 7,000 spines,
stiff hairs that turn it into an almost impenetrable ball in the face of
danger. Newborns are initially blind and deaf, but they have around 100 white
spines that emerge shortly after their birth. At two weeks old, they open their
eyes and ears, and after around six weeks, they become independent and have to
gain weight in order to survive their first winter.
Philatelic Clubs and Societies
Air Mail
Society India Foundation - https://www.airmailsocietyindia.org/
Karnataka
Philatelic Society - https://www.karphil.in/index.html
Prayag Philatelic Society
- http://www.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 - https://eipa.in/home
The Hyderabad Philatelic and Hobbies Society
India Study Circle -
http://www.indiastudycircle.org/
Indian Thematic Society, Ludhiana
Ludhiana Philatelic Club
Numismatic
& Philatelic Association of Vellore Fort
\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
Durgapur
Philatelic & Numismatic Society – https://www.facebook.com/share/1B3TasUbyR/
Philatelic Society of Bhopal
Madurai
Philatelist & Numismatist Association (MAPNA)
- https://madurai-mapna.blogspot.com/
Blogs & Websites
Jusqu’a
Markings and other Route Indicators
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 &Timir Shah and
published by Baroda Philatelic Society, Vadodara. Website -http://www.vadophil.org/
-Ananthapuri Stamp Bulletin - Monthly e -stamp bulletin of Anathapuri
Philatelic Association, Thiruvananthapuram. Editor – 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
- Philatelic Society of Delhi Newsletter edited by Tarun Jain
Gibbons Stamp Monthly edited by Dean Shepherd –
Stanley Gibbons
Acknowledgment
-Vadophil Oct 25 – Jan 26
issue edited by Prashant Pandya and Timir Shah email : vadophil@gmail.com
- Ananthapuri Stamp
Bulletin March 2026 issue edited by Mohanachandran Nair: email : apa.tvpm@gmail.com
- Judaica Thematic
Society, UK . Society Newsletter March
2026 edited by Gary Goodman email : judaicathematicsociety@talktalk.net
-Fila Capsule February 2026
issue : e- magazine of Eastern India Philatelists' Association, Bhubaneshwar
Odisha; Chief Editor: 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 ; Mystic
Stamp Co.; Timir Shah-Vadodara
: Rahul Ganguli- Prayagraj; Sudhir Jain - Satna (MP); Capt Vijay Wadhawa-
Raipur (C.G.),
Address for communication:
Jeevan Jyoti, 509, Design Arcade, Chandrabani, Wildlife
Institute Road, Dehradun-248001. India .
e-mail
– j.jyoti9@gmail.com
A Request to Readers & Contributors –
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date for receiving articles/ News /write ups – 25th of every month.
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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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