70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations

 

 

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations (1945-2015). The largest conflict in human history embroiled most nations around the world and caused destruction and massacres which led to over sixty million victims. The memory of these events must not only be kept alive, but continually renewed, as a commemoration and a warning to future generations.

At the same time, it is not enough only to remember these tragic events to prevent them from happening again; nations must play an active role in working for peace. From the rubble of the Second World War came forth the creation of the United Nations in 1945, the organization with the responsibility precisely “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war…and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small… “.

Vatican Post marked these two anniversaries with the issue of a miniature sheet consisting of two postage stamps of 2.00 euro each. The stamps were released  on the 19^th of May.

The stamps feature work by artist Marco Ventura who on the first value depicts an injured hand against a dark background to symbolize the defeat of humanity in the face of the horrors of war. The second stamp shows three hands symbolically holding up the world, the UN headquarters in New York, and an olive branch against a fair sky, all representing the possibility of building together a future of peace.

The contrast between the two opposing realities is accented further with the barbed wire which appears in the stamps on the left side of the sheet, while exiting on the right side transformed into the colors of a rainbow, a universal symbol of peace.

Club News

Book Review

‘Meghdoot Postcards Guide’ (2002-2014) By P.D. Heda

 

Post Independence Postal Stationery of India, Part 1 ‘Meghdoot Postcards Guide’ (2002-2014) By P.D. Heda : Hardbound Pages 130: Price Rs. 650 (US $30/-), ( Postage extra) Published by P.D. Heda.

‘Meghdoot Postcards Guide’ (2002-2014), Post Independence Postal Stationery of India, Part 1 by Shri Purushottam Das Heda, philatelist from Hyderabad, features complete listing of Meghdoot Postcards issued from 2002 to 2014. The book gives comprehensive list of 948 Meghdoot Postcards with details of design, release dates and printing quantities.The book consists of 130 pages printed on art paper with multi-color illustrations . The layout and dersign of the book is fine. It is an excellent reference book for thematic Stamp collectors as Meghdoot cards have been issued on various subjects, covering tourism, conservation of water, energy ,environment, wildlife etc. campaigns on various social issues like cleanliness, health. education etc.

This book would be very much helpful to postal stationery collectors and especially those who are interested in Meghdoot Postcards. However the book is informative and a good reference book for all philatelists. For the book, Author Shri Purushottam Das Heda can be contacted via email pdheda@hotmail.com or on mobile no. +919848089049.

About the author –

Shri Purushottam Das Heda is an engineer by profession. He started his journey in the field of philately in 1962 at the age of 17. His area of interest is in “ Post Independence Postal Stamps and Stationery.’ In postal stamps, his interest is emphasized on printer's registration imprints on sheet margins, commonly known as ‘Traffic Lights’.

New Special Cover

Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj – 14th May 2015

A special cover was released by Shri D. B. Shirke, Sr. Superintendent of Post Office, Pune City West Division on the occasion of 358th birth anniversary of great Maratha warrior Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj at Pune on 14th May 2015 at the function organized by Mavala Javan Sanghatna, Pune (Special cover approval no. MH/19/2015).

Sambhaji Bhosale (14 May 1657 – 11 March 1689) was the eldest son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire, and his first wife Saibai. He was successor of the realm after his father's death. Sambhaji's rule was largely shaped by the ongoing wars between the Maratha kingdom and the Mughal Empire, as well as other neighbouring powers such as the Siddis, Mysore and the Portuguese in Goa. Sambhaji was captured, tortured, and executed by the Mughals, and succeeded by his brother Rajaram.

Special Cover on Dr. Jack De Sequeira, first opposition leader of Goa, Daman and Diu Legislative Assembly – 30th May 2015

Chief Minister of Goa Laxmikant Parsekar and Postmaster General of Goa Region Shri Charles Lobo released a special cover on Dr. Jack De Sequeira, first opposition leader of Goa, Daman and Diu Legislative Assembly on 30th May, 2015 at Seminar Hall, Goa Legislative Assembly Complex in Porvorim (Special Cover approval no. MH/21/2015).

Courtesy - Indian Philately Digest

Read More

Gujpex-2015, Ahmedabad

 

 

Special Cover on ‘Sabarmati River Front’ – 24 March 2015

Gujpex-2015, 13th Gujarat State Level Philatelic Exhibition – 24th – 27th March 2015

Gujpex-2015, 13th Gujarat State Level Philatelic Exhibition organized by Gujarat Postal Circle inaugurated by Hon. Governor of Gujarat Shri O.P. Kohli at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, Ahmedabad. Ms. Meenaxiben Patel, Hon'ble Mayor, Ahmedabad city, Dr. Kirit Solanki, Member of Parliament (LS) and Dr. Jagdish Bhavsar, Chairman, Ahmedabad Municipal School Board and Brigadier Sanjeev Thapar, Chief Postmaster General, Gujarat Postal Circle were present on the dais at the inaugural function. Large number of philatelists, stamp dealers and officers and staff members of Department of Posts witnessed the inaugural ceremony.

On the occasion as Special Cover on ‘Sabarmati River Front’ was released by Hon. Governor.

Hon. Governor also released a book titled ‘Collector's Guide to British India Bazar Postcards' written by philatelist Shri Prafful Thakkar. 240 fully coloured pages presents present more than 1700 Bazar Postcards with value along with pictures in different varieties of British Royalty, Indian Princely State Rulers, Ravi Varma paintings-oleographs and Other Themes with further classification of color, creativity, calligraphy and design.

 

Courtesy - Indian Philately Digest

Collector's Guide to British India Bazar Postcard – By Praful Thakkar

Bazar Postcards of British India is a fascinating section of Indian Postal stationery which has colors, creativity and charisma. They were created during British period by dealers who knew the pulse of the masses. They were artistically and exquisitely made to attract and appeal to public imagination to use them. They were mainly produced and used during the Edwardian period. Subsequently, they were in vogue for advertising purpose in Georgian periods too.

This subject has an attraction because these ornamental and artistic Bazar Postcards have got the touch of creative imagination of dealers of those days. The colorful creativity of Bazar Postcards can be seen on address side. Here attracting pictures, calligraphic & artistic writing of words “Post Card” and graphic designed box for affixing the stamp were shown by the manufacturers..

In this book of 240 fully colored pages, an effort is made to present more than 1700 Bazar Postcards with value along with pictures in different varieties of British Royalty, Indian Princely State Rulers, Ravi Varma paintings-oleographs and Other Themes with further classification of color, creativity, calligraphy and design. They certainly show that the touch of creative imagination of dealers of those days was able to create fascination and attraction in general public for these ornamental and artistic Bazar Postcards.

Praful K. Thakkar, a retired IAS officer is the collector of autographs, stamps, FDCs, coins, medals, tokens, badges , badge plates etc. since last more than 45 years. He got a legacy of art and numismatic understanding and insight from his father. He developed the hobby of collecting Art, Autographs and Numismatic objects in his own way. ‘Share the Knowledge & Spread the Knowledge’ is the motto of his life. And in true spirit of his life’s motto, besides authoring several learned publications on Indian culture in Gujarati, he has authored ‘Collector’s Guide to Indian Canteen Tokens’, ‘Collector’s Guide to Membership Badges of Turf & Race Clubs of India’, ‘Collector’s Guide to Chronologies of Sultans, Rulers & Colonial Heads of India’ and ‘Chapras : Collector’s Guide to Belt Buckles, Badges and Badge Plates of India’, ‘Collector’s Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India 1947-1964 Official & Private’ and "Glimpses of Indian Autographs". His philately book has received awards in International Philatelic Exhibitions at Portugal, South Africa, Washington-USA , Chicago-USA, Tokyo-Japan and Jakarta-Indonesia.

His two websites www.indiannumismatics.com and www.indianautographs.com have made landmarks in their respective hobby-fields of Numismatics and Autograph collection.

In 2008, The Numismatic Society of India Varanasi, Indian Coin Society, Nagpur and Indian National Trust for Art Culture and Heritage, Gwalior have awarded him the ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ for his innumerable and invaluable contribution to Indian Numismatics and Para-numismatics in all its aspects.

In 2009, he has been considered as National record holder by Limca Book of Records and has been placed as record holder for his collections of Autographs and Indian Canteen Tokens.

In the same year 2009, Gujarat Coin Society took cognisance of his excellent works and achievements and has also given him ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ for his outstanding service to numismatic fraternity. He has rendered his services as Chairman in Coinex-2006 and Coinex-2010, which were National Level Numismatic Exhibitions organised by Gujarat Coin Society, Ahmedabad. And he has successfully accomplished his mission.

In 2011, Lohana Maha Parishad, Ahmedabad has awarded him an International level ‘Vishisht Raghuvanshi Pratibha Award’ recognising and appreciating his vivid activities and hobbies.

Through this book ‘Collector's Guide to British India Bazar Postcards’, he has made a painstaking and pioneering attempt to give a direction and dimension to this little explored and less known creative subject of Indian philately-Bazar Postcards.

Read More

Monograph - The Post Office Mauritius Stamps

 

Book Review

 

Monograph – The Post Office Mauritius Stamps by Col Jayanta Dutta and Dr Anjali Dutta , Published by The Army Philatelic Society L-335, Tarapore Towers, New Link Road Oshiwara, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400053. Price Rs 35O - Contact email : doctorjayanta2009@gmail.com

The recent Monograph by Col Jayanta Dutta and Dr Anjali Dutta is a comprehensive work on world famous rarest stamps of the world  “ The Post Office Mauritius stamps “. Every stamp collector must have heard about these famous stamps but might not know the whole story behind these stamps. Col J. Dutta and Dr Anjali Dutta have researched on the topic and wrote a wonderful Monograph on these stamps which all stamp lovers would like very much.

The first two postage stamps of Mauritius  issued in 1847, the so-called "Post Office" stamps, are of legendary rarity and value. They were the first stamps issued in any part of the British Empire outside of Great Britain. The unique cover bearing both “Post Office” stamps has been called "la pièce de résistance de toute la philatélie" or "the greatest item in all philately". On September 21, 1847, Mauritius issued two stamps, an orange-red one penny (1d) and a deep blue two pence (2d).The words "Post Office" appear in the left panel, but were changed to "Post Paid" in the following issue, and are the source of the stamps' common name. The "Post Office" stamps are among the rarest stamps in the world, and are of legendary status in the world of philately.

The monograph has color pictures of stamps and its rarest covers. The layout, design and printing of the book is excellent. The Monograph gives list of all the stamps and covers of the series with complete details. The historical story of these stamps  described in this  Monograph would be liked by all stamp lovers and it would be an asset in their collection. This interesting book is recommended to all stamp collectors as well as to  the libraries of  educational institutions.

Club News

Special Cover : Centenary of Vani Vilasa Sabha, Kumbakonam

A Special Cover was issued on 26 December2014 at Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu to celebrate Centenary of Vani Vilasa Sabha, Kumbakonam.

 

Stamp Exhibition

ROCPEX 2015 - Philatelic Exhibition 30 – 31 January 2015 January at Trichy.

-  Kasinath  R. – Tanjore

Read More

New Philatelic Publication - Philcent India 2014 – 15

 

Book Review

PHILCENT INDIA 2014 –15 

by Prem Chand Jaiswal

 

Philcent India 2014 -15 Guide Book by Prem Chand Jaiswal published by Philcent Publications, Kolkata -  Pages 128 Price - Rs 500 (Post Free in India) , - $25 for all foreign countries inclusive of registered airmail bookpost & Packing – For more details Contact : philcent@rediffmail.com   Ph. 9831598560  ; 033 - 65294756 – Distributed by Madanchand Darda eamil – madanchandra@gmail.com  Ph. 7667730851

  The recent Book PHILCENT INDIA 2014 – 15 by  renowned Professional Philatelist  of India Mr Prem Chand Jaiswal is a complete guide book to Indian Philately. The book includes main chapters on  British India, India Post Independence and  Indian Princely States.

British India: It includes chapters on Postal History, Complete listing of British India Stamps with pricing, Booklets, air mail, Rocket mail, Meter franking Slogans, special postmarks Local Overprints perfins and safety markings.

Post Independence India 1947 to June 2014 : This section gives complete listing & pricing with illustrations of all stamps ( commemoratives, definitives, official, Military stamps, se-tenants, miniature sheets, panes and sheetlets.

Indian Princely States :  This section gives introduction of all the states issuing postage stamps and listing of  all states issuing  fiscal adhesives with illustrations.

India and Indian Princely States :  This section includes introduction to Crests, Hundis & Savings Certificates with illustrations.

This book is an excellent reference book for all collectors of Indian Philately in the catalogue form with finest details. The book with a nice layout has all color illustrations . A separate booklet with cross index for Philcent, Stanley Gibbons & Philatelia Catalogue numbers has also been  given with the book for collectors’ convenience.

The paper and printing  quality of the book is very good.  The book has been printed in small size fonts which makes it very comprehensive in  128 Pages. For the readers it is very convenient to carry it .   The price of the book is very moderate as per its contents. The book has covered all related topics of Indian Philately. Collectors would find this book very useful.  I recommend this book  to all philatelists and stamp lovers. This book will be an asset for the libraries of  Philatelic Societies and stamp Clubs.

Read More

New Book on Philately - PHILATELIST KALEIDOSCOPE

 

Book Review

PHILATELIST KALEIDOSCOPE

by

Dr Bibhudatta Mishra & Shanti Swarup Rath

"PHILATELIST KALEIDOSCOPE" by Dr Bibhudatta Mishra & Shanti Swarup Rath : Pages 160 :  Price - Rs 400.00 (hardbound ) and 350 (softbound) Published by Swarna Associates, Bhubaneswar : Book available with the Publisher Contact email : philakale14@gmail.com or swarna.associates@gmail.com 

Philatelist Kaleidoscopes is an excellent book on postage stamps which reveals every aspect of philately in a very  interesting  and easy way . After going through this wonderful book  the reader falls in love with the world of stamps and understands the real meaning of tiny pieces of paper which are the treasure of knowledge. The authors have presented the book with some very  interesting chapters that attract a philatelist as well as  a general reader. The best part of the book is its style of narration of various  associated branches of philately and philatelic terminology with the help of images  in such a simple way that a reader can well understand the hobby and how to start it in a systematic way.

The book not only provides complete information  about the hobby of stamp collecting but it is a big source of knowledge as different themes have been explained through postage stamps. The book with beautiful layout and high quality printing depicts color pictures of stamps with description about them.

As its name suggests it is an actual ‘Philatelist Kaleidoscope’. As the kaleidoscope made up of small pieces of mirror and colored glass provides viewer a colorful pattern of several images on moving it, the same is the book as we go through its  chapters we find different colorful aspects of philately. The authors have included latest information on philately from its traditional to digital form.

The book has 10 chapters touching thematic areas meant for youth collectors who are in collection of postage stamps but ignorant about the hobby.

The first chapter Stamps collection-Rainbow of diversity focuses Introduction with short description about philately, First stamps of the world, UPU etc.

The second chapter’s Cheapest mode of Communication-Popular postal stationery & services speaks notes on various postal heritage buildings with stamp images, Indian Postal services such as Money order, National savings scheme, Postal Life Insurance, India Post Freighter, Postal Index Number, Speed Post, Modern Postal System etc. Further, Postman and Types of Letter boxes, Types of postage stamps, Postal Stationery used in India have been given with factual information.

The Third Chapter’s Amateur Collectors-Beginner’s Tip paid attentions on what to study in stamps, what to collects, cancellation & types of cancellation etc with example of postage stamp or symbols.

The Fourth Chapter begins with India Pride such as National symbol, National song, National Flag, National Bird, National Flower, National Fruit, National tree, National Sports, National Land animals and many more. An interesting depiction in this chapter is all the Bharat Ratna Awardees in two pages with postage stamps, Noble laureate, Param Vir Chakra, Magsaysay awardees, oldest newspaper, oldest observatory etc. All the unit and subunit of the chapter has list of stamps released by India Post on the same content. This chapter is a big source of information about India for one and all.

The Fifth Chapter has the description of Mahatma Gandhi-Father of the Nation. The chapter also presented with list of Miniature Sheet, Cancellation & se-tenant published by India Post on Gandhi.

The Sixth chapter focuses on Rastrapati Bhawan, Loksabha & Rajya Sabha, President & Prime ministers (Name sequentially with period in the position. The chapter decorated with all the stamps, se-tenant & miniature sheet.

The seventh chapter titled “Cruising the Magnificent jungle Safari-Wild, domestic and Aquatic Animals” presented with briefing about all the wild animals with postage stamps & stationery, Domestic animals & fish, sea shell, amphibians etc. The chapters end with brief about 10 National Parks on which postage stamp released.

The Eighth chapter comprised of “Wonders of Indian Birds-Sweeping the sky with tiny wings”describing all types of bird stamps such as definitive bird stamps, conservation in bird, raptors, Antarctica birds, Migratory birds and butterflies.

The ninth Chapter has the heading “ Valley of Calm Trees & Plants-Faded Petals from a beautiful Bouquet” presented beautifully all types of tree i.e large tree, flowering plants, Perfumed flower, medicinal flowering plant, medicinal plant, orchids, mangrove plants, Himalayan Flower etc. with scientific and local names of the plants.

The Final chapter endorsed “Voyage to enlightment-Spiritual, religious and Holy routes for Salvation” all the religions Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism & Sikhism, pilgrimage places, festivals in stamps and their importance for human mankind.

Each chapter consists of Phila Quotes by famous personality with stamp images, Phila Facts, List of Miniature Sheet, Pictorial Cancellation, se-tenants, Sheet lets, Maxim card etc.

The book is recommended for the libraries of all schools, colleges and professional institutes. As it is for leisure, pleasure and knowledge. The general Readers would find the book very interesting and they will come to know about the hobby of stamp Collecting and also gain lot of general knowledge from the chapters related with varied topics about India discussed above. This book is not only a book of hobby but a very good source of information on a variety of subjects . So I would also recommend this book to those appearing for competitive exams.This book will be an asset for one and all. It is the best gift to students, academicians, professionals, nature lovers, historians and a stamp lover ! The book is complete in itself and proves that a small piece of paper issued by Postal Department has a potential to enhance one’s knowledge and preserve the history of a particular place !!

About the Authors

  Dr Bibhudatta Mishra is a researcher by profession at Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneshwar  and has taken philately as a passion, collecting stamps since his childhood. He has prepared a specialized philatelic collection on  fish and water animals. He was felicitated as the favourite writer award by “Kunikatha” for the Year 2013. Dr Bibhudatta Mishra may be contacted at   email : bhanubibhu68@gmail.com  Blog : http://fishstamplover.blogspot.in/

 

Shanti Swarup Rath is an active philatelist from Bhubaneshwar. He has a good collection of postal stationery, Indian FDC and Miniature sheets.In Thematics he loves to collect on Tiger theme. His Blog ‘ A journey of stamps through First Day Covers” features his big collection of real posted FDCs. He may be contacted at email : ssrath@hotmail.com  Blog : http://fdc4all.blogspot.in/ 

Read More

New special covers

Special Cover on 375th Madras Day Celebration

Mr D.Hemachandra Rao of Chennai  has brought out Special covers on the 375th Madras Day Celebration. The set consists of 5 covers. For covers he may be contacted at ph  no. is 09840870172.

 

- Mahesh Parekh - Chennai

Special Cover : 200th Flower Show, Lalbagh

8 August 2014

- Jagannath Mani - Bangalore

Club News

Second day event in ODIPEX-2014

The second day was started with release of two special covers on National Aluminum Company (NALCO) and INTACH, Bhubaneswar Chapter. The inaugural function was attended by Sri Ansuman Das, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, NALCO, Sri Amiya Bhusan Tripathy, IPS (retd.), State Convener, INTACH, Odisha, Dr Sudarshan Panda, Director, Nandankanan, Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar as Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Special Guest respectively. A quiz competition was organised  for school children of Bhubaneswar. A power point presentation on Philately was given by Sri Ajit Dash, Secretary, EIPA on the occasion followed by quiz competition in junior and sub-junior group.

The function was attended by Sri Bijoy Shree Routray, President EIPA, an eminent philatelist. Another attraction of the event was release of  philatelic book "PHILATELIST KALEIDOSCOPE" by EIPA President Sri Bijoyshree Routray written by Dr Bibhudatta Mishra & Sr Shanti Swarup Rath. On the occasion, Philatelist Sri Anil Dhir, Sri Anup Rout, Sri H.B.Ojha, Sri Biswanath Mishra, Sri Ajit Dash, Sri Prasant Das, Sri Manoranjan Mohapatra, Sri B.K. Biswal, Sri Pradip Mohanty, Sri C.R.Das, Sri Kasinath Sahoo and many more  graced the occasion with their presence and they  interacted with youth collectors.

- DR BIBHUDATTA  MISHRA, BHUBANESWAR

For the book ‘PHILATELIST KALEIDOSCOPE’ Dr Bibhudatta Mishra may be contacted at   email : bhanubibhu68@gmail.com

Read More

Year Book of Indian Philately : 2013

 

Book Review

Year Book of Indian Philately : 2013 By Madan Middha

Year Book of Indian Philately: 2013  by Madan Middha : Pages 271- Published by Vishesh Prakashan, Topi Bazar, Gwalior : Price Rs 300

Year Book of Indian Philately: 2013  by Mr Madan Middha has just been released. The book features every aspect of Indian Philately like articles on Indian Philately related subjects, listings of special covers, stamps, postal stationery, exhibitions, award winners etc. In this edition articles by renowned philatelists  have also been published. The list of important articles is given below :

• Indian Telegraphs – A tribute by  Ilyas Patel,
• Indo-Pak Mails – Arrangements after partition of 1947 by Ashok Kumar Bayanwala,
• Azad Hind Stamps by  Naresh Agarwal,
• Mahatma Gandhi, 1948 issues by  Sudhir Jain,
• Indian Watermarks by  Madan Middha,
• Window Delivery by  Rajesh Paharia,
• Smart Money Order by  Prashant Pandya,
• Unusual Stamps : Cloth Stamps by Ramarathnam K.
• Special article on  “My Stamp” and “R.M.F.M. Metermarks”.
• Terms Unexplained by Year Book Editorial Team
• Rejoinders – Ungummed Definitives of India by P.G. Heda ; My Stamp by Editorial Team ; R.M.F.M. Meter Marks by Editorial Team

The book covers information on philatelic events of year 2013. Award List of international exhibitions, forthcoming international exhibitions, Indian stamps, postal stationery, Army covers, Special covers and postmarks issued during the year 2013 have been listed in the book. Information on Postal History events, exhibitions, society news has also been included in the year book.

Philatelic Tid – Bits is a very interesting section of this book. This section covers some very interesting news of the year 2013 of the philatelic world. One can find many uncommon and eye catching subjects in this section like SMS postage stamps, First Underground Post Office, news on academic recognition to philately, New Methods to check Rare Postage stamps and many more news items. It is a perfect book for all stamp lovers especially those who wish to get complete information about 2013 events of the Indian Philately. As the book covers each and every aspect it will prove very useful to every stamp collector from beginner to specialized collector. The paper, printing and layout of the book is very nice. I am sure the book will be an asset for all stamp collectors. This book is recommended to all philatelic libraries of philatelic societies and stamp clubs as well as to the libraries of schools and colleges for students.

The preface of this edition highlights the “Frustrations of a Philatelist” who are concerned with the future of their philatelic belongings and the hobby in general. Some important and thought provoking issues are taken by the editor.

2013 edition of the “Year Book of Indian Philately” is  available with Mr Madan Middha The price of the year book is Rs. 300 inclusive of postage in India.Readers may contact : Mr Madan Middha, Saket Vihar, Phalka Bazar, GWALIOR - 474 001. email : madan_middha@yahoo.co.in

Earlier editions of the Year Book have won a number of Regional, National & International Awards  It has won a Silver Medal at the IPhLA 2012 at Mainz, Germany; also a number of other awards at FIP & FIAP  philatelic exhibitions held in last few years.

Read More

Year Book of Indian Philately 2013

 

Year Book of Indian Philately : 2013 

by Madan Middha

 

Year Book of Indian Philately: 2013  by Mr Madan Middha has just been released. The book features every aspect of Indian Philately like articles on Indian Philately related subjects, listings of special covers, stamps, postal stationery, exhibitions, award winners etc. In this edition articles by renowned philatelists  have also been published. The list of important articles is given below :

• Indian Telegraphs – A tribute by  Ilyas Patel,
• Indo-Pak Mails – Arrangements after partition of 1947 by Ashok Kumar Bayanwala,
• Azad Hind Stamps by  Naresh Agarwal,
• Mahatma Gandhi, 1948 issues by  Sudhir Jain,
• Indian Watermarks by  Madan Middha,
• Window Delivery by  Rajesh Paharia,
• Smart Money Order by  Prashant Pandya,
• Unusual Stamps : Cloth Stamps by Ramarathnam K.
• Special article on  “My Stamp” and “R.M.F.M. Metermarks”.

2013 edition of the “Year Book of Indian Philately” is  available with Mr Madan Middha The price of the year book is Rs. 300 inclusive of postage in India.Readers may contact : Mr Madan Middha, Saket Vihar, Phalka Bazar, GWALIOR - 474 001. email : madan_middha@yahoo.co.in

Earlier editions of the Year Book have won a number of Regional, National & International Awards  It has won a Silver Medal at the IPhLA 2012 at Mainz, Germany; also a number of other awards at FIP & FIAP  philatelic exhibitions held in last few years.

Read More

FIFA World Cup 2014 stamps from Malta

 

Date of Issue : 12 June 2014

Here are new stamps from Malta Post in a souvenir sheet featuring FIFA World Cup 2014. The FIFA World Cup 2014 is being held in  in Brazil between 12 June and 13 July 2014. This is the championship’s 20th edition having started in Uruguay in 1930. Brazil is hosting the event for the second time and 32 nations are competing for the grand title. A total of 64 matches are to be played in 12 cities across Brazil and this is the first time that goal-line technology will be used in the World Cup Finals. The official anthem for the 2014 World Cup Finals is “We Are One” and was sung by Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte at the inauguration ceremony.

The official emblem is entitled “Inspiration” and the design is based on the idea of three victorious hands together raising the World Cup trophy. Its colours evoke the country’s national flag and the design reflects Brazil’s desire to warmly welcome the world to this grand event.

The mascot for Brazil 2014 – the animated armadillo Fuleco – is set to make Fifa millions. But the real animal – the Brazilian three-banded armadillo – is perilously close to extinction.

The event’s official mascot and emblem has been featured  respectively on the 0.59 and 1.55 stamp. The World Cup has been held every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1930, with the exception of 1942 and 1946 due to the Second World War. Eight different countries have won the 19 World Cup events with Brazil topping the list – winning five times. The other World Cup winners were Italy with four titles, West Germany with three titles and Argentina and Uruguay with two titles each. England, France and Spain won the title once.

In 2012, Fifa unveiled its mascot for Brazil 2014, a colourful armadillo called Fuleco. Its real-world inspiration is the Brazilian three-banded armadillo Tolypeutes tricinctus, a species that has evolved the defensive trick of rolling up into a near-perfect, football-like sphere.

Read More…

Club News

The Year Book of Indian Philately : 2013

The Year Book of Indian Philately : 2013 edition by Madan Middha has just been  released. The book is available with Mr Middha.

Please contact  Mr Madan Middha Saket Vihar, Phalka Bazar, GWALIOR 474 001. - email : madan_middha@yahoo.co.in

 

2013 edition of the Year Book includes important philatelic texts / research articles on some important subjects in Indian Philately, like

             - A very important article on “Mail Arrangements between India & Pakistan” after partition of 1947, is authored by famous postal               historian Shri Ashok Bayanwala for the 2013 edition of the Year Book. The article makes a very interesting reading and is a gem of the postal history information.

            - The Telegrams or the Telegraphs, breathed their last in India during 2013. “Indian Telegraphs” had a long history, spread over 63 Years and covering every sphere of Indian lives. It was befitting to have a tribute for this service included in the 2013 edition of the  Year Book, we have done so. A farewell write-up to this iconic service is written by Shri Ilyas Patel on its setting off. A write-up to   preserve for the times to come; for reference & remembrance.

           -  The regular contributor, Shri Naresh Agarwal has penned an article on “Azad Hind Stamps” for this edition. Azad Hind Stamps have a special philatelic and also emotional significance among Indian Philatelists ; these are inseparable part of Indian Postal History. You will be astonished to learn about the background and other details about them.

            - India and Indian Philately is known in the world by name of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi is one of the themes recognised and collected world over with great enthusiasm. Noted thematic collector Shri Sudhir Jain has compiled an article on “Gandhi : 1948 Issues” which highlights lots of details about this much recognised stamp issue from India, which with “Service” overprint, is known as the  costliest modern stamp of the world.

            -  An specially commissioned article on “Indian Watermarks” is a worthy addition to the contents of the 2013 Year Book. This article provides the details of the watermarks found on Indian Postal Stamps to the date, with illustrations of all of them.

           -  On the contemporary scene, India Post has started a new money transfer service in collaboration with the ICICI Bank, one of the  largest private banks in India, called the “Smart Money Order”. This service has many firsts to its credit and has an interesting  story to go through. Famous writer Prashant Pandya has recorded the facts and the story of this service for the Year Book 2013.

          -    Rajesh Paharia, a postal history enthusiast has contributed an article on “Window Delivery” facility provided by the postal  departments in earlier years. This is one of the rare subjects in philately with little information available ; this article is an effort to  unfold this mystery.

         

Read More

New Stamp on UNESCO

 

FDC: 60^th Anniversary of Belarus’ Entry into UNESCO

In 2014 the Republic of Belarus celebrates the 60th anniversary of its entry into the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).On 14^th April 2014, the Ministry of Communications and Information of the Republic of Belarus issued the stamp “60^th anniversary of Belarus' entry into UNESCO”.

The stamp is of the denomination of “N” i.e. equal to the surface tariff of a postcard being sent abroad.

Sheetlet of six stamps

Besides the official logo of UNESCO, all the four World Heritage sites situated in the geographical boundary of Belarus are depicted on this stamp. They are (clockwise from the left top corner of stamp):

1. Architectural, Residential and Cultural Complex of the Radziwill Family at Nesvizh: It is located in central Belarus. The Radziwill dynasty, which built and kept the ensemble from the 16th century till 1939, gave birth to some of the most important personalities in European history and culture. Due to their efforts, the town of Nesvizh came to exercise great influence in the sciences, arts, crafts and architecture. The complex consists of the residence castle and the mausoleum church of Corpus Christi with their setting. The castle has ten interconnected buildings, which developed as one architectural whole around a six-sided courtyard. The palaces and Corpus Christi Church became important prototypes, which marked the development of architecture throughout central Europe and Russia.

2. Beloveshskaya Pushcha: It is located on the watershed of the Baltic and Black seas, this immense forest range, consisting of evergreens and broad-leaved trees, is the home of some remarkable animal life, including rare mammals such as the wolf, the lynx, the otter, as well as some 300 European bison, a species which has been reintroduced into the park.

Max Card: A herd of European Bison in Beloveshskaya Pushcha

3. Mir Castle Complex: The construction of this castle began at the end of the 15th century, in Gothic style. It was subsequently extended and reconstructed, first in the Renaissance and then in the Baroque style. After being abandoned for nearly a century and suffering severe damage during the Napoleonic period, the castle was restored at the end of the 19th century, with the addition of a number of other elements and the landscaping of the surrounding area as a park. Its present form is graphic testimony to its often turbulent history.

4. Struve Geodetic Arc: The Struve Arc is a chain of survey triangulations stretching from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea, through ten countries and over 2,820km. These are points of a survey, carried out between 1816 and 1855 by the astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve, which represented the first accurate measuring of a long segment of a meridian. This helped establish the exact size and shape of our planet and marked an important step in the development of earth sciences and topographic mapping. It is an extraordinary example of scientific collaboration among scientists from different countries, and of collaboration between monarchs for a scientific cause. The original arc consisted of 258 main triangles with 265 main station points. The listed site includes 34 of the original station points, with different markings, i.e. a drilled hole in rock, iron cross, cairns, or built obelisks.

- Pradeep Kumar Mallik – Patna

Post Haste: Quintessential India - Unveiling an amazing India through stamps

A book Post Haste: Quintessential India written by B.G. Verghese was released on 1 May 2014 at India International Centre in Delhi.

Post Haste provides a glimpse of the colours and strands of India through its stamps. B. G. Verghese decided to illustrate the book with stamps rather than photographs or drawings. Post Haste offers a 350-page magical tour through its space and time. It is also possibly the only book in the world that tells the story of a country through postage stamps.

The story of the stamps covers important events in India's history and the contributions of significant individuals who made a mark in the nation's life. Verghese has intended "Post Haste..." as a book for young readers who know little about amazing India, but it is a book for all ages. It is a delightful book, to be dipped in again and again at leisure, to savour the interesting facts, amazing tales and engaging myths.

About the Author : Boobli George Verghese is a senior Indian journalist. He began his career as a journalist with the Times of India in 1949. In 1975, he received the Ramon Magsaysay award for outstanding contribution to journalism. He is currently Visiting Professor at the Centre for Policy Research, Chairman, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and Fellow, ASCI, Hyderabad.

Courtesy : Indian Philately Digest

 

Read More