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

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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.

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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/ 

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Indian Antarctic Expedition - Philatelist’s Guide

 

 

I am pleased to write the review of the recent book “Indian Antarctic Expedition-Philatelist's Guide'” by noted philatelist of Dehradun, Mr Abhai Mishra  . Mr Mishra personally presented this book to me recently . I have gone through the book and found that it is not only the catalogue of philatelic items related to Indian Antarctic Expeditions for a philatelist but a complete book on all Indian Antarctic Expeditions which will attract philatelists and non philatelists both since the book gives comprehensive details about  people, organizations and scientific units associated with Indian Antarctic Expeditions. Another interesting part of the book is author’s personal experiences revealed in the book  which he had as a member during twenty-first Indian Antarctic Expedition  2002 .He writes …

“Participation in the Antarctic Expedition requires mental and physical fitness at the utmost level. An Antarctic expeditionary has to face the severe cold, blizzards and isolation. Members  of the Expedition had to undergo a week long rigorous medical examination at AIIMS, New Delhi. The team was taken to Gursaon Top (13000ft), Auli, Joshimath for acclimatization purpose. The team had undergone extensive training for movement in the glaciers.”

The book is the amalgamation of  philately and scientific expedition which the readers would find  extraordinarily interesting !! Before I share my own review I would like to share here a wonderful review of this book by a non philatelist, Mr US Pandey who is a banker,  novelist and a  writer. His review is available at following link..

A Scientist and a Philatelist

Indian Antarctic Expedition —Philatelist’s Guide 

-  A Review by US Pandey 

 http://uspandey.com/2014/08/14/a-scientist-and-a-philatelist/

Book Review

Indian Antarctic Expedition Philatelist’s Guide By Abhai Mishra - Pages 116 - Price For India  Rs. 1500/- postpaid. For foreign via paypal 50 euro postpaid  Available at  : www.stampsofindia.com or contact Abhai Mishra  email : abhai_mishra@rediffmail.com 

 A book titled "Indian Antarctic Expedition-Philatelist's Guide" by noted philatelist, Mr Abhai Mishra was recently released in Dehradun. The book traces the history of Indian Antarctic Expeditions through mails and letters carried with the expedition. It documents the Indian Antarctic postal history through cancellations, cachets, labels, envelopes, letter  heads, QSL cards, postcards used during the expedition. The book reveals very rare and lesser known facts of Antarctica. The book illustrates, hundreds of rare letters carried with the expedition and describes each and every Indian Expedition in detail.

Author with Dr Giriraj Singh Sirohi,First Indian to visit Antarctica

The book has 54 chapters.These include historical perspective (with details about Dr Giriraj Singh Sirohi, First Indian to visit Antarctica and Dr Paramjit Singh Sehra, first Indian to winter over in Antarctica) , Various date cancellers used in Indian Antarctic Post Offices,Institutions managing the Indian Antarctic  Program, Indian Antarctic Expeditions,Indian Antarctic Stations ( Dakshin Gangotri, Maitri and Bharati), Lists of Commemorative stamps, special covers, Cinderella and booklets pertaining to Indian Antarctic Expeditions, Indian Antarctic Clubs, lists of QSL Cards used by the HAM operators  during the expeditions,, honorary postmasters of Indian Antarctic Post offices, Feats and Facts of Indians in Antarctica and List of estimated price of  Indian Antarctic Covers .

The author has given guideline as to how to use the book. Various  Philatelic items illustrated in the book have been numbered for reference purpose. Specific numbers have been assigned to Covers, Letter Heads, Labels, Postcards, Cachets, Viewcards, QSL Cards and Date Cancellers. The details about these numbers have been given under special chapter “ Numbering System”.

The author himself was part of twenty-first Indian Antarctic Expedition in 2002 as communication officer. He writes…‘When I saw the first iceberg, draped in the evening sun and glittering like gold on the vast expanse of water, I decided I will definitely write a memoir of my journey to the forbidden continent. It never happened.’ But in this book Mr Abhai Mishra writes about his Antarctic Expedition both as a scientist and philatelist with a deep research on various type of philatelic items issued  on Indian Antarctic Expeditions. As a scientist he explains all technical terms, organizations and technical units associated with the expeditions as well as many interesting facts which he himself experienced during the expedition. As a philatelist he categorized all the philatelic items related with Indian Antarctic Expedition  which he could obtain or create so meticulously in a catalogue form. The material listed in the book primarily belongs to author’s collection which took about ten years to form.

In fact this book has  created  a special branch of postal history which could be called Postal history of Indian Antarctic Expeditions . It  will be cherished by all philatelists as this is a novel and difficult subject . Difficult in the sense that to collect letters from Antarctica,lot of patience is required as it may take about a year for the letter to reach its destination by various modes of Transport like ships, snow automobiles, aircraft helicopter, sledge etc..The author has put great efforts to  list and catalogue the material related to Indian Antarctic expedition which beautifully  emerged into new branch of Indian postal history. This book will be very useful to those too who love to know more about Indian Antarctic expeditions as the book gives  necessary details  about all Indian Antarctic Expeditions and personal thrilling experiences of the author .

The book is first of its kind to be written on Indian Antarctic postal history.  The book has a nice  layout with high quality printing on very fine paper. Various philatelic items illustrated in the book are very sharp , clear and  are in their original color   . This is an essential reference book for the lovers of  Indian Postal History and those collecting stamps on   Antarctica or scientific expedition themes. The book will be an asset to the libraries of educational institutions as well as to the  libraries of the philatelic societies. Every philatelist will be proud to have this book in his/her collection.

About the author

Abhai Mishra is an amateur philatelist since 25 years.He has designed over fifty Special Covers and cancellations for the Department of Post. As a philatelist he specializes in in the area of Indian Antarctica and Uttrakhand. He has authored a book titled – ‘A Philatelic Journey’, published by Deptt of Post, Uttrakhand Circle.Professionally he is a scientist with Defence Research and Development, presently working at DEAL, Dehradun. He may be contacted at email : abhai_mishra@rediffmail.com

 

- Jeevan Jyoti

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New book on Odisha…

 

Confluences

– Journey into the Heart and Soul of Odisha

 

I am pleased to write  about   a new book recently published on Odisha “ Confluences” by noted philatelist and author,  Anil Dhir . Mr Dhir took up the quest to discover the last geographical boundaries that have been left for man to explore. It was not vast new lands that he was in search of, but confluence points - precise points that are on or near land where lines of longitude and latitude cross and the coordinates are whole numbers. For this, he chose his home state Odisha.This wonderful book is  all about author’s journey to fifteen intriguing destinations of Odisha'. He travels spontaneously off the beaten path and takes risks most people wouldn’t dream of. Each tale is unique yet all are connected by a spiritual thread.

Sometimes back I have written about some more books by Anil Dhir in this blog which were related with philately…but this book is different and very exclusive.  It has two chapters related with philately on postal history.

Confluences  – Journey into the Heart and Soul of Odisha by Anil Dhir  Published by Amadeus Press, Bhubaneshwar Pages 270 – Price - Rs 275

Author’s journey to 15 Confluent points of Odisha

Orissa is a unique combination of beautiful locations, exotic cultures and warm & friendly people.  Located on the eastern coast of India,with a 400 kilometer long coastline, towering mountains, serene lakes and frolicking rivers.

Odisha is a state which can be rightly called a classic land of paradoxes. Rich in history and geography   is  dotted with exquisitely built temples and monuments dating back to ancient and medieval times. The sprawling Chilika Lake, Mangrove forests of Bhitarkanika and marine turtle rookery at Gahirmatha are world’s important sites of natural heritage as recognized by Ramsar Convention.

This book has two interesting philatelic stories ‘ The king’s messenger’ and ‘The Last Post’. Philatelists would love to read these chapters related with postal history along with adventurous stories of different places falling on specific confluence points  which Mr Dhir visited. The narration of the places, surroundings, people, their lifestyle is so interesting and it gives a complete picture of  rural Odisha to the Readers…

The book is a beautiful travelogue explaining history, culture, traditions, rituals and legends of Odisha. 

The State is also referred to as “The Soul of India”, as it is considered as a mystical land where the past and the modern today form a harmonious blend. It is often said that the State has everything under the sky, opulent forest and agricultural wealth, mineral reserves and a divine coastline. The state is a treasure trove of minerals and natural resources. The other face is of a land of acute and chronic poverty for the bulk of its population.The book closed the gap between the two faces to a great extent. 

Some thrilling moments of the author's journey from the book…

“ We were chased by an elephant at Raijharan (21N 85 E), nearly bitten by a king Cobra at Sukinda (21N 86E) Stepped on a sleeping python at Talari (20N 84 E) , and taken hostage by Maoists at Maligam (19N 83 E). a porcupine shot its quills at me in Kottsamalai (24N84E) We nearly drowned when our boat capsized in the Tel river and Nandul (20N83E).

At Talari we discovered a pre historic rock shelter with art on the walls. I found a cache of Stone Age tools inside a cave. I picked up a two carat diamond from  the sands in the Ib river at Kainsara (22N 84E), a few kilometers upstream from Hirakud dam. At Sonepur we got ourselves fistfuls of semi precious stones and at Sunari posi in Keonjhar we joined Jhara tribesmen in panning for gold in the nearby streams.”

The book is full of many more interesting events that happened during the long  journey of the author…

The author wades in knee-deep water with his  GPS device to arrive at a confluence point – Maligam 19°N 83°E – in the middle of Murani River in Odisha

This book is an extraordinary travelogue which combines history,culture, myth, legends traditions, rituals and  concerns explained in 27  chapters. Each chapter has its own story  full of thrill and adventurous description .

The book is written in such a way that it continuously creates curiosity and  fascination  till the end of the book.

Even for readers who do not like history and geography subjects , the writer has written with such affection and humor that the topic becomes fascinating to one and all. The stories, given after each of his Confluence visit reports are an eclectic mix, highlighting the little known aspects of the State. The general reader would be aware of Odisha as the land of the Sun Temple and the Lord’s abode at Puri, but this is one book which showcases the state as never done before. It is definitely a journey into the heart and soul of Odisha. If one has to readjust a single book to know Odisha, this is the one.

All different chapters in the book are first hand experiences of the places , Mr Dhir visited and people he met during his hunts for  the confluences. He travelled nearly 21,000 km visiting  every district of Odisha. The chapters in the book  are varied, ranging from the crumbling Sun Temple of Konark, an old forgotten cemetery, a maverick  Tonga puller, a large hearted Naxalite, a dying river, lakk-foraging buffaloes, an environmental hotspot and the penury of Odisha’s starving poor. By going through this book the readers will  definitely get a new picture of Odisha with its rich past,  present and a glimpse of the future of Odisha.

I strongly recommend the book to all those who love adventure and travelling as well as to the  students of geography and  history and to all those people who love to know about various hidden and unexplored  places . The book is an asset to the library of all educational and cultural  institutions .

The author’s cartographic journey, hunting for Confluences, takes one on a roller coaster ride all over the State . One can explore Odisha through this magnificent book and know more about this beautiful state. Let’s join the journey of 15 unexplored confluences of Odisha through this wonderful book .

The book is available for  Rs 200/-  post free instead of  published price of Rs 275  for the readers of Rainbow Stamp Club. Interested readers may contact :

Anil Dhir, 112 Vaishno Villa Satya Nagar, Bhubaneshwar – 751007. email : anildhir2k5@hotmail.com

 

Anil Dhir is a well known name in philatelic community. He is not only a renowned philatelist but also a noted writer from Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. He has written articles and books on various subjects . He has, over the years, traveled extensively all over India, mostly off the beaten track. He has worked among the Juang and Kondh tribals of Odisha, with Indian National Army veterans.His other interests include flying, film making, collecting stamps  old books and manuscripts, Indian temple art and architecture. He has directed and produced an award winning documentary titled “ The Last Post”.

His books on philately are quite popular among philatelists.His recent book ‘ Confluences’ is a travelogue based on his experiences and observations of  extensive journey  to the unexplored places of Odisha.

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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.

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Special Cover on Obama by Pos Malaysia…

 

Pos Malaysia  welcomed President Barack Obama by issuing a special commemorative cover to honor the President’s first visit to Malaysia since assuming office in 2008. President Obama has been the first president of the United States of America to visit Malaysia in nearly half a century after President Lyndon Johnson’s visit in 1966.n 

Pos Malaysia took the opportunity to issue a special commemorative cover which is being sold to the public since 28th April 2014. 

 

Rabindranath Tagore and The Post Office a Philatelic Tribute, Edited by Dipok Dey

 

New publication “Rabindranath Tagore and the Post Office a Philatelic Tribute” edited by renowned artist and philatelist Shri Dipok Dey has been published by Rammohun Library & Free ReadingRoom, Kolkata. This book is homage to Rabindranath Tagore and the post office.

This book contains Chronicle section, details about stamps and other philatelic material, issued by various countries on Rabindranath Tagore in alphabetical order with illustrations. Special Covers and Postmarks, Booklets etc. issued in Indian and Picture Post Cards published on Tagore. This book will be liked by all Tagore lovers and philatelists.

Book can be purchased from Rammohun Library & Free Reading Room, 267, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata- 700 009, Phone: +91-33-23502811 (2 pm to 6 pm except Saturday and Sunday) E-mail:rammohunlibraryafrr@gmail.com

New book on stamp released by Vice President

The Book “'A Stamp is Born”' authored by Shri C. R. Pakrashi, a renowned stamp designer was released by Hon'ble Shri M. Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India on 6th May 2014 at Conference Hall, Vice President's House, New Delhi.

Glimpses of Felicitation ceremony of members of PSI, JPG, DOP  at the Mahavir Jayanti Celebration function by JPG Mumbai

Shri. Dhananjay Desai (GC.Member, Philatelic Society of India.)

Shri. Prafful Thakkar (President, GPA.)

Shri. Madhukar Jhingan (Stamps of India)

Shri. Mainak Kathiara ( President E., Gujarat Philatelic Association)

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Book on Rabinranath Tagore’ s stamps and covers

 

Rabindranath Tagore and The Post Office -

A Philatelic Tribute

Here is a new beautiful book “ Rabindranath Tagore and The Post Office - A Philatelic Tribute “ edited by noted artist and philatelist Shri Dipok Dey. The book has been published by Rammohun Library and Free Reading Room, Kolkata. Rabindranath Tagore was the first Asian to win Nobel Prize in Literature. He has been honoured by  various countries on postage stamps. This book gives details with colorful illustrations of all the stamps along with First Day Covers, Postmarks, Souvenir sheets, Miniature sheets, special covers, special postmarks, Booklets, Maximum Cards, Picture Post cards ,  catch Covers etc. The cover design and layout of the book by Shri Babul Dey  is excellent. It is a complete book of philatelic items issued on Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. This book will  be liked by all Tagore lovers as well philatelists.

The first chapter gives “Rabindranath Tagore : A Chronicle : 1861 – 1941 “

The next chapters give details of stamps   issued by different countries in alphabetical order. With the details of stamps other description about Tagore’s visit or  his special association with the country is also given .

After the chapters of stamps, details of covers, postcards,   booklets and Picture Postcards  are  given. The book is hard bound and the quality of paper and printing is very fine. This nice book will add colors to the collection of philatelists and general readers would highly appreciate this book.

The other details of the book are given below :

Rabindranath Tagore and The Post Office - A Philatelic Tribute Edited by Dipok Dey - Hardbound - Pages 64  - Price Rs 575.  - Published by Rammohun  Library and Free Reading Room, 267 Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata – 700009. email : rammohunlibraryafrr@gmail.com

Dipok Dey is a renowned artist and philatelist of Kolkata. He has designed several Indian stamps, special covers and greeting cards issued by India Post. He has written several philatelic articles and edited philatelic books. He is the first Indian to design UN Stamp in 1985. His specialized exhibit on Cinema  and printing Technology has  been exhibited in many National and International Philatelic Exhibitions.

 

 

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