History Through Philately
April to June quarterly edition
This quarterly edition of “History Through Philately” (April–June) is the result of months of dedicated effort, deep research, and heartfelt passion for philately. Every page of this book has been carefully curated to transform postage stamps into living storytellers of history. Each stamp selected was studied not only for its rarity and design, but for the powerful historical moment it represents.
The journey of creating this book was both intellectually enriching and emotionally fulfilling. Countless hours were spent in sorting, scanning, documenting, and organizing stamps from India and around the world. Designing the layouts, matching historical narratives with philatelic material, and ensuring visual harmony demanded patience, discipline, and devotion. The final result is a beautifully bound volume of over 300 pages that stands as a tribute to the timeless charm of stamp collecting and the stories they preserve.
The inspiration behind this work lies deeply rooted in my childhood. My father, Shri S. Padmanabhan, was not just a philatelist, but a mentor who gently trained me in the fine disciplines of this noble hobby. From teaching me the importance of handling stamps with care, to guiding me in cataloguing, classification, thematic collecting, and preservation, he shaped my vision of philately as a serious study of history, culture, and nation-building. His disciplined approach to life and learning laid the foundation for this book.
This April–June edition is therefore not just a publication, but an emotional tribute — a continuation of a legacy he sowed in my early years. Through this book, I have attempted to pass on the same spirit of curiosity, respect for history, and love for philately that my father instilled in me.
