New Special Cover

 

81st year of Lalbaugcha Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal 

A special cover  was released on 29th August 2014 to commemorate "81st year of Lalbaugcha Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal" from Mumbai GPO.

: Zoya Mendonca -  Mumbai 

 

New pictorial cancellation from Germany

On September 7th 2014 a new pictorial cancellation will be issued in 22527 HAMBURG.The cancellation is featuring a walrus (Odebenus rosmarus).Interested philatelists may please contact: Wolfgang Beyer, Vice Chairman of the German Collector Group ARGE ZOOLOGIE. E.Mail: Wolfgang.beyer1@aol.de . Postage rates: 0,75 Euro AIRMAIL, 2,90 Euro Registered AIRMAIL.

- Wolfgang Beyer , Germany

Club News

Release of Commemorative stamps of Doyens of Music 

Function on 03.09.2014

India Post will issue a set of eight stamps featuring doyens of Music on 3rd September 2014. Following Music personalities will be commemorated on stamps. On stamp release day a  function will be held in Bangalore. by Karnataka Snageetha Nritya Academy and Deptt of Posts.

MUSICIANS OF INDIA - (i) Ravi Shankar (ii) Bhimsen Joshi (iii) D. K. Pattammal (iv) Gangubai Hangal (v) Kumar Gandharva (vi) Vilayat Khan (vii) Mallikarjun Mansur (viii) Ali Akbar Khan

On behalf of India Post, I cordially invite all the Philatelists for the Indian Musicians Commemorative Stamp release function to be  organized on 03.09.2014 at Karnataka Sangeetha Nrithya Academy,Bangalore.

- Jagannath Mani - Bangalore

National Sports Day

 

 

Philatelic Tributes to the Hockey  Wizard

29 August – Birth Anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand

National Sports Day in India is celebrated on  29th August  every year. This day marks the birthday of Dhyan Chand,the hockey player who won gold medals for India in year 1928,1932 and 1936. This day is celebrated by organizing friendly matches between different Indian hockey teams at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi which was constructed in the respect and honor of Dhyan Chand.

Festivals of India - Ganesh Chaturthi

 

Greetings on Ganesh Chaturthi

 

Today is Ganesha Chaturthi, the great Ganesha festival, also known as 'Vinayak Chaturthi' or 'Vinayaka Chavithi' is celebrated by Hindus around the world as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is observed during (mid-August to mid-September) . It is celebrated with great enthusiasm  especially in the western India state of Maharashtra, lasts for 10 days, ending on the day of 'Ananta Chaturdashi'. Greetings to all on this festive occasion.  I am  sharing here some stamps, covers and cancellation issued by Nepal, Sri Lanka,Czech Republic, Laos   and Thailand.

Laos – 5 February 1971

Cover from Thailand featuring Hindu Gods

SINGAPORE 2015 World Stamp Exhibition

Venue - Marina Bay Sands

Commissioner for Singapore 2015

The Philatelic Congress of India has appointed Mrs Damyanti Pittie as National Commissioner for Singapore 2015 a F.I.P. World Exhibition to be held from 14^th 19^th August, 2015.

Philatelists eligible and willing to participate may contact her by e.mail /or by post on following  e.mail and contact address.  The IREX and Forms can be down loaded from Singapore 2015 web site : http://www.singapore2015.com/the_show.php

 

Mrs. DAMAYANTI PITTIE, F.R.P.S.L.

NATIONAL COMMISSIONER : SINGAPORE 2015.

SUKET, 4^th Floor, 29-B, Dongersi Cross Lane, Malabar Hill, Mumbai-400 006.

Tel.No.00 91 022 23644337. Fax No.00 91 022 23633696.

E-mail: dm_pittie@mtnl.net.in

purchasemumbai@harinagar.co.in

Sailing World Championships 2014

 

Santander, World Olympic Sailing venue

Date of Issue : September 1, 2014

Spanish Post will issue a new stamp dedicated to the Santander ISAF Sailing World Championships 2014. The stamp depicts a gorgeous yacht that is flouting in sea.

The Sailing World Championships is the most important event organized by the International Sailing Federation. It takes place every four years, two before the Olympic Games, and is used to allot 75% of the places for countries taking part in the Games.

Santander is hosting the 4th World Sailing Championships over the first two weeks of September, when it will welcome about 1000 yachts and 1400 crew from more than 95 countries.

The eleven Olympic categories will take part in the competition. Countries which qualify can participate in the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in 2016.

The Royal Spanish Sailing Federation (RFEV) has set up several sites in the capital city of Cantabria, such as the marshland of the Santander Real Club Marítimo to moor the organisation’s and keeled boats, the Star and the Elliots of the Women’s Match Race, and the CEAR Príncipe Felipe (Specialist Centre for High Performance in Sailing), as well as other port areas nearby.

The first World Sailing Championships were held in Spain in 2003 in the Bay of Cadiz. Spanish philately marked this competition by issuing a commemorative stamp.The second Championships were held in Cascais in Portugal in 2007, where 1350 sailors from 76 countries attended.

The stamp recreates the blue waves of Cantabria, around yachts with sails billowing in the wind in front of the Magdalena Palace, an iconic building in Santander.

 

Augustus -  Founder of the Roman Empire

Date of Issue : 19 August 2014

Italy Post has issued a new stamp commemorating a great leader of the Roman Empire – Augustus.

The stamp features the statue of Augustus, found in via Labicana and preserved at the National Museum of Rome – Palazzo Massimo alle Terme.

Augustus was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor, ruling from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD. He was Rome’s first and arguably greatest emperor, a fine soldier and wise administrator who boasted that he found Rome built of bricks and left it cloaked in marble.

The adopted son of Julius Caesar, who defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra and built roads to span his new empire, Augustus was honoured by being commemorated with a new stamp.

New stamps on Fruits

 

 

Date of Issue : 8 August 2014

Magyar Posta ( Hungary) has issued a new fruit series of stamps depicting two still life compositions. The fruits illustrated on stamps are Bistrita plum and Tahi strawberries. The stamp issue was released on the 8^th of August .

Besztercei plum

This sort of plums presents a high genetic diversity, not only due to strong vegetative, but also generative tendency; the variety and diversity of shape. Besztercei plum is cultivated almost everywhere in Europe. It is one of the most popular fruits in Hungary for producing wine.

Tahi strawberries

Tahi strawberry is cultivated on Szentendre Island in Louisa where the several varieties are generated. At the beginning of the 20^th century this fruit was cultivated by German breeders. In the cool months between December and March, this luscious red fruit can be found at markets. They grow in Hungary to a medium size and are juicy and very rich in flavour.

Club News

 

India Post, Tamilnadu Circle, Chennai issued on 21.08.2014,  a set of 2 Presentation Packs named 'Personalities' and 'Institutions' (each pack containing set of 8 stamps x Rs. 5 each). Sale price is mentioned as Rs. 120 per pack (Rs. 40 towards stamps and Rs. 80 towards philatelic ancillaries).

: Kasinath R. - Tanjore

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

New Special Covers

 

Odipex-2014 :  9th Odisha State Level Philatelic Exhibition

22nd to 24th August 2014

 

The 9th Odisha State Level Philatelic Exhibition ‘Odipex-2014’ was organised by Odisha Postal Circle at Marawari Society, Unit-6, Bhubaneswar.During the exhibition 6 special covers were released.

 

Special Cover on Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves : 22.08.2014

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are partly natural and partly artificial caves of archaeological, historical and religious importance near the city of Bhubaneswar. The caves are situated on two adjacent hills, Udayagiri and Khandagiri, mentioned as Kumari Parvat in the Hathigumpha inscription. They have a number of finely and ornately carved caves. It is believed that most of these caves were carved out as residential blocks for Jain monks during the reign of King Kharavela. Udayagiri means "Sunrise Hill" and has 18 caves while Khandagiri has 15 caves.

Special Cover on NALCO : 23.08.2014

National Aluminium Company Limited (Nalco) is Asia's largest integrated aluminium complex, encompassing bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting and casting, power generation, rail and port operations. Commissioned during 1985-87, Nalco has emerged to be a star performer in production, export of alumina and aluminium, and more significantly, in propelling a self-sustained growth. NALCO has units in Odisha at places like Angul and Damanjodi. The company's headquarters are located in Bhubaneswar.

Special Cover on INTACH : 23.08.2014

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is India’s largest non-profit membership organization dedicated to conservation and preservation of India’s natural, cultural, living, tangible and intangible heritage. Its mission is to Sensitize the public about the pluralistic cultural legacy of India; Instill a sense of social responsibility towards preserving our common heritage; Protect and conserve our living, built, and natural heritage by undertaking necessary actions and measures; Provide expertise in the field of conservation, restoration and preservation of specific works of art; and encourage capacity building by developing skills through training programs etc.

Special Cover on East Coast Railway HQrs, Bhubaneswar : 24.08.2014

The East Coast Railway one of the blue chip zones of Indian Railways came into existence in its present form with effect from 1st April 2003. East Coast Railway has been acknowledged to have played an important role in building infrastructure and providing connectivity in Eastern, Southern and Central India.The geographical jurisdiction of East Coast Railway zone extends over three states encompassing almost all of Odisha along with parts of Srikakulam, Vizainagaram and Visakhapatnam districts of northeastern Andhra Pradesh and Bastar and Dantewada districts of Chhatisgarh state. The zonal headquarters is at Bhubaneswar in Odisha.

Special Cover on Pale-capped Pigeon : 24.08.2014

The pale-capped pigeon (Columba punicea) also known as the purple wood pigeon is a species of large pigeon that is found patchily distributed in parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. This large 36–40.5 cm-long pigeon is all-dark chestnut brown with a contrasting pale crown. The male has whitish-grey crown, purplish-maroon upperparts with faint green gloss on the neck; more strongly iridescent mantle and back; dark slate-coloured rump and uppertail-coverts; vinous-brown ear-coverts, throat and underparts, slaty-grey undertail-coverts; and blackish tail and flight feathers. Females have a more brownish-grey crown. Juveniles initially have the crown colour matching the mantle, duller wing-coverts and scapulars with rufous fringes, a much reduced gloss on the upperparts and greyer underparts. The legs are crimson and iris is creamy-yellow in adults. The skin around the eyes and the ceres are magenta.

Special Cover on Maha Bodhi Society : 24.08.2014

The Maha Bodhi Society of India was founded by Anagarika Dhammapala in May, 1891 for the purpose of resuscitation Buddhism in India and of restoring the ancient Buddhist shrines at Buddha Gaya, Sarnath and Kushinara. Having its Headquarters in Calcutta its main attention has been paid in the restoration and revival of the glory and sanctity of Buddha Gaya. For this he founded the Society’s first Centre at Buddha Gaya. Then centers were established in Sarnath, Sanchi, Lucknow, Orissa, New Delhi, Chennai Ajmer, Bangalore etc. MBS (Maha Bodhi Society) Public School is also managed under the aegis of Maha Bodhi Society of India, Odisha Centre.

The award list of Odipex-2014 is available at following link :

http://www.indianphilately.net/odipex2014awardlist.html

Gulpex-2014, Philatelic Exhibition at Gulbarga : 23rd - 24th August 2014

North Karnataka Postal Region organised Gulpex-2014, philatelic exhibition on 23rd and 24th August 2014 at Gulbarga. Gulbarga, Bidar, Bijapur and Raichur postal divisions were covered under this exhibition. A Special Cover was issued on 23rd August 2014 during the exhibition. Special Cover depicts Gulbarga Fort and the cancellation depicts a Canon.

 

My Stamps to mark 75 years of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) – 8th August 2014.

Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), founded in 1939 is the premier professional association of pharmacists in India, with a member base of over 10,000, spread across the length & breadth of the nation. IPA operates in India through 17 state branches and more than 33 local branches. The members represent various facets of pharmaceutical profession viz. Industry, regulatory, community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy & education. IPA is also actively associated in managing several academic programmes.

Prof. Mahadeva the Association. Dr. B. Suresh, Vice Chancellor, JSS University, Guest of Honour & Dr. B.R. Jagashetty, Former Drugs Controller for the state of Karnataka, Chief Patron IPA Convention, 2014 released Platinum Jubilee My Stamps.

On 8th August 2014, IPA Convention, 2014 was organised on at NIMHANS Convention Centre, Bangalore. The convention was hosted by IPA Karnataka State Branch. During the Convention My Stamps with logo of Platinum Jubilee year were released to commemorate the 75 years of the Association. Dr. B. Suresh, Vice Chancellor, JSS University, Guest of Honour & Dr. B.R. Jagashetty, Former Drugs Controller for the state of Karnataka, Chief Patron IPA Convention, 2014 released Platinum Jubilee My Stamps.

Courtesy :   Indian Philately Digest

Club News

New Blog on stamps

Here is a new beautiful blog created by young philatelist, Deepthi Suidharsan. The blog gives nice information  about  special days and related philatelic items with lot of other interesting news on stamps.    

Plz Click : Philately to view the blog.

http://philateli.blogspot.in/

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