Philately Workshop in Shimla

 Major (Dr )Ritu Kalra,  noted philatelist from Shimla conducted a workshop on philately, at Loreto Convent Tara Hall School, Shimla on 28th June 2019, organized by the Shimla GPO. She was accompanied by Mr.Ram Tirath Sharma, Ms Aprajita, Mr.D D Sharma and Mr.  Lalit Sharma, from the  postal department. 

Philately Workshop at Loreto Convent Tara Hall,  Shimla

-Major (Dr) Ritu Kalra

It is always wonderful interacting with young   minds   . Being a philatelist I have conducted a number of workshops with children of all age groups  the  enthusiasm seen by them is palpable. When I was asked to hold a talk by a fellow philatelist  for about an hour for about 600 students I agreed but I was  apprehensive   .  600 children   would they be interested? I  have decided to introduce philately to the young audience so eventually everything fell into place . it was a real pleasure to go step by step the stories of the birth of the first stamp, genesis of stamp collection , Indian stamp journey from Scind  Dawk , Victorian lithographs we touched intricate details the World’s first bicoloured stamp also  the Von Angeli portrait in the Queen's stamp walking down memory lane the Monarch’s stamps of king Edward and his successors king George v and vi the kids, fancied stamps of Inauguration of New Delhi , the silver Jubilee stamps also the means of transport and victory stamps.

It was beautiful to see them not wink an eye engrossed in pictures of 'JAI HIND' stamps of independent India they even mesmerized the Douglas aircraft on our stamps their interest was kept alive by the nine stamps on living personalities , they felt the aroma of coffee, sandalwood  they enjoyed rose stamps.  The children were fascinated by the nine living personalities on Indian stamps.

Kids were just fascinated by the concept of errors that how any mistake could be cherished in any field they got engrossed in the stories of the 'BRITISH GUIANA' and the 'MAURITIUS  POST OFFICE' stamps. I could see the minds of children move with me .

The question answer session was but an affirmation of the fact that the children were not only with me listening  attentively it was as if they had walked down memory lane with loads of questions.  The principal sister Nirmla  was impressed and she narrated her experiences of some exhibition that she had attended long ago was imprinted on her mind . I feel that  the visual aspect of the stamps get imprinted  with  indelible ink on any one who looks at stamps.

I am sure that out of the 600 children and a handful of teachers with me in the auditorium of Loretto convent Tara  Hall on 28^th of June 2019, all of them are familiar with philately , hopefully I have been able to generate a desire in at least a few of them to pursue this  engrossing hobby that helps widen horizons , bridge generation gaps and above all awaken a desire to know more.

Major (Dr) Ritu Kalra an alumini of Convent of Jesus and Mary and St.Bede’s College completed her dental studies from Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar. Did an advanced course in smile designing from State University  of Buffalo and an MBA (Hospital Management).  Served in the Indian Army in the Dental Corps where she earned three medals 'Special Seva Medal'  with 'Clasp Suraksha' (OPS RHINO) and Assam Arunachal with 'BENGAL CLASP MEDAL'; She  opened her own clinic  post her stint with the army.  With   an  avid   interest in painting   and   philately since childhood, developed  them into a life long passion.   She has won gold (3),   silver (1)   and bronze (1) medal at  state level philatelic exhibition. In addition to the above she has won innumerable gold medals at the district level exhibitions since 2003. She is the founder and President of Himachal Philatelic Club and also member of India Study Circle,UK and a life member of Philatelic Congress of India . She may be contacted at email : ritukalra23@yahoo.in




Also view :   An Inspiring History Lesson through Philately Workshop