Book Review

  

Tilak: The less explored Frontier of Indian Philately

By Sushil Mehra

 

Tilak: The less explored Frontier of Indian Philately Author - Sushil Mehra : Pages - 50 : Size A4  Paper Back : Edition - 2025 : Publisher and Copyright Holder - Sushil Mehra : Contact - WhatsApp 9972091818 : email : gaureshmehra@gmail.com

New book “Tilak: The less explored Frontier of India Philately” by Sushil Mehra is an attempt by author to explore variety of philatelic items available on Tilak 1956 2 annas Centenary issue of India and present in a form that could be displayed in a five-frame exhibit. It is very thorough research by the author to find a variety of items on a single issue. It is also a challenging task which author has presented in this book. 

The book is divided into 3 parts. Part A shows a variety of best possible philatelic material on the Tilak 1956 2 Annas Centenary issue. In Part B, the author has featured bazar postcards, ephemera, old paper, self-designed covers, special covers and a definitive stamp issued on him. In the part C of the book, the articles on Tilak philately have been presented.

  

The book is quite useful for all philatelists. It gives an idea to explore a variety of philatelic items on a single issue and present in a five or one frame exhibit. It is possible with thorough study and research which author has attempted to present in this book. The layout and print quality of the book is excellent. The images shown in the book are very clear and sharp which enable reader to view even minute of the cancellation very clearly. Thematic as well as traditional philatelists would find it interesting as the book gives a wide scope of research and explore philatelic items related to a single stamp issue.

 The book will be liked and appreciated by one and all.

About the Author

 

Sushil Mehra is a keen philatelist and numismatist with special interest in various varied subjects related to stamp, coin and note collection. He has participated in several stamp exhibition . He is a member of Karnataka Numismatic Society as well as member of Karnataka Philatelic Society. He has a complete collection of Post Independence India Stamps. ET (Economic Times) as well Deccan Herald have published articles on his collection. Karnataka Postal Circle has released Post Cards on his collection as well as two books on Special Covers of Karnataka to which he Contributed. He is author/co-author of many books on philately. Some of them are :

 

• Glimpses of Vintage Bengaluru’,
• ‘Guide to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations of India’,
• ‘ My Dashavatar Collection with special emphasis on Rama and Krishna’,
• ‘Exemplified Philatelic Terms’, 
• ‘Jai Hind – The True spirit of India’,
• ‘The Handbook of Permanent Pictorial Cancellations of India’.
• ‘INK THE PPC: An Updated Guide to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations’
• ‘My Collection of Special Covers issued by Karnataka Postal Circle 2019-2023’
• ‘The Post Office Buildings of India’
• ‘CARRIED COVERS of INDIA’
• ‘Gandhi Connections’ on Post Offices in India bearing the name of Gandhiji
• ‘Daakiya Aaya, Chitti Laya’ – a book in Hindi about Postmen and Letters through the ages through the eyes of picture postcards

He has won several award at National and International Philatelic Exhibitions.

-      -  Jeevan Jyoti

Club News

 

New e - book on Thematic Philately ( Beaks on Stamps ) - 

The Beak

By Capt. Vijay Wadhawa

Have you ever wondered why birds' beaks look so different? Birds have developed beaks that best suit the environment in which they live. To survive, birds had to be able to eat the available food and drink the water, regardless of where it was found. Their beaks gradually changed over time so that today, they're shaped so that they best help the birds find food. What else are beaks used for?

First of all, is it a beak or a bill? Some say there’s no difference, others say that a beak is short and is for poking and stabbing, whilst a bill is slender for probing and sweeping. We found that there is no universal agreement, so in this post we’ll just use both. Also, the word beak wouldn’t work in one of our favorite dad jokes! What did the duck say to the cashier when it was buying lip balm? Put it on my bill! All birds have a beak. Or is it a bill? Ornithologists (pronounced 'OR-nuh-THOL-oh-jysts') are scientists who study birds. They prefer to call them bills, but most other people call birds' mouthpieces beaks.

In addition to helping birds get food, beaks are used as tools to help birds build their nests. Birds use their beaks almost like we use our hands. They may use their beaks to kill prey or for protection against predators who are trying to eat them. Beaks are also used to care for baby birds.

Because they're so important and used for so many different tasks, bird beaks must be very strong. They're made of keratin, which is the same stuff that your fingernails are made of! The keratin grows on layers over the beak bone, making the beaks both strong and shiny. Just as your fingernails grow, keratin grows, too. As birds wear out the keratin on their beaks, more layers will grow, so their beaks will stay strong throughout their lives. So, beaks are used for many different purposes, but most importantly, for getting food. Let's see how some birds' beaks are shaped to help them do this.

This Book is available on  :  Amazon 

Capt Vijay Wadhwa may be contacted at e-mail : vicks552000@hotmail.com Whatsapp : 8951166141

Lions International Stamp Club LISC October 2022 quarterly newsletter 

- Lion Ajoy : email : lionajoy@yahoo.com whatsapp : 9845355773 

Guide to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations of India

 Guide to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations of India 

By Sushil Mehra & K.Chaitanya Dev

Book Review

Guide to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations of India by Sushil Mehra & K. Chaitanya Dev : ISBN NO. 978-93-5416-331-9: Published By Sushil Mehra : Price - Rs 2500  : Harbound : Available at : Amazon.in (with Price Rs 2300)

The Permanent pictorial cancellation is a postmark given by Postal Department to be used on the ongoing mail throughout the year without any time limit.Usually, it shows the design of a religious, historical or a place of tourist importance, flora fauna, sculpture, important character related to that place, the natural place of importance, festival, particular city landmark like the clock tower, etc. The book gives the details of all the pictorial cancellations ( As searched and compiled by the authors) being given by India Post in different places of the states.It has a Statewise Index of all Cancellations. The authors have given brief information about the place with sketch, photo, or stamp of that place or landmark of that place of all permanent pictorial cancellations. There is a special section in the book on PIN code which helps the readers to know its meaning regarding the place and what the PIN digits stand for. In addition to it, the articles by senior philatelists Shri Ashok Bayanwala and Shri Naresh Agrawal have been published. The Foreword of the book is written by noted philatelist Shri Prashant Pandya.

PPCs are of great interest to the philatelists. Its study, collection, search, and variety have a lot of scope in philately. An exhibit can be prepared on its designs in relation to the place of issue, varieties in shapes n sizes, thematically or other way in the postal history category.

The book is beautifully designed with excellent layout and printing. As the book contains cancellations issued all over India featuring a variety of subjects, the book is recommended for Thematic collectors as well as all philatelists and stamp lovers.

- Jeevan Jyoti

Few Pages  from the book

Book Review : The Last Post

The Last Post 
                                       - Anil Dhir

The Last Post - A Philatelic Miscellany by Anil Dhir 

"The Last Post"- A Philatelic Miscellany is the latest book by noted writer and philatelist of Orissa, Anil Dhir. He needs no introduction to the philatelic community, as he is well known for his excellent collection on ‘ Mourning Covers” and ‘Indian Classics’. This book has 20 different real stories related to letter boxes, old post offices, philatelists, stamps and stamp dealers, stamp collections, India Post staff and everything related to mail , postal history and postal services. Anil Dhir has his own style of narration that attracts not only a philatelist but everyone who loves reading. His close observation towards various events of life and the way he puts them into words, makes the story quite interesting and the reader feels that the story is just happening around . 

All the stories in this book are real and interesting that reader is forced to read the whole book at a stretch. Some anecdotes, his meeting with Khushwant Singh, about Late Shri Kailashnath, Major Mohanty, Black Borders, The Post Office at Port Blair, Post Office Red, The Last Post and the Lost Cover need special mention here. Very nicely written that keeps the reader engrossed and thrilled. The pics in the book make stories lively. It’s a wonderful book of its own kind with stories related to mail services and its history. Every philatelist will enjoy reading it …. For a serious philatelist it is an asset of the philatelic memories as the persons, places are very much familiar……... 

This book with 104 pages is priced just at Rs 150/- . For the readers of Rainbow Stamp News, it is at Rs 100/- post free by Regd. Book Post. It will be available with Kashinath Sahoo email: kasisahoo123@gmail.com Phone : 797856967

- Jeevan Jyoti

"The Last Post" is a book of a different order. I have written twenty stories  on letter boxes,  post offices, mail runners and other postal ephemera tinged with nostalgia. All the stories are first hand experiences. In fact there were so many, that I have a tough time in choosing which to select. It is heavily illustrated with colour plates.Maybe the success of the book will make me write a sequel. 

 - Anil Dhir

The Last Post

Book Review

"The Last Post" is the latest book by noted writer and philatelist of Orissa, Anil Dhir.  I am pleased to publish its review by Shri AB Tripathy, State Convener , INTACH.

This book is priced just at Rs 150/- . For the readers of Rainbow Stamp News, it is at Rs 100/- post free by Regd. Book Post. It will be available with Kashinath Sahoo   email:   kasisahoo123@gmail.com  Phone : 797856967 

"The Last Post" is a book of a different order. I have written twenty stories  on letter boxes,  post offices, mail runners and other postal ephemera tinged with nostalgia. All the stories are first hand experiences. In fact there were so many, that I have a tough time in choosing which to select. It is heavily illustrated with colour plates.Maybe the success of the book will make me write a sequel. - Anil Dhir

The Last Post:  A Swansong for the Post Office and the Letter Box

Book Review  by A.B.Tripathy  IPS (Retd.) State Convener, INTACH

Much of social and cultural history of the world, especially in the last five centuries, can be linked with the development of the postal services. The Post Office has been a trusted friend, it connected governments and royalty, nations and empires,customers and companies, and of course, friends and families. As the world evolved, the postal systems too evolved.

In the late years of the last century, the Indian postal system was seen as one that had been unable to modernize; mounting volume in outdated facilities had resulted in chaos, inefficiency and dysfunction.It seemed that the postal system, which was once at the cutting edge of a communications revolution, was doomed to become a quaint relic of the past. The internet revolution, emails, couriers, cell phones etc. had got about a sea change in the manner in which people connected and communicated.

Postage Stamps, letter boxes, old Post Offices, in fact anything connected to the mail, tell a story.  They speak of multiple stories, ranging from tales of politics, history, technology, biography, genealogy, economics, geography, disaster, and triumph. This book is the work of a postal enthusiast. It is an ode to the romance, valour, adventure and enchantment of the postal system.  The fascinating real life stories, centered on the Postal services are tinged with nostalgia. There are sweeping and entertaining accounts and interesting anecdotes.The human stories of the thousands of people who lived and worked within it, have not have been told.

The Last Post, was released recently at the National Archives of India, Bhubaneswar. Written by Anil Dhir, the book is a collection of 20 stories spread over the last three centuries, related to the post offices, letter boxes and postmen.Dhir, an avid heritage aficionado is a multifaceted personality. He delves into uncharted paths and courses and comes out with scintillating facts which are out of the common. This remarkably adventurous spirit is reflected in the themes of his writings. This book is of that genre that will keep the attention of the readers glued to the contents.

I will end with the note that there is no substitute for the Post Office. Every nation’s Postal System is the heart of the country, circulating its pulses across the borders and within. We should never let it die. 

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.

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)

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.

 

 

Australia–Israel Joint Issue creates controversy

 

Date of Issue : 10 May 2013

The recent stamps from Australia Post featured above creates controversy among a certain group of people. Australia Post gives following information about the issue on its website. I am also sharing here the  news about the controversy over this stamp.

The 60c base-rate stamp features the statue of an Australian Light Horseman in the Park of the Australian Soldier at Beersheva (Be'er Sheva) in Israel. The statue is the work of Australian sculptor Peter Corlett. The $2.60 stamp features contemporary images of Australian Light Horsemen. The battle scene, once considered to be a photograph of the actual Battle of Beersheba, is now accepted to be a re-enactment made the following year.

The Battle of Beersheba took place on 31 October 1917 and was part of a wider British offensive known as the third Battle of Gaza during World War I. The final phase of this day-long battle was the famous mounted charge of the 4th Light Horse Brigade, widely considered to be the last great mounted charge in military history. Thirty-one Australian Light Horsemen were killed in the charge and 36 were wounded. The capture of Beersheba allowed British Empire forces to break the Ottoman line near Gaza and then advance into Palestine, a chain of events which eventually culminated in the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.

Australia Post 60c stamp accused of being a 'disgraceful' attack on Palestinian people

IT'S hard to get a good stamp nowadays.

Australia Post's noble envelope-carrying mission is embroiled in controversy today - with the company accused of making a "disgraceful" insult to the Palestinian people in a range of 60c and $2.60 postage stamps.

"Just the other day I needed a postage stamp," Australian Palestinian activist Sonja Karkar wrote on her blog, "I duly handed over my 60 cents at an Australia Post outlet and received far more than I bargained for - nothing less, would you believe, than a dollop of Israeli propaganda."

The issue? The stamps feature World War I near the town of Beersheba where Australian soldiers fought the Turkish.

But Ms Karkar says the stamp, above, is tied to Israel when Beersheba was a Palestinian town in 1917. The state of Israel did not exist until 1948.

"This is a really disturbing and incorrect remark," she said. "It is insulting to the memory of Palestinians who were terrorised into leaving their city Beersheba when the newly-created Israel captured it in 1948 and who have never been allowed to return to their homes."

An Australia Post spokeswoman said it received its information from sources including the Australian War Memorial. And the stamps were fact-checked by war historian Peter Stanley.

In other news, the average Australia Post stamp price is a whopping 60c, at least 5c more than it should be.

Read More…

 

Book Review

Year Book of Indian Philately 2012 by Madan Middha

Year Book of Indian Philately 2012 , Editor and Publisher, Madan Middha Pages 300 - Price Rs 300 ( Inclusive of Postage)

Year Book of Indian Philately by Mr Madan Middha is just released. The book is very informative for all stamp collectors. It gives complete details of Indian Philately of the year 2012 with very comprehensive articles by renowned philatelists. The book contains about 300 pages and is divided into 29 chapters which include articles and other details about exhibitions,  Indian stamps, special covers, award winners at international shows, news from philatelic societies and other important topics related to Indian Philately.
The  articles by Mr Ashok Bayanwala, Naresh Agarwal, Dr Satyendra Agarwal, Ilyas Patel, Sudhir Jain and Madan Middha, covering a variety of subjects are the gems of the book . The articles give a complete guideline to the reader about the concerned subject. The book is recommended to all philatelists and stamp lovers.  It will prove an excellent reference book for all collectors and a necessary guide for those interested in Indian Philately.  The book has won a Silver Medal at the IPhLA 2012 held  at Mainz, Germany, the largest international exhibition  on Philatelic Literature and a Silver Bronze at 28^th Asian International Philatelic Exhibition  SHARJAH 2012  .

The book with a nice layout is priced at Rs 300 ( inclusive of postage by Registered Post ) is available from Mr Madan Middha at following address :

Madan Middha, Saket Vihar, Phalka Bazar, GWALIOR 474 001.

email : madan_middha@yahoo.co.in

New Book on FDCs and Folders..

 

 

Book Review

- By Jeevan Jyoti 

Collector's Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India With Set of Stamps, Se-tenant Stamps & Miniature Sheets By Praful Thakkar Page 200 Price Rs 950 US$ 40 published by Kunal P. Thakar for Thakkar Numismatic & Art Foundation, Cary, NC USA

The new book, Collector's Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India With Set of Stamps, Se-tenant tamps & Miniature Sheets By Praful Thakkar is an essential book for all stamp lovers . It is a perfect guide for those who collect FDCs and Folders of India. The book gives listings and details of FDCs and Folders with Set of Stamps, Se-tenant stamps and Miniature Sheets. The book covers the period of FDCs and Folders of India from 1947 – 2012. The author has also covered FDCs and Folders of Definitive stamps and Overprinted Military stamps of India in this book.

The book is divided into 3 parts 1. Introduction 2.Catalogue and Checklists.

Introduction covers detailed explanation of creative varieties/variations and numbering system of set of stamps, se-tenant stamps and Miniature sheets.

In catalogue section information of respective stamps is given along with Print details and value. The section gives the details of FDCs and Folders with Set of stamps. FDCs and Folders with se-tenant stamps and FDCs and Folders with Miniature sheets.

In checklists section, total issue of commemorative stamps, set of stamps, se-tenant stamps & Miniature sheet, FDCs with set of stamps, Pre Independence India. FDCs with set of Commemorative, Definitive Regular, Definitive Military, Service, Se-tenant stamps, Miniature sheets and Presentation Packs have been given.

The book also covers rare Private First Day Covers with set of stamps of Pre Independence India all in color photos . In those days there were no official FDCs issued.

One can get complete details of FDCs of several categories. It will help the collectors to categorize their collection in the best possible way.

“ Simple Stamp is dumb,

when it is cancelled, it whispers,

but when it is having First Day Cancellation on First Day Cover it sings. ”

This is what this book proves  to give details of the beautiful First Day Covers with a variety of stamp formats.  I recommend this book to all philatelists and stamp collectors. It is the best reference book for collectors of FDC and Folders. This is the first book of its kind with pricing on FDCs and Folders of India with set of stamps, se-tenant stamps and Miniature sheets. The printing of the book is very fine with all color photos of FDCs and Folders including many rare items. In this book Valuation of various FDCs and Folders is given to give a basic guideline to the collectors. Pricing of different items mentioned in the book will certainly help the collectors to purchase their missing items at approximately reasonable price .

The book is available from :

Rekha P. Thakkar, 34 Janvisharam Society, Behind Sahjanand College, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad 380015 email : pkthakkar@yahoo.com  Phone : 9327022642

About the author

Shri Praful Tahakkar is a noted collector of autographs, stamps, FDCs, coins, medals, tokens and badge plates and at present he is President of Gujarat Philatelists’ Association . As officer of Indian Administrative Service, he has served the Government of Gujarat for more than 31 years on various Posts at different places. He has participated in several National and International stamp exhibitions and has won many awards. His books, on autographs, philately, badge plates, Indian Canteen Tokens a, Membership Badges of Turf & Race Clubs of India are popular among collectors of these items. His two websites www.indiannumismatics.com & www.indianautographs.com are the great reference sites for the collectors of coins and autographs. He may be contacted at email : pkthakkar@yahoo.com