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. 

Multilaterale Hertogpost 2017

What is the “Multilaterale”?

The Multilaterale is an initiative that came from the Philatelist Associations of the German-speaking countries (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg) as well of Slovenia and the Netherlands. The 2017 Multilaterale in s’Hertogenbosch.

This year, the Dutch Philatelist Association and the Dutch Post Office  organised the exhibition from the 25th to 27th of August in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Because Luxembourg will be organising the next exhibition in 2019, PostNL and POST Luxembourg will issue for this matter a joint postage stamp block for 2017.

Club News

The 42nd AGM meeting of the members of Karnataka Philatelic Society held today was attended by 88 members,concluded successfully by electing the new team.

Karnataka Philatelic Society new Governing Council Members

President & Acting Treasurer - Chaitanya Dev

Vice President - Nikhilesh Melkote

Gen. Secretary - Naveein OC

Council Member - Girish Kumar

Council Members - Shonet Saldhana

A Book " Indian Stamps featuring personages from Abroad" by Philatelist MR.D.B Ramakrishna was released by former KPS President Mr. Mahesh Jambuligam along with Dr. Sita Bateja and Mr. Chaitanya Dev and the Author D.B Ramakrishna after the AGM.

- Suresh Rao , Bangalore

New Book on Special Covers of Tamil Nadu

Collector's Guide on Special Covers of Tamil Nadu

A new book "Collector's Guide on Special Covers of Tamil Nadu" compiled by T. Mathan and N. Vignesh was released on 25th November 2016 during SIPA Diamond 2016 Jubilee Exhibition. This beautifully designed hard bound book gives complete data with colored pictures of  special covers (1961 onwards ) released by Tamil Nadu Postal Circle of India Post . The book is very useful for all stamp lovers and philatelists. Thematic collectors can find various themes in this book for their philatelic collection. The price of the book is Rs 800.  Interested philatelists may contact : N. Vignesh  email :  sendmailstovicky@gmail.com  ph. +91 7418711411 (Whats App)

New Christmas stamps

 

Date of Issue : 3 November 2015

Royal Mail has issued Christmas stamps since 1966. From 2005 it introduced a policy of alternating secular with religious designs each year, and 2015 is a religious year. The stamps tell the traditional Nativity story in an impressionistic style, from the Annunciation, through to the Nativity and journey of the Magi.

The Christmas 2015 stamps feature scenes from the Biblical story of the Nativity, painted by artist David Holmes, with art direction and design by Studio David Hillman.

 

The images are as follows:

2nd Class and 2nd Class Large: The journey to Bethlehem

1st Class and 1st Class Large: The Nativity

£1.00: The animals of the Nativity

£1.33: The shepherds

£1.52: The three wise men

£2.25: The Annunciation

Club News

A new book “The 1929 Indian Air Mail Stamps of India”  has recently been released. The Book lists more than 200 errors in 6 stamps of 1929 Airmail issue. Interested philatelists may contact Markand Dave : Email : markand7@yahoo.com

 

New Stamp from India

 

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Date of Issue : 15 October 2015

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi released the commemorative stamp on the former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, on his 84th birth anniversary celebrations, at DRDO Bhawan, in New Delhi on 15th October, 2015. The Union Ministers, Shri Manohar Parrikar, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad and Dr. Harsh Vardhan were also present on the occasion.

Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen "A. P. J." Abdul Kalam (b. 15 October 1931 – d. 27 July 2015) was the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. Kalam was born and raised in Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, and studied physics and aerospace engineering. He spent the next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was intimately involved in India's civilian space program and military missile development efforts. He thus came to be known as the Missile Man of India for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology. He also played a pivotal organizational, technical, and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.

Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India in 2002. Widely referred to as the "People's President," he returned to his civilian life of education, writing and public service after a single term. He was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. While delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong, Kalam collapsed and died from an apparent cardiac arrest on 27 July 2015, aged 83.

New Special Covers

 

Special Cover on KSIC, Mysore Silk Centenary Celebrations – 15th October 2015

To commemorate Centenary celebrations of KSIC, Mysore Silk a Special Cover was released at Bangalore on 15th October 2015 (Special Cover approval no. KTK/50/2015).

Mysore is rich for its Royal heritage and Grandeur and it is no surprise that the silk produced there reflect the traditional splendor through its rich yet delicate motifs. The name Mysore silk is a befitting tribute to its ancestry. The silk weaving factory in Mysore, presently owned by KSIC, was established in the year 1912 by the Maharaja of Mysore province. Initially the silk fabrics were manufactured & supplied to meet the requirements of the royal family and ornamental fabrics to their armed forces. The unit was started with 10 looms and gradually increased to 44 looms over a period. The looms and preparatory machines were imported from Switzerland and was the first of its kind in India. After India gained Independence the Mysore state Sericulture Dept. took control of the silk weaving factory.

In 1980 the Silk weaving factory was handed over to Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Ltd., a Govt. of Karnataka enterprise and is popularly known as KSIC. KSIC is the only organization in the country commanding the entire gamut of silk production right from reeling of cocoons to the weaving of pure silk fabric of various shades and designs, all under one roof. KSIC uses high quality pure natural silk and 100% pure gold zari. The zari never tarnish and will look fresh even over a long period of usage. KSIC is the only organization to give guarantee for its zari saree in the form of embroidered code No. which is unique to each saree.

Special Cover on Asian Mycological Congress 2015 – 7th October 2015.

A Special Cover was released to mark the occasion by Shri Laxmikant Parsekar, Chief Minister of Goa at the Goa University on 7th October 2015. On the occasion a philatelic exhibition on mycological species was presented by Dr. Bernard Rodrigues, Professor, Department of Botany, Goa University who is also an avid philatelist.

The Asian Mycological Congress is a major biennial event that brings together mycologists from all over Asia and fosters learning, dissemination and promotion of mycology. AMC 2015 will cover advances in all aspects of mycology. The Congress was held under the aegis of the Asian Mycological Association and the Mycological Society of India and organized by the Goa University from 7th to 10th October 2015.

Over 250 delegates attended the Asian Mycological Congress 2015 and of which 67 were from various Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Iran and Viet Nam. More than 20 Japanese delegates, including several senior scientists and young researchers came to Goa and attended the AMC 2015. In addition, mycologists from UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Germany participated and delivered lead lectures in the Congress.

Courtesy -  Indian Philately Digest

Club News

New Philatelic Publication

 India 1929 Air Mail Stamps: A Study of Constant Varieties

by Rohit Prasad

Stamps of India is pleased to announce the publication of its new book India 1929 Air Mail Stamps: A Study of Constant Varieties; a new path-breaking work by Rohit Prasad

The book is the result of 6 years of painstaking study and documents 106 CONSTANT varieties identified in India’s first Air Mail stamps, while the Stanley Gibbons catalogues only 3 varieties.

India 1929 Air Mail Stamps: A Study of Constant Varieties is A4 all color art paper, hardbound having 300 Pages. It is being brought out as Limited edition of 500 copies and will be available on October 17, 2015.

The book is Published & Distributed worldwide by Stamps of India Private Limited for

Rs 5,000 post-paid in India, and USD 100 post-paid worldwide.

According to Rohit Prasad “It gives me immense pleasure to share my study on the India 1929 Air Mail Stamps and I hope other collectors would benefit from this. I look forward to their inputs so that they can be incorporated in the further editions of the book.”

Contact : Madhukar Jhingan : Ph. 919811160965 : Email : mj@stampsofindia.com

Stamp Exhibition

SCHOOLPEX 2015

Join Philatelic society of Rajasthan  at St Xavier's School Jaipur for  Schoolpex 2015 . Exhibition A stamp booklet on late Dr APJ Kalam was released. There is  India Post Counter and MY Stamp Counter from where pppstamp collectors can get stamps of their choice . Stamp dealers from Delhi , Kanpur , Ajmer and Jaipur  have put their stalls here. There are over 150 entries from 14 schools.

 

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

Gujpex-2015, Ahmedabad

 

 

Special Cover on ‘Sabarmati River Front’ – 24 March 2015

Gujpex-2015, 13th Gujarat State Level Philatelic Exhibition – 24th – 27th March 2015

Gujpex-2015, 13th Gujarat State Level Philatelic Exhibition organized by Gujarat Postal Circle inaugurated by Hon. Governor of Gujarat Shri O.P. Kohli at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Memorial, Ahmedabad. Ms. Meenaxiben Patel, Hon'ble Mayor, Ahmedabad city, Dr. Kirit Solanki, Member of Parliament (LS) and Dr. Jagdish Bhavsar, Chairman, Ahmedabad Municipal School Board and Brigadier Sanjeev Thapar, Chief Postmaster General, Gujarat Postal Circle were present on the dais at the inaugural function. Large number of philatelists, stamp dealers and officers and staff members of Department of Posts witnessed the inaugural ceremony.

On the occasion as Special Cover on ‘Sabarmati River Front’ was released by Hon. Governor.

Hon. Governor also released a book titled ‘Collector's Guide to British India Bazar Postcards' written by philatelist Shri Prafful Thakkar. 240 fully coloured pages presents present more than 1700 Bazar Postcards with value along with pictures in different varieties of British Royalty, Indian Princely State Rulers, Ravi Varma paintings-oleographs and Other Themes with further classification of color, creativity, calligraphy and design.

 

Courtesy - Indian Philately Digest

Collector's Guide to British India Bazar Postcard – By Praful Thakkar

Bazar Postcards of British India is a fascinating section of Indian Postal stationery which has colors, creativity and charisma. They were created during British period by dealers who knew the pulse of the masses. They were artistically and exquisitely made to attract and appeal to public imagination to use them. They were mainly produced and used during the Edwardian period. Subsequently, they were in vogue for advertising purpose in Georgian periods too.

This subject has an attraction because these ornamental and artistic Bazar Postcards have got the touch of creative imagination of dealers of those days. The colorful creativity of Bazar Postcards can be seen on address side. Here attracting pictures, calligraphic & artistic writing of words “Post Card” and graphic designed box for affixing the stamp were shown by the manufacturers..

In this book of 240 fully colored pages, an effort is made to present more than 1700 Bazar Postcards with value along with pictures in different varieties of British Royalty, Indian Princely State Rulers, Ravi Varma paintings-oleographs and Other Themes with further classification of color, creativity, calligraphy and design. They certainly show that the touch of creative imagination of dealers of those days was able to create fascination and attraction in general public for these ornamental and artistic Bazar Postcards.

Praful K. Thakkar, a retired IAS officer is the collector of autographs, stamps, FDCs, coins, medals, tokens, badges , badge plates etc. since last more than 45 years. He got a legacy of art and numismatic understanding and insight from his father. He developed the hobby of collecting Art, Autographs and Numismatic objects in his own way. ‘Share the Knowledge & Spread the Knowledge’ is the motto of his life. And in true spirit of his life’s motto, besides authoring several learned publications on Indian culture in Gujarati, he has authored ‘Collector’s Guide to Indian Canteen Tokens’, ‘Collector’s Guide to Membership Badges of Turf & Race Clubs of India’, ‘Collector’s Guide to Chronologies of Sultans, Rulers & Colonial Heads of India’ and ‘Chapras : Collector’s Guide to Belt Buckles, Badges and Badge Plates of India’, ‘Collector’s Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India 1947-1964 Official & Private’ and "Glimpses of Indian Autographs". His philately book has received awards in International Philatelic Exhibitions at Portugal, South Africa, Washington-USA , Chicago-USA, Tokyo-Japan and Jakarta-Indonesia.

His two websites www.indiannumismatics.com and www.indianautographs.com have made landmarks in their respective hobby-fields of Numismatics and Autograph collection.

In 2008, The Numismatic Society of India Varanasi, Indian Coin Society, Nagpur and Indian National Trust for Art Culture and Heritage, Gwalior have awarded him the ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ for his innumerable and invaluable contribution to Indian Numismatics and Para-numismatics in all its aspects.

In 2009, he has been considered as National record holder by Limca Book of Records and has been placed as record holder for his collections of Autographs and Indian Canteen Tokens.

In the same year 2009, Gujarat Coin Society took cognisance of his excellent works and achievements and has also given him ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ for his outstanding service to numismatic fraternity. He has rendered his services as Chairman in Coinex-2006 and Coinex-2010, which were National Level Numismatic Exhibitions organised by Gujarat Coin Society, Ahmedabad. And he has successfully accomplished his mission.

In 2011, Lohana Maha Parishad, Ahmedabad has awarded him an International level ‘Vishisht Raghuvanshi Pratibha Award’ recognising and appreciating his vivid activities and hobbies.

Through this book ‘Collector's Guide to British India Bazar Postcards’, he has made a painstaking and pioneering attempt to give a direction and dimension to this little explored and less known creative subject of Indian philately-Bazar Postcards.

Monograph - The Post Office Mauritius Stamps

 

Book Review

 

Monograph – The Post Office Mauritius Stamps by Col Jayanta Dutta and Dr Anjali Dutta , Published by The Army Philatelic Society L-335, Tarapore Towers, New Link Road Oshiwara, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400053. Price Rs 35O - Contact email : doctorjayanta2009@gmail.com

The recent Monograph by Col Jayanta Dutta and Dr Anjali Dutta is a comprehensive work on world famous rarest stamps of the world  “ The Post Office Mauritius stamps “. Every stamp collector must have heard about these famous stamps but might not know the whole story behind these stamps. Col J. Dutta and Dr Anjali Dutta have researched on the topic and wrote a wonderful Monograph on these stamps which all stamp lovers would like very much.

The first two postage stamps of Mauritius  issued in 1847, the so-called "Post Office" stamps, are of legendary rarity and value. They were the first stamps issued in any part of the British Empire outside of Great Britain. The unique cover bearing both “Post Office” stamps has been called "la pièce de résistance de toute la philatélie" or "the greatest item in all philately". On September 21, 1847, Mauritius issued two stamps, an orange-red one penny (1d) and a deep blue two pence (2d).The words "Post Office" appear in the left panel, but were changed to "Post Paid" in the following issue, and are the source of the stamps' common name. The "Post Office" stamps are among the rarest stamps in the world, and are of legendary status in the world of philately.

The monograph has color pictures of stamps and its rarest covers. The layout, design and printing of the book is excellent. The Monograph gives list of all the stamps and covers of the series with complete details. The historical story of these stamps  described in this  Monograph would be liked by all stamp lovers and it would be an asset in their collection. This interesting book is recommended to all stamp collectors as well as to  the libraries of  educational institutions.

Club News

Special Cover : Centenary of Vani Vilasa Sabha, Kumbakonam

A Special Cover was issued on 26 December2014 at Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu to celebrate Centenary of Vani Vilasa Sabha, Kumbakonam.

 

Stamp Exhibition

ROCPEX 2015 - Philatelic Exhibition 30 – 31 January 2015 January at Trichy.

-  Kasinath  R. – Tanjore

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.

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/ 

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