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 28th 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
