World Food Day 2017 stamps from UNPA

16 October - World Food Day

Date of Issue : 16 October 2017

UNPA issued a set of 6 stamps on 16th October 2017 to commemorate World Food Day.

World Food Day is celebrated every year around the world on 16 October in honor of the date of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945. The day is celebrated widely by many other organisations concerned with food security, including the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

World Heritage sites from Czech Republic

Date of Issue : 8 September 2016

Here is a beautiful set issued by UNPA featuring world heritage sites of Czech Republic.These stamps are part of a joint stamp issuance with the Czech Post.This issue also includes a beautiful stamp booklet.

Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972.

47¢ – Historic Centre of Prague

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe in terms of its setting on both banks of the Vltava River, adorned with its distinctive townscape of houses, palaces with towers, and buildings. Built between the 11th and 18th centuries, the Old Town, the Lesser Town and the New Town speak of the great architectural and cultural influence enjoyed by this city since the Middle Ages. The site was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1992.

$1.15 – Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc

The Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc is one of the most exceptional examples of the pinnacle of central European Baroque artistic expression. This memorial column, erected in the early years of the 18th century, is the most outstanding example of a type of monument specific to central Europe. Rising to a height of 35 metres, it is decorated with many fine religious sculptures, which are the work of the distinguished Moravian artist Ondřej Zahner. It was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2000.

Stamp Booklet

Indian theme on foreign stamps..

On 29 April 2016, International Dance Day is celebrated all over the world, as dancers rejoice and share their passions and creativity with millions of people. The day brings together international, national and local organizations, as well as selected individuals active in dance, both amateurs and professionals.

In 1982, the International Theatre Institute (ITI), a partner of UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) founded International Dance Day to be celebrated every year on 29 April on the anniversary of the birth date of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), the creator of modern ballet. The purpose of the International Dance Day is to celebrate Dance, to rejoice in the universality of the art form, to cross all political, cultural and ethnic barriers and to bring people together with a common language—Dance. The International Dance Council (CID), another partner of UNESCO, also supports and promotes the art of dance worldwide.

On this occasion,UN posts issued 6 s/s of which one shown on the the top is on RAMAYANA.

Courtesy - Leeza Padhi, Cuttack

New stamps from India

Date of Issue : 8 March 2016

India Post issued two stamps and a miniature sheet on 8th March 2016 jointly with UNPA to commemorate  Int. Woman's Day. The theme of this stamp issue    is UN Women Solidarity Movement for Gender Equality.

Image Courtesy : Stamps of India

UNPA Issue

UN Women – HeForShe

Gender inequality is one of the most persistent human rights violations of our time. Despite many years of promoting gender equality, inequalities among women/girls and men/boys continue to manifest in egregious ways around the world.

HeForShe is a solidarity movement for gender equality developed by UN Women (the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women). Its goal is to engage men and boys as advocates and agents of change for the achievement of gender equality and women’s rights. The campaign encourages them to speak out and take action against inequalities faced by women and girls.

Gender equality is not only a women’s issue, it is a human rights issue that affects all of us – women and girls, men and boys. We all benefit socially, politically and economically from gender equality in our everyday lives. When women are empowered, the whole of humanity benefits. Gender equality liberates not only women but also men, from prescribed social roles and gender stereotypes.

The overall goal of the campaign is to spread awareness and spark action on the responsibility that men and boys have in eliminating all forms of discrimination against women and violence against women and girls. 

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

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

 

 

17 October - The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is celebrated every year on October 17 throughout the world. It was officially recognised by the United Nations, but the first commemoration of the event took place in Paris, France, in 1987 when 100,000 people gathered on the Human Rights and Liberties Plaza at the Trocadéro to honour victims of poverty,hunger, violence and fear. This call was made by Joseph Wresinski (1917–1988) founder of the International Movement ATD Fourth World.

The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on October 17 each year since 1993. It promotes people’s awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution worldwide, particularly in developing countries.

Eradicate Poverty

The above  stamp depicting a child walking in both bountiful and barren landscapes, issued by Slovakia on April 15, 1996 to publicize "Eradicate Poverty Year,".

 

End Poverty and Stop Child Labour !!

 

New stamps from UNPA – Education & Happiness

 

Hi !

Here are some new stamps from UNPA . The themes of these stamps are Education and Happiness. The stamps on Education  were released on 18th September. Another set  on Happiness was released in March this year. I just missed to write about this beautiful set . It is a set of six stamps with smiling images. It really makes us smile !!

Education First !

Date of Issue : 18 September 2014

United Nations Postal Service issued a series of stamps with a motif “Education first”. The issue consists of tree stamps and three souvenir sheets that were released and put into circulation on the 18th of September.

The United Nations Secretary-General launched the Global Education First Initiative (GEFI) in September 2012 to spur renewed efforts to reach global education goals.

The Initiative focuses on three priorities:

First, putting every child in school. The global community pledged to achieve universal primary education by 2015. We need to make all the necessary investments to ensure that every child has equal access to schooling.

Second, improving the quality of learning. Access to education is critical. But it is not enough. We must make sure that people acquire relevant skills to participate successfully in today’s knowledge-based society.

Third, fostering global citizenship. Education is much more than an entry to the job market. It has the power to shape a sustainable future and better world. Education policies should promote peace, mutual respect and environmental care.

International Day of Happiness

On 17 March 2014, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA)  issued a set of 6 stamps on the theme “International Day of Happiness”.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 20 March as the International Day of Happiness. It is a movement to promote happiness as a universal goal and aspiration in the lives of human beings around the world.

“The pursuit of happiness lies at the core of human endeavours. People around the world aspire to lead happy and fulfilling lives free from fear and want, and in harmony with nature.”

“Let us reinforce our commitment to inclusive and sustainable human development and renew our pledge to help others. When we contribute to the common good, we ourselves are enriched. Compassion promotes happiness and will help build the future we want.” - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

 

Happiness

Date of Issue : 17 March 2014

 

Club News

New Special Cover at Bikaner on 26th September

- Sudhir Jain

A new special cover is being issued at Bikaner (Raj.) on 26th Sept. 2014 on an ancient Jain Temple of 5th Tirthankar Sumatinath JI. Temple is famous as Bhandasar Jain Mandir. India Post will issue a special cancellation on this cover.

Taj Mahal on United Nations stamps

 

Date of Issue : 16 July 2014

United Nations Postal Administration UNPA will issue a set of six stamps on Taj Mahal on 16 July 2014.Stamps will be released in the denominations of US$ 0.49, US$ 1.15, CHF 1.40, CHF 1.90, € 0.90 and € 1.70 (in sheets of 20 stamps) on the theme “World Heritage – Taj Mahal”.Three prestige booklets will also be issued on the same day.

- Dr Satish Sondhi - Ludhiana

 

The stamps are part of the UNPA World Heritage series that began in 1997. The Taj Mahal was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1983. The UNESCO website provides a description of the structure: “An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra [India] between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage.”

The stamps, two for each UNPA post office, reproduce photographs of the Taj Mahal. Animals are included in the photographs shown on the two stamps for use from the post office at the International Vienna Center in Vienna, Austria. The €0.90 stamp pictures a man leading a camel in Yamuna River beside the Taj Mahal. An elephant saddled for a ride is grazing near the Taj Mahal on the 01.70 stamp.

The two stamps for use from the post office at U.N. headquarters in New York City are denominated 49¢ and $1.15. A southern view of the white marble tomb and the four minarets surrounding it is featured on the 49¢ stamp.

The sky is filled with orange hues on the 1.40-franc stamp for use from the post office at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

The 1.90fr stamp shows the tomb and its reflecting pool.

The photograph on the $1.15 stamp shows the Taj Mahal and its mosque reflected in the river, all bathed in a rosy glow.

International Day of Happiness

 

Date of Issue : 17 March 2014

Here is a beautiful set of six stamps issued by UNPA. The stamps feature emotion of happiness. On 17 March 2014, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) issued a set of 6 stamps on the theme “International Day of Happiness”.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 20 March as the International Day of Happiness. It is a movement to promote happiness as a universal goal and aspiration in the lives of human beings around the world.

“The pursuit of happiness lies at the core of human endeavours. People around the world aspire to lead happy and fulfilling lives free from fear and want, and in harmony with nature.”

“Let us reinforce our commitment to inclusive and sustainable human development and renew our pledge to help others. When we contribute to the common good, we ourselves are enriched. Compassion promotes happiness and will help build the future we want.”

Endangered species on new UN stamps..

 

Date of Issue : 10 October 2013

On 10 October 2013, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA)  issued a set of 12 stamps depicting endangered species. These will be the twenty-first set of stamps in UNPA's multi-year series Endangered Species. The series was launched in 1993 to highlight the need for the protection of endangered species throughout the world. For this year's Endangered Species stamps, UNPA has featured the wonder of nocturnal animals.

US$ 1.30 block shown above

1.Asian tapir 2.Mongoose lemur 3.Flat-headed cat 4.Aye-aye

   

F.s. 1.40 m block 

1.Ground pangolin 2.Potto 3.Philippine tarsier 4.Livingstone’s flying fox

 

€ 0.70 block

1.Banded civet 2.Pharaoh eagle-owl 3.Greater slow loris  4.Long-beaked echidna

 

On 10 October 2013, first day cancellations for the Endangered Species stamps were provided at United Nations Headquarters in New York; the Palais des Nations, Geneva; and the Vienna International Centre. The cancellations are illustrated below :

A set of UNPA's maximum cards were also  issued on 10 October 2013. Three different cards have  been produced to accommodate the three different se-tenant blocks of four stamps .