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

New stamp on Int. Year of Light

 

Date of Issue : 19 February 2015

Vatican Post will release a special stamp on 19^th of February celebrating “International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies”.

The commemorative stamp issued by Vatican City features a detail of a Sistine Chapel fresco by Michelangelo on the creation of the stars, an eternal symbol that comes from and returns to God the Creator. At the beginning of the Bible we read: “Then God said: Let there be light, and there was light. God saw that the light was good. God then separated the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘day’, and the darkness he called ‘night’. Evening came, and morning followed” .

The United Nations General Assembly 6801 Session proclaimed 2015 as the “International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies”. Light plays a fundamental role in sustaining light on earth through photosynthesis. Studies and ongoing discoveries have shown how the many applications of light through medicine, communications, culture, and entertainment have revolutionized society. The international year will have a broad focus, not only on the scientific dimension, but also on the need to promote greater public knowledge and awareness on the way light-based technologies can sustain human development

Numerous and varied events will take place during the year with activities organized at the regional, national and international levels. Other goals of the initiative include improving the quality of lite, promoting science careers for women, and education for young people. The Holy See takes an active role in contributing to the international scientific community dedicated to the study of natural phenomena and their effects and influence on society. The Vatican’s historic telescopes at the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo, and its ultra-modem telescope in Tucson, Arizona, are a living testimony to this longstanding and ongoing commitment to scientific research.

New Love stamp from USPS

Love was certainly in the air at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond for the dedication of the Forever Hearts Forever® stamps on January 22nd.

Combining artistic vision with a timeless symbol of affection, the newest stamps in the long-running and ever popular Love  series feature lacy lettering in the shape of a heart. Artist Jessica Hische created the lettering, first drawing her design by hand and then finishing the stamp art digitally.

“Today, the heart is everywhere,” said U.S. Postal Service Capital Metro Area Vice President Kristin Seaver in dedicating the stamps.

It can be found in religious art, pop culture, greeting cards and so much more, but the meaning remains the same—love—the universal language of the heart. Our Forever Hearts stamps remind people of the power of everlasting love. In that spirit, we hope the stamp will help you send all of your cards and letters to those you care about with a special touch of love and cheer.
Moreover, there is nothing like the feeling of receiving a love letter in the mail or a valentine from that special someone. But remember, these stamps can be used year-round because love never goes out of season or style.

450th birth anniversary of William Shakespeare

 

Date of Issue : 21 November 2014

Vatican Post has released a special commemorative stamp on occasion of the 450th anniversary of the birth of English poet and dramatist William Shakespeare.

This year marks the 450th anniversary of the birth of English poet and dramatist William Shakespeare, considered one of the greatest literary figures of all time. Little is known about his personal life, but we know that he was born in Stratford where he spent the first and last years of his life.

He went to London to search for greater fortune where he became well known as an actor, author and theatre director. His works have remained with us and been celebrated down through the centuries following his death. The heritage of his work is celebrated and translated in every language and performed on stages around the world.

His great skill consisted in understanding the needs of the public by staging complex dramatizations of his characters. The characters were so real that they seemed like a mirror image of the men and women of all times thanks to Shakespeare’s profound knowledge of the varying disposition of human nature.

The Philatelic and Numismatic Office is marking the celebration with an 0.85 cent postage stamp on a sheet with ten values. The face of Shakespeare appears to be in a curious position and he has a flower in his hand.

Stamp on Synchronized skating from Finland

Marigold IceUnity - synchronized skating team from Helsinki, Finland

Date of Issue : 19 January 2015

Here is a new beautiful  stamp  to be issued by Finland on the 19^th of January, 2015.This issue is  dedicated to the World championship skating team Marigold.

Marigold IceUnity are a senior-level synchronized skating team from Helsinki, Finland, representing the figure skating club Helsingin Luistelijat. Coached by Anu Oksanen and Katariina Rundberg, they are four-time World Champions and currently ranked first in the world by the International Skating Union.

Helsingin Luistelijat also fields the Musketeers at the junior level, Starlights at the novice level, Sunlights at the juvenile level and Creme De Ments at the adult level.

New stamps on Christmas

 

Festive  stamps on Christmas from Christmas Islands

Date of Issue : 31 October 2014

As the Christmas is approaching, postal administrations round the world are issuing stamps for this year’s Christmas. Some  of the stamps are so beautiful with the funny and smiling images of Santa depicting the festive activities of Christmas !! Christmas is an annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ celebrated on December 25. It incorporates religious practices, exchanging gifts, decorations at home, companies, and public areas, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Clause to arrive. Here are some recent issues on Christmas….

Christmas Island Post issued  Christmas stamps on 31st October to celebrate the upcoming holiday. The designs which are inscribed “Christmas Island Australia” feature Father Christmas and Christmas Island red crabs.

Christmas Island festive season stamps are traditionally a light-hearted and humorous depiction of Father Christmas enjoying Christmas festivities on the island with the various creatures, including crabs and birds that the island is renowned for. All are busily preparing Christmas Island for seasonal activities, including gift giving. Crabs dressed in Santa hats join Father Christmas while he carries starfish to adorn the tree. A single reindeer, with a red crab perched on his nose, is watching with interest from afar.

 

Christmas and New Year traditions from Aruba

 

Date of Issue : 22 October 2014

Aruba Post released a series of festive stamps celebrating Christmas and New Year 2014. Christmas is a festival full of fun and enthusiasm. New Year’s Day is observed on January 1, the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar as well as the Julian calendar used in the Roman Empire since 45 BC. Romans originally dedicated New Year’s Day to Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings for whom the first month of the year (January) is named.

In present day, with most countries now using the Gregorian calendar as their de facto calendar, New Year’s Day is probably the world’s most celebrated public holiday, often observed with fireworks at the stroke of midnight as the new year starts in each time zone.

Joint issue from Argentina and Vatican City for this year’s Christmas

 

This year’s Christmas postage stamp series produced by the Philatelic and Numismatic Office is a joint issue with Argentina and consists of a 0.85 cent value in a sheet of ten. The theme chosen to represent the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ is taken from paintings by Argentinian artist Raúl Soldi (1905-1994), who produced the works in the church of Saint Anne in Glew (Buenos Aires).

On the stamp, the baby Jesus is at the center of a complex composition: the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and the Magi, and above in the depiction of the sky, there are two angels who dominate the scene together with a number of knights.

 

Santa’s Magic holiday stamps from Canada Post

 

Date of Issue : 27 October 2014

Canada Post released a series of stamps featuring the trio of Santa stamps and painting of Virgin and Child. Canada Post blends the playful and magical essence of the holidays with the sacred tradition of Christmas with its latest holiday stamp issue.

The issue features three whimsical and colourful depictions of Santa Claus, a symbol of the holidays for much of the world.  Each stamp shows Santa performing his many important tasks. The fourth stamp in the issue – a Permanent TM domestic stamp – features a beautiful detail that shows a classic 17th century painting of the Virgin and Child. The painting is part of the collection at Basilica Cathedral Notre-Dame de Québec in Quebec City. This year’s stamp issue recognizes the parish’s 350th anniversary.

 

25th Anniv. of the fall of the Berlin Wall

 

Date of Issue: August 28, 2014​

Here is beautiful miniature sheet featuring Rainbow issued by Post of Vatican City to commemorate  25th Anniv. of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

 

25th Anniv. of the fall of the Berlin Wall

The fall of the Berlin Wall during the night of the 9th and 10th of November 1989 marked a very joyous and unimaginable surprise for the inhabitants of East and West Berlin. For 28 years this border strip was strictly patrolled by technical and military means, dividing the city and conditioning the lives of its inhabitants. The Wall suddenly became passable even for the people of East Berlin as a result of the “Peaceful Revolution”. Beginning in 1975, the white wall of reinforced concrete visible from the west and the complex system of border fortifications became the defining image of the divided city, a symbol of the Cold War. The irreversible process of the city’s reunification began in the days following November 9th when the border troops of the German Democratic Republic, accompanied by jubilant Berliners, started to remove individual segments of the Wall to create more crossing points. Beginning in March 1990, before the German Democratic Republic began to remove the 45 thousand wall segments, Berliners themselves started the demolition process. Even the night the Wall was opened, they brought out their own hammers and chisels to start removing the first small fragments. In the autumn of 1990, the last sections of the Wall were saved to be kept as a monument. Today it is difficult to notice the past division of the city. Only a small section of the border strip and segments of the wall are kept as a historical monument inside the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer street.

Manfred Wichmann, Berlin Wall Foundation

The Philatelic Office  commemorated the event with a postage stamp showing a beautiful photo of those historic days taken by photographer Michael-Reiner Ernst in memory of all those who helped bring down the wall. A miniature sheet was also issued featuring the names of the 138 persons who died attempting to cross the border, according to research conducted by the Berlin Wall Foundation.

News Courtesy – Kasinath R. - Tanjore

Club News

 

Inauguration of Philately Training Hall at Postal Training Centre, Vadodara - 4th September 2014.

The Postal Training Centre, Vadodara is a premier Training Centre of Department of Posts that runs high quality training programmes for postal personnel. The Centre was established in 1962 to impart training to Postal Employees in order to enhance the efficiency of the department by training the officials in various fields. The training centre is imparting training to the employees of various postal circles like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh etc. As a part of various training programs, Postal Training Center is also conducting lectures on various aspects of philately and philatelic workshops, mock philatelic exhibitions for postal employees with the help of members of Baroda Philatelic Society.

Brig. Sanjeev Thapar, Chief Postmaster General, Gujarat Circle inaugurated new Philately Training Hall at Postal Training Centre, Vadodara on 4th September 2014 in presence of Shri B. B. Dave, Postmaster General, Vadodara Region, Shri Ganesh Savaleshwarkar, Director, Postal Training Centre, Vadodara, Smt. Sucheta Joshi, Director, Postal Services, Vadodara, Shri Prashant Pandya, President, Baroda Philatelic Society, Shri Timir R. Shah, Hon. Secretary, Baroda Philatelic Society and other dignitaries and staff members of India Post, Postal Training Centre and members of Baroda Philatelic Society.

New Philately Training Hall has been decorated with blowups of commemorative stamps and equipped with Audio Visual equipments. 10 Specially designed attractive philatelic frames have been permanently installed on the walls of the hall. Each frame can house 8 exhibit sheets (1/2 frame). In total 5 Frame exhibits can be exhibited in these frames. Permanent display of exhibits will be arranged in these frames for the benefits of postal trainees. Permanent display of exhibits in regular philatelic frame is also planned in near future.

Courtesy –  Prashant Pandya

 

Flags - Short Hand of History - An exhibition on the Indian National Flag

 

Rabindranath Tagore Centre - Kolkata, the cultural flagship of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of External Affairs presented (from August 14 to August 24, 2014) in its Horizon Series a unique exhibition on the Indian National Flag in commemoration of the 68th anniversary of its adoption, curated by Sekhar Chakrabarti. The exhibition was inaugurated by Sri Jayanta Sengupta, Curator, Victoria Memorial Hall, Prof. Bharati Roy, Member of the Governing Council, ICCR was the Guest of Honour. There were many visitors thronged the gallery almost all day long. On popular demand the closing date of the exhibition was extended up to 24th August. Local news papers and TV channels also covered the events. Many visitors mentioned that this type of exhibition should be taken to all other cities of India so that general people may get the opportunity to know the history of the National Flag more intimately. It was a grand success.

The exhibition, which was the first of its kind by the ICCR, featured a rich collection of the Indian National Flag symbol on myriad objects sourced from a plethora of articles, such as postage stamps, coins, currency notes, medals, old news paper articles and advertisements, book covers and various other artifacts like, matchbox labels, 78 RPM gramophone records, propaganda leaflets, etc. that were pieced together to reconstruct the history and evolution of the Indian National Flag. The exhibits explored and celebrated the rich history of our Flag and the process by which it was born on 22nd July 1946.

 

Europa 2012 stamp from Vatican City…

 

    

Date of Issue : 11 May 2012

"Visit..." is the theme chosen by PostEurop for this year’s European postal stamps issue. The choice of this wide-ranging theme gives members of the postal association full freedom in interpreting it, whether looking at topics such as travel for tourism or culture, among the many possibilities.

The stamps issued by the Philatelic and Numismatic Office of Vatican City State for EUROPA 2012 stamp issue include the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, symbol of Christianity and destination of religious and cultural pilgrimage for millions of people. Another image is the dove in the window above the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter’s Basilica, a masterful work by Bernini symbolizing the Holy Spirit.

The theme of travel is important for its symbolic value, not as a type of visit for discovering and appreciating artistic beauty, but rather as an experience focusing above all on the spiritual dimension. A true journey is not so much that of a pilgrim going to a specific place of worship, but instead part of a an important path of self-awareness and personal reflection on one’s seeking the Lord. The journey of the faithful to the center of Christianity, to St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, is itself an expression of the evangelization of peoples and the fulfillment of the Church’s universal mission.

Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world in terms of inhabitants and size. It occupies an area of 44 hectares. The borders are represented by its walls and the travertine pavement curve that joins the two wings of the colonnades in St Peter’s Square. Beyond the proper territory of the State, Vatican jurisdiction also covers some extraterritorial areas within and outside Rome.

Vatican City State was founded following the signing of the Lateran Pacts between the Holy See and Italy on February 11th 1929. These were ratified on June 7th 1929. Its nature as a sovereign State distinct from the Holy See is universally recognized under international law.

The term Vatican was used in ancient times to identify the marshy area on the right bank of the Tiber River, between the Milvio Bridge and the present Sixtus Bridge. During the monarchy and the republican age, the area was known as Ager Vaticanus. It extended northwards as far as the mouth of the Cremera and southwards at least as far as the Janiculum. In the Imperial age, from the 2nd century A.D., the toponym Vaticanum was applied to an area corresponding roughly to the present Vatican City State.

Club News

It refers to my following  Post of 13 September 2011 about 41st Asiago International Awards, .which gives details about Asiago awards won by postal administrations.

http://rainbowstampclub.blogspot.in/2011/09/asiago-international-awards-for.html

The following beautiful issue from Switzerland  featuring = the Swiss Carnival also received recognition. This information has been sent by one of my readers Harry McCulloch from Wheaton, IL, USA. Thanks Harry for sharing this info.

 

The Swiss Carnival

Philatelic item collecting month celebrated by Gorakhpur Postal Circle

: Ashwani Dubey - Gorakhpur

New Europa 2011 stamps..

 

 

Date of Issue : 21 June 2011

The  new Europa 2011 issue from Vatican City consists of two stamps presented as a diptych showing a detail of a Sistine Chapel painting by Perugino, The Journey of Moses into Egypt.

The United Nations declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests. Forests cover more than 30% of the earth's surface and represent a vital source of biological diversity. They also play a key role in mitigating the effects of climate change, a concern widely discussed today. Forests are of great importance in regulating the earth's climate, and they play a key role in the water cycle and oxygenation of the planet. Forests provide wood and fuel, they host an enormous variety of living animal and plant species, and they counter soil erosion. Given their vitally important role for the planet, it is necessary to safeguard and protect them.

Denmark

 

Date of Issue : 4 May 2011

The stamp  (8,00 DKK)  features a pale tussock moth caterpillar crawling along a branch and the  other stamp (11,00 DKK)  features a red squirrel climbing up a tree trunk .

 

Greece

 

Date of Issue : 17 May 2011

Germany

Date of Issue : 5 May 2011

The biological, ecological and climatic role of forests is invaluable for the life on Earth. The loss of forests means the loss of biological diversity and climate change.

The clearing of forests and a non-simultaneous afforestation have been hurt earlier cultures. But mankind has apparently not learned much from it: the reckless deforestation in tropical rain forest, the rigorous cases of cutting down of ancient trees without quick replacement have already led to noticeable changes in the flora, fauna and climate. That is why afforestation is one of the biggest global challenges.

Joint Issue by Gibraltar and Vatican City

Hi ! In today's Post a joint issue by Gibraltar and Vatican City which will be issued on 10th February 2009 to commemorate the 700th Anniversary of the Devotion to Our Lady of Europe. The design features the priceless, hand-carved ancient statue that resides in the Shrine of Our Lady of Europe in Gibraltar. The Gibraltar sheet features St. Peter's Square and the Vatican sheet features the Rock of Gibraltar. The issues by both the countries are really beautiful. In the second part of the post a request to India Post sent by our readers from Indore for a postage stamp to be issued in honour of a famous personality of Madhya Pradesh. This is all for Today !.....Till Next Post.....Have a Nice Time !........

To be issued on 10 February 2009

Request to India Post & Members of Philatelic Advisory Committee

Sub.: Release of a Postal Stamp commemorating the senior most journalist of Madhya Pradesh and Freedom Fighter, Late Shree Hukum Chand Narad of Jabalpur .

Late Shri Hukum Chand Narad was an eminent journalist famous for his fearless pen. His whole life was devoted towards relentless fight for Indian freedom. Mahatama Gandhi had praised Naradji ‘s fearlessness in Freedom struggle. He was known to the former Prime Minister Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru as a fellow congress worker and was counted amongst the top rungs of the then C.P. and Barar leadership. After almost half century of his sudden death , MP Government installed his life size Bronze statue in Jabalpur in 1999 commemorating his services to the nation. In 2008, falls the 105th birth anniversary of Shri Hukum Chand Narad , the doyen of the working journalists. It would most be fitting for Department of Posts to release a postal stamp in his memory which would serve as an inspiring tribute to patriotism and fearless journalism.

Dr. Sandeep Narad, Indore (M.P.)