New Special Covers

PUNPEX 2016 : Day 4 : Special Covers

Thapar University, Patiala

Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports, Patiala

: Vipan Kumar Thakur - Chandigarh Email : secretarycpc2011@gmail.com


Press Clippings

Future of Indian Philately : Indian Express (Mumbai Edition) - 23 January 2016 Contributed by : Swamynathan R. Views and Opinions  Philately in Modern and fast changing times Philately originates from postal system. Traditionally Postal system is all about communication through physical methods which involved variety of stamps, postal stationeries and postal markings etc. These varieties gave the philatelists a wide range of philatelic subjects to pursue as a hobby. Today, its a technological world where communication is instant without any physical methods. In such a high technological scenario, philately as a hobby is now getting highly restricted, to be specific, restricted to just collecting mint commemorative stamps. Letter writings / postal communications have decreased drastically with emails, mobiles and instant messaging gaining popularity. Though modern communication is instant but they are impersonal. Considering the importance of letter writing / postal communications and to promote it, US Postal Services have released in 2015 a stamp titled "FROM ME TO YOU". Australia Post have a separate web page on their website(www.auspost.com.au) dedicated to letter writing. Nowdays, world over the postal organisations are becoming  more and more corporate / business oriented with little focus on Philately. In such a scenario, Philately organisations must aggressively take over the responsibility of Philately activities and secondly closely work with the respective Postal organisations to bring various basic philately products like stamps, postal stationery etc.. Such a scenario is already happening in various countries. For e.g. American Philatelic Society, British Postal museum etc who are driving force to the modern philately. The apex body philately body of every country must function professionally having a website, physical office, library & archives and a professional philately team with proper documented and transparent working rules. The apex body must ensure that the various other philately clubs in their respective countries function properly and get the desired support. Lastly, in modern times the philately must try to embrace new or different aspects to enhance the Philatelic activities, for e.g origami envelopes, personalised postal cancellations etc. This is an ongoing activity to keep pace with the fast changing circumstances.  Conclusion Lets not restrict Philately to just collecting mint/unused stamps and exhibit it, rather make philately with a wide range of subjects so that it encourages the young generations to pursue philately as a hobby. - Swamynathan R. : email : swamyxyz@yahoo.com

New stamps from Malaysia

The Baba & Nyonya Heritage

Date of Issue : 29 November 2013

Here is a magnificent set of stamps from Pos Malaysia featuring Baba & Nyonya Heritage   of Malaysia.The stamps and Miniature sheet show Nayanaware, Nayana slippers, Townhouse wedding couple and Nyonya Kebaya Embroidery.

 

Views and Opinions

IT’S TIME FOR MAKING 4th GENERATION THEMATIC EXHIBIT

  - Naresh Agarwal

It was nice personal conversation over phone with Mr. Madhukar Jhingan who had visited Brasiliana 2013, The world Philatelic Exhibition, in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil,a beautiful city of large country of North America. Well, he was pleased and if am not wrong mesmerized by the beauty of the place. Further more by the visiting philatelists and their associates from all over the world.

We often talk about dark future of philately with the incoming of new technology communication systems in the world which is making life of physical light weight mail harder. Letters are seldom written by hand and email has now taken over at most of the places even surpassing Telex, Fax , and Phonograms where as one has seen that Telegram to has gone back to its shell for ever at least in India.

The exhibition as per Mr. Jhingan who was accompanied by his wife a philatelist too; was superb with displays properly done, with exhibits of high order and philatelists of great sense. The exhibition as per him was a treat to watch, an open book to learn and enjoy & and a place worth visiting.

With all these good things spoken by him, the best I could understand of my interest was the One Day Jury Seminar cum Training Workshop on Thematic Philately which was open for qualified judges international, continental and national and also allowed to be attended by the foreign delegates of other participating countries. The aim with the workshop was to establish the new concept as the FIP Thematic Commission would adopt for training judges. The workshop focused on a limited numbers of judging criteria and work with them "in deep".

In other words the aim of the workshop was to improve the quality of judging viz a viz quality of exhibiting. Mrs Savita Jhingan was lucky enough to attend the workshop as a viewer. Apart from other power point presentations while discussing on different elements of thematic philately, the jury discussed on three selected exhibits from the ones which were on display at the exhibition and were awarded too. I must say I am lucky enough to be the one of those whose exhibit was selected for necessary discussion by the jury in that workshop. I hope my detailed discussion with Mrs. Jhingan will certainly bring good result and fruit for me for bettering my said exhibit on “Mail and Its Movement” as I have been given to understand various aspects of the same had been discussed in detail by the jury during the workshop discussing about the shortcoming in the exhibit and the area where the exhibit needed improvement and the ways to improve. Genuinely this is very highly appreciable move of FIP. This will certainly help exhibitors to improve the quality of exhibits not only in terms of presentation but in other aspects too to make impact on the jury and to make exhibit easy to understand by the common viewer.

The new and appealing words which were heard by Mr. Jhingan being spoken by FIP jury during the show was the exhibits of 2.5G, 3G,4G and even 5G (G refers to Generation Process) order. Which means, the jury now look forward for exhibits of high order with write up in proper but short and sweet form and giving statistical data in tabulated / graphical form wherever necessary and possible, usage of high quality display material, new protecting techniques, high order vocabulary to write better and knowledge of computer graphics and writing in a far better way and of course variety of philatelic material of highest available quality and rarity & short but well researched thematic and philatelic text..

One must understand that jury at this level has to prepare themselves in a far better way to adjudge the exhibit. Jury too has to be well updated in all respects such as philatelically, thematically and postaly. Only few days back, I wrote in one of my mail to Mr. Sandeep Jaiswal that like “India Study Circle” we should think about formation of “Exhibit Study Circle of India” so that before the exhibits are sent to higher level shows, they are adjudged by the highly experienced philatelists to guide the exhibitor for bettering the same. There are such circles already working at many places of the world but we need it to be in India. We should also think in terms of conducting seminars or workshops to discuss and design the methodology of preparing so called 2.5G,3G,3.5G,4G,… exhibits so that we may perform better in such philatelic shows.

I would like to recall my opinion written on Rainbow where in I showed my serious concern on the results of BRASILIANA 2013 where performance of Indian participants apparently did not appear quite satisfactory in Indian scenario. The reasons may be many. As gathered from Mr. Jinghan, when there are talks of 2.5G, 3G, 3.5G, 4G exhibits, certainly we are bound to get lower medals not because the exhibit is of low quality but there is a need of making necessary changes in exhibiting to stand at par with the generation process in progress. Though presentation has only 5 marks but proper presentation gives better impact on other aspects too as it helps the viewer to better understand both the thematic as well as philatelic elements of the exhibit. We can well understand that our exhibit has to be of at least 2 generations ahead. In other words, if we go back to about 2 generations and think upon the methodology of preparing exhibits, reflection of knowledge, completeness of subject, concept, treatment and development of theme; and further the quality of search / research and the variety and rarity of material used, we find that Ist generation exhibiting comprised of just fixing / display of stamps of simple and common topics like animals, birds, ships etc.( so to say topical philately) either on plain sheets or pre-printed albums irrespective of condition, presentation or any information. The period normally spanned from 1920’s to 1940’s. The 2^nd generation exhibiting spanned between 1940 to 1970’s which comprised of addition of some text mainly related to the stamps affixed by the exhibitor but no proper placement, no elaboration of thematic or philatelic aspects. The text too written with pen pencil and in whatever way. Paper quality was not of that high standard. The 3^rd generation exhibiting spanned between 1970’s to 2000.s when one saw vastly improved exhibits as some new variety of material like cancellations, postal stationery, stamp booklets and covers was used and there was better illustrated text and text placement. Type writers came in to play. It was the time when topical philately turned in to thematic philately. Then came the 3.5G, a little better both in terms of quality and variety of philatelic material with well researched specific text illustrations and then the 4G which required better knowledge, better search and research both thematically and philatelically, usage of even better and more variety of material strictly in line with the storyline in most suitable and befitting manner. It also calls for better development and overall balance of every aspect of exhibit. So to say well advance quality thematic exhibiting.

In all, in the last 15 years, there has been vast change in thematic philatelic exhibiting and the ways to judge such exhibits. There was lack uniformity in past but now there is standardization in every aspect of philatelic exhibiting. There are electronic means to get information and acquire knowledge, there are computers to make presentation better and best utilize the space with the usage of desired font and language and letter style, there is variety of philatelic material which has been searched and so can find place in the exhibit and above all, there are variety of subjects which can be chosen and exhibited. Hence, today is the time of high quality advance exhibits. Comparative analysis with the exhibits world over has too become easy and so the competition so to say has increased calling for betterment and quality in every aspect of exhibiting.

This also calls for a better understanding by the exhibitor of every aspect of his exhibit so that with the same material, a better exhibit may be prepared which calls for change in presentation, shuffling material, changing plan by acquiring more knowledge and slight change in the plan, of course. For sure the same exhibit can get better award by slight changes, if done properly. It is time that we should come forward and discuss on this generation process in thematic exhibiting. Let’s conduct workshops and seminars on this. Let’s write and make philatelists aware of this standard of exhibiting .

: Naresh Agarwal - email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

New Chocolate stamps

 

Brussels - On March 25, the Belgium Post Office (Bpost) will issue novel chocolate smelling, chocolate tasting stamps. There will be five stamps treated with heat sensitive inks.

The Belgian postal service said: “We have added a chocolate taste to the glue of the stamps. You can taste [it] when you lick it. It was not easy to get the scent and flavor of the dark chocolate right. In the end, people from Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland all worked on it.”

The stamps are being issued to honor and celebrate the Belgiam’s famous chocolatiers and chocolate as a national delicacy. A Telegraph article describes the issue as Willy Wonka-style postage stamps that are in the wacky spirit of the novel by Road Dahl about an eccentric candy maker.

If you sniff the stamps you will smell chocolate and when you lick them to stick them on the envelope they will taste of chocolate. Perhaps people will lick off all the glue and then need to look for a glue stick. Johnny Thijs, the CEO of Bpost crowed:"With such stamps we prove our sense of modernity and innovation."

Not content with their chocolate stamps, Bpost is also planning a series of stamps that will emphasize road safety. These stamps will be printed on "glow in the dark ink". Perhaps people will be encouraged to stick these on their clothing at night, or on backpacks. Another future issue to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Belgium's Royal Meteorological Society will have heat sensitive ink that will reveal a hidden pattern when touched because of the warmth from the fingers.

The five stamps are intended for overseas mail and will cost 6.20 euros .

 

Read more: The Stamp Collecting Round Up

                      http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/343034#ixzz2KIX68ukI

Views and Opinion

 

Philately under the cloud

In the editorial of Vadophil (Issue no. 131-132, Jul.-Oct. 2012), it was stated that “Organised Philately is often linked to a three legged stool; the three legs are philatelists, trade and postal administration”.

Geometrically, three legged stool is very stable even if three legs are of un-equal lengths. In terms of philately, legs could be interpreted as contribution to the promotion of philately.

We need to review the third leg of stool i.e. Postal Administration, which is most important but unfortunately having a cracked leg. A while ago Department of Posts released a glossy and colourful philatelic magazine “Phila Post” with a great funfare in Delhi. Many philatelists from Gujarat and elsewhere from India and, of course, PCI members attended the meeting. Loud announcements were made on the future course of action to promote philately in India and regular release of the magazine through philatelic bureaux all over India. After couple of issues magazine had gone in hibernation.

Read More…

Response to above

Carefully read the editorial of Vadophil and noted the contents and the expressions of the editor, a veteran, sincere and dedicated philatelist, who himself and the members of Baroda Philatelic Society has been hurt by ill behavior of DOP officials during last few  events. The anguish and disappointment of the editor due to ill behavior and dry attitude of DOP can be felt and understood. But this response from DOP officials is experienced every where in India. I personally have experienced it several times. Philatelists are used and thrown.

I understand we are lover of philately and for the sake of it we do or have to do certain deeds which otherwise we would never had even thought of doing . But being lover of philately we must appreciate Love is Love….no expectations…no bargain…..no regrets. We are bound to receive and bear such gestures from DOP. Administrators don't have hearts. Bureaucrats are hard hearted and don't understand and cares for the sentiments.. He must understand there can not be any Dark Day or even Dark Night because philately glows in our heart and mind always, during day and night..

Further, I appreciate editor’s three legs theory of organized philately which as per him states that “Organized Philately is often linked to a three legged stool; the three legs are philatelists, trade and postal administration”.

Here I would like to add one thing that Organized Philately should be linked with all four the legs of a stool as philately is not a still event, it moving, moving from generation to generation. It’s like moving car and for its proper, stable, uniform, speedy, easy and joyful running, 4th wheel is very important. And for me the fourth wheel is "PHILATELIC ADMINISTRATION". Now is the time when there is true need of philatelic administration to not only set right the postal administrations but to organize the philately in better and graceful manner. The need of this administration is Global and not local.

While appreciating his feeling and views on the dry, unwanted and unwarranted behavior of DOP; I would suggest editor and members of Baroda Philatelic Society should come out of it, concentrate on how better they can enjoy philately keeping in mind that there are remote chances of any PERMANENT solution to the administrative attitude of DOP officials.

Here I appreciate Mr. Jhingan’s (Delhi based veteran Philatelist) efforts who has shown that without DOP’s support also, philately can glow, glaze, prosper and enjoyed. Once again, here I feel the urgent need of proper PHILATELIC ADMINISTRATION..... such as formation of PHILATELIC REGULATORY AUTHORITY etc.

Yes, editor’s fresh wind theory of removal of dark cloud is certainly demand of the time. Any way, if fresh wind is not available, let’s plan to refresh the existing clouds . But let the wind of enthusiasm sweep through us and keep us move like Kings…..ultimately it is said that philately is hobby of kings…

With thanks and regards,

- Naresh Agrawal, Bilaspur (C.G.)

email : nareshkumar1992@yahoo.co.in

Philately under the cloud….

 

Hi !

Here I am sharing an editorial published in recent issue of Vadophil, just to have the attention of one and all regarding arrogant and irresponsible attitude of Deptt. of Posts with the philatelists. Readers are requested to send their views and experiences .

Philately under the cloud

In the editorial of Vadophil (Issue no. 131-132, Jul.-Oct. 2012), it was stated that “Organised Philately is often linked to a three legged stool; the three legs are philatelists, trade and postal administration”.

Geometrically, three legged stool is very stable even if three legs are of un-equal lengths. In terms of philately, legs could be interpreted as contribution to the promotion of philately.

We need to review the third leg of stool i.e. Postal Administration, which is most important but unfortunately having a cracked leg. A while ago Department of Posts released a glossy and colourful philatelic magazine “Phila Post” with a great funfare in Delhi. Many philatelists from Gujarat and elsewhere from India and, of course, PCI members attended the meeting. Loud announcements were made on the future course of action to promote philately in India and regular release of the magazine through philatelic bureaux all over India. After couple of issues magazine had gone in hibernation.

During GUJPEX-2011, state level philatelic exhibition held in Vadodara, a plenty of unpleasant matters came to light. During the Valedictory function, except for the Sr. Jury member, none of other jury names were acknowledged. Senior Philatelists who conducted a workshop on philately, quiz programs etc. were ignored. Normal courtesy demands that they should have been honored with mementoes for their contributions. Even they were not invited to seat in the front row as gesture of courtesy.

And the height of adamant attitude of Department of Post was to ignore services of members of Baroda Philatelic Society who supported, co-operated and helped the Department of Post towards organising the ‘GUJPEX -2011” from the day one of announcement of event and till the last day of exhibition. None were acknowledged personally or even during vote of thanks at the valedictory function. Volunteers of Baroda Philatelic Society stood by the department as if the event is organised by Baroda Philatelic Society, who even helped in erection of frames, mounting and dismounting of exhibits even after such step motherly approach by the Dept. of Posts at the end of exhibition. For what ? For the sake of love for Philately ?

Recently Vadodara East Division organised District Level Philatelic Exhibition “VADOPEX 2013” at Vadodara from 10^th to 12^th January 2013. During the planning of this exhibition Baroda Philatelic Society was approached by the Chairman of Exhibition in the first week of November 2012. At that time Baroda Philatelic Society had requested the officer to convey the message about the grievances and unhappiness of members of the society who had unpleasant experience during the last GUJPEX-2011 to the concerned authority. It was never conveyed to higher authorities and the society members were kept in dark about this. It reduced the enthusiasm among the members of Baroda Philatelic Society towards Vadopex 2013. Organisers of Vadopex 2013 remain silent till last week of December 2012 for reasons best known to them and in the end of December 2012, hardly 12-15 days before the inauguration of Exhibition, sent entry forms and one page announcement letter about Vadopex 2013 to couple of philatelists of Vadodara. Phone calls were made to philatelists to participate in the exhibition and personal approaches also made to collect entries for exhibition but members of Baroda Philatelic Society were not in mood of participating in the exhibition due to unpleasant and adamant attitude of the organisers. The Prospectus of Vadopex 2013 reached us separately by Post on second day of Exhibition!!! Even the PDA account holders were also not properly communicated about the event.

Surprisingly for the first time in history of philately, two types of prospectus were seen. One was showing text “The exhibition is organised by the East Division with the active support of Philatelic Association of Vadodara.......” and another with white ink obliterating this text !!!

For us, 10^th January 2013 will be known as Black Day in Philately. Vadopex 2013 held in the city of Baroda was inaugurated without presence of members of Baroda Philatelic Society. Even there was no advertisement about the event in local news papers or TV Channels and media personal did not attended the event. Fifteen frames were exhibited in Adult Class, 26 frames were exhibited in Youth/School class, 27 frames were exhibited in Invitee Class from non members of Baroda Philatelic Society and, some frames obtained from outside Baroda.

Appointment of members of Jury for the exhibition is also a mystery and reason behind appointing them is best known to Department of Post. Jury members appointed for Vadopex 2013 have never judged any philatelic exhibition even as an apprentice jury. Family member of one of the jury was a participant in competition class and has been awarded a Silver medal ! Is this justified ? Is this as per India Post Regulations for Judging ? This is a serious matter and need a serious attention by higher authorities of Philately Division of India Post.

Though the event was of three days, three special covers were released on very first day. Why one each special cover was not released on each day of exhibition? Traditionally, on each day, one special cover is released during the exhibition to attract more visitors on each day. After the introduction of ‘My Stamps’ at INDIPEX 2011 International Exhibition it has become a tradition to provide my stamps facility at district level philatelic exhibitions which not only attracts philatelists and visitors but also generates good revenue for the Department of Posts, but at Vadopex 2013, no such facilities of ‘My Stamps’ were provided.

There was another surprise. Stamps issued to commemorate the 150^th Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda are still not available at many philatelic counters. But sheets were taken to the venue of the exhibition, in spite of the fact that very limited supply was received by Vadodara Philatelic Bureau. Thus depriving other philatelists of neighbouring towns. We are awaiting explanation from Dept. of Posts, Vadodara.

Don’t you feel that district level philatelic exhibitions are merely for the submission of Annual Reports to the higher authorities and audit purpose and just to waste the philately budget sanctioned by Philately Division? The district level philatelic exhibitions are absolutely necessary but they should be planned well in advance and senior philatelists and local philatelic organisations should be taken into confidence and involved right from the beginning.

It appears that Department of Post has shrunk from the responsibility of organising philatelic events. During last one year there was no philatelic activity in Vadodara even on Philately Day which was celebrated everywhere with a great enthusiasm with the support of philatelists and philatelic organisations across the country.

Now you can understand the cracked up third leg of the stool. Patch up will not serve the purpose. It has to be replaced.

It is also important that we philatelists need to be united when such treatment is received. Our fellow philatelists should also support each other. Somewhere feeling of brotherhood is missing. (for personal benefits ???)

We are not writing this with a bias or prejudiced mind. We always have respect for authorities and we are always available to extend our whole hearted support for the cause of philately but it pinches us when some people for the sake of their personal ego and with a adamant attitude plays with sentiments of philatelists. We expect respect and acknowledgement of our services. Nothing more....

Fresh wind is required to disperse the cloud and bring the philately under a bright sunshine. When I say “fresh wind”, I mean change or more precisely, overhaul of the system. We need to look for a good carpenter so that the stool can stand on its three legs well balanced.

The King’s hobby will only survive if we pray “God Save the King”. Having said that let us say “God save this hobby”.

Jai Philately.

- Prashant H. Pandya

Editorial Published in Vadophil, Issue No. 133 (Jan. 2013)

View Vadophil January 2013

Global stamp from USA

 

In 2013, the U.S. Postal Service introduces Global Forever, a new international rate stamp. The Global Forever stamp offers a single price for any First-Class Mail International 1-ounce letter to any country in the world.

This stamp features a rendering of Earth composed of images created from satellite data and redesigned with 3D computer technology. The view of our planet shows the Atlantic Ocean flanked by the Americas, Africa, and part of northern Europe. In the stamp art, the globe is isolated on a white background. The shape of the stamp is round. The text, which surrounds the image of Earth, includes the words "Global Forever".

From our Readers…

Letter to Editor,

Rainbow Stamp Club e Magazine

Once upon a time 'Philately' was used to be considered as "the source"  for knowledge and authentic information on subjects depicted on stamps and other related publications associated with a new stamp release such as brochure, information sheet, etc. There are a lot of history and geography that could be learnt as well. Stamps represent historical events, people and places. It is globally accepted as an easy stepping stone to learning as much or as little about World or local history as a collector wants. Stamps make learning fun for a budding collector who might not even realize that while pursuing the hobby he is learning. This is why philately used to be prescribed as most powerful hobby to impart general education to the young-stars.

Commemorative Stamps are expected/supposed to have great pictures on them, presenting great works of miniature art.

But it appears Deptt. of Posts, is bent upon to kill this hobby by not caring to the minimum requirement of “Trustworthiness” in depictions/illustrations and in providing correct information. I am disappointed to find that there is no consistent policy to improve the quality of commemorative postage stamps being issued from time to time honouring great personalities. Among the worst aspects of the flood of new stamps from India is the poor research carried out by the designers/proponents of such stamps. Now-a-days, stamps (the face value) are so expensive that most collectors should at least be able to expect that in exchange for their money they would receive stamps with accurate designs and inscription.

Let me give some examples here from the recent mail I received from the Deptt. of Posts against my PD A/c .

Scant Justice to History

100 years of Indian Science Congress. Date of issue, 3 January 2013

In the brochure it is written  and I quote;

"...the first Prime Minister of India attended the 34th Annual Session of the Indian Science Congress and the first Session after independence, held at Delhi from 3-8 January 1947, as a General President...." unquote.

Do they need to know when did India achieve independence?

Silk Letter Movement. Date of issue 11 January 2013

The information sheet mentions at least in two different places "the Provisional Government of Azad Hind"

What a travesty of history ! 'The Provisional Govt. of Azad Hind'  was established by Netaji Subhas Bose in Singapore during World War II in 1943. While the first Provisional Government of India-in-exile, officially known as ’Provisional Government Hind’ (not by the name of Azad Hind) was founded in Kabul, Afghanistan during World War I in December, 1915 by Raja Mahendra Pratap during which the 'Silk Letter Movement' was evolved.

Before I conclude, I may assure all the discerning collectors that there are innumerable such mistakes/ misinformation published by India Post for which they never thought it proper to apologize or initiate/taken any corrective action. Perhaps, you will recall that the writer of this letter earlier pointed out how often they pronounced their own name in their own publications as "THE DEPARTMENT OF POST" and "THE DEPARTMENT OF POSTS" ,perhaps without knowing who they are!

Yours faithfully,

Sekhar Chakrabarty

Kolkata

Philatelic Tributes to Hemant Kumar

 

16th June is the Birth Anniversary of Hemant Kumar. He a great singer and Music director of Indian Cinema. His songs have always charmed people of every  age group and regarded as some of the best numbers ever sung by an artiste…This post is a tribute to one of the the greatest singers…of all time whose songs will  be loved, sung, listened and played by the generations to come….Here I share some of his best numbers that have magical effect on the listener…

Golden Voices of Yesteryears

India Post issued  a set of four stamps and a Miniature sheet on May 15, 2003 to commemorate four great singers of Indian Cinema – Kishore Kumar, Mukesh, Mohd Rafi and Hemant Kumar.

 

 

Hemant Kumar ( Hemanta Mukherjee) was a singer, composer, and producer in the Hindi and Bengali film industry.  He is most known for his Bollywood songs from the 1950's and 1960's.  In his career, he recorded approximately 2000 songs.

(Happy version)

(Sad version)

Hemant Kumar was born Hemanta Kumar Mukherjee on June 16, 1920 in Benares (Varanasi).  Although he was born in Benares, his family originally hailed from Baharu in West Bengal.  When he was young, his family shifted to Calcutta.  There he grew up and attended Mitra Institution school of Bhawanipore.  After he graduated from Intermediate, he attended Jadavpur University and began studying engineering. Hemant Kumar's interest in music began early.  He sang his first song in All India Radio in 1933.  He was only 13 at the time.

It was in 1937 that he recorded his first disk.  The names of the songs were Janite Jadi Go Tumi and Balo Go Balo More.  The lyrics to these songs were written by Naresh Bhattacharya and the tune and arrangement was by Sailesh Dattagupta. 

His career as a film playback singer began with the Bengali film "Nemai Sanyas"; this was released in 1941.  After that he did playback for a number of other Bengali films.

It was SD Burman who gave him his break for the film "Jaal" (1952). The song from this film Yeh Raat, Yeh Chaandni Phir Kahan, became a big hit, and cemented his position as a major playback singer.

Hemant began to work as a music director.  He composed the music for several films, but  "Nagin" (1954) that catapulted him into national recognition as a music director.  Even today the "hook" from the song, Man Doley Mera Tan Doley has become an icon that is permanently associated with snake charmers in the Indian mind.  After the success of "Nagin" he went on to be the music director for numerous films including "Jagriti" (1954), "Bees Saal Baad" (1962), and "Khamoshi" (1969).

 

In 1955 he won the "Filmfare Award for the Best Music Director".  This was for his film "Nagin" (1954).  He won the "Presidents Gold Medal" for his film "Neel Aksher Neechay" (1959).

His last concert was in September of 1989.  He went to Bangladesh to receive the Michael Madhusudhan Award.  There he gave a performance in Dhaka.  Upon his return he had a severe heart attack and died on September 26, 1989.

Read More…

Views and Opinions

 

 

COMMEMORATING LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC

- Naresh Agarwal

I recently read an appeal in Rainbow stamp club bulletin asking to start campaigning for issuance of postal stamps by India Post on occasion of London Olympics, the biggest sport event held every four years to see the best sport personalities of the world in action. The appeal reads as under :

“It is unfortunate that India Post has not yet announced stamps to commemorate London 2012 Olympics. The philatelic community is still in doubt whether any stamp will be issued by India Post to mark this biggest sports event. So all Indian philatelists are requested to join hands and make all possible efforts to pursue India Post for a beautiful set of stamps to mark OLYMPICS 2012. WE all must start a campaign for the issue of commemorative stamps on Olympics 2012 !!”

Participation by any nation in such a great sports event is a matter of pride and honor. Further winning any medal in this event is like a dream come true. For me even participation in Olympic gives you a title of Olympian which is a very big and rich achievement.

     

 

We have seen postal authorities of most of the countries are issuing postal stamps to celebrate on this occasion. Australia for example is issuing three commemorative stamps titling “The Road to London” to honor its Olympians and also will be issuing stamps instantly for their Gold medal winners in London Olympics.

Such is the enthusiasm. Israel has planned to issue a set of 6 stamps. This shows how seriously and strongly one is connected and concerned. This connectivity acts as a motivational stuff for the participants and also for the new upcoming athletes and sports persons.

India has also been issuing stamps on many such occasion. This act of India Post has been highly appreciated by the philatelic fraternity world over and the stamps and other postal stuffs issued / released have made an impact. Many big sports persons have been honored.

Though only a few days are left, India Post has not yet declared the stamps to be issued on this occasion by it but it is believed that very nice stamps have already been designed to honor the medal winners of India in the past Olympics games. But it is not understood why such games are being played by India Post before the official start of the Olympic games. This is a serious matter and demand of the people of this state who look forward for release of good postal material including postal stamps to mark, celebrate and commemorate this event.

One must not forget that India Post has been very kind and liberal in its stamp issue policy where even a very good number of people and events of regional stature have been honored and commemorated. Olympics has a global stature and one can think what India Post must have in its store for this event. Otherwise also when whole world is doing great work to mark the event… India post, one of the biggest postal organizations can never sit behind and is expected to come out with some wonderful postal material.

In case India Post has not yet thought of this, it must act immediately to keep its and our head high. It must think that this is the right time to honor our athletes and Olympians in front of the world as stamps are considered as ambassador of any country. More over, we will be honoring our sports personalities not the British or other nationals.

Let me remind the think tank of India post that it has a big wing to promote philately and also has a philatelic advisory committee too to think on the importance of any such occasion and to decide on issuance of stamps and postal material which could commemorate such event and also help promotion and development of this hobby for which such wing has been formed. I would like to inform that there is a big group / chapter of philatelists who collect and enjoy the Olympic related stamps and other material. In India, only there is a big team of such philatelists who are hard core Olympic Stamp collectors.

I hope and have firm belief that India Post will come out with a strange but beautiful set of stamps to mark this occasion along with other related philatelic materials.

New Europa stamps…

 

EUROPA 2012 - Visit…..

Greece

 

Date of Issue: 10th May 2012

Bosnia and Herzegovina (Serb post)

Date of Issue : 26th April 2012

View all :  Europa stamps

Views and Opinion

Recently Mr Naresh Agarwal interviewed GPA President Mr Mainak Kathiara. Here are some questions of interest asked by Mr Naresh Agarwa. Mr Maink Kathiara answers ….

Philatelic advisory Committee

  --->1. Are you satisfied with the working of philatelic advisory committee? If not, your findings and suggestions.

---> I was told that P.A.C. is a dignified body with 43 members, but only 3 are from philatelic field. I would like to suggest a few things.

* Not more than 30 stamp issues should be taken out annually

* Major emphasis should be on the thematics...stamps of regional leaders and personalities have no value in international philately.

* Symmetry should be maintained for FDC, M/S, cancellations etc.

* Rs 25 stamp should be issued in place of Rs 20 as it is the international postage and ONE INDIA ONE RATE for speed post.

* Brochures are important as they tell the details of the stamp but the collectors neglect it. Mandatory insertion of brochure with FDC would help in promoting philately. No FDC should be sold without a brochure...Of course at a price.

* Yearly plans of stamp release should be strictly adhered to. Ministry should support this and not make a confusion regarding the release date, once it is finalized.

* Standard of packaging should be drastically improved. Stamps are brand ambassador of our country and hence they should be showcased well.

* Transparency among the issuing authority and PAC should be there and more new faces (preferably young) with creative ideas from the philatelic fraternity should be incorporated in the working of the PAC.

* Meetings should be held regularly to incorporate new ideas and take feedback of the items issued.

* Meetings should be held as a creative activity and not as a formality.

Philatelic Congress of India (PCI)

2. Do you think that PCI, the apex body representing philatelists in India at all platforms is working satisfactorily? If not why and what should be done to check it, improve and make it more efficient?

PCI : Individually Marvel / Collectively Directionless.

Individually they are all stalwarts, in philately as well as their work and business. Collectively they have lost the direction and momentum to promote and upgrade philately in India. They should rise above their individual interests and do some constructive work in developing philately in India.

People at helm at PCI know what to do but the willingness to do is still not there on their agenda. Voice of philatelists across India say ‘WAKE UP’ before it is too late. You are the trusties of philatelists of India and you should understand your powers and responsibility. Come out of your preconceived notions and take suggestions of other groups at their face value. Further, PCI also needs to persuade postal officials at top to think and act in better interest of Indian philatelists in general and need to have better say and standing with them in decision and policy making related to postal stamps, operation of Philatelic bureaus,holding exhibitions and even disbursement of funds in this regard,if possible

Why was Philapost discontinued? It is still a question. Now the egos between  the two different parties need to be buried. I think the other group has no problem if the people at helm do some creative work / provide transparency and make PCI a powerful and respectable body representing India.

Professional Philatelist / Commercial Philatelist

3. Professional philatelist is an established term in philately but commercial philatelist is the new term emerging in the philatelic scene in India where we find there is hardly any true philatelist. All philatelists are turning into philatelic traders, dealers and professionals in one way. How do you see the future of philately in India with such changing behaviors and thinking of philatelists?

I definitely see a positive trend. New people are entering this hobby & that only will take philately to newer heights. I see no harm in the rise of commercial philatelists. Once investor / trader / dealer / philatelist have tasted some profit he will not quit philately. Investors of today may turn into philatelist tomorrow. The new commercial philatelists are more computer savvy & have better finance/connectivity than the traditional dealers. If the new commercial philatelist can create (4 A's) i.e awareness, accessibility, affordability & availability, India is a very big market and they are sure to stay.

Times change...lot of new items are issued...old items are getting unearthed...items are getting expensive..there is a limit about ones finance..thanks to the internet. Looking to all this philatelist is motivated to upgrade himself to be connected in the hobby. With the changing time he is induced to sell his extra material and use the money to buy the missing items for his collection.

Still today selling by a philatelist is considered a taboo and is looked down by fellow philatelist. I see no harm if a collector sells his extra items or the material which he is not collecting. This will help the fellow collectors to get the material they are searching for their collection. One has to be practical and change with the time.

Philatelic Journalism in India

4. Tell us something about philatelic journalism in India. How do you rate various e-bulletins being issued/published today in India.

E-bulletins have created tremendous awareness. It is information at fingertip. It is the need of the hour and flavour of this era. Print bulletins take a long time to get published and its distribution is costly and time consuming. Information through e-bulletin spread very fast and can be seen world over. Only thing the print bulletin can do to survive is to bring out some research articles.

A print bulletin preferably a bi monthly of international standard should be started by India post like Phila Post.We are surprised why this is not happening when there is so much talent & resources within the country.

Last few years have been good for philatelic journalism. New writers have emerged & news updates have become handy. Thanks to Mobile philately, Stamps of India, Rainbow Stamp Club, Se-tenant stamps of India, Indian Stamp Ghar etc..Thanks to independent blogs and websites who put something new & interesting to sustain the hobby.

Future of Philately

5. With the invent of technology like internet causing promotion and usage of e-mail and other e-services, how do you see the future of philately? Your suggestion for promotion of philately in India.

I see very bright future. Technology has sustained & spread the hobby bringing in many new philatelists into the arena.

One can refer to my article <Promotion of Philately--a different perspective> which was published in Phila Post and in Rainbow Stamp Club.

Appeal to Philatelists

12. Your appeal to philatelists of India as an individual, societies of India as a group of philatelists?

Philately is a creative hobby & my experience says that in the long run a philatelist is never a loser. For being successful, ones aim should be focused on the subjects which he can complete. One should buy selectively. A collector’s motto should be "get the knowledge, share the knowledge & spread the knowledge". He should read & interact with knowledgeable philatelists. As an individual one should not be afraid to experiment his creative ideas. I would suggest an individual to be more focused on the subject area & don’t get involved in petty politics. Remember, philately as a hobby should be a stress reliever and you have to enjoy this fascinating hobby.

It would be great for any society if more members take interest in its functioning (rather than 1 or 2 in many associations).Philatelic societies should strive hard to get young members in their area. This will expand the base & sustainability of philately. Lot of constructive activities can be done under the banner of a philately club/society.

GPA was instrumental in proposing the name of some young philatelists as apprentice jury in stamp exhibitions and has also honoured senior philatelists/dealers during Festival of Stamps 2009.These gestures of GPA & various other societies will set a platform for young & deserving persons to take charge of philately of India in future.

It is a privilege to serve as president of Gujarat Philatelists' Association from 2006.I am grateful to all the members who supported me and helped GPA to do good work in promoting philately.

Mainak Kathiara is a well known name in the field of philately in India as he has cemented his place in the big names of philately by virtue of the speedy and positive changes and actions taken by him for promotion of philately in last 5/6 years after he became president of Gujarat Philatelic Association. Though he has various thematic collections but his main interest is India Post Independence.  He is known for pioneering creation of special designer covers and cards in Gujarat and their promotion by sales. He has in his credit various stamp shows especially “Festival of Stamps” and various covers, cards and booklets. As a very close observer of happening in the field of philately in India, his valued opinions will certainly help philatelic fraternity in giving direction to philately in India.

Mr Mainak Kathiara may be contacted at email : mainak61@yahoo.com

Stamp Festival and Exhibition in Europe….

 

Nordia 2011 – A big show

This year, Nordia 2011, the Nordic stamp exhibition, will be organized in Jyvaskyla, Finland, on April 1-3. The exceptionally large-scale exhibition has one of the greatest collections among all stamp exhibitions organized in Europe this year.

Itella Posti (Finland) will publish new stationeries and stamp the first day postmark on them at the exhibition. In addition to Posti, the event will be participated by all other Nordic postal services, as well as those from Estonia and Germany.

 

Stamp Festival in France

The French Post has issued a stamp dedicated to the Stamp Festival 2011.

In France, the Stamp Festival is held every year since 1938. Since December 1944 the French Post has been issuing a postage stamp on this occasion. Until 1999 this stamp was focused on the postal history, after on comic books or literature characters to attract the young audience.

In 2010-2011 the Stamp Festival supports artistic creation and is committed to sustainable development. In 2010, the theme chosen for the traditional Stamp Festival was water; the theme of this year is devoted to the Earth. The first stamp issued at this occasion is a stamp repeating the design of French definitive stamps, the very famous Marianne. On the left side of the stamp is written "Let's protect the Earth" and shows a hand planting a plant.

 

From our Readers……

Doot Magazine old and new cancelled with Doot stamp and First Day cancellation

Prepared by Vijay Modi, Himmat Nagar ( Gujarat)

email : vijay_idom@rediffmail.com

 

 

Rainbow at INDIPEX 2011 -

- Jagannath Mani, Bangalore

The Violet reminds me the fire works of "Exhibitors"

The Indigo reminds me the shadows of "New Philatelist"

The Blue reminds me the rain of "Khadi stamp"

The Green reminds me the the Pickles of "My stamps"

The Yellow reminds Me the Bumble bee daily Indipex 2011 news "show daily"

The Orange reminds me the sour taste of the orange of "INDIPEX 2011" when some officials found sitting on the mat and collecting the exhibits at "INDIPEX 2011

The Red reminds me the lady bug of the Indian Post "The Organizing committee"

At last after I saw walking India post box unable to receive any letter and few kids were enjoying and smile on their faces I have seen the rainbow  in word INDIPEX .

- Jagannath Mani
www.olympicgamesphilately.blogspot.com

My recent covers……

 

EUROPA – Year of Children’s Books

Hi ! Here are some nice covers received by me from Poland, Latvia & Algeria. I just want to inform my friends that they should send only specific FDCs & please do not send empty covers for exchange as due to recent hike in Registered Airmail postage which is now three times the normal Air-Mail Postage. So it is not possible to reciprocate for the blank empty covers which are sent by most of the collectors as these covers do not serve any philatelic purpose. It is really very disappointing that often some collectors send empty ordinary covers (with no philatelic value) in exchange of stamps and Max Cards. In fact such covers are of no use for an advanced philatelist as they bear only used stamps. These covers serve the purpose of general collectors only.  Exchanging of stamps and covers is a great pleasure but it should be substantial and worth for someone and it must have some philatelic value. So exchange on particular themes will be better for both partners. However I prefer exchange of mint stamps, postal stationery and other philatelic items on my specific themes. I assure of sending nice philatelic items in exchange. I have recently added two new themes to my interest and these are Mona Lisa & EUROPA themes. I would certainly like to exchange stamps and philatelic items on these themes besides my other themes mentioned in my profile. It is a pity that the place where I live FDCs are not available on the date when they are issued. I get them quite late from other place so I cannot provide my friends the real FDCs timely. However I can send them mint stamps and other special covers available with me. This is all in this Post…….Till Next Post……Have a Great Time !

EUROPA 2010 – Year of Children’s Books

Cover from Poland - Thanks to Andzej ! A real FDC of EUROPA 2010, posted from Poland. I love this theme very much.

20 years of Declaration of May 4th, 1990

Cover from Latvia – Thanks to Mr EN Limanski. A real FDC posted from Latvia. Thanks LImansky for making it philatelically important by making it a Registered FDC ! Though the theme depicted on FDC is not my subject but it is a good registered used FDC for Flag theme !

Cover from Algeria – Thanks to Mr Ouari Khemissi for the cover. This cover is not a real FDC but a simple computer printout. It has no philatelic value as it does not even bear a special cancellation except two used postage stamps affixed on it. This cover cannot be included in Polar regions collection. Only the  stamps used on the envelop can be included to some extent.

Club News

Heartiest Congratulations to all Winners at LONDON 2010 !

Two entries of Indian participants in Literature Class of Mr Dinesh Chandra Sharma, Lucknow and Mr Vikas Singh, Ghaziabad have won Bronze medal in London 2010.

Views & Opinions

Kasinath R., Tanjore

I like to share the present condition of availability of low value MS released by India Post.
I still have not got one Polar Region MS. whenever I approach the GPO, they say the quantity which came are already sold out. I think this is the case in many GPO in India. but then, these are available for sale in abundant quantity for higher prices in online auction houses and with local dealers. selling the Polar Region MS @15 to 20 (100% profit) each and Silent Valley @ Rs. 15 each (200% profit). In eBay, making easy money. these are available even in packets (100 nos and 200 nos), while a student philatelist or others who need 1 or 2 for their collection need to visit the GPOs repeatedly to get one.

My nearest philatelic bureau is 60 km away from my city. I get my stamps through PDA a/c, but then too I did not receive the Polar region MS so far.Are these stamps issued mainly for benefit of dealers? or are the dealers bribing the clerks at GPO counter to get bulk quantity?

It seems that in future, new MS should be bought only from dealers and through auction sites. I started hating to collect Indian Stamps. Also, these postal staff give out huge quantities to dealers without any question. When I asked for 10 MS of Silent Valley, they looked at me top to bottom and asked whether I'm a dealer.Can't there be anything done to restrict this?