New Stamp from India

 

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Date of Issue : 15 October 2015

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

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

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

New Special Covers

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy -  Indian Philately Digest

Club News

New Philatelic Publication

 India 1929 Air Mail Stamps: A Study of Constant Varieties

by Rohit Prasad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stamp Exhibition

SCHOOLPEX 2015

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

 

New stamps on Music

 

250 Years of Bergen Philarmonic Orchestra

Date of Issue : 3 October 2015

Norway Post issued a new stamp on music theme featuring Orchestra. Norway Post  celebrates the 250^th  anniversary of Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. Musikselskabet Harmoniens Orkester was founded in 1765, and its long history makes it one of the oldest orchestras in the world.

The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra is a national orchestra and has been based out of the Grieg Hall since 1978. The orchestra, which consists of 100 musicians, holds around 80 concerts a year and is an important part of the Bergen International Festival every May. It also tours extensively and holds concerts both in Norway and internationally.

The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1765, and its long history makes it one of the oldest orchestras in the world. People from various countries flow there to feel the anxiety that can bob up in soul while listening to a classic music.

Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra has a rich discography and it has received Spellemannprisen in both 1991 and 2007.

In the past few years, more than 30 recordings with the orchestra were released, including series with music by Johan Halvorsen and Johan Svendsen.

Sweet Piano tunes on stamps…

Fryderic Chopin XVII International Pianist Competition

Date of Issue : 1 October 2015

Polish Post issued a beautiful stamp on Music theme to commemorate  International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition. The FDC bears a beautiful musical note cancellation. Collectors of Music theme would love this lovely issue  to include this stamp in their collection.

The International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition is one of the four biggest piano competitions in the world and the oldest one among them. Since its first edition, held in 1927, it has yielded considerable group of superstar pianists such as Marta Argerich, Krystian Zimerman or Maurizio Pollini. It takes place every 5 years in Warsaw and engages its inhabitants stronger than any other classical music related event.

The International Chopin Piano Competition, often referred to as the Chopin Competition, is a piano competition held in Warsaw, Poland. It was initiated in 1927 and has been held every five years since 1955. It is one of few competitions devoted entirely to the works of a single composer, in this case, Frédéric Chopin.

The first competition was founded by the Polish pianist and pedagogue Jerzy Żurawlew. Subsequent editions were organized in 1932 and 1937; the post-war fourth and fifth editions were held in 1949 and 1955. In 1957 the competition became one of the founding members of the World Federation of International Music Competitions in Geneva.

Traditional special awards include the Polish Radio prize for the best Mazurka performance (since 1927), the Fryderyk Chopin Society in Warsaw prize for the best Polonaise (since 1960), and the National Philharmonic prize for the best performance of a Piano Concerto (since 1980). The competition is organized by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute of Warsaw.

Ahimsapex–2015, Lucknow

 

 

A two day Philately Exhibition AHIMSAPEX inaugrated today at GPO Lucknow by DPS Sri.Vivek kr Daksh.On this ocassion a special cover also issued by Sri.Vivek Kumar Daksh.

Ahimsapex is organised by Lucknow Philatelic society and India Post jointly.LPS Patron Sri.Ashok Kumar.Secretary Naveen Singh, noted  philatelist Dinesh Chandra Sharma and all the members were present. Sri.Ramesh Chand Prajapati, Incharge Philately Bureau and Sri Madan Gopal made their best effots to organise this event.

 

A special Cover on “100 years  of the arrival of Mahatma Gandhi ”  was issued by Sri.Vivek kr.Daksh DPS Lucknow during  Ahimsapex  at GPO Lucknow.

Courtesy –  Sandeep Chaurasia

History of bicycle design featured on new Australian stamps

 

Date of Issue : 12 October 2015

Here is a new stamp issue by Australian Post that focuses on bike design from the late 19th century to 2015 through four examples, with each bike shown manufactured in this country.

Australia Post celebrates cycling and the history of bicycle design with a new stamp issue showcasing four Australian-made bikes from across the decades including the iconic Bassett & Co. penny-farthing, vintage safety bikes by Sutherland and Finlay Bros, and a Baum Cycles' contemporary road bike.

Australia Post Philatelic Manager Michael Zsolt said: "Recreational, commuter and competition cycling have long been popular with Australians, and this stamp issue embraces a resurgence in this trend. It focuses on transformations in design through four bikes made in Australia between 1888 and 2015."

Since the bicycle's introduction into Australia, in the second half of the 19th century, it has steadily gained popularity among many different cycling enthusiasts and communities. Today around 55 per cent of Australian households own at least one bike in working order, and-urban cycling is on the rise with help from bicycle events like Tour de France that draw a world-wide TV audience of arm-chair cyclists.

Designed by Sean Pethick, the bike-design focused stamp issue comprises two domestic base rate (70c) stamps and two international rate ($1.85 and $2.75) stamps featuring:

• The penny-farthing was first made in the early 1870s in Europe, superseding the aptly named "boneshaker". Its high front wheel allowed for greater speeds and less stress on the rider's legs, though it was no mean feat to mount and ride. The penny-farthing shown in the stamp design was made by Melbourne company Bassett & Co. in 1888. Photo: Paul Farren/Peter Horsley.

• The ladies' safety bike shown in the 70c stamp was designed and built by Melburnian Arthur Sutherland for his wife, Marion, around 1910. The safety bike was a game changer, first appearing in 1885. Its similar-sized wheels employed a rear-wheel chain drive, the rider's weight was lower to the ground and, in time, the robust diamond frame became the norm. The "drop bar" opened a whole new market, making cycling more accessible to women. Photo: Katie Shanahan/National Museum of Australia.

• The men's sprung-frame bike featured on the $1.85 stamp was made by Melbourne based Finlay Bros in the 1930s. The evolution of a sprung-frame, visible above the back forks in this bike, enabled a more comfortable ride. Photo: Paul Farren/Peter Horsley.

• The custom-made road bike featured in the $2.75 stamp, was made by Geelong-based Baum Cycles in 2015. The company makes bespoke high-performance machines for the biking buffs on the road. Bike designers and manufacturers continue to refine design and technology, and investigate new materials. Photo: Baum Cycles.

The products associated with this stamp issue include a first day cover, stamp pack, prestige booklet, sheet of 5 x $2.75 self-adhesive stamps, booklet of 20 x 70c self-adhesive stamps, and a set of four maxicards.

New Special Covers

 

World Post Day - Digital India Post

On the occasion of World Post Day a Special Cover on ‘Digital India Post’ was released at Mumbai on 9th October 2015.

Courtesy – Swamynathan R – Mumbai : email : swamyxyz@yahoo.com

Salkhan Fossils – 18th September 2015

A Special Cover was released to commemorate Salkhan Fossils on 18th September 2015 at Sonebhadra. Salkhan Fossil Park is a place in Sonebhadra District of Eastern Uttar Pradesh having oldest fossils of the world. This place is located about 12 kilometers away from Robertsganj town in Sonebhadra District on the Varanasi-Renukut Highway (SH-5) at Salkhan village. It is regarded as one of the most important destination to know the Earth’s geological and biological past.

Platinum Jubilee Celebration of 29 Field Ammunition Depot – 3rd October 2015

A Special Cover was released by Lt Gen Amit Sarin, SM, VSM, to mark Platinum Jubilee Celebration of 29 Field Ammunition Depot, Dehu Road, Pune.

29 Field Ammunition Depot located at Dehu Road, Pune completed 75 years of raising during September 2015 and the depot celebrated its Platinum Jubilee on 3rd October 2015. Ammunition Depot, Dehu Road is one of the biggest defence echelon located in Pune and is responsible to look after the requirement of ammunition for a large number of defence units located in southern India. The depot was raised during the World War II and has participated in all major military operations including 1965, 1971 war and operation Vijay and Operation Parakram.

Courtesy – Indian Philately Digest

Ratnagiri Zilha Gramin Daksevak Sahakari Patsanstha Maryadit – 30th August 2015

On the occasion of opening ceremony of new office of Ratnagiri Zilha Gramin Daksevak Sahakari Patsanstha Maryadit, Ratnagiri a Special Cover was released on 30th August 2015 at Ratnagiri (Special Cover approval no. MH/27/2015).

Courtesy – Sreejesh Krishnan – Trivandrum : email : sreejesh.nt@gmail.com

World Post Day

 

 

World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern. It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Since then, countries across the world participate annually in the celebrations. The Posts in many countries use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services.

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Theme for 2015: Posts claim their place in the changing communication landscape

This year, countries all over the world committed themselves to working together towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to end extreme poverty and hunger, fight inequality and injustice, and take action to reverse climate change--to name just some of these 17 agreed new Goals. Playing its part in this global effort, the Post today has a more relevant role than ever by providing infrastructure for development