My Recent Covers

   

12 February 2025 : Maghi Purnima : Prayagraj

26 February 2025 : Nagvasuki Temple : Mahashivratri : Prayagraj

28 February 2025 : Celebrating 114 Years of First Air Mail Service : Prayagraj

Thanks  to Mr. Rahul Ganguli, Prayag Philatelic Society, Prayagraj

Greetings on Holi

 

Holi - Festival of Colors

Happy Holi

Book Review

 

Threads of Tradition: Khadi Wavers and the GI Tags

By Sushil Mehra

 

 

Threads of Tradition: Khadi, Weavers and the GI Tags By Sushil Mehra : First Edition : Type – A4 Size Paperback – Coffee Table Book : Author, Publisher & Copyright : Sushil Mehra : Pages : 136 email : gaureshmehra@gmail.com WhatsApp : 9972091818

 

The new book by Sushil Mehra , Threads of Tradition : Khadi Weavers and GI Tags features India’s textile heritage. Artisans and traditional fabrics through philately and GI. The book shows the significance of Textile industry and its heritage in different states of India through postage stamps and covers, Post marks and picture postcards. Textile industry plays an important role in the economy of India. The book gives a new theme to the Thematic collectors to develop into a beautiful exhibit. The book is presented in an excellent way and not only for the philatelists but in general for all is a wonderful book.

  

The book features articles by noted philatelists on Khadi, Textiles, GI Tagged handloom products of different states, List of GI Special Covers, on Textiles, Pages of Philatelic exhibit on Poshak (dresses) and many more to read. The book is very interesting.  Different types of philatelic items related to Textile, Dresses, Handlooms, Silk, Khadi with lot of information are given in the book. The book will be very helpful for thematic collectors to prepare a theme related to textile. General readers would also enjoy the book with good information on handlooms of different states featured through postage stamps covers, post cards and cancellations. This beautiful coffee table book is recommended for one and all.

About the Author

 

Sushil Mehra is a BA (Hons) in Political Science from Delhi University and came to Bangalore in 1976. He is the Managing Director of Pan Office Systems Pvt Ltd, Bangalore which is engaged in selling office furniture and school furniture.

He has been the Past President of Rotary Club of Bangalore Orchards and Chairman of Publications Committee of FKCCI (Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry) as well as the Past President of Karnataka Hardware and Allied Merchants Association (KHAMA). 

He is a keen philatelist and numismatist with special interest in various varied subjects related to stamp, coin and note collection. He is a member of Karnataka Numismatic Society as well as member of Karnataka Philatelic Society. He has a complete collection of Post Independence India Stamps. ET (Economic Times) as well Deccan Herald have published articles on his collection. Karnataka Postal Circle has released Post Cards on his collection as well as two books on Special Covers of Karnataka to which he Contributed. He is author/co-author of many books on philately. Some of them are :

 

• Glimpses of Vintage Bengaluru’,
• ‘Guide to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations of India’,
• ‘ My Dashavatar Collection with special emphasis on Rama and Krishna’,
• ‘Exemplified Philatelic Terms’, 
• ‘Jai Hind – The True spirit of India’,
• ‘The Handbook of Permanent Pictorial Cancellations of India’.
• ‘INK THE PPC: An Updated Guide to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations’
• ‘My Collection of Special Covers issued by Karnataka Postal Circle 2019-2023’
• ‘The Post Office Buildings of India’
• ‘CARRIED COVERS of INDIA’
• ‘Gandhi Connections’ on Post Offices in India bearing the name of Gandhiji
• ‘Daakiya Aaya, Chitti Laya’ – a book in Hindi about Postmen and Letters through the ages through the eyes of picture postcards

He has won several award at National and International Philatelic Exhibitions.

-      -  Jeevan Jyoti

AMSIPEX-25

 

Report - AMSIPEX-25

The 1st International Virtual Aerophilatelic & Astrophilatelic Exhibition

 

Amsipex-25 is the 1st International Virtual Aerophilatelic & Astrophilatelic Exhibition, organized by the Air Mail Society India Foundation (AMSI) to celebrate World Air Mail Day on February 18. The event took place from February 15-23, 2025, and was held virtually. (www.AMSIPEX.com).

AMSIPEX-25 received Patronage from the International Federation of Aero-and Astrophilatelic Societies (F.I.S.A.) and the Philatelic Congress of India (PCI). It was also Jointly Sponsored by the American Air Mail Society and the Royal Belgian Astrophilatelic Society/COSMOS. Commercial sponsors were David Feldman (Gold), Robert A.Siegel (Gold) and Argyll Etkin (Silver) along with Philauctions (webinar sponsor) and Phila Arts (souvenir book sponsor).

The Exhibition:

Entries were open to exhibitors from across the world featuring Aerophilately: Development and Operation of Airmail Services, Airmail stamps, and their use in Airmail Service, and Astrophilately: Exhibits related to space exploration and astronomy.

The exhibition was in various categories, including Competitive Class: 5 & 8 frame exhibits and 1-frame exhibits; Literature Class; Youth: Youth Class: between 10-21 years in three age groups; Novice Class: Exhibits by new collectors in 1-5 frame exhibits.

Besides the competitive class, there was a Court of Honour with 3 outstanding exhibits (21 Frames)

The Invitee Class saw another 17 Exhibits & 70 Frames (8 from Jury & 9 other non-competitive). All exhibits can be viewed at www.AMSIPEX.COM

Judging the exhibits: The exhibition followed FIP Guidelines for Judging Aerophilatelic Exhibits and for Judging Astrophilatelic Exhibits. The Jury comprised of 8 world renowned international experts in Aerophilately and Astrophilately and awards were given based on the exhibits' scores.

AMSIPEX-25 also introduced some innovations that were well appreciated by all:

• Novice Class exhibits for persons who were otherwise ineligible participate in such events

• Medals for eligible 1 Frame exhibitors

World Air Mail Day Celebrations, 18th February 2025:

The Inaugural Function lasted 30 minutes, and started with a 2600 year old Sanskrit invocation known as Shanti Mantra (Sahana Vavatu) reminding us all to work as one for the pursuit of knowledge in a spirit of peace and brotherhood.

A Special Cover was then released to commemorate the 114^th Anniversary of the first Airmail flight from Allahabad to Naini on 18th February 1911. Designed and Executed by Naveein O.C. and Akhil Reddy, the cover carried the special cancellation issued earlier that day from Prayagraj (erstwhile Allahabad) thanks to efforts of Rahul Ganguli and from Bengaluru thanks to help from the Karnataka Philatelic Society and its committee members.

 

 

The AMSIPEX-25 Souvenir Book was then released. Compiled and edited by Pragya Jain, this book is divided into three sections – All about AMSIPEX-25, expert articles on Indian Air Mails, and a technical section with rules and guidelines for aero- and Astrophilatelic exhibiting. This is available for free download from the AMSIPEX-25 website (https://www.amsipex.com/test1-361884.html ).

The Jury Chair, Glen Stafford then read out the Jury Report and the exhibition results were announced with names of winners of all Special Prizes. The jury was divided into 3 teams, with Team 1 led by Charles Bromser evaluated all the Astrophilately exhibits and the Novice exhibits, Team 2 led by Glen Stafford for the aerophilately exhibits and team 3 by Javaid Muhammad evaluated the literature exhibits. The high standard of the exhibits was also recognised by the Jury.

The AMSI Chairman, Piyush Khaitan then spoke about the importance of World Air Mail Day, and future plans of AMSI, the need for all air mail enthusiasts to work together to create renewed enthusiasm for this wonderful hobby.

This was followed by the announcement of the winner of the Air Mail Society India Foundation’s first Lifetime Achievement Award and inductee in their Hall of Fame, Ronald M. Lee. His 5 volume The Story of Australia’s Overseas Airmails was recognised and the citation recognizing Ron was read out by the chairman, followed by a video recording of Ron’s acceptance speech.

Pratisad Neurgaonkar proposed the Vote of Thanks where he thanked the patrons, jt. sponsors, commercial sponsors, jury, exhibitors the team work by the 10-member organizing committee.

World Air Mail Day Webinar:

The highlight of the day was the webinar featuring 6 Speakers & 5 hours of Non-Stop Fun on Aero & Astro Philately.

• Terry Hare Walker - (Imperial Route to India 1972-29).

• Markand Dave FRPSL - (Indian Rocket Mails during WWII Period).

• Pradip Jain RDP FRPSL - (By the First Aerial Post of the world 18th Feb 1911).

• Davis S Ball - (Pushing the Envelope).

• Cheryl Ganz RDP FRPSL – (The Basel Zeppelin Post Exchange Office).

• Ken Sanford – (Air Crashes of Imperial Airways).

Despite the long session, audience remained glued to their screens, and we had many participants. Each session was followed by a Q&A. Recordings of all these talks are being made available on the AMSI YouTube channel @HawaSaeByAir. Some have already been uploaded, and the rest will be posted during March 2025.

Jury Feedback Session:

We had a Jury feedback session on Saturday 22nd February 2025 for Astrophilately & Aerophilately exhibitors, where the Jury for Team 1 & Team 2 provided feedback and suggestions to exhibitors on how to improve their exhibits. Questions were taken from participants and detailed responses were provided.

View : AMSIPEX- 25 Results

-Piyush Khaitan: email : pk@khaitan.in

Air Mail Society India Foundation Updates

 The following videos have been uploaded on YouTube channel @HawaSaeByAir.

A 3-minute curtain raiser video about AMSIPEX-25 and World Air Mail Day celebrations.

A 28-minute recording of the inaugural function of our World Air Mail Day celebrations held on 18 February 2025.

AMSIPEX 25 - Curtain Raiser

https://youtu.be/9MOcmNLgJ3c?si=PsUSbCFLd_bkf31J

AMSIPEX-25  : Inauguration and World Air Mail Day Celebration

https://youtu.be/L0BhDkSChkk?si=aluyJAjhFMuy7ndv

Indian Rocket Mails during WWII Period

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3PgKw_Yr3s

The First Aerial Post of the World 18th Febtruary 1911

https://youtu.be/Cv16AWMA99Y

New Special Cover from Himachal Pradesh

 

9 March 2025 : St. Edwards School. Shimla - 100 Years : Shimla 

- Smriti Rana, Shimla

New Special Cover from Uttrakhand

  

Vasatotsav 2025 : Spring Festival    : Raj Bhawan Dehradun

7-9 March 2025

7 March 2025 : Jatamansi : Dehradun

A special cover was released  on 7 March 2025 by Governor, Uttrakhand on the inauguartion of Flower Show ( Spring Festival 2025) at Raj Bhawan, Dehradun. The cover features Jatamansi, a perennial aromatic herb. It is a medicial plant  and has various uses in making medicine, perfume and preparation of hair tonic.

Image Courtesy : Ruchi Awasthi

International Women's Day

  

International Women’s Day

Date of Issue : 8 March 2025

United Nations Postal Administration marks International Women’s Day by issuing a set of 6 stamps on March 8, 2025. Each of the six stamp designs depicts one of six themes: Planet, Power, Safety, Prosperity, Peace and Access.

On 8 March 2025, UNPA will celebrate International Women’s Day with the issuance of six stamps and a souvenir card. This year’s theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalyst for lasting change.

The year 2025 is a pivotal moment in the global pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment, as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 in Beijing, China, by 189 governments, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action remains the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide. The Platform guides policies, programmes and investment that impact critical areas of our lives, such as: education, health, peace, media, political participation, economic empowerment, and the elimination of violence against women and girls. Addressing these issues, along with emerging priorities around climate justice and the power of digital technologies, is urgent, with just five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Under the banner of UN Women’s global campaign to mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, “For ALL Women and Girls”, this year’s International Women’s Day is a rallying cry to take action in three key areas:

1. Advance women’s and girls’ rights: Fight relentlessly for women’s and girls’ full range of human rights, challenging all forms of violence, discrimination, and exploitation.

2. Promote gender equality: Address systemic barriers, dismantle patriarchy, transform entrenched inequities, and elevate the voices of marginalized women and girls, including young people, to ensure inclusivity and empowerment.

3. Foster empowerment: Redefine power structures by ensuring inclusive access to education, employment, leadership, and decision-making spaces. Prioritize opportunities for young women and girls to lead and innovate.

A souvenir card with a statement by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations and Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women will also be issued on the same day.

Club News

 

Rainbow Stamp News March 2025

Dear Reader,

I am pleased to release March 2025 Issue of Rainbow Stamp News. It is available at the following link :

https://rainbowstampnews.blogspot.com/2025/03/rainbow-march-2025.html

AUSVIPEX 2025

 

Australian Virtual Philatelic Exhibition 2025 

ausvipex2025.com

AUSVIPEX -2025

Deadlines

Entries close: 28 September 2025

Title Pages to Judges: Mon 5 October 2025

Scans by: 20 Oct 2025 (but can be sent anytime up until then)

Exhibition available on line for Judges: from Friday 13 November 2025.

Exhibition available on line for public viewing: from Friday 27 November 2025.

Results available: Friday 4 December 2025.

Feedback to Exhibitors: Week commencing Mon 7 December 2025.

On Line until 28 Feb 2026

Frames Available: 500

Exhibition Website https://ausvipex2025.com

Organisation

The Australian Virtual Philatelic Exhibition 2025 (AUSVIPEX 2025) is an online National Philatelic Exhibition organised by the Australian Philatelic Federation (APF). These regulations are based on the APF Regulations for Australian Philatelic Exhibitions.

For all enquiries email: Ausvipex2025@gmail.com 

Conditions of Participation

Participation in the Exhibition is open to all exhibitors worldwide.  They do not need to be a member of an affiliated organisation. The exhibitor must be the bona-fide owner of the exhibit.

Exhibits must be of 2-8 frames based on 16 sheets (approximately 28-29 cm x 23 cm each) per frame. Page size is not critical but entries must be in the format of frames each comprising 16 single sheets or the equivalent in double pages or square pages, or a combination of single, double or square pages corresponding to a ‘frame’ in a physical exhibition.

Exhibits may come from any of the FIP or APF competitive classes, except for the One-Frame Class. Only electronic (or digital) Literature Class entries will be accepted. Exhibits will be classified and judged in their respective FIP class or Australian National Class. Judging is based on the regulations of their respective classes and these Guidelines. Each entry must be entered in the correct class.  Non-competitive entries will be by invitation of the Committee only.

Entries can be either scans of exhibits prepared and mounted on paper or exhibits prepared using scans of philatelic items with the pages prepared on a computer.  If the latter, the nature of preparation must be declared. The items scanned must be owned by the exhibitor and the scans must not be embellished in any way.

All entries will be displayed on the Exhibition website and available for public viewing.

Entry fees

The frame fee of $20 per frame (multi-frame exhibits) or $25 (Electronic Literature entries) must accompany the entry form.