December 31, 2009

Mother Teresa on US Stamp

Washington Post reports that Nobel Peace Prize winner Mother Teresa will feature in the postage stamp of us in the year 2010. A stamp in her honor will go on sale on her birthday, Aug. 26, 2010.

The French Post has also included Mother Teresa in its issue program for 2010.

December 30, 2009

Happy New Year!

WISHING ALL MY FRIENDS, READERS, FELLOW BLOGGERS, PHILATELISTS AND WELL-WISHERS A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2010

December 26, 2009

INDIPEX - 2011 - Event Manager

India Post in its website has put up an ad for hiring of an Event Manager under the head "Expression of Interest- Hiring of Event Manager for World Philatelic Exhibition INDIPEX 2011"

For more details visit the website of INDIA POST


December 23, 2009

STAMPMANIA 2009 - A Success Story.

Dear Friends, Philatelists and Readers,

The much awaited STAMPMANIA 2009 has just concluded and the mega event was a great success with many activities and was a festival for stamp collectors and Philatelists from all over India. I congratulate Mr.Prashanth Pandya, Mr.Timir Shah and his team for hoisting a successful event.





More details, awards and photos can be found in the website of STAMPMANIA 2009

December 22, 2009

Kodanad Elephant Training Centre.

Kodanad is a beautiful village situated on the south bank of river Periyar, about 50 kms east of Kochi, in Kerala, India. The training center is specialised in training stranded baby elephants from the forests across the region. kodanad offers elephant safari to visitors. It is one of the eco-tourism destinations listed by the Government of India.

The special cover was released on the ocassion of Kerapex 2007 in Thiruvananthapuram.

December 18, 2009

Inauguration of STAMPMANIA - 2009

Stampmania 2009 was inaugurated by Chief Postmaster General, Gujarat Circle, Ms.Karuna Pillai by lighting the lamp at Shree Saurashtra Leuva Patel Samaj Building. A special cover was released and presented to Mr. A. K. Srivastava. Mr. A K A Joshi presented a Special carried Cover by Bullock Tram. Dr. Alok Pande released a Stamp Booklet and a souvenir of Stampmania 2009.

Mr. Prashant Pandya, Chairman of Stampmania 2009, Mr. Timir Shah, Secretary and Dr. Yogesh Chandrana were also present.

December 14, 2009

VISHWA TULU SAMMELAN (World Tulu Conference) - Special cover

A special cover was released on the ocassion of the Vishwa Tulu conference by The Post Master General of Karnataka Ms.Sandhya Rani on 10th December 2009 in Ujire.

The cancellation has the logo of the World Tulu Conference and the FDC has the line drawings of the features of Tulu land like rice beating, chande vadana (drum beat) pottery, tulu sports and 'kambala' (folk bull race).

To more about this conference visit : http://www.vishwatulusammelana.com


December 10, 2009

Traditional Indian Textiles

India Post released 4 stamps on Traditional Indian Textiles depicting Kalamkari, Apa Tani Weaves, Kanchipuram Silk and Banaras Silk , in denomination of Rs 5/-each and miniature sheet at Rs.20/-

UPDATES ON STAMPMANIA 2009

Dear Fellow Philatelists and Friends,

Greetings!

We are now very close to Stampmania 2009. We have already dispatched invitation cards to one and all.

As announced earlier ‘Heritage Walk through Stamps’ has been scheduled on 17th December 2009 at 2.00 pm. We have also planned to make a replica of ‘Bullock Tram’ which was running between Dabhoi and Miyagam from 1862 to 1880 with two bullocks. This float of Bullock Tram will be a part of Heritage Walk through stamps and shall proceed from Vadodara Head Post Office to the Venue of Stampmania 2009. Special Carried Covers will be carried through this ‘Bullock Tram” from Vadodara Head Post Office to Stampmania 2009.

Inauguration of Stampmania 2009 has been scheduled at 5.30 pm on 17th December 2009 after the Heritage Walk through Stamps.

Those who are arriving at Baroda are requested to assemble at Vadodara Head Post Office at 1.30 pm. Philatelic Organisations can bring their banners/play cards to display at Heritage Walk.

We have pleasure to inform you all that Army Postal Service and Royal Mail, U. K. will also have their stalls at Stampmania 2009.

On 19th December 2009, Oswal Antiques will be holding Auction of Philatelic items at Stampmania 2009. Auction Catalogue can be viewed at http://www.indiacoingallery.com/auctions.htm

We invite you all at Stampmania 2009.

Detailed Programme
Date: 17th December 2009

Heritage Walk through Stamps:
Time: 2.00 pm.
Start Point/Venue: Vadodara Head Post Office, Vadodara
End Point: Kirti Mandir, Opp. S. S. G. Hospital, Vadodara

Inauguration of Exhibition: 5.30 pm by Ms. Karuna Pillai, Chief Postmaster General, Gujarat Circle.
Venue:
Shree Saurashtra Leuva Patel Seva Samaj,
Near B. I. D. C., Alembic Road, Gorwa, Vadodara - 390 003

With warm regards,
Prashant H. Pandya
Chairman - 'STAMPMANIA 2009' Organising Committee
www.stampmania2009.com

December 9, 2009

VISHWA TULU SAMMELAN (WORLD TULU CONFERENCE)

On the ocassion of the Vishwa Tulu conference the Department of Posts will bring out a special cover which depicts the features of Tulu land like 'chande vadana' (drum beat) pottery, tulu sports and 'kambala' (folk bull race).

"Tulu" is the regionl language spoken by the people of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka. To know more about Tulu and for further reading visit: http://www.vishwatulusammelana.com

December 8, 2009

Stamp Collecting gets more popular!

Do you think stamp collecting is the hobby of the aged? Do you think stamp collecting is not so popular these days of the Internet.... then you need to read this article published in THE TELEGRAPH (U.K)

December 5, 2009

Greetings - 2009

India Post released 4 Greetings stamps , 4 different stamps in denomination of Rs 5/-each, sheet-let at Rs. 180/- and miniature sheet at Rs.20/-

November 27, 2009

Malaysian Submarine.

FDC of the first Malaysian Submarine - Kapal Diraja Tunku Abdul Rahman with three stamps of 30, 50 and 50 sen.

The first, 30 sen stamp shows a graphic sketch of KD TAR. The new generation diesel-electric submarine called scorpene is named after a reef fish that is capable of disguising itself according to its surrounding.

The second, 50 sen stamp potrays KD TAR equipped with the latest high technological navigation system, communication equipments and fire control system appropriate with it's role and responsibility to face the future modern warfare.

The third, 50 sen stamp potrays KD TAR sailing in the oceans to begin her journey and its mission in protecting Malaysia's sovereignty. KD TAR is one of the sophisticated asset owned by the Royal Malaysian Navy since its inception 75 years ago.

November 24, 2009

Ship of Dreams - RMS Titanic.

The Titanic has intrigued the world since she sank with over 1500 lives in April 1912. Memories were awoken when Dr Robert Ballard discovered the wreck in September 1985.In 1997 James Cameron's hit film "Titanic" proved a great success and rekindled interest into the disaster.


The RMS Titanic was proclaimed "unsinkable" as God himself could not sink her (?) and yet on April 15 1912, the Titanic struck and iceberg and sank taking with her 1500 people to their peril.Human error and arrogance was said to be the direct cause of the disaster.

To read more on Titanic vist the wesbite at: http://www.titanicandco.com

November 23, 2009

Philately and the Internet - Article in Hindustan Times - Amitava Sanyal.

An Article published in the Delhi Edition of "The Hindustan Times" which throws light on the Hobby of Philately in the times of Internet.

To read the complete article click on the link below:

Article in Hindustan Times - Amitava Sanyal.

November 16, 2009

India-Philippines: Joint issue

Here is a miniature sheet of the India_Philippines joint issue released by India Post today.The month of November 2009 is to be celebrated as “Philippines-India Friendship Month” in view of 60 years of diplomatic relations with India.

November 12, 2009

MS Mariella - Viking Line.

MS Mariella is one of the 7 ships from Viking Line which commenced service in 1959 to sail between the Finnish mainland, Åland and Sweden as well as between Finland and the Baltic states. Operations include passenger services, recreation and cargo carrier services.

November 10, 2009

Hologram cover of Gandhi.

The South India Philatelist's Association issued a special cover on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on 2nd October, which has been declared as the "International Day of Non-Violence" by the United Nations.

November 9, 2009

UPDATES ON STAMPMANIA 2009

Dear Fellow Philatelists and Friends,

‘Stampmania 2009’ is now quite near and the real countdown has now begun. Presenting you latest updates about Stampmania 2009.

A Special Printed Postcard to mark the Sardar Patel Jayanti was released by Baroda Philatelic Society on 31st October 2009. The Postcard was mailed from Nadiad, the birth place of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and was delivered at Karamsad. (Home town of Sardar Patel) Two different self adhesive labels depicting Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi with motif of ‘Swarnim Gujarat’ (Glorious 50 Years of Gujarat) were also released. Images of
Postcard and labels can be viewed at philatelic issue link of our website

A special prize is sponsored by Rainbow Stamp Club for the best exhibit by female participant. Eastern India Philatelists' Association, Bhubaneswar has also sponsored a special prize for the Best Exhibit on Environment. Organising committee of Stampmania 2009 welcomes befitting trophies/special prizes from philatelic organizations and individuals for Stampmania 2009.

All visitors to Stampmania 2009 will be provided badges at the registration counter of Stampmania 2009. Those who are visiting Stampmania 2009 (including exhibitors, dealers' booth holder, visiting dealers, visitors) are requested to register their names through Online registration system, this will enable us to keep the badges ready with name of visitor. Please click on Visitor Registration Form link at www.stampmania2009.com

Live Philatelic Auction will be held on 19th December 2009 at Exhibition Venue by Oswal Antiques (Mr. Girish Veera), Mumbai. Printed Catalogue for this auction will be available in first week of December. Online Auction Catalogue will also be made available at www.indiacoingallery.com For more information please email to Oswal Antiques: girishvira50@hotmail.com

Philatelic Society of Rajasthan has volunteered to collect the exhibits from all exhibitors of Rajasthan and they will make arrangement to send the exhibits personally during the exhibition submission dates at Stampmania 2009 secretariat. Philatelic Organizations from other part of country can also make such arrangements for the benefit of exhibitors.

Once again we request friends and well wishers to favour us with advertisements for Souvenir.

For further news visit www.stampmania2009.com

Prashant Pandya
Chairman - 'STAMPMANIA 2009' Organising Committee

November 5, 2009

Philatelic Exhibition on Indian Cinema, Art and Culture of Karnataka.

It was a special occasion, for the first time a commemorative stamp on A film personality of Karnataka was released and it was on Dr.Rajkumar.(see my below entry to know more about Dr.Rajkumar)

A Philatelic Exhibition was arranged at the Head Post Office, Mangalore to mark this occasion on 3rd November. The exhibit was inaugurated by the Senior Postmaster Mr.G S Hungund, Speed Post Manager, Mr.Sudhakar Mallya, Philatelic Bureau In-charge Mr.Deepak Alvares and other staff from the Postal department were present. Mr. Krishnayya President Mr. Mansoor and Baikady Srinivas Rao from the D.K.Philatelic and Numismatic Association were also present.


Exhibits of M.K.Krishnayya and Baikady Srinivas Rao on the Art and Culture of Karnataka and Film, Dance and Cinema of K.Sridhar stole the limelight. A few of the exhibits of School students on the same subject were also present.



Students from many of the local schools, members of the public and media were present in large numbers.The Exhibition was open from 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM.

Also visit Mangaloremithr.com for the news and more photos

and www.megamedianews.in

November 1, 2009

Stamp on Dr.Rajkumar

A stamp on Dr. Rajkumar one of the most versatile actor of kannada cinema, was released today by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa - 1st Nov, the day of kannada Rajyothsava. Rajkumar is the first film personality in the State to have this honour.

Dr.Raj Kumar was born on 24th April 1929 in Gajanur. His real name was Muthuraj. He took the screen name Raj Kumar for his first film " Bedara Kannappa" which was a great hit. He enacted a wide variety of roles and also sang for his films. He has acted in more than 200 films and became popular as "ANNAVARU" among his fans.

He was also recipient of many awards including the doctorate of Literature bestowed upon him by the Mysore University. "Nadija" by Hampi University, "karnataka Ratna" by the Govt. of Karnataka, the "Padma Bhusan" and "Dada Saheb Phalke Award" for his significant contribution to Indian Cinema.

He passed away on 12th April 2006 but he still lives in the hearts of his numerous fans.
The Postal department also released a Cap and a key chain to celebrate this occasion, which are available at the Philatelic Bureaus.

October 31, 2009

Kadalundi Bird Sanctury

The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary 19 km from Kozhikode, Malappuram district, North Kerala is home to more than a hundred varieties of native birds and over 60 species of migratory birds.Birds like Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sandpipers, Whimbrels, and other migratory birds flock the place from the month of November and return only by the end of April.

The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is locally known as Kadalundi Nagaram.

October 27, 2009

Kadalur Point Lighthouse

It is a circular stone masonry tower painted with black and white bands stands 34 meters in height.The construction of tower commenced during 1906-07 and was completed in early 1909 and commissioned into service on 20th October 1909 to mark the submerged rock "Vellayam Kallu",about 10 km off the shore. The Lighthouse is majestically standing and proudly serving the seafarers for the last 100 years!

The Kadalur Point Lighthouse is 9 Km by road from the nearest railway station Quilandy on Mangalore-Shoranur section. There is a metalled road connecting Lighthouse station with Railway station.

October 26, 2009

Hong Kong, China - Brazil Joint Issue on "Football"

Hongkong Post will issue its tenth joint issue on the popular sport “Football” on 5th November 2009 with Brazil.
The four stamps feature Header by Striker ($1.40), Defense by Goalkeeper ($2.40), Long Pass by Skipper ($3) and Tackle by Defender ($5). In the design, quarters of the football positioned in different corners of the stamps come together at the centre to form a complete picture, symbolising the team spirit of this popular sport.

To Read more click here

October 21, 2009

Postal Week - Philatelic Exhibition in Mangalore.

A Philatelic Exhibition was arranged at the Head Post Office premises in view of the Postal week on 20th October 2009. The exhibit was inaugrated by the Sr. Suptd. of Posts Mr.A.M.D'Souza. The Senior Postmaster Mr.Sudhakar Mallya, ASP (HQ) Mr.Naveen Chander, Philatelic Bureau In-charge Mr.Deepak Alvares and other staff from the Postal department were present. Mr. Mansoor and Baikady Srinivas Rao from the D.K.Philatelic and Numismatic Association were also present.
Mr.A.M.D'souza praised and thanked all the exhibitors for exhibiting their collections for the benefit of the general public.The Exhibit was open from 9.30 A.M to 5.30 P.M. students from various schools and general public visited the exhibits and expressed their views.
Following exhibits were on display: "Elephants" by Kruthika Prabhu, "Children - Nation's pride" by Tapasya Bhandary, "Butterfly" by Baikady Srinivas Rao and "Russia" by Mansoor B. Some of the Minature sheets, postal stationery, stamps and postcards of India were also exhibited.

It is also proposed to hold another exhibition in the first week of November on Art, Culture and other themes of Karnataka and Indian Cinema in view of a stamp release on the great kannada film star Dr.Rajkumar.

October 13, 2009

India Post Freighter Carrier.

A Postage stamp of Rs.5 was released by India Post on its Official Carrier on 12th October 2009.

October 12, 2009

Hat-trick stamp release.

India Post is into a Hat-trick today by releasing 3 stamps in 3 days. On 10th, 11th and 12th October of R.K.Narayan, Dinesh Nandini and India Post Freighter carrier. But the question all stamp collectors would like to ask India Post is "Is it available at all Philatelic Bureaus?" It has become a common feat for the India Post to release a stamp and not to supply to all the Bureaus for days or months. The Indian Railway stations stamp released almost 2 months back are still not available (not to mention the later few release too)at Mangalore Bureau and in many others.

It is seen that the miniature sheet of The Railway stations are sold by some of the Dealers for as high as Rs.200.What does India Post has to say on this? Is it another way of creating a Demand?

October 10, 2009

Gandhiji writes a Post Card - Postal Week - October 9-15.

Children are invited to write a letter on a Competition Post Card as Gandhiji would on any burning current topic. The competition will be called “Gandhiji writes a Postcard”The postcard in this case will be the competition postcard (Rs.10/-)which should be placed on sale at all Post Offices.
To know more about the competition visit the website of INDIA POST.

National Postal Week is being celebrated in India from October 9th to 15 by India Post. It is decided to conduct Quiz, Letter writing competitions, Workshop on Philately for the school children and mini exhibitions in schools/Post Offices to promote the hobby of Philately.

October 6, 2009

National Maritime Museum - FALMOUTH

Located on the waterfront at Falmouth, the National Maritime museum Cornwall, U.K, is the centrepiece of an international leisure complex. The museum consists of galleries and displays which include stories of famous craft, navigation and meterology, boat building and the Cornish maritime heritage.

To read further about this museum visit their website

October 3, 2009

Vesikko Submarine.

I received this card of the the Vesikko submarine through Postcrossing from Finland. This card has the picture of the submarine in an unusual angle!
Vesikko was a submarine of the Finnish Navy in World War II.After the war Vesikko was decommissioned because of theobligations of the Paris Peace Treaties that forbade Finland having submarines. Vesikko was lying as a wreck for years.The submarine currently lies on the island of Suomenlinna. It has served as a museum during the summers since 1973 as a part of the Military Museum of Finland. Vesikko is the last surviving Type II submarine in the world.

September 29, 2009

International Day Of Non-Violence

On 2 October 2009, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) will issue a New York definitive stamp in the denomination of US$ 1.00. The stamp image depicts an artistic rendition of Mahatma Gandhi.
A New York card on the theme “International Day of Non-Violence” will be issued on 2 October 2009. The card depicts a picture of Mahatma Gandhi and the new US$ 1.00 definitive stamp. The card carries a statement by BAN Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and by S. M. Krishna, Minister External Affairs of India.
The New York card is only available in cancelled condition for a period of three months while supplies last.

To Visit and read more about this visit the UN Stamp Site

September 23, 2009

Stamp Booklets and Presentation Packs.

Recently, my mail has been flooded by questions on Stamp Booklets or Presentation Packs. Questions from "What is a stamp booklet" to "Is it a Philatelic item" have been asked, mostly from collectors from India as there is a trend of stamp booklets being released recently. I have answered many, and then I thought that this could be a separate entry.

What is a stamp booklet? Simply put, it is few stamps or set of stamps being placed in-between a small piece of cardboard to make the handling of stamps easier than a full sheet of stamp. Earlier issue of stamp booklet had nothing to do with Philately than for handling and included even definitive stamps. These were issued by countries like Luxembourg and Sweden in the early nineteenth century and followed by other countries. Presentation packs are usually one set of stamp, miniature/ souvenir sheet FDC pertaining to a particular release presented in an attractive pack, which is mostly Commemorative stamps targeting the collectors.

Now, what is Official and Un-Official, well those booklets issued by or with the permission of the India Post usually by Philatelic Clubs are said to be Official and which are done privately by collectors or Clubs are said to be Un-official.

The recent trend of many booklets and presentation packs (both Official and Un-Official) have put many a collectors in a dilemma to buy it or not. To add to the same these booklets are priced much higher than the stamps contained in it, some times 2 to 3 times more, issued in limited quantities and are sold like hot cakes by giving wide publicity.

Philatelists collect a wide range of items and I consider these one among them, so to collect it or not I leave it to individual collectors, but I would certainly not collect it at the current price it is being sold as it does not have any special place in Philately unless I do not have the same stamps separately. I am not even sure if it can be exhibited in any exhibition, local or international. I would like India Post to take note of the present trend and frame some rules for the issue of Stamp Booklets. My final word is "BUYERS BEWARE"

Dear Fellow bloggers, Philatelists and collectors, I would like to receive comments and views from all of you to start a discussion on this subject. (Please write your comments below, than e-mailing me, Thanks.)

September 17, 2009

UPDATES ON STAMPMANIA 2009

Dear Fellow Philatelists,

Countdown of Stampmania 2009 has begun…..

We're quite excited by the response we have got for the participation in Stampmania 2009. Against the target of 400 frames we have received more than 475 entries which indicate a great enthusiasm about one frame exhibition and Stampmania 2009. We have received a surprisingly high response in youth class with more than 150 entries indicating a positive change in young generation. Participation is from each and every corner of the country.

We are now processing the entries and allotment will be declared by 1st October 2009.

We are proud to inform you that World’s largest weekly stamp news magazine “Linns’ Stamp News” has published news about ‘Stampmania 2009’ in their latest issued dated 28th September 2009. Please visit ‘News Room’ link at our website www.stampmania2009.com We have tied up with Hotels of Vadodara for attractive discount on accommodation tariff for visitors of ‘Stampmania 2009’. Few hotels have already accepted our request and have offered flat discounted rates or 20% Discount on room tariff. Details of Hotels are now available at our website www.stampmania2009.com . More Hotels will be on list shortly.

I am sure this “Stampmania 2009” will be a great success in all means.

Good bye until next update.

With warm regards,
Prashant Pandya
Chairman - 'STAMPMANIA 2009' Organising Committee
President - Baroda Philatelic Society
Serving the cause of Philately since 1978
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(M): +919879571179
email: info@vadophil.org
www.vadophil.org
www.stampmania2009.com

September 12, 2009

Mangalore HPO under Project Arrow

The newly renovated Project Arrow Post Office (Head Post Office) Mangalore was inaugurated on 12th Saturday, September 2009 at 11.00 A.M by Sri. Vasumitra, IPS, Postmaster General, South Karnataka Region, Bangalore. Sri. K.M.Balakrishna, SSPO, Mangalore presided over the function and Sri. G.S.Hangund, Senior Postmaster, Mangalore was the guest of Honour.




Sri. Vasumitra described the various schemes of India Post under Project Arrow to the gathering, he also spoke of the future plans of India Post and said that most of the operations will be computerized, ATM facilities will be provided to the Savings Bank Account holders soon. He said that the Post Office is modernised to attract all class of customers. Later there was an interaction session for the Press and the general public.