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.

September 11, 2009

Project Arrow Post Office - Mangalore.

The newly renovated Project Arrow Post Office (Head Post Office) Mangalore is to be inaugurated on 12th Saturday, September 2009 at 11.00 A.M by Sri. Vasumitra, IPS Postmaster General, South Karnataka Region, Bangalore.



September 9, 2009

Military Park in Buffalo

Today is a special day for Philatelist specially those who are interested in collecting fancy date cancellations. Today is 09.09.09

This entry has nothing to do with the cancellation but a postcrossing card which I received today, which has a picture of a Ship turned into a Museum in Buffalo, U.S.A.

This ship,Cleveland class cruiser, later converted to Little Rock class guided missile cruiser is now on display at this park and plays active parts in educational and entertaining activities such as overnight encampment programs and other events.

for further details visit its website

September 8, 2009

Postal History of Zamindari Dak

The Officer’s Choice Anandalok Salaam Bengal award saluted “unsung heroes” who have contributed silently to society in various fields. The first edition of the awards was given in four categories — bravery, education, medicine and sports.

Mohini Lal Majumdar walked away with pride with his silver trophy in Education category. He is the second Indian author to pen the postal history of India. His book, titled Postal History of Zamindari Dak, published in 1984, had come more than a century after the first one, which was written by Ananda Gopal Sen in 1875.

For the complete news Click here.

September 1, 2009

Stamp on Dr.Rajkumar

A stamp on Dr. Rajkumar one of the most popular actors of kannada cinema,which was to be released last year is said to be released on 1st November 2009, the day of kannada Rajyothsava.