Learning through Philately

Philately is the study of revenue and postage stamps. This includes the design, production and uses of stamps after they are issued. Stamp collection is a highly interesting, informative and creative hobby. The process of learning becomes   more   delightful   through    visuals and brief write-ups. In addition, philately cultivates a meticulous and focused attention to detail. Apart from stamps (both mint and used) the other related items to be collected are special covers, first day covers, miniature sheets,  postcards, special cancellations and information brochures. People collect stamps not only for what they are worth in themselves but also for their designs, the stories they tell and the events they commemorate. In fact postage stamps are the windows of a nation through which people of other countries behold its heritage and nature. Countries use stamps for showcasing their culture, industries, landscape and achievements in various fields. Stamp collection is no more just a hobby or time pass;  it enhances creativity, imagination and concentration.  Philately leads its enthusiasts to the study of geography, history and natural resources of various countries. An album of stamps can therefore be a book of knowledge.  Famous Physicist Ernest Rutherford had aptly said that ‘All science is either physics or stamp collecting’. These days stamps are also used as a medium of publicity by various governments. Commemorative stamps are issued to commemorate important events, eminent  personalities in various fields, aspects of nature, beautiful  or rare flora and fauna, environmental issues, agricultural activities, national/international issues, games etc.  Social messages like natural resources conservation, environmental protection, AIDS awareness, consumer’s rights et al are disseminated to masses through articulately designed stamps. These days even cancellations are designed to carry important messages and to commemorate some events. Every year on environment day the cancellation carries the theme of that year. Last year’s theme ‘CO2 – kick the habit’ was depicted on the cancellation of stamps on 5.6.2008 throughout India. Some post offices introduce permanent pictorial cancellation to commemorate certain important date or events. During the environment day celebration on 5th June, 2005, the northern region Kerala circle introduced a permanent pictorial cancellation at Kadalundi post office, which is a tourist spot by releasing a special cover on the occasion depicting Sandwitchtern, a migratory bird from Europe to India during winter season and found in abundant at Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary every year. International Year of Physics was celebrated in 2005 to commemorate the centenary of achievements of one of the greatest Physicists of all times - Einstein. Many countries including India released stamps on that occasion. The commemorative stamp of face value of Rupees five features Einstein’s bust on right side, the atomic structure on left side and his famous equation E = mc2  written inside an atomic reactor in centre. The postal department also released a special cancellation showing atomic structure in centre encircled by the caption ‘International year of physics 2005’. The first day cover of International Year of Physics is also very beautiful with Einstein’s silhouette in the background, the Einstein’s commemorative stamp on right side corner defaced with the special ‘International year of Physics’ cancellation. Left hand corner is decorated with the busts of three eminent Indian physicists and the colourful logo of the International year of Physics. These three are collector items for all physicists and philatelists alike. In fact Einstein is the most widely featured scientist on stamps throughout world. Even Einstein’s quotations find its way to stamps. Astronomy loving philatelists are waiting eagerly for this year’s special releases on astronomy as the year 2009 happens to be the International year of Astronomy. Designing of stamps has already begun in several countries for this occasion. There is hardly any subject or theme which has not been depicted on stamps. Some of the popular themes are air mails, postal history, arts, landscapes, wildlife, birds, butterflies, fishes, flowers, paintings, railways, ships, important buildings, educational institutes, advances in science and technology, famous personalities, festivals, events and sports etc. Collectors specialize in themes, a particular country or region. Almost everyone can find a subject that interests him/her and become an ardent stamp collector on that subject. Themes may be sub divided into smaller groups. The bottom line is that the collection unfolds various aspects of a theme like a story. A philatelist collecting on birds may divide them into land and sea birds, game birds, endangered birds, birds of a particular region and so on.  It is therefore desirable to decide what to collect before actually starting the collection. Sports lover may start their collection on sports which may be specified as Olympics, Asiad or cricket etc. Children can start their collection with children’s day stamps. Every year on 14th November colourful stamps designed by children are released. Stamp popularity poll and stamp design contest are also conducted around November 14. Philately seminar, workshop, congress and exhibitions are also organized at grass root level. There are philatelic museums at several circles which regularly organize philately related activities. Philately clubs can be opened in school, colleges and other educational Institutes to organize activities related with philately at local level. Philately lovers can log on to several websites devoted to philately such as www.indiapost.gov.in, www.stampsofindia.com, www.phil.net, www.stampslink.com, etc. Several websites provide information on philately including latest issue where others are reserved for buy-sell and auction like activities. Auction of rare stamps fetches really fabulous sum. Kashmir also has its fair share on stamps. In 2006, Sri Pratap College was featured on a five rupee stamp to commemorate its centenary. The stamp was designed by Sri Kamleshwar Singh and the special cancellation showing peaks, tall trees, lake and boat was designed by Alka Sharma. All alumni of SP College, Srinagar should collect the commemorative stamp along with first day cover and information brochure. The brochure presents a brief history and achievements of the college. The other recent stamp on Kashmir is about Jammu and Kashmir high court. Lake Tsomo Riri of Ladakh is featured in the set of five stamps on Himalyan lakes. It is pertinent to mention that Philately is not very popular in Kashmir. The last exhibition was held in year 2004 after a long time and the response was luke-warm. The philatelic Bureau at Srinagar, GPO is not user friendly. One hardly find a philately kit,  year-wise collector’s pack or catalogue of postage stamps of India since 1947 over there.