Stamp of the times

No one writes letters these days. Not if they can help it. But stamps, as this exhibtion proves, still continue to hold sway over some people's hearts

No one writes letters these days. Not if they can help it. But stamps, as this exhibtion proves, still continue to hold sway over some people's hearts

Interests always vary from person to person. While some like collecting picture postcards, yet others like modifying vehicles, creating paper collages and so on. Till sometime ago, the word 'hobby' brought to mind things like stamp collection, coin collection or even bird-watching. But no matter if the world has progressed by leaps and bounds, these evergreen hobbies still continue to charm a few around the globe. Stamp collectors still relish their hobby and actively seek out new and unusual stamps to add to their albums.

For your information
A bunch of them can, in fact, be found in the Capital itself. The West Delhi Philatelic Society is celebrating its anniversary with a stamp festival, which aims to increase awareness among children about the world around them by giving them knowledge about cultural heritage, currency, capitals and environment of countries across the world. Over 250 veteran and newbie philatelists will display their collections showcasing some rare nuggets of history.

AS Banga, a member of the society, has been collecting the 1x1 inch rectangular paper for the last 40 years. His voyage started ever since he was in the sixth standard when he found a match box with some Iraq stamps on his way back from school. He got hooked and decided to collect stamps and got encouragement from his family too. "For me the most treasured one is the stamp on the letter that I got as a reply from Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru on his birthday. And the sheet of stamps with Mahatma Gandhi and various foreign figures is also something that I have prized since long," says the retired government officer.

Here's the message
With 35 members, the Society is holding workshops in schools to make children develop the hobby of stamp collecting and teaching them how to cut it, wash it and preserve it. President of the society, Vinod Sabharwal lists the advantages of thisu00a0 hobby: "It takes away all worries, adds educational value, is an exercise of artistic ability and a window of the nation." Everyone tends to choose a particular theme when it comes to collecting stamps. "Allu00a0 stamps carry a message like there is an archaeological series or some with global figures like Mother Teresa which have been issued by many countries," discloses Sabharwal whose theme is Himalayas and Antarctica.

Through the stamp bazaar, they also aim to bring everyone together to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the first Official Airmail of the world -- Indipex 2011 in February 12 to 18, 2011.

At: Ambedkar Bhawan, Rani Jhansi Road,
Opp Bapu Samaj Sewa Kendra, Near Metro Pillar No P42
When: September 25, 26
Timings: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Ring: 9312601414

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