Soon one may experience festival of stamps celebration on a grand scale, hints postal department official for giving stamp collectors as well as lovers a brand new vista.
Ritanjali Hastir, Associate Editor, 12th March, 2017, Shimla
Shimla Postal Department’s annual event ‘Simpex 2018’ was inaugurated by Shimla Mayor, Kusum Sadret along with Rakesh Kumar Sharma Deputy Mayor, at the historic Gaiety Theater. The exhibition was organized by the Postal Department and as informed at the spot it was said that, “It is our annual event and the motive is to create awareness among the youngsters and make them divert their interest towards stamp collection. It is also a hobby where one does not waste money.”
Hundred of stamps including post- and pre-independence have been exhibited that were eye catching. A total of 51 frames have been put up this time. In the Senior Category there are 10 participants whereas in Youth Group I (age 12-16 yrs) 11 participants and in Youth Group II (age 17-21) 5 participants exhibited their taste for philately.
Stamps showcased ranged from monuments and buildings, first stamp, stamps in gold, first covers, wild and sea animals, flora and fauna, famous personalities and many more to name.
While sharing her view and encouraging students to get involved in stamp collection as hobby Dr. Ritu Kalra, one of the well known names in philately world in Shimla; shared few interesting facts about how stamps got in picture and how over the years it has evolved. She also revealed interesting facts about stamps errors and how often these rare stamps can make a fortune.
Kusum, appreciated the exhibition and said, “It is a rare collection and we hardly get an opportunity to see something like this under one roof. Stamps are serving as a bridge between past and present along with it melting global boundaries as stamps from other countries were also put on exhibit.”
The exhibition connected the past and present; native and foreign; and brought people close to the history of the entire nation. The collection has animals, history making stamps, Indian stamps, foreign stamps, special covers issued and many other to name capturing the whims and fancies of the people.
Students of Portmore School also presented a welcome dance before a special cover on Historic Ridge was launched. The result of the Philately Competition will be announced tomorrow.
