Book Review

  

Tilak: The less explored Frontier of Indian Philately

By Sushil Mehra

 

Tilak: The less explored Frontier of Indian Philately Author - Sushil Mehra : Pages - 50 : Size A4  Paper Back : Edition - 2025 : Publisher and Copyright Holder - Sushil Mehra : Contact - WhatsApp 9972091818 : email : gaureshmehra@gmail.com

New book “Tilak: The less explored Frontier of India Philately” by Sushil Mehra is an attempt by author to explore variety of philatelic items available on Tilak 1956 2 annas Centenary issue of India and present in a form that could be displayed in a five-frame exhibit. It is very thorough research by the author to find a variety of items on a single issue. It is also a challenging task which author has presented in this book. 

The book is divided into 3 parts. Part A shows a variety of best possible philatelic material on the Tilak 1956 2 Annas Centenary issue. In Part B, the author has featured bazar postcards, ephemera, old paper, self-designed covers, special covers and a definitive stamp issued on him. In the part C of the book, the articles on Tilak philately have been presented.

  

The book is quite useful for all philatelists. It gives an idea to explore a variety of philatelic items on a single issue and present in a five or one frame exhibit. It is possible with thorough study and research which author has attempted to present in this book. The layout and print quality of the book is excellent. The images shown in the book are very clear and sharp which enable reader to view even minute of the cancellation very clearly. Thematic as well as traditional philatelists would find it interesting as the book gives a wide scope of research and explore philatelic items related to a single stamp issue.

 The book will be liked and appreciated by one and all.

About the Author

 

Sushil Mehra is a keen philatelist and numismatist with special interest in various varied subjects related to stamp, coin and note collection. He has participated in several stamp exhibition . He is a member of Karnataka Numismatic Society as well as member of Karnataka Philatelic Society. He has a complete collection of Post Independence India Stamps. ET (Economic Times) as well Deccan Herald have published articles on his collection. Karnataka Postal Circle has released Post Cards on his collection as well as two books on Special Covers of Karnataka to which he Contributed. He is author/co-author of many books on philately. Some of them are :

 

• Glimpses of Vintage Bengaluru’,
• ‘Guide to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations of India’,
• ‘ My Dashavatar Collection with special emphasis on Rama and Krishna’,
• ‘Exemplified Philatelic Terms’, 
• ‘Jai Hind – The True spirit of India’,
• ‘The Handbook of Permanent Pictorial Cancellations of India’.
• ‘INK THE PPC: An Updated Guide to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations’
• ‘My Collection of Special Covers issued by Karnataka Postal Circle 2019-2023’
• ‘The Post Office Buildings of India’
• ‘CARRIED COVERS of INDIA’
• ‘Gandhi Connections’ on Post Offices in India bearing the name of Gandhiji
• ‘Daakiya Aaya, Chitti Laya’ – a book in Hindi about Postmen and Letters through the ages through the eyes of picture postcards

He has won several award at National and International Philatelic Exhibitions.

-      -  Jeevan Jyoti

Book Review

 

Guardians of Heritage

Exploring The World of GI Tag Products of India

-      Senthilkumar Chandrasekaran

Guardians of Heritage : Exploring the Wold of GI Tag Products of India by Senthilkumar Chandrasekaran : First Edition 2025 : Published By Mohanapriya Senthilkumar : ISBN 978-93-342-5045-9 : Copyright : Senthilkumar Chandrasekaran : Pages: 280 : Size A4 : Type Hardbound : Price: INR 1950: Author email : csenthilkumar78@gmail.com

 

A new book “Guardians of Heritage by Senthil Kumar Chandrasekaran” is an excellent book on different philatelic items related to Geographical Indications.  A geographical indication (GI) is a name used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town, region, or country). India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into effect from 15 September 2003.

GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) as: "indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a member, or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin.

India, with its vast cultural and ecological diversity, has given GI recognition to a variety of products ranging from the agricultural products, food products Handicrafts which promote the tapestry of culture and craftsmen, Manufactured products which show case the indigenous capability, to the natural products of India like the Makrana Marble. India Post has issued stamps, special covers, cancellations and other postal memorabilia to promote these GI Tagged Products of India. 

This book is based on author’s collection of philatelic items related to Geographical Indications. The book is a tribute to the GI Tagged Products. The author has shown different philatelic items  like Stamps, Miniature sheets , Special Covers, Special Cancellations, Permanent Pictorial Cancellations, Picture Postcards, Meter Marks, and other items issued by Deptt of Posts. related to GI products .

The author has given separate chapters to Agriculture Products Food Stuffs, Manufactured Products, and natural Products. The description of each product is given in detail.

 

A special chapter has been given in the book on special and specific Products from other countries like Czech Republic, Thailand, Japan, Peru, Chile, France, UK, Mexico, Portugal, Italy and Greece. This is a very interesting part of the book. It covers textile, Agriculture. Cheese, alcoholic beverages and other products from these countries.The list of State wise GI Tag Products and Alphabetical Index of GI Products has been given in the book which makes easy for reference.

The printing and layout of the book is excellent. There are about 600 multi coloured images covering different philatelic items from India and other countries. The book is very useful for all thematic collectors as well as for non philatelists too as it gives a comprehensive information on a variety of special GI Products of India. The author has given details about each item very systematically so it is a very good refence book for everyone..  The book will prove to  be an asset for all philatelists and book lovers. This book is specially recommended for School and college libraries as it has lot of information on a variety of interesting products from different parts of India and other countries. It will enrich the knowledge of students about many special products and the rich heritage of our country. Thematic philatelists will find this book very interesting as the author has tried to show different types of philatelic items in the book which are part of a thematic exhibit,  I recommend this book for every thematic collector as well as people from all walks of life of every age group. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Senthilkumar Chandrasekaran is a Chemical Engineering Graduate from renowned AC Tech Campus of Anna University, Chennai, India. He is currently employed in an Indian multi national company specialised in Water and Wastewater Treatment as General Manager & Head of Engineering Function.

He was collecting stamps during his school days and restarted his philatelic interest during 2010 and became a very active collector cum exhibitor since 2019. His collection interests includes Water, Olympics, Gandhi, Joint Issue, Indian Heritage, Indian Postal Stationary and GI Tags.

He is a Life member of South India Philatelists’ Association (SIPA), Philatelic Congress of India (PCI), Ananthapuri Philatelic Association (APA) and Madurai Philatelist and Numismatist Association (MAPNA). He had participated in various State and National level exhibitions and won medals in different categories including Thematic, Postal Stationary, Literature and One-Frame.

 

 

Book Review : Pincode ( Postal Index Number) Six digits, One Nation

 

  

Pincode (Postal Index Number) Six digits, One Nation

By Sushil Mehra

Pincode ( Postal Index Number) Six digits, One Nation By Sushil Mehra : Edition  2025 (First): Philatelic Research Booklet - Pin Code Study : Publisher : Sushil Mehra : Type Paperback : Pages - 50 :  Price - Rs 850/-  : For Private Circulation : Contact : email : gaureshmehra@gmail.com  WhatsApp  : 9972091818

A Postal Index Number refers to a six-digit code in the Indian postal code system used by India Post. The PIN system was introduced on 15 August 1972 by Shriram Bhikaji Velankar, an additional secretary in the Government of India's Ministry of Communications. The system was introduced to simplify the manual sorting and delivery of mail by eliminating confusion over incorrect addresses, similar place names, and different languages used by the public. The first digit of a PIN indicates the zone, the second indicates the sub-zone, and the third, combined with the first two, indicates the sorting district within that zone. The final three digits are assigned to individual post offices within the sorting district.

 

The book “Pincode ( Postal Index Number) Six digits, One Nation” gives detail description of the PIN Code structure digit wise with Map. The promotion of PIN Code on various postal articles in form of cancellations, meter marks, on margins of stamp sheets, printing on covers and postal registration /speed post receipts. The book also gives the details of the special covers and private covers issued on PIN code. The postcards have a special feature for the use of PIN code which is a part of promotion of the use of PIN code which makes postal delivery easy and fast. It is described  with the images. The book gives the list of Philatelic Bureaus of India with PIN its codes. The author has also given special chapters on ZIP Code versus PIN Code and last Pin Codes of India. 

The book is interesting and informative with a beautiful layout . It will be helpful in the study of use, promotion and importance of the PIN code. Every philatelist would find the book quite useful. 

 

 About the Author

 

Sushil Mehra is a keen philatelist and numismatist with special interest in various varied subjects related to stamp, coin and note collection. He has participated in several stamp exhibition . He is a member of Karnataka Numismatic Society as well as member of Karnataka Philatelic Society. He has a complete collection of Post Independence India Stamps. ET (Economic Times) as well Deccan Herald have published articles on his collection. Karnataka Postal Circle has released Post Cards on his collection as well as two books on Special Covers of Karnataka to which he Contributed. He is author/co-author of many books on philately. Some of them are :

 

• Glimpses of Vintage Bengaluru’,
• ‘Guide to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations of India’,
• ‘ My Dashavatar Collection with special emphasis on Rama and Krishna’,
• ‘Exemplified Philatelic Terms’, 
• ‘Jai Hind – The True spirit of India’,
• ‘The Handbook of Permanent Pictorial Cancellations of India’.
• ‘INK THE PPC: An Updated Guide to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations’
• ‘My Collection of Special Covers issued by Karnataka Postal Circle 2019-2023’
• ‘The Post Office Buildings of India’
• ‘CARRIED COVERS of INDIA’
• ‘Gandhi Connections’ on Post Offices in India bearing the name of Gandhiji
• ‘Daakiya Aaya, Chitti Laya’ – a book in Hindi about Postmen and Letters through the ages through the eyes of picture postcards

He has won several award at National and International Philatelic Exhibitions.

-      -  Jeevan Jyoti

 

Book Review

 

Threads of Tradition: Khadi Wavers and the GI Tags

By Sushil Mehra

 

 

Threads of Tradition: Khadi, Weavers and the GI Tags By Sushil Mehra : First Edition : Type – A4 Size Paperback – Coffee Table Book : Author, Publisher & Copyright : Sushil Mehra : Pages : 136 email : gaureshmehra@gmail.com WhatsApp : 9972091818

 

The new book by Sushil Mehra , Threads of Tradition : Khadi Weavers and GI Tags features India’s textile heritage. Artisans and traditional fabrics through philately and GI. The book shows the significance of Textile industry and its heritage in different states of India through postage stamps and covers, Post marks and picture postcards. Textile industry plays an important role in the economy of India. The book gives a new theme to the Thematic collectors to develop into a beautiful exhibit. The book is presented in an excellent way and not only for the philatelists but in general for all is a wonderful book.

  

The book features articles by noted philatelists on Khadi, Textiles, GI Tagged handloom products of different states, List of GI Special Covers, on Textiles, Pages of Philatelic exhibit on Poshak (dresses) and many more to read. The book is very interesting.  Different types of philatelic items related to Textile, Dresses, Handlooms, Silk, Khadi with lot of information are given in the book. The book will be very helpful for thematic collectors to prepare a theme related to textile. General readers would also enjoy the book with good information on handlooms of different states featured through postage stamps covers, post cards and cancellations. This beautiful coffee table book is recommended for one and all.

About the Author

 

Sushil Mehra is a BA (Hons) in Political Science from Delhi University and came to Bangalore in 1976. He is the Managing Director of Pan Office Systems Pvt Ltd, Bangalore which is engaged in selling office furniture and school furniture.

He has been the Past President of Rotary Club of Bangalore Orchards and Chairman of Publications Committee of FKCCI (Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry) as well as the Past President of Karnataka Hardware and Allied Merchants Association (KHAMA). 

He is a keen philatelist and numismatist with special interest in various varied subjects related to stamp, coin and note collection. He is a member of Karnataka Numismatic Society as well as member of Karnataka Philatelic Society. He has a complete collection of Post Independence India Stamps. ET (Economic Times) as well Deccan Herald have published articles on his collection. Karnataka Postal Circle has released Post Cards on his collection as well as two books on Special Covers of Karnataka to which he Contributed. He is author/co-author of many books on philately. Some of them are :

 

• Glimpses of Vintage Bengaluru’,
• ‘Guide to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations of India’,
• ‘ My Dashavatar Collection with special emphasis on Rama and Krishna’,
• ‘Exemplified Philatelic Terms’, 
• ‘Jai Hind – The True spirit of India’,
• ‘The Handbook of Permanent Pictorial Cancellations of India’.
• ‘INK THE PPC: An Updated Guide to Permanent Pictorial Cancellations’
• ‘My Collection of Special Covers issued by Karnataka Postal Circle 2019-2023’
• ‘The Post Office Buildings of India’
• ‘CARRIED COVERS of INDIA’
• ‘Gandhi Connections’ on Post Offices in India bearing the name of Gandhiji
• ‘Daakiya Aaya, Chitti Laya’ – a book in Hindi about Postmen and Letters through the ages through the eyes of picture postcards

He has won several award at National and International Philatelic Exhibitions.

-      -  Jeevan Jyoti

Book Review : Advertising JRD's Aviation Dream

 

Advertising JRD’s Aviation Dream

By Sushil Mehra

Advertising JRD’s Aviation Dream By Sushil Mehra : Type : Paperback – Coffee Table Book : Publisher and Copyright Holder : Sushil Mehra : email  : gaureshmehra@gmail.com : WhatsApp No. 9972091818

Advertising JRD’s Aviation Dream is an excellent coffee book for everyone and especially for those interested in Areo Philately and Aviation Advertising . The book features stamps and private and special covers issued on JRD Tata or related to JRD Tata. The book is devided into 4 parts : 1.JRD Tata’s Aviation Dream 2. Air India Memorabilia 3.Air India’s Vintage Advertisements 4.Postally used self-designed covers on  Tata.

The philatelic items and ads shown in the book are part of author’s collection. The author has dedicated the book to Late Ratan N.Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group who built upon Late JRD Tata’s aviation Dream by re-acquiring Air India back from the Government of India in 2022.

Air India,Founded in 1932 as Tata Airlines by J. R. D. Tata, Tata himself flew its first single-engine de Havilland Puss Moth, carrying air mail from Karachi to Bombay's Juhu aerodrome and later continuing to Madras . After World War II, it was nationalised by the Government of India in 1953 and was renamed Air India.

The second part of the book features Air India Slogan advertising meter franking showing Air India’s iconic mascot ‘Maharaja’. Part 3 of the book features Air India’s vintage advertisements.

Part 4 of the book features Postally used self-designed covers on Tata Group’s repurchase of Air India with relevant stamps used on relevant dates.

This book is a tribute to JRD Tata, the Father of Indian Aviation, a great Indian industrialist, philanthropist, aviator and former chairman of Tata Group. The layout of the book is attractive with fine colour images. Aero-philatelists and those who love aviation would like this book very much as it takes them to a colourful journey of Air India. General readers would also appreciate the book as it gives a complete story of Air India with a variety of images.

 About the author