Indian Naval Philately Pavilion

May 19, 2018 - A proud moment for philatelists

Indian Naval Philately Pavilion - a permanent Naval Philatelic Pavilion at INS Valsura (Electrical Training Establishment of Indian Navy), in Jamnagar, Gujarat inaugurated by Mr. D.H.Rao.

Mr. D.H.Rao / D. Hemchandra Rao, 77, is President of Naval Philatelic Society, India; former president of SIPA (South India Philatelists Association), Chennai; and former president of Madras Coin Society; naval historian, and philatelist.

He donated his entire philatelic collection on Indian Navy theme, including many with autographs.

As myself a ship / Navy theme collector, I feel very proud that Mr. Rao's collection found a right and prestigious place in the country.

-       - Kasinath R.

King Solomon's Ships

Date of Issue : 17 November 2016

Here is a beautiful miniature sheet issued by Israel Post featuring King Solomon's Ships.King Solomon inherited a large and wealthy kingdom from his father King David, stretching from the Euphrates River in the north to the Eilat Bay in the south. The good trade relations King Solomon created with the rulers of nearby kingdoms, as well as the great wealth he accumulated thanks to those relations and to the taxes he collected, are described in the Bible in books I Kings and II Chronicles.

The development of his fleet in the Red Sea was described in detail: "Hiram sent servants of his with the fleet, mariners who were experienced on the sea, to serve with Solomon's men. They came to Ophir; there they obtained gold in the amount of four hundred and twenty talents" (I Kings, 9:27-28). King Hiram of Tyre, who knew how to build ships and had men who were skilled mariners, partnered with King Solomon, who ruled the Eilat Coast and together they built a fleet of trade ships in the Red Sea. These ships sailed to Ophir, which was apparently located along either the eastern or the western coast of the Red Sea, and returned carrying many treasures and exotic wares.

A similar journey is described in Egyptian sources dating from 500 years earlier, during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut. Egyptian ships sailed southward to the Land of Punt, which was also apparently in eastern Africa. The remnants of murals on the walls of Hatsheput's mortuary temple in Deir el-Bahari feature exotic goods that were brought to Egypt at that time from the same faraway land, and contribute to the interpretation of the biblical descriptions.

In addition to gold and silver, "ivory, apes and peacocks" were also brought to King Solomon (I Kings, 10:22). The Egyptian murals show the "apes" to be baboons. 

The Bible also notes that "a huge quantity of almug wood" was brought from Ophir (I Kings, 10:11). Biblical scholars and modern researchers have voiced various opinions regarding the nature of the "almug wood". Some claim that these were special wooden beams used for construction; others think that they were saplings of exotic aromatic trees, and a third opinion is that they were a rare type of coral.

Based on the various interpretations, the stamp designer portrayed a heap of treasures that were unloaded on the dock at the seaport in Ezion-Geber, which today is the city of Eilat. These treasures were taken to King Solomon's palace in Jerusalem and used in the construction of the Temple and the palace. Thanks to the journey to Ophir "King Solomon excelled all the kings on earth in wealth... the king made silver as plentiful in Jerusalem as stones..." (I Kings, 10:27) 

Stamp on President’s International Fleet Review...

 International Fleet Review...

Date of Issue : 6 February 2016

A commemorative stamp on International Fleet Review was released by President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Visakhapatnam on 6th February, 2016.

In addition to Commemorative Stamp, First Day Cover and Brochure, the Department of Posts has also released a booklet (folder) in commemoration of past President’s Fleet Reviews titled “AIKYA”. The booklet contains write ups, photographs and images of stamps brought out on the occasion of past President Fleet Reviews. The booklet was released by Member (Planning), Postal Services Board, Mr. Shekhar Kumar Sinha in presence of Mrs. Sharda Sampath, Postmaster General, Visakhapatnam, Mr. M. Sampath, Postmaster General, Vijaywada and Commodore Amit Vikram on 7th February 2016 at the function held at Visakhapatnam. The booklet is priced at Rs. 325 and can be obtained from Philatelic Bureau, Visakhapatnam.

A special pack consisting of first day cover, block of 4 stamps and a brochure was also released by Department of Posts. The Department of Posts had established two stalls, one at slipway jetty and another at IFR 2016 village in Visakhapatnam.

President’s international Fleet Review

A Naval Fleet Review is a long-standing tradition followed by Navies all over the world. It is a grand occasion when every operational ship is spruced up, proudly displaying its crest and its company in spirit of loyalty and allegiance to the country. The idea of a Review was perhaps conceived as a show of naval might or an inspection of readiness for battle at sea. It still has the same connotation, but assembling the warships for peaceful purposes is now the norm of modern times. Later reviews were used as a celebratory demonstration for victories in battle or for other special occasions. Sometimes ships have sailed across seas to participate in fleet reviews of friendly nations. These reviews inspired the sailors to avow their allegiance to their country and preserve it sovereignty. It is indeed a strong bond which links seafarers of the world and often follows exactly the same drill even on different continents.

Post independence, traditionally, the President, as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces reviews the Fleet once during his tenure. In this most formal of naval ceremonies, ships, submarines and aircrafts from all the Naval Commands, ships from the Indian Coast Guard and vessels from the Merchant Navy(during war /adversities some of the merchant ships also join to support the Naval effort in fighting the enemy), are ceremonially dressed up with families embarked, and anchored in lines at the precise spot allotted to them. Where International Fleet Review’s are conducted even Foreign War ships from friendly countries take part in the ceremonial event.

After a 21 gun salute, the President embarks on the Presidential Yacht, distinguished by the Ashoka Emblem on her side and reviews all the ships by cruising past them. Each ship is manned by her ship’s company, dressed sparkling white ceremonial uniforms. In a moment that stands still in time, white caps are doffed in unison in a grand salutation. The resounding sound of three “jais” echoes over the waves, carrying the promise of the allegiance of each and every sailor and officer to the Nation and the President, their Supreme Commander. It is this bond that will carry them through the adversity of war and make the supreme sacrifice, if needed.

          The present Fleet Review, which is the 11^th review, was held on the East Coast for the second time. The First Fleet review in the East coast was held in 2006 and reviewed by President APJ Abdul Kalam. Incidentally this is the second International Fleet Review  held in India and the first in East Coast. The last international Fleet review was held in Mumbai in 2001 reviewed by then President Dr K.R.Narayanan. For the present International Fleet Review, all the Indian Naval ships and war ships from friendly countries submarines, coast Guard and Merchant ships and vessels will be anchored in Bay of Bengal off Visakhapatnam harbour and will be reviewed by President

Pranab Mukherjee on 6 February, 2016

4 Stamps and First Day Cover issued for Fleet Review 1984

Stamp and First Day cover issued in Fleet review 1989 

Stamps and First Day cover issued during International Fleet Review Mumbai 2001

President’s Fleet Review 2006 Visakhapatnam 

Stamps and First Day cover of President’s Fleet review 2011 , Mumbai

Cdr G.Sriramarao,I.N(retd) is a philatelist, and Numismatist  of National Repute,exhibited his collection on the theme of Music and the Indian Navy in the Naval section of Visakha Museum from 4 to 8 Feb 2016.

Philatelic Notes from  Cdr G.Sriramarao,I.N(retd)

Here is 'My stamp' issued by postal department during 'President's Review'. The entire 5000 sheets produced  were booked by Indian Navy and we had to approach them and register with them to get my stamp. This was sold for Rs.240 compared to the normal 300 Rs charged for my stamp.

 In the my stamp I am  in the typical Modi Jaket and head gear which we wore during the International city parade. I was one of the 8 retired officers selected to take part in the parade. As a souvenir I made this my stamp for me.

Secondly the First day cover of PFR with a stamp of Rs.5 was sold for Rs.16. This to my knowledge is the first time in the history of India post that a first day cover was sold for Rs.16 with a stamp of Rs.5.. Further they issued another cover with cancellations of both IFR and Naval base Visakhapatnam sold for Rs.21.

The stamp used in the My stamp is different from the stamp released on 6 Feb by President of India.

This stamp in my stamp is different and has the submarine at the rear of the Air craft carrier and the aircraft in the right hand just on top of air craft carrier where as in the original stamp submarine is in front of air craft  carrier and the the  aircraft is on the right hand corner. The stamp used in my stamp also has My stamp and Indian Navy inscribed in it and where as in the original stamp International fleet review is mentioned.

The postal dept in addition to the special Commemorative folder issued on IFR and sold for Rs.320 also put up on sale  the same folder with all the stamps issued so far on President's fleet reviews totaling 21 stamps for Rs.3000(though none went for it due to the exorbitant cost).

The special Folder with FDC  & four stamps and information folder was sold for Rs.200 . It contains 4 stamps of Rs.5 each one FDC and one information folder(total cost 41).

Mykolaiv Monument – A Great Memorial of Ship Builders

 

Date of Issue : 8 September 2014

Ukrposhta has issued a commemorative stamp that depicts a great monument of Mykolaiv- Monument to the shipbuilders. This monument considered to be one of the brightest symbols of this city. The stamp was released on the 8^th of September.

In 1989, the city’s 200th anniversary was marked by installation of a large memorial near the intersection of Lenin Prospect and Sovetskaya Street. Kyiv architects V.A. Chepelyk, M.I. Kislyy, N.I. Alekseyenko, and V.P. Sklutskyy designed the monument.

It features a globe surrounded by figures of naval commanders and Mykolaiv shipbuilders. Beneath the three meter tall figures, a wide band carries the inscription “To shipbuilders and naval commanders, in honor of two centuries of labor by Mykolaiv shipbuilders: 1789 – 1989″.

Mykolaiv  also known as Nikolaev is a city in southern Ukraine, the administrative center of the Mykolaiv Oblast. Mykolaiv is arguably the main ship building center of the Black Sea. Aside from its three shipyards within the city, there are located a number of research centers specializing in shipbuilding such as the State Research and Design Shipbuilding Center, Zoria-Mashproekt and others.The city is an important transportation junction of Ukraine (sea port, commercial port, river port, highway and railway junction, airport).

 

Club News

New Special Cover

A Special Cover on Kunjali Marakkar School of Marine Engineering, Cochin University of Science & Technology was released at Kochi on 22 August 2014. School of Marine Engineering of Cochin University is named after Kunjali Marakkar, as a tribute to the valiant chief of King Zamorin of Kozhikode, who fought against Portugese colonialism erstwhile Malabar coast during 16th Century.  (KL-11/2014)

 

: Sreejesh Krihnan – Trivandrum

 

Private Maxim Cards on Indian Musicians

A set of eight Private Maxim cards on musicians released at Trivandrum . For these Maxim cards Please contact  : John Emanuel Boben - email  :annakutty.03@gmail.com    mob 9495059324

Germany Wins FIFA World Cup 2014

 

Germany Wins World Cup, Defeats Argentina 1-0

 

Many Many Congratulations to German Team !!

Germany beats Argentina 1-0, to become the World Cup 2014 champion.

Germany wins 4th World Cup with amazing extra-time strike

RIO DE JANEIRO — With two quick touches, Mario Goetze ended Germany’s 24-year wait for another World Cup title.

Goetze scored the winning goal in extra time to give Germany a 1-0 victory over Argentina on Sunday in a tight and tense World Cup final that came down to one piece of individual skill.

It was a goal that gave Germany its fourth World Cup title in its eighth final, and left Argentina star Lionel Messi still walking in the shadow of his compatriot Diego Maradona, who led his country to the 1986 title.

Goetze had come on as a substitute for Miroslav Klose at the end of regulation time and the 22-year-old midfielder’s fresh legs made the difference.

For Germany, the win ends a string of near misses since winning its last major title at the 1996 European Championship. The team lost the 2002 World Cup final to Brazil and lost in the semifinals in both 2006 and 2010.

It is Germany’s first World Cup title as a unified nation. It was also the third World Cup final between these countries and had been billed as a matchup between the perfect team and the perfect individual, pitting Germany’s machine-like unit against the brilliance of Messi, the four-time world player of the year.

Read More…

 

New pictorial cancellation from Germany

On August 15th 2014 a new pictorial cancellation will be issued in 20457 HAMBURG. The Cancellation is featuring the german ship ANCON during the passage in the Panama Canal 100 years ago.

On August 23th 2014 a new pictorial cancellation will be issued in 18299 LAAGE.
The cancellation is featuring a Fighter aircraft .

Interested philatelists may please contact:
Wolfgang Beyer, Vice Chairman of the German Philatelic Collector Group ARGE ZOOLOGIE.
Mail: Wolfgang.beyer1@aol.de .Postage rates: 0,75 Euro AIRMAIL, 2,90 Euro Registered AIRMAIL.
Courtesy: Mr.Wolfgang Hoelzl , Wolfgang Beyaer

100th Anniversary of Empress of Ireland

 

Date of Issue : May 29, 2014

Here is a new stamp  issue from Canada Post featuring famous ship “ Empress of Ireland”.

Canada Post commemorates a pivotal moment in Canadian history with this souvenir sheet containing an international-rate Empress of Ireland stamp. 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Empress.

In 1914 the Empress collided with a Norwegian coal ship in the St. Lawrence River in dense fog. The ship sank, taking 1,012 passengers and crew to their deaths. The sinking— just 2 years after the Titanic — remains the worst peacetime maritime tragedy in Canadian history. Suitable for general history buffs and anyone interested in Canada’s maritime history.

Canada Post honors the memory of those whose lives were lost or forever changed that fateful morning, and highlights the role of the Empress in populating Canada – a legacy that lives on through the nearly one million Canadians who can trace their roots to a passenger who arrived aboard the Empress of Ireland.

: Kasinath R – Tanjore

Titanic on new British stamps

 

Titanic and Royal Mail are closely interlinked, as the ship was commissioned to carry mail and so the letters RMS (Royal Mail Ship) were used in the ship’s name. On 10 April 1912, when the grand new White Star Line liner set sail from Southampton on its maiden voyage to New York with 2,223 people on board, travelling among them were two British postal workers together with three counterparts from the US Postal Service. There is evidence that they valiantly tried to save the mail when the Titanic  collided with an iceberg four days later, but all five individuals were among the 1,522 people who perished when she sank.

Titanic Remembered 1912–2012 - Hardback Book The story of Titanic still has the power to enthrall . It comes in a presentation case and tells the ship’s story through first-hand accounts, an audio CD, facsimiles of memorabilia and a DVD including archive footage.

The Commemorative Sheet, carries ten first-class stamps, each with the ‘crown seal’ Smiler® stamp and a label alongside featuring a variety of images of the Titanic story, such as her construction in the dockyards, the launch, the crew, White Star Line publicity, a The New York Times headline and the public enquiry that followed the disaster. The sheet background shows the White Star Line emblem at the top and a Titanic picture below the stamps. This is a truly glorious commemorative collection and one to be treasured for years to come.

Read More..

Club News

Two Sets of Picture Post Cards are made available at Bangalore GPO.

 

The first set Heritage Bangalore  has 10 nostalgic post cards housed in a small boxed folder. priced at Rs 35/- .The second set is on 100 years of Indian Cinema which contains 6 post cards . These are the reproduce of the 6 miniature sheets, housed in a small envelope. priced at Rs. 30/- .

- Suresh Rao , Bangalore ; Ashwani Dubey - Gorakhpur

New stamps on Ships and Explorers..

 

The new set of four stamps from the Tristan da Cunha Post Office depicts Arctic and Antarctic Explorers and Personalities who have journeyed in Tristan waters. Each stamp depicts an image of one of these seafarers together with the ship most closely associated with them and Tristan da Cunha.

35p – James Weddell and “Jane”

Born in 1787 and although initially a member of the Royal Navy (1796–1815) where he rose to the rank of Master, he left and became a Merchant Mariner. In 1819 he persuaded the owners of the Brig Jane to entrust him with command of a sealing expedition to the South Shetland Islands and having returned with a full hold, he was able to persuade the owners to let him return on a second mission.

45p – George Nares and “HMS Challenger”

Having spent 27 years in the Royal Navy and having reached the rank of Captain, George Nares was given command of the Challenger expedition of 1872–76. This scientific exercise made many discoveries which were to lay the foundation of oceanography.

70p – Carsten Borchgrevink and “SS Antarctic”

Carsten Borchgrevink was an Anglo-Norwegian born in Norway in 1864.At the age of 24 he migrated to Australia and in 1893 he signed on to the Norwegian whaling and sealing vessel Antarctic under Leonard Kristensen.

Over the course of two years of travel they visited Tristan da Cunha, and many points further South. Their landing at Cape Adare (originally named by Captain James Ross) was the first confirmed landing on the Antarctic continental mainland and Borchgrevink claimed that he was actually the first human to set foot there, although this was disputed by two others in the company.

£1.50p – Dr Alexander Macklin and “Quest”

Alexander Macklin was born in India in 1889, the son of a Doctor and he was of course to follow in his father’s footsteps.Soon after qualifying he applied to join Sackleton’s Imperial Trans Antarctic Expedition and was accepted as one of two doctors. As well as his surgeon’s duties he was put in charge of the ship’s dogs and was also assigned a team of sledge dogs to drive.

Club News

A Booklet on MY STAMP

A Booklet on MY STAMP - Philately-Encyclopaedia of knowldge & Fun, by

India Post, Phlatelic Bureau, Patna , was released by Dr R.S. Gandhi a noted philatelist on 12th April 2014.

- Anil K Saxena, Gaya  email  saxenaak273@yahoo.co.in