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

New philatelic book launched - Guardians of Heritage

 

Guardians of Heritage

Book Launch Event – Guardians of Heritage

Geographical Indication tag serves as a mark of authenticity and recognition, safeguarding the intellectual property rights of artisans, farmers, and communities while promoting their distinctive heritage globally.

India, with its vast cultural and ecological diversity, has bestowed GI recognition upon a wide array of products ranging from 

• the agricultural products which bring fame from the farms like the world famous Basmati Rice

• food products which celebrate the culinary heritage of India like the renowned Hyderabadi Haleem

• Handicrafs which promote the tapestry of culture and craftsmen like the celebrated Kanchipuram silk sarees of Tamil Nadu 

• Manufactured products which show case the indigenous capability and capacity like the ever fragrant Mysore Sandal Soap

• to the natural products of India like the Makrana Marble 

India Post has issued a variety of philatelic materials like stamps, special covers, cancellations and other postal memorabilia to promote these GI Tagged Products of India. There are many collectors who collect these items as part of their thematic collection and the author of the book Shri. Senthilkumar Chandrasekaran is one among them. 

Based on his collection of such philatelic items, the author has compiled this book as a tribute to these GI Tagged Products. Through these philatelic materials this compilation brings to light the unique legacy of India’s marvellous indigenous products which guards the heritage titled aptly as “Guardians of Heritage”

There are also Global icons with GI Tag registration in India like the Parmigiano Cheese from Italy, Tequila from Mexico, Lamphun Brocade Thai Silk - a separate section in this compilation covers such global products with appropriate philatelic material from those countries.

As on 31st March 2025, 697 products are registered with GI Tag in India. Out of these 402 items are covered in this compilation with appropriate philatelic items.

Prepared in A4 Size with 130 GSM Art Paper, these compilations runs into 280 pages with 600 multi-coloured images covering a variety of philatelic materials from India and other countries. It will serve as a reference material not only for philatelists but also for general public who would like to enrich their knowledge about our heritage. 

This book was launched on 28th May 2025 at Anna Centenary Library . Smt. Mariamma Thomas, IPoS, Chief Post Master General, Tamilnadu Postal Circle, India Post released the first copy of the book in the presence of Mr. G Amarchand, Past President of South India Philatelists’ Association and Mr. Rolands Nelson, President of South India Philatelists’ Association.

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

 

Europhilex 2025 : Results

 

EUROPHILEX 2025

Indian Winners

1. Markand Dave 2.Dinesh Kanabar 3. Nisarg Sutaria 4. Jeevan Jyoti 5. Mohanachandran Nair

6. Sridevi N. 7.Capt. Vijay Wadhwa 8.Kumesh Kumar Jain 9. Gauresh Mehra 10.Sushil Mehra

Markand Dave FRPSL

The Rocket Mails of India - Gold with Fel. of Jury.

Markand Dave

The 1929 Air Mail Stamps of India -  Gold

Dinesh Kanabar FRPSL 

-Treasure of British India Archive - - Large Vermeil

Chandrajit Ghose - The Rocket Mails in India - Large Vermeil

Nisarg Sutaria – Vermeil

Dinesh Kanabar – Vermeil

Jeevan Jyoti – Large Silver 

Mohanachandran Nair - Large Silver

Capt Vijay Wadhwa – 6 Silver  (  6 entries)

Sridevi N. – Silver + Large Silver ( 2 entries)

Kumesh Kumar Jain – Silver

Sushil Mehra – 2 Silver Bronze (  2 entries)

Gauresh Mehra – Silver Broze

View : Result 

Result: Literature Class

View : Literature Entries

-Markand Dave , National Commissioner for  India

THE PCI PHILATELIC TRUST

 

THE PCI PHILATELIC TRUST

Financial Grant 2024-25

The PCI Philatelic Trust is committed to supporting initiatives that align with its objectives.As part of this initiative, We had announced our grant scheme for 2024-25 in September 2024 and received encouraging response. We are pleased to announce that a grant Rs. 40,000 has been awarded to Mr. Aranya Dutta Choudhury for his upcoming book on The Non-Postal Stamps & Stamp Papers of North-Eastern India.

We aim to mobilize additional resources and increase the grant amount in FY 2025-26 to further support philatelic research and scholarship projects.

About his Book

This book delves into the fascinating world of non-postal stamps and stamp papers from the princely states and provinces of Northeastern India, including Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, and Assam. It explores their historical and administrative significance, detailing their role in governance, legal transactions, and the evolution of fiscal instruments. With a focus on rare varieties, official records, and archival research, this work aims to serve as a valuable resource for philatelists, historians, and collectors, shedding light on a lesser-explored aspect of Indian philately.

- Piyush Khaitan

  Chairman & Trustee,

  The PCI Philatelic Trust.

www.pciphilatelictrust.weebly.com

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