Even in the age of emails and WhatsApp, philately has its due recognition, if the exhibits at ongoing Appex-2014 were any indication. The philatelists exhibited their proud collection.
Many rare stamps, some dating back to pre-independence era, are on display at the exhibition. In the recent past a British Guyana stamp was sold for Rs 57 crore at an international auction. A picture of that stamp can also be seen at the exhibition.
The collectors have exhibited their stamps under many themes. Prominent among them was the ‘Penny Black’, the world’s first stamp which came into use on May 6, 1840. The Penny Black brought in the idea of ‘prepaid postage’. Until then, people who received letters had to pay for them.
It is on display at the boards. Another interesting stamp is: a commemorative stamp released in 2011. The government released a stamp on Khadi to coincide with Indipex 2011.
The stamp speaks about the significance of Khadi and its role in Independence movement etc. Cinema personalities like N T Rama Rao, a rare post card with picture of Gandhiji and a child, sports, and Queen Victoria stamps were a few to mention.
After Independence, the Postal Department started bringing out Postage stamps on all important National Leaders on Special occasions called “Philately Stamp”. These Special Stamps will have no reprint. These stamps have made their presence felt as the visitors looked at them dumbstruck. The stamp collecting as a hobby is far from over, say philatelists in the city. It is an investment option, say the stamp collectors like Sriramachandra Rao.
Source : The Hindu