Rich Tradition of Philately shown in Allahabad Philatelic Exhibition- “Allaphilex-2013”

Allahabad Philatelic Exhibition “Allaphilex-2013” inaugurated on 13 January, 2013 for two days at Gandhi Art Gallery of North Central Zone Cultural Centre. The exhibition was inaugurated by Justice Pankaj Mithal of Allahabad High Court accompanied by Padam Shri Shamshurrahman Farooqui, Postmaster General, Allahabad Region Shri A. K. Gupta, and Director Postal Services, Allahabad Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav.

In this exhibition the Philatelists of the city showcased various types of Postage Stamps. Thousands of Stamps were displayed in 59 frames,which includes a wide range of colorful collection of stamps, issued on Allahabad, 100 years of cinema in Postage Stamps, Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Ravindranath Tagore, Nehru family, Indian Freedom Struggle, Stamps issued on Mosques, Bio Diversity, Rotary, Fire Brigade, Red Cross, and also included AIDS, Maleria etc. issued to spread awareness about these diseases. It included not only stamps issued in India but also included rare postage stamps and postage stationary issued in Foreign Countries.  Other than senior Philatelists of the city, students and children also exhibited their postage stamps collection. It is worthwhile to mention here that such type of exhibition is being organized after 5 years. Earlier Postage stamp exhibition was organized in 2007.

Addressing the programme held after the inauguration of the exhibition Chief Guest Justice PankajMithal told about his hobby of collecting stamps. Shri Mitahl also said that every stamp has a story of their own and there is a need to link young generation with this story. He called Postage Stamps are “Carrier of emotions”, which carries emotions from one person to another. Justice Mithal emphasized that such exhibitions must be organized every year in order to develop Philately as a hobby. Padam Shri ShamshurrahmanFarooqui said that through these exhibitions, while on one hand glorious traditions of a vibrant country like India are portrayed and promoted on the other hand it is a medium to promote harmony and friendship among people. Post Master General, Allahabad Shri A. K. Gupta told that knowledge may also be acquired through Postage Stamps. Postage Stamps may also help in enriching and strengthening our education system.

Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav, Director Postal Services, Allahabad Region told that generally Postage Stamps may look like a small piece of paper but there value and importance is much more. In fact Postage Stamp is a tiny ambassador, which travels across countries and teaches them about his country’s civilization, culture and heritage. It is anicon of a country’s people, their belief and philosophy, history, culture, heritage, ambitions and expectations. It is filled with enchanting vitality. Director Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav told an interesting story about a European woman of 19^th century who had an idea to decorate her dressing room with Postage Stamps, she collected sixteen thousand stamps from her acquaintances and for remaining she released an advertisement in “Times of London” and requested the readers to send used postage stamps to complete her collection. Thereafter collecting of stamps gained popularity as a hobby in the whole world in due course of time.

The much awaited “My Stamps” scheme of the Postal Department was also launched in this programme. Many people including Justice PankajMithal got there photos printed on Postage Stamps. There was a lot of enthusiasm among youngsters for this scheme. Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav, Director Postal Services Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav informed that due to its popularity this scheme will also be launched in KumbhMela for a few days. A Philatelic Workshop and Design a stamp competition was also organized for children. While Children enjoyed Philatelic Exhibition, Philatelic Deposit Accounts were also opened.

Shri Rahmatullah, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Allahabad welcomed the guests and vote of thanks was given by Shri R. N. Yadav, Assistant Director. A number of Postal Officers and Philatelists including Shri A. P. Tiwari, Senior Superintendent Railway mail Service; Shri T. B. Singh, Senior Post Master, Shri Madhusudan Prasad Mishra, Assistant Director, R. N. Yadav, Assistant Superintendent, P. C. Tiwari, Vinay Yadav were also present at the programme.