Stamp collection is almost always synonymous with the word hobby. But did you also know that stamps are a good source of information and a great way to learn history? At the Stamp Expo 2014, held at Shiraj Hall, organised by the South Indian Philatelists’ Association (SIPA), a number of stamps based on various themes such as Railways, global warming and even cartoons (think Pokemon and Disney characters) are part of the exhibit. The expo also features around 45 stalls of stamp dealers from across India, who are selling over one lakh Indian and international stamps.
Mahesh Parekh of SIPA says that the hobby of collecting stamps or philately, as it is generally known, is more common abroad and that in India there needs to be more awareness, especially among children. “In India, when you ask what a child’s hobby is, he/she would most likely say watching television; that is entertainment,” he says. Why then does he promote philately as a hobby? “Every stamp is a brand ambassador of its country. A stamp tells you all about its country’s history, geography; it tells you a story,” he informs.
In the middle of the hall, there are two giant panels displaying stamps donated by SIPA members as part of the expo. For example, a section on global warming reflects the issues we are facing and simple solutions as well, such as shortage in water and how one can save it.
The expo also showcases unique and exciting stamps; there are those that are shaped like a clown, a country, and a bird and for all the romantic ones out there, a heart. It makes sense to showcase such interesting ones, for Parekh says that they want children to come to the expo to learn about the rich history the stamps have to offer and to dispel the myth that philately is usually perceived as a boring hobby. It doesn’t take much investment to start a stamp collection, “You can start with Rs. 500 a month,” Parekh says. The SIPA also plans to conduct a national-level exhibition to celebrate its diamond jubilee in 2016.
