She lost many valuables during the 2015 Chennai floods. But what upset 81-year-old Shantha Srinivasan the most was the loss of some of her treasured stamps collected over the decades.
She decided to take it as a challenge and rebuilt the collection in three years. Some of the stamps on her favourite theme centred on women are on display at the Philatelic Bureau next to the Anna Road Head Post Office. “My cousins introduced me to the fascinating world of stamps during my school days in the late 1940s. They used to send first-day covers and stamps from Chittoor,” recalled Ms. Srinivasan, a resident of Chamiers Road.
From then on, nothing would stop her from her passion for philately. “I used to collect stamps even when I was abroad. I used to receive stamps and first day covers through 56 APO, which is the central Army post office, when my husband was in the Army,” said Ms. Srinivasan.
Pointing at the stamps on display, Ms. Srinivasan said those on gender equality, working women and paintings were her favourites. “I picked up some from other philatelists, antique shops and the philatelic bureau. I recently learnt about thematic collections and started focussing on themes.”
Neatly framed in sheets, the collection reflects the meticulous care taken by the philatelist.
From pre-1857 freedom fighters like Rani Velu Nachiar and Rani Avantibai, musicians like Veena Dhanammal, D.K. Pattammal and M.S. Subbulakshmi to saints, politicians and working women in various fields, the collection features them all.
Her penchant for miniature sheets and first- day covers were evident at the exhibition. A
midst the stamps of Indira Gandhi, diamond-shaped stamps are considered rare designs, note postal officials. Her collection also featured interesting stamps of Mother Teresa that were released when she was alive, which are a rarity.
On the first-day covers and stamps featuring actor Madhubala, officials said gold foil collectable replica stamps were also released. R. Anand, Post Master General, Chennai City Region, said: “Her enthusiasm for philately led us to provide space for the display of her collection. There are nearly 12,000 philately deposit account- holders across Tamil Nadu like her.”
