Adarsh, a student of St Andrews High School, started collecting stamps at the age of three. He recollects, “My father introduced me to this hobby. Today I have rare and unusual stamps in my collection. My general knowledge is good thanks to my hobby,” he says.
Contribute
St Adams School, Chikkadpally has come up with an innovative method to promote the hobby. Students are encouraged to contribute to the large school collection of stamps.
U.R. Godamani of Std. IX says, “every passing out batch donates stamps to the collection.” Stamp collections can be varied, owing to the variety of stamps available. Definitive stamps are stamps regularly used for postage. Commemorative stamps are those printed to commemorate a particular event. While thematic stamps print geographical details of countries.
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There are many State-level stamp exhibitions organised by the Postal Department. The official website of Indian Posts is www.indiapost.gov.in, gives a lot of information about new releases, postal exhibitions and other activities.
The Philatelic Bureau of India, which is a part of India Posts, deals with the sale of philatelic collectibles such as first day covers, collector's pack, miniature sheets and more. The bureau also sells philatelic accessories, literature and curios. The bureau has an innovative programme for stamp collectors – the philatelic deposit account. “A form can be downloaded from the website and the duly filled form can be deposited at the GPO along with a payment of a minimum of Rs. 200. Stamps will be sent to the subscriber as soon as they are released. The cost of the stamp will be debited from the subscriber's account, that can be recharged periodically,” says Mr. Bharat Bhai Upadhyay, of the Philatelic Bureau.