This is an event that will get the stamp of approval of philatelists and collectors in the city. Karnapex, the philatelic exhibition organised by the Karnataka Postal Circle, will open to an eager audience on January 16 after nearly eight years.
As expected, well-known names from the philately circle are expected to display some of their prized possessions. For instance, Sita Bhateja will proudly showcase the famed ‘inverted head’ stamp — an Indian stamp from 1854 with an inverted head of Queen Victoria.
Similarly, Ramu M. Srinivasa’s Penny Black, the world’s first adhesive postage stamp, will also be on display. “This is the pride of my collection. In addition, my daughter will be displaying a collection of butterfly-themed stamps and my wife’s collection of stamps on music and dance will also be exhibited,” he said.
Apart from these, visitors can feast their eyes on various types and forms of stamps in as many as 600 frames, B.S. Chandrashekhar, Assistant Director, business development and philately division, Karnataka Postal Circle, said.
“Stamps on metal, cloth, fragrant stamps, coin stamps … some of the world’s rarest stamps will be exhibited. The eight-year gap was because exhibitions of over 500 frames are given zone-wise,” he said.
Dr. Bhateja pointed out that though there were serious collectors and philatelists, philately as a hobby had not caught on much among the younger generation as modern gadgets had taken over.
“People want quick hobbies. In philately, knowledge and an interest in heritage is involved. Love of stamps and history has to start at a young age. Events such as these will boost interest in the hobby,” she said.
‘Karnapex’ will be held at Sri Kanteerava Indoor Stadium from January 16 to 19. Entry is free.
