MEGA STAMP FESTVAL AT KOLKATTA
- Naresh Agarwal
Two day Mega Stamp Exhibition cum Festival named as “National Philatelic Fair and Exhibition” concluded at Olpadvala Memorial Hall Kolkata on 3rd and 4th of March. It was yet another good assemblage of philatelists and stamp dealers under one roof. Though it lacked display of exhibits because of non – availability of display frames but certainly created a festive atmosphere for stamp lovers as there were as many as 32 dealers from all over the India to serve the philatelic community as well as themselves.
A big A.C hall, well located and easily accessible was the most suitable venue for this show. Stamp and Numismatic dealers from Pondichhery, Bangalore, Delhi, Kanpur, Gujrat, Amritsar, Jaipur, Orissa, had their stalls and so were the visiting philatelists who too visited the show coming from all corners of India. Of course, this show was a delicious stuff for local philatelists.
In general, the dealers had good and wide range of modern Indian philatelic material. Here some of the philatelists were disappointed with the changing attitude of the stamp dealers who were seen hesitant in bringing and carrying other material (say rest of the world) which could have served the majority of visiting philatelists hunting for their needed stuffs, in better way.
There was neither any formal inauguration nor any closing ceremony. Even there was nothing on display. The total of 24 nos. display frames somehow arranged by the organizers placed separately at balcony never caught attention of the visitors and remained empty but were found busy silently watching the proceedings with philatelists engaged in stock books searching for their needed material, negotiating and bargaining for prices, chit chatting and enjoying the atmosphere. I personally felt pity on those empty frames.
The visiting fraternity comprised of noted philatelists from all over India, old and young people, mobile dealers and children of all age groups. There was less attendance of students probably due to their examinations.
The show had an added charm as “Mukesh Fan Club” had organized a musical eve on 03.03.12 with Mr. P.C.Jaiswal the leading stamp dealer of India, a versatile personality , president of the club, being the lead singer. The eve added grace to the show and became a memorable event.
There was no cancellation or cover or other philatelic material issued during the show. It seemed as India Post did not recognize the show. With all such odds, the show was well organized and certainly a good effort to serve the philatelists, to promote the philatelic trade, to give yet another opportunity to the different groups of philately in India to meet and interact.
New Special Cover
Golden Jubilee of Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India
Tamil Nadu Circle has released a Special Cover on Regional Grand Lodge on 24/2/2012.
