Shantipex 2019

India and various countries are celebrating 150th Anniversary of Birth of Mahatma Gandhi, from 2018 October 2nd to 2019 October 2nd.  India Post has issued a Miniature sheets and stamps to commemorate the event and conducting various philatelic exhibitions and issuing philatelic materials to honour Father of our Nation "Gandhiji".  One such celebrations happened at Coimbatore, the Manchester of Southern India.  During the Shantipex Philatelic exhibition, India post Coimbatore PB had issued Postcrossing Meetup cards in 4 designs.A Postcrossing meetup was also held at the Exhibition venue.

India China Meetup Card

First Flight Cover - Coimbatore New Delhi, Air India

Air India, India's National carrier recently introduced a non stop flight from Coimbatore, the "Manchester of South India" to National capital New Delhi on 1st December of 2018.  To commemorate this, Coimbatore postal circle issued a First flight Cover.

Marudamalai Murugal temple - Coimbatore and India Gate - Delhi, two prominent attractions of the two cities are  depicted on the cover. 

My very first FFC issued by India Post.  Nice addition to my "Evolution of flight" theme.

SIPA Monthly Meeting Update: Dec 14th

I could not attend today's SIPA meeting, instead my father took some notes.

In today's meeting Mr. Venkatasubbhu Ramakrishnan shared details about the Excel catalogue.

Mr. Nelson spoke about stamps from "Anguilla"- A British overseas territory in the Caribbean. It is named after the eel fish. He also spoke about his trip to Kovaipex at Coimbatore. 

Mr. Bhaskar provided updates on Malaysia exhibition. It seems Malaysia used Indian stamps before they began issuing their own. There were some special folders issued on the occasion. He also pointed out that Karnapex is being conducted in January 2015. Retired Cmdr Sriramarao will be showcasing 20 frames from his collection at The Music Academy, from December 16 to 20. 

Mr.Hemachandra Rao showcased a few Hungarian stamps printed using UV spotting( As opposed to embossing). 

New Attendees:

- Mr. Prashanth originally from Bangalore and a stamp collector since childhood. He highlighted the Post Crossing web forum.

- Two youngsters who have taken interest in stamps attended along with their Dad.

A Big Thanks goes to Mr. Anil Reddy who gave me a Miniature sheet which was released by Post Malaysia in order to commemorate the Kuala Lumpur World Youth Stamp Exhibition. The Miniature depicts 2 flowers-  Hibiscus and Rafflesia.  Below is the miniature sheet. 

              The above Miniature sheet was released on December 3rd 2014.