01 Dec 2021 | 04:27am IST
It’s all about stamps
The first ever virtual philatelic exhibition has commenced in the state bringing together philatelists from all over
Team Cafe
The first ever virtual
Philatelic exhibition in Goa was inaugurated yesterday. Called
GOAPEX 2021, it was inaugurated at IMB, Panaji with the chief guest being Prof
Harilal B Menon, Vice Chancellor, Goa University, Goa in the august presence of
Col S F H Rizhvi and Dr Sudhir Jhakere, SSPO, Goa Postal Division, Goa.
On the occasion, two special covers,
namely one “TIN CAN MAIL” which was sponsored by the Goa Philately and
Numismatics and another one “Ferry Carried Special Cover”, along with two sets
of Picture Post cards one on “Butterflies and Moths – Diversity in Goa” and
another on “Aguada Fort” were also released. A presentation pack on the
Butterflies and Moths Diversity in Goa was also released. In addition a special
red cancellation on GOAPEX 2021 and also a Permanent Pictorial Cancellation of
Fort Aguada were also released yesterday.
Providing details of the exhibition Dr M R
Ramesh Kumar, President, Goa Philately and Numismatics Society, Goa said the
exhibition has several sections and the most important ones were under the
invitees class. In addition the Philatelists of GPNS have exhibited their stamps,
first day covers, special covers, blocks of 4, maxim cards, cancellations, etc
under different themes such as early cancellations, Portuguese India, Yoga,
Travancore Postal History, Biodiversity, Women Freedom Fighters of India,
Scientists of India, Language and Literature in India, Evolution of Post Cards
in India, First Day covers of Germany. In addition there is also a special
section under the Youth Philately. A Permanent Pictorial Cancellation of Fort
Aguada was also released during the occasion.
The GOAPEX 2021 also had several competitions for the youth and
public in themes such as Designing Collage Art through stamps, Letter Writing
Competition under the theme “Unity in Diversity – Foundation of Indian
Culture”, Drawing Competition under the Theme: India of Dream 2050”,
Photography Competition under theme :Biodiversity
Dr M R Ramesh Kumar, President, GPNS said “It is a great
opportunity for Philatelists of Goa. to show case their ware as this is the
first time the philatelists all over the world can see them virtually in the
comfort of their homes, which was opposite to the traditional physical display
of them. A lot of innovative philatelic material is being released as part of
the GOAPEX 2021 such as Tin Can Mail cover etc”.
The President revealed he had also participated in the fourth
Virtual Philatelic Exhibition and he had participated in different aspects. He
said “The first one was organized by the Philavirtu 2020, from 10-23 October,
2020, First Virtual National Philatelic Exhibition, organized by the
International Collectors Society of Rare items, Pune under the patronage of
Philatelic Congress of India, I won two Silver Bronze under the themes a)
Cochin Postal History and b) Antarctica – A Philatelic Journey”.
The second Virtual Philatelic Exhibition he participated in was
the “Olymphila India 2021”. The first Virtual Philatelic Exhibition on Olympic
Games and Sports” from 23 July – 15 August, 2021 A three frame exhibit on
Modern Olympic games.
The third Virtual Philatelic Exhibition was the one Organised by
the Philatelic Club Trichur, Kerala, called “THRISSURPEX-2021” on 15th and 16th
September, 2021 as a Special Invitee, under the Invitation Class. Which is a
rare honour for any Philatelist. The Theme of “India’s Rich Cultural Heritage.”
The ongoing GOAPEX 2021 is the fourth virtual Philatelic Exhibition he is
participating in.
Goa
may be the smallest state but its philatelists are doing quite a bit.