Philately still the king of hobbies in city

It’s called the king of hobbies and it still has many takers in the age of email and WhatsApp. Kochi is home to thousands of philatelists, or stamp collectors, who eagerly wait for new stamps and collect old and rare stamps as well.

“The Philatelic Bureau in Ernakulam has about 9,800 accounts and over 5,000 of them are very active. We also get a lot of new members and enquiries from people who want to take up philately seriously,” said K. Anil, senior postmaster. The bureau sends latest stamps and first day covers to members, who add to their increasing collection of unique stamps.

The city also has quite a few philately clubs where collectors get together to discuss stamps and exchange them. “The clubs have a strong membership of serious collectors. They organise regular meetings in the city. Stamps are auctioned at the meetings. People also come to exchange as well as buy and sell stamps,” said Rajesh Chhabani, an avid philatelist in the city. His specialty is unique stamps from India. Philatelists organise their collections either based on themes, such as sports or animals, or by country or period.

“In India, you can also collect stamps of the kingdoms that existed before like Cochin or Travancore,” he said. He said that changing times had not dampened the enthusiasm of collectors in the city.

The Postal Department is also trying to get children interested in stamp collection by setting up stamp clubs in schools. Through these clubs, experts impart training in the technical aspects of philately to students, while also creating in them an interest in studying stamps and the stories they tell.

Philately kits to get children started on stamp collection are also distributed through the clubs. “Children are attracted by the design and pictures on stamps and collect these from letters that arrive at home or from friends. They may not be able to buy stamps like adult collectors because it is an expensive hobby. But they still take a keen interest in philately as a hobby and make it a point to visit exhibitions that we conduct,” said Mr. Anil.

For many collectors, however, philately is more than a hobby or a passion. There are several collectors in the city who carry on a thriving business in stamp trading. “Some stamps are issued only in a limited number. Traders buy these in bulk and sell them to others who are looking to complete their collection. Serious collectors will buy good money to get stamps they need,” said Mr. Anil. Philately clubs also help collectors exchange stamps with members of clubs from other States or countries.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kochi / by Nidhi Surendranath / Kochi – July 14th, 2014