NEW DELHI: Stamps are a window to the world and philately, or stamp collecting, a favourite hobby among the generations before the millennials. Technology has almost killed the exercise of writing letters and posting them. So, in a bid to revive philately, India Post is organising Amritpex-2023, a five-day national stamp exhibition at Pragati Maidan from February 11.The exhibition will encompass themes like women and youth power, culture and history, nature and wildlife, New India and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Virtual reality rooms, digital activities, philately movies, a wall of stamps and live paintings by artists will interest visitors.Amritpex will showcase 1,400 frames highlighting India’s history, culture, art and heritage through stamps and photographic collections. According to officials, eminent philatelists will also showcase their stamp collections.On Friday, apart from a mascot inspired by the peacock, a mobile app was also launched at Miranda House, which hosted the curtain-raiser event. While activities like letter writing, calligraphy and quiz competitions were organised, there was also the opportunity to pen down the vision for India in 2047 on a postcard, which will be archived and sent to the writers 24 years from now. A mini exhibition on India Post was mounted with over 700 stamps. A “My Stamp” counter was also available where one could get a stamp printed with one’s picture.Delhi University proctor Rajni Abbi, who was the chief guest at the event, said, “I remember the time when students in hostels would wait for the postman to arrive and almost snatch the letters from him. Soldiers at borders did the same. Unfortunately, with mobile phones entering our lives emojis and short-hand texts have become the norm and the biggest casualty has been letters.”Competitive activities were also held outside Arts Faculty, where around 250 people wrote on postcards, according to Pankaj Arora, DU dean of students’ welfare. Bijaylaxmi Nanda, principal, Miranda House, described philately as the “biggest hobby a few generations ago”. Nanda said, “All of us have written letters and it was the quintessential way of life earlier. This event contemporises philately.”A postal department official admitted that in modern times, the internet and mobile phones had taken over lives and for a brief period philately found itself relegated to being a quaint hobby. “But,” he continued, “it is through this very internet that philately is once again gaining traction. Online philatelic marketplaces have popped up across the world and have made it much easier for collectors to find and trade stamps. It is to keep this enriching hobby alive that the department of posts has organised Amritpex.”Manju Kumar, chief postmaster general, Delhi, said, “India Post has become a synonym for trust and reliability in these years among the masses not only in India but worldwide.”
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/this-5-day-exhibition-at-pragati-maidan-will-leave-its-stamp-behind/articleshow/97588813.cms