Greetings

Dear Friends, Yesterday, I received a book from Shri. Sushil Mehra, " Glimpses of vintage Bengaluru". It contains a wonderful collection of Post cards and many items related to old Bengaluru. I came across the word "Deltiology" in the book and tried find more information on it. "Deltiology" is the study and collection of postcards. After Philately and Numismatics, Deltiology is the third most popular hobby across the world. From my small collection of post cards, a set of picture post cards from "The Rambrandt House" museum, Amsterdam are posted here. Dutch artist, Rembrandt purchased the house in 1639 and lived here until he went bankrupt in 1656, when all his belongings went on auction. Few years ago, the house was thoroughly reconstructed on the inside to show how the house would have looked in Rembrandt's days. The auction list enabled the reconstructions of all his belongings which are also on display in the house. Most of the b

" ए मेरे वतन के लोगों , जरा अंखमें भरलो पानी , जो शहीद हुऐ है उनकी , जरा याद करो कुर्बानी" In 1818, with the defeat of Marathas and annexation of its territories, British supremacy in India was complete. The British East India Company colonized and ruled India till 1858. First major struggle for freedom in 1857 resulted in British government taking over colony administration from the company. Struggle for freedom, from the British continued for next 90 years till 1947. During this period millions of freedom fighters and Indians were severely punished and killed.  Five major mass movements for freedom during this period shock the British Empire and finally forced the British Govt. to grant Independence. 1)       First war of Independence, 1857: It was a major, but ultimately unsuccessful, uprising in 1857–58 against the rule of the British East India Company. The rebellion began on 10 May and posed a considerable threat to British power. It was contained with the r

Dear Fellow Philatelists, Recently I came across a book "One Page One Theme" by Shri Praful K.Thakker. The book discussed about presenting a philetelic theme in a single page. There were more than hundred illustrations on differnt interesting theme. Just like Cricket, Philately has undergone a major change. From 5 day test series, to one day international to T20, Cricket match became short and intense. Similarly from classical collection of " Maximum counties-Maximum stamps, the change has been drastic to few counties and limited Thematic subjects. In Philatelic Exibitions apart from 5 frame exibit, 3 frame and 1 frame exibits are also acceptable. I have tried to make an One Page exibit on TATA. As far as I know, TATA is the only industrial house of having the honour of maximum number of Stamps issued by India Post. Your comments and suggestions are most welcome. Best regards Zero

Canada Post's "400 years of French settlement" . This five year long series sought to commemorate the period that begins with exploration based on the trade potential in 1604 and culminates in the foundation of the city of Quebec in 1608. 5 stamps issued in the series since 2004, plus three joint issue stamps are posted below.  An enlarged engraving of 2008 stamp-numbered and signed by master engraver Jorge Peral is a unique item. # "Engraved in our memory", limited edition collectible album, by Canada Post.

मित्रांनो, नुकतेच माझे एक स्नेही मथुरा, वृन्दावन, अमृतसर इत्यादी गाव फिरून आले. तेथील अनेक चित्रविचित्र अनुभव मनोरंजक होते. मथुरेमधील एक अनुभव ऐकून विचारात पडलो. एका मंदिरात तिथल्या पूजार्याने आधी दानधर्माचे महत्त्व सांगून देवदर्शन करुदिल्याबद्दल दक्षिणा मागितली. त्यंनीं दक्षिणा देण्याचे नाकरल्यावर, पुजारी अत्यंत रागवला असे सांगत होते. त्यांच्या मते देवदर्शनाकरता दान दक्षिणा मागणे योग्य नव्हे. थोड्याफार फर्काने हे चित्र बऱ्याच देवळांमधे दिसते. या ना त्या कारणाने पंडित/पुरोहीत लोक भक्तां कडून पैसे/धान्य वा इतर वस्तु मिळवण्याचा प्रयत्न करतात. बरेच वेळा भक्त मंडळी नाइलाजने अथवा भीती मुळे इच्छे विरूद्ध मागण्या मान्य करतात, नाहीतर अशा लोकंपासून सावध राहतात. अशा कटु अनुभवांन मुळे काही लोकांना मंदिरात जायला आवडत नाही. काहींना हा सर्व प्रकार पाहून हिंदु धर्माची लाज वाटते. आपल्याला पण असे अनुभव आले असतील. खरे सांगायचे तर हि परिस्थिती बदलयची असेल तर काही गोष्टी आपण जाणून घेणे ज़रूरी आहे. 1. मंदिरातला पूजारी/पुरोहीत एक मनुष्य आहे. त्याच्या कुटुंबाची त्याच्यावर जवाबदारी आहे. 2. त्याच्या उपजीवि

Dear friends, Wishing you all a very Happy New Year. It has been quite long since I posted anything on this wonderful platform. Last year was a roller coaster ride with unexpected surprises some pleasant and some not so pleasant. Hope all of you had a great year. Best regards Zero