Philately exhibition in Pune from January 13

A state-level philately exhibition ‘MAHAPEX-2012’ has been organised by the postal department from January 13 to 16 in the city after a gap of 25 years. The theme of the exhibition is ‘Stamp Mania’ and it is being held at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi.

“Philately is probably, the oldest hobby but has the youngest fan following. Stamp Mania will help create awareness about philately amongst the masses and encourage budding philatelists,’’ said Col KC Mishra, VSM, postmaster general, Pune Region, Pune at a press meet organised on Tuesday.

The event will include various activities such as ‘Run for Philately’ on January 13 and will also have releases of two special covers daily. Other activities include inter school quiz competition, stamp design competition for schoolchildren, seminars and workshop on philately for students conducted by prominent philatelists and cultural programmes.

India Post is planning to release special covers on eight themes of which only 5,000 copies each would be prepared and sold. Another attraction of the event is ‘My Stamp’, a unique initiative where one can create an official stamp with his/her own photo printed with picture chosen from several template designs and post it officially to near and dear ones. This would be happening for the first time in Maharashtra and Goa.