A philatelist’s paradise

A philatelist’s paradise

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Are you a stamp collector? If yes, here’s some good news for you. India Post is opening the first ‘Phila Shoppe’ in the state at Sasthamangalam post office.To be inaugurated soon, the ‘Phila Shoppe’ will be a one-stop shop for philatelists for the latest Indian postage stamps, commemorative stamps and first-day covers. This facility complements the Philately Bureau that has been functioning at the General Post Office at Pulimoodu for the past several years.

“The Phila Shoppe is the first of its kind in the state and will have, in addition to stamps, first-day covers and commemorative stamps, premium products such as thematic packs - stamps on specific topics, say elephants - and souvenirs,” Gopakumar, Circle Philately Officer, said. 

Snail mail might be passe with email and WhatsApp gaining in popularity, but stamp collection as a hobby still finds takers. In fact, stamp collectors belong to a growing tribe, according to the department. 

“Philately is gaining in popularity, and the new facility is aimed at making stamps more accessible to the public,” Gopakumar said. 

For many, collecting these small, square pieces of paper is a lifelong passion. For others, stamp collection is not merely a hobby. Rare stamps, like the Penny Black, can prove to be great investments. 

The department is planning to have the first Phila Shoppe inaugurated by A N Nanda, secretary, Department of Posts. The department also plans to open a ‘My Stamp’ counter at the Varkala post office on Tuesday. First introduced in 2011, the ‘My Stamp’ scheme enables customers to have personalised stamps with their photographs on postage stamps of India Post. 

Special beach covers

India Post is planning special covers on ten beaches in the state. The first, on Varkala beach, will be released on Tuesday. The department is also planning covers on Shangumugham, Kovalam, Cherai, Fort Kochi, Alappuzha, Kappad, Muzhupilangad, Beypore and Snehatheeram beaches.