Philatelists showcase rare stamps at Dak Utsav

Chandigarh Postal Division’s two-day Dak Utsav-2024, a district-level philatelic exhibition, concluded today at Rani Luxmi Bai Mahilla Bhawan, Sector 38.

Some rare postage stamps were put on display by collectors from tricity and other states. A total of 12 Postal Stamp Museums presented 43 frames of stamps. Rakesh Khurana, president, Philatelic Club, Chandigarh, exhibited his collection, which included Penny Black postage stamp issued on May 1, 1840, and a 22-carat gold stamp issued on May 28, 1987. About Penny Black, Khurana shared, “It was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. When I went to America in 2017 to live with my daughter, I got the gold stamp. My daughter helped me a great deal to have an access to that rare stamp.” Khurana started collecting stamps when he was in school.

Another philatelist, Anil Gupta, showcased every postage stamp of Great Britain issued between 1841 and 1960. He presented 600 stamps from the reigns of Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII and several other kings.

A total of 196 students from 23 schools of the city took part in the essay-writing and stamp-designing contest. The event is conducted biannually. Best exhibits were awarded with medal and certificates. V.K. Verma, Chief Postmaster General, Punjab Circle, was the chief guest at the closing ceremony.