Keekli Bureau, 18-19th October, 2019, Shimla
To boost the creative skills of students and create a sense of historical presence, Shimla Postal Division organized the two day “District Level Philatelic Exhibition SIMPLEX 2019″ at Tavern Hall, Gaiety Theatre, Shimla, which was inaugurated by Dinesh Kumar Mistri, Director Postal Services, HP. During this event more than 20 participants in various age group and class – competitive, thematics and Mahatma Gandhi – showcased 50 frames of Philately exhibits. An amazing showcase of stamps and first day covers to mark the special occasion of 150 Birth Anniversay of Gandhi; Penny Black; Freemasons; Indian Cinema; Odd Shaped stamps; Birds, among many other were displayed.
The jury members had a tough time deciding the winners as Prem Lal Verma said that over the years the level of exhibits had improved drastically and the number of young participants was increasing.
SIMPEX is an important annual event of the Postal Department that creates awareness among people and provides information along with a brief history of famous places, personalities and incidents that are depicted through stamps.
Dinesh Kumar said, “This exhibition is unique in itself and the main purpose for organizing this event is to create a sense of competition among children. This is the only hobby that in future can become a source of income as rare stamps are often sought after by stamp collectors all over the world.” Celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th Birth Anniversary a special cover “Georgia Mansion Summer Hill” Favorite Rest House of Mahatma Gandhi during his visit in Shimla was also released.
Major (Dr) Ritu Kalra, President Shimla Philately Club Shimla said, “This is a great matter of pride for the Postal Division and is historical in itself. Presently the Club is working on the state level competition, so that it may be remembered throughout the country.”
This was a remarkable opportunity for Shimla citizens to see the Philatey member’s collectively present their collection of rare and unique stamps dating as far as the beginning of first stamp release – 1854 onwards. A stamp counter was also setup wherein anyone could create one’s own picture as stamps and use them. To engage the children and nurture intrest in this king of hobbies “Philately” an Inter-School Quiz was organized as well.
The awards to winners were presented by Smita Kumar, Chief Postmaster General, HP Postal Circle along with Bishen Singh, Deputy Postmaster General, Rakesh Sharma, Deputy Mayor, Bali Ram Senior Superintendent Postal Department Shimla, Hardev Sharma, Senior Post Master Shimla, D D Sharma, Philately Bureau Incharge among other.
SIMPEX – 2019 WINNERS
Competetive Class – India I
1st Major (Dr) Ritu Kalra
2nd Vinay Chandla
3rd R C Sharma
Mahatma Gandhi – II
1st Major (Dr) Ritu Kalra
2nd Smriti Rana
3rd Neelam Chandel
Thematics – III
1st Major (Dr) Ritu Kalra
2nd Vinay Chandla
3rd J N Chandla
Consolation – Dr Anurag Sood; Kailash Sharma; Meena Chandel
Youth Group – 12 to 16 years
1st Samarth Chandla
2nd Sarthak Sood
3rd Pritha Doegar
Consolation – Pragya Chandel; Gauri Chandla; Raghav Chandla
Youth Group – 17 to 25 years
1st Vidhusi Chandel
2nd Pankaj Verma
3rd Raunak Sood
Consolation – Vedant Chandla
Inter School Quiz Competition
1st Loreto Convent Tata Hall – Rtisha Thakur & Trisha Mehta
2nd DAV New Shimla – Sukrit Rana & Utkarsh Mehta
3rd Dayanand Public School – Ayusi Negi & Medhavi Gupta
Consolationn prizes to student participant from ECI Chalet Day School; KV School; GBSSS Lalpani; Govt Boys SDSS School
Very nicely covered ma’am……. thank you..
Excellent Exhibition to promote Philately in Shimla , Complete coverage with beautiful pics .Well done