2013 EUROPA Stamps Competition !

 

2013 EUROPA Stamps Competition !

 

PostEurop presents the 2013 Europa stamps entries for the theme “Van of the Postman” in conjunction with PostEurop’s 20th Anniversary and declares the 2013 EUROPA stamps competition officially open!

Europa stamps emphasize the co-operation between postal operators, particularly in promoting philately to further contribute and raise public awareness on European common roots, culture and history as well as its common objectives.

From now till 31 August, it is now up to you (the voters) to vote for the most beautiful Europa stamp 2013.

For voting, Plz visit  : http://www.posteurop.org/europa2013

World Heritage – China

- Pradip Kumar Malik

On 11th April 2013, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) issued a set of six commemorative stamps on the theme "World Heritage - China". Since 1984, UNPA has been issuing stamps featuring World Heritage Sites and since 1997 this topic featured in the UN stamps every year. The World Heritage sites depicted on the stamps of the set issued this year are described hereunder.

First two stamps of this year’s set (images shown below) are issued from UNPA, New York in denominations of US$ 0.46 and US$ 1.10. UNPA has three offices located at New York, United States; Geneva, Switzerland and Vienna, Austria. New York office of UNPA issues stamps in denomination of US dollar, whereas the UNPA Geneva and Vienna issue stamps in the denominations of Swiss franc and Euro respectively.

    

The subject of first stamp of this commemorative set is Mogao Caves, situated at a strategic point along the Silk Route, at the crossroads of trade as well as of religious, cultural and intellectual influences, the 492 cells and cave sanctuaries in Mogao are famous for their statues and wall paintings, spanning a thousand years of Buddhist art.

Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing is depicted on the other stamp. This remarkable architectural edifice offers important historical testimony to the history of the Qing Dynasty and to the cultural traditions of the Manchu and other tribes in the north of China.

  

Potala Palace at Lhasa is depicted over the 1.40 Swiss franc stamp issued from UNPA, Geneva. The Potala Palace, an administrative, religious and political complex, is built on the Red Mountain in the centre of the Lhasa valley, at an altitude of 3700 m. The complex comprises the White Palace and the Red Palace, with their ancillary buildings. The Potala, winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the 7th century AD, symbolises Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration in Tibet. The beauty and originality of its architecture, its ornate decoration and its harmonious integration in a striking landscape add to its historic and religious interest.

The other stamp features Mount Huangshan, known as "the loveliest mountain of China", was acclaimed through art and literature during a good part of Chinese history (the Shanshui "mountain and water" style of the mid-16th century). Today it holds the same fascination for visitors, poets, painters and photographers who come in pilgrimage to this enchanting site, renowned for its magnificent scenery made up of many granite peaks and rocks emerging out of a sea of clouds.

  

The stamps issued from UNPA, Vienna feature World Heritages namely – The Great Wall and Mausoleum of the first Qin Emperor.

The Great Wall: In about 220 BC, under Qin Shin Huang, sections of fortifications which had been built earlier were joined together to form a united defence system against invasions from the north. Construction continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure. Its historic and strategic importance is matched only by its architectural value.

Mausoleum of the first Qin Emperor: No doubt thousands of statues still remain to be unearthed on this archaeological site, not discovered until 1974. Qin, the first unifier of China, who died in 210 B.C., is buried, surrounded by the famous terracotta warriors, at the centre of a complex designed to mirror the urban plan of the capital, Xianyan. The small figures, all different, with their horses, chariots and weapons, are masterpieces of realism and also hold great historical interest.

:  Pradip Kumar Malik - email : mallikphila@gmail.com

 

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World Heritage – Africa

 

On 5 September 2012, UNPA  issued a set of six commemorative stamps in denominations of US$ 0.45, US$ 1.05, CHF 0.85, CHF 1.00, € 0.62 and € 0.70, on the theme " World Heritage – Africa ".

Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural heritage and our natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. What makes the concept of World Heritage exceptional is its universal application. World Heritage sites belong to all the peoples of the world, irrespective of the territory on which they are located.

 

   

Date of Issue : 5 September 2012

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. This is embodied in an international treaty called the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, adopted by UNESCO in 1972. For this year's stamp series, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) has chosen six World Heritage sites in Africa.

    

 

 

 

 

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“Rio+20" - Earth Summit 20

 

Date of Issue : 1 June 2012

On 1 June 2012, the United Nations Postal Administration issued three commemorative stamps on the theme "RIO+20". A souvenir card was also released on the same day.

   

 

A souvenir card on the theme "RIO+20" was issued on 1 June 2012. The card depicts the new stamps and carries a statement by Secretary-General BAN Ki-Moon and Sha Zukang, Conference Secretary-General.

RIO+20 – Earth Summit 20

The UN General Assembly adopted a Resolution agreeing to hold the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development in 2012. Also referred to as "Rio+20" or Earth Summit 20, the conference takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 20-22 June 2012 to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro, and the 10th anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg.

The objectives of the Conference are to secure renewed political commitment for sustainable development; to assess the progress to date and the remaining gaps in the implementation of the outcomes of the major summits on sustainable development; and to address new and emerging challenges.

The Conference will focus on two specific themes: "A green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication" and "an institutional framework for sustainable development". Sustainable development emphasizes a holistic, equitable and far-sighted approach to decision-making at all levels. The concept of green economy focuses primarily on the intersection between environment and economy.

Club News

“ GANDHI MEMORABILIA EXHIBITION ”

– INAUGURATED BY Hon’ble Former President, DR.A.P.J.ABDUL KALAM ON JUNE 6^TH 2012 AT VIVEKANANDA AUDITORIUM, ANNA UNIVERSITY CAMPUS – CHENNAI.

8500 CHILDREN FROM SCHOOLS IN CHENNAI CITY VISIT GANDHI MEMORABILIA EXHIBIION CONDUCTED BY GANDHI WORLD FOUNDATION FOR 4 DAYS IN ANNA UNIVERSITY FROM JUNE 6^TH – 10^TH

Gandhi World Foundation is a Non – Political, Non Profitableand Social Service Organisation. It is a duly registered Trust with the main object of spreading the teachings and messages of Mahatma Gandhiji among the younger generation. The registered office of the Trust is situated in New Gummidipoondi, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu. A wide range of Mahatma Gandhiji’s collection of stamps, coins, currencies, postal covers, special covers, tokens and telephone cards issued by many countries in the world are in the possession of our Trust. We also possess many rare photos of Mahatma Gandhiji, Newspapers published by Mahatma Gandhiji, Manuscripts and various information about Mahatma Gandhiji .Mahatma Gandhiji is the only tall leader in this entire world and has been bestowed with rare honour since more than 120 Countries have issued Stamps by displaying his photo and whose statues have been erected in more than 70 Countries across the world.

The exhibition was inaugurated on June 6^th 2012 by Hon’ble Former President, Dr.A.P.J.AbdulKalam. Dr.P.MannarJawahar, Vice Chancellor, Anna University also spoke during the time of exhibition inauguration.   Shri.Kalyanam, Personal Secretary to Mahatma Gandhi (1944-1948) was felicitated by Dr.Abdul Kalam during the exhibition inauguration.

-  M L.Rajesh - Chennai

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United Nations personalised stamp sheet features Tinkerbell

 

 

 On 25th October , 2009, the United Nations  named Disney’s Tinker Bell “ Honorary Ambassador of Green ” for “ living consistently in harmony with the environment. ”

On 1st June 2012, UNPA will issue a personalized stamp sheet to celebrate Tinker Bell as the Honorary Ambassador of Green.The stamp sheet features the Disney fairy, Tinker Bell, The sheet, which can be personalized in New York, is composed of 10 stamps in the denomination of US$ 1.05.

UN made Disney's Tinker Bell as honorary ambassador to raise environmental awareness among children in 2009

The United Nations named the Disney animated character Tinker Bell an “Honorary Ambassador of Green” to help promote environmental awareness among children.

The announcement came just prior to a screening at UN Headquarters in New York of the world premiere of the Walt Disney animated film, “Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure.”

Protecting the environment is an underlying theme of the Tinker Bell movies, according to the UN Department of Public Information (DPI), which adds that the Walt Disney Company uses its storytelling to inspire a love of nature and spirit of conservation in its audience.

In the  film, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, Tinker Bell's greatest adventure takes place in autumn, as the fairies in Pixie Hollow are busy changing the colours of the leaves, tending to pumpkin patches and helping geese fly south for the winter. When Tinker Bell accidentally puts all of Pixie Hollow in jeopardy, she must venture out on a secret quest to set things right.

The Initiative acts as a liaison between the UN and producers, directors, writers and new media professionals seeking a working relationship with the world body with the goal of raising awareness of critical global issues.

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Stamps on endangered species from UNPA…

 

Date of Issue : 19 April 2012

 

Hi ! Here are some marvelous stamps on wildlife issued by UNPA. The stamps feature some most endangered species of animals found around the world. These wonderful stamps have been designed by Ms Diana Marques of Portugal. The stamps are amazing and sure to be liked by wild  life lovers and stamp collectors !!

 

On 19 April 2012, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA)  issued a set of 12 stamps depicting endangered species. Theseare the twentieth set of stamps in UNPA's multi-year series Endangered Species. The series was launched on 3 March 1993 to highlight the need for the protection of endangered species throughout the world. For the twentieth anniversary of the Endangered Species stamp issue, UNPA has included three universally recognized and loved animals from previous years-the Giant Panda, the Siberian Tiger and the Snow Leopard.

 

UNPA has issued  three sheets of 16 stamps, one sheet in each of the three currencies. Four different endangered species are illustrated on each sheet; hence, 12 species have been covered.

 

Maximum Card

 

View : Other Philatelic items of this issue

The Artist behind these stamps…

The "2012 Endangered Species" stamps were illustrated by Diana Marques (Portugal). Ms. Marques completed a biology degree and several drawing and science illustration certificate programmes in Portugal before graduating from the Science Illustration Program in Santa Cruz, California.

Ms. Marques is an assistant lecturer of the Drawing Master Program of the Fine Arts Faculty of the University of Lisbon and she is pursuing her Ph.D. in Digital Media, focusing on the visual communication of science. She is actively involved with professional associations like the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators and the Association Européenne des Illustrateurs Médicaux et Scientifiques and has exhibited in a number of settings.

Ms. Marques runs her freelance business working with an assortment of clients, such as the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution, researchers, publishers, educational and scientific institutions and businesses.

She works in a variety of media and favours rendering with attention to details and scientific accuracy. This is her first stamp design for the United Nations.

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