In 2013, the U.S. Postal Service introduces Global Forever, a new international rate stamp. The Global Forever stamp offers a single price for any First-Class Mail International 1-ounce letter to any country in the world.
This stamp features a rendering of Earth composed of images created from satellite data and redesigned with 3D computer technology. The view of our planet shows the Atlantic Ocean flanked by the Americas, Africa, and part of northern Europe. In the stamp art, the globe is isolated on a white background. The shape of the stamp is round. The text, which surrounds the image of Earth, includes the words "Global Forever".
From our Readers…
Letter to Editor,
Rainbow Stamp Club e Magazine
Once upon a time 'Philately' was used to be considered as "the source" for knowledge and authentic information on subjects depicted on stamps and other related publications associated with a new stamp release such as brochure, information sheet, etc. There are a lot of history and geography that could be learnt as well. Stamps represent historical events, people and places. It is globally accepted as an easy stepping stone to learning as much or as little about World or local history as a collector wants. Stamps make learning fun for a budding collector who might not even realize that while pursuing the hobby he is learning. This is why philately used to be prescribed as most powerful hobby to impart general education to the young-stars.
Commemorative Stamps are expected/supposed to have great pictures on them, presenting great works of miniature art.
But it appears Deptt. of Posts, is bent upon to kill this hobby by not caring to the minimum requirement of “Trustworthiness” in depictions/illustrations and in providing correct information. I am disappointed to find that there is no consistent policy to improve the quality of commemorative postage stamps being issued from time to time honouring great personalities. Among the worst aspects of the flood of new stamps from India is the poor research carried out by the designers/proponents of such stamps. Now-a-days, stamps (the face value) are so expensive that most collectors should at least be able to expect that in exchange for their money they would receive stamps with accurate designs and inscription.
Let me give some examples here from the recent mail I received from the Deptt. of Posts against my PD A/c .
Scant Justice to History
100 years of Indian Science Congress. Date of issue, 3 January 2013
In the brochure it is written and I quote;
"...the first Prime Minister of India attended the 34th Annual Session of the Indian Science Congress and the first Session after independence, held at Delhi from 3-8 January 1947, as a General President...." unquote.
Do they need to know when did India achieve independence?
Silk Letter Movement. Date of issue 11 January 2013
The information sheet mentions at least in two different places "the Provisional Government of Azad Hind"
What a travesty of history ! 'The Provisional Govt. of Azad Hind' was established by Netaji Subhas Bose in Singapore during World War II in 1943. While the first Provisional Government of India-in-exile, officially known as ’Provisional Government Hind’ (not by the name of Azad Hind) was founded in Kabul, Afghanistan during World War I in December, 1915 by Raja Mahendra Pratap during which the 'Silk Letter Movement' was evolved.
Before I conclude, I may assure all the discerning collectors that there are innumerable such mistakes/ misinformation published by India Post for which they never thought it proper to apologize or initiate/taken any corrective action. Perhaps, you will recall that the writer of this letter earlier pointed out how often they pronounced their own name in their own publications as "THE DEPARTMENT OF POST" and "THE DEPARTMENT OF POSTS" ,perhaps without knowing who they are!
Yours faithfully,
Sekhar Chakrabarty
Kolkata
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