About this stamp
Introduction
The Philatelic Society of India (PSI) was established in March 1897 at Calcutta by a group of fifty Englishmen stationed in India. It is one of the ten oldest philatelic societies in the world and probably the oldest in Asia. The Society has rendered distinguished service to Indian philately for more than a century.
Founding and Early Leadership
The first President of the Society and Editor of its journal was Mr. C. Steward Wilson (later Sir), who later became the Director General of Posts & Telegraphs.
The first Indian member of the Society was Mr. C. K. Dutt of Calcutta, who joined in 1907.
Activities and Contributions
The Society has actively promoted stamp collecting and philatelic research in India. Its major activities include:
- Publication of The Philatelic Journal of India
- Organising regular fortnightly meetings
- Supporting philatelic exhibitions
- Encouraging research in Indian postal history and stamps
At the time, meetings were regularly held at the GPO, Bombay, with the support of the Department of Post.
Publications and Research
The Society has published over thirty reference works, many of which are regarded as standard works in Indian philately. Much important research on:
- Indian Lithographs
- Indian States (Convention States)
- Feudatory States
was first published through the Society.
Exhibitions Organised
Over the decades, the Society organised several important exhibitions, including:
- DIJUPEX–57 – Diamond Jubilee Exhibition
- PLAJUPEX–72 – Platinum Jubilee Exhibition
- NAPEX – National Exhibition
- PHILEX–83 – Competitive Exhibition for members
- PHILEX–96 – Non-competitive exhibition during Centenary celebrations
- CENTIPEX–97 – National Philatelic Exhibition for the Centenary year
Distinguished Patronage
Five Presidents of India served as patrons of the Society. Its office bearers also included notable personalities such as:
- Sir Norman Macleod – Chief Justice of Bombay
- Field Marshal Sir William Birdwood – Commander-in-Chief
The first Indian President of the Society was Shri Chunilal D. Desai, who assumed office in 1946.
Role in Indian Philately
The Society is a founder member of the Philatelic Congress of India, the apex body of philately in India. Its members have participated in world, international, national, and state-level exhibitions, winning many prestigious awards.
The Philatelic Journal of India
The Society’s journal, The Philatelic Journal of India, became a respected platform for research articles on Indian philately. Mr. L. E. Dawson, who served as editor for about 34 years, greatly enriched the journal through his scholarship.
Commemorative Stamp
To mark the Centenary of the Philatelic Society of India (1897–1997), the Department of Posts issued a complete set of two commemorative postage stamps honouring the Society’s outstanding contribution to philately in India.
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