Lt Governor inaugurates Puduphil

Puducherry, Nov 29: Puducherry Lt Governor Mukut Mithi inaugurated the two-day philatelic exhibition 'Puduphil-2006' here today.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the challenging aspect for philatelists has always been to identify the lineage of a stamp.

While the internet was transforming the age old pursuits of stamp collecting, the traditional meeting places of philatelists like conventions, meetings, shops still exists.

Stating that philately involves finding out about the stamp like which historical painting was based on when it was released, Mr Mithi said philately, often called as the 'king of hobbies' is consiudered as a popular, educative and creative hobby of collection and study of stamps, postal covers and post marks.

While a majority of the school children were involved in philately collection, it is one hobby which cuts across age and pursued even by senior citizens, who take great pride in displaying their collections, he said.

Ms Radhika Doraisamy, Chief Postmaster General, Tamil Nadu circle, who released a special cover depicting the statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the beach here said every stamp has a story or a history behind it.

She said the primary aim of the exhibition here was to catch the interest of the children in Puducherry. About 20 children were exhibiting their collections and nearly 2,300 stamps in 148 frames were on display. Exhibits from Chennai and Tiruchirappalli besides Puducherry were taking part in Puduphil-2006, she added.

UNI