Scenario of Indian Thematic Philately
Even
in the 21st century the standard of thematic philately in India has
not improved much. Surprisingly there are only a handful of thematic
philatelists in India, who are qualified to participate at FIP International
Exhibitions. Out of these only a few are able to win “Large Silver” or “Vermeil”
Medals. As far as my knowledge suggests that the highest medal won by Indian
exhibits is “Large vermeil”. The “Gold” and “Large Gold” are still awaited.
In
every State Level or National Level Philatelic exhibitions majority of exhibits
are displayed in the “Thematic Class”. Since these exhibitions are held after a
gap of 3 to 4 years, the momentum is lost.
Developing
a thematic exhibit is very tough and philatelists need to work harder in comparison
of the philatelists of any other philatelic class. Do not take up thematic
philately just considering it as the easiest branch of philately as a lot of
time and money is required to build a high class thematic exhibit.
It
is very difficult to prepare a high class thematic exhibit in India as the
Indian philatelic dealers do not have good quality philatelic materials for
thematic philatelists. Thematic philatelists have no interaction among them and
each and every one works own his own. Philatelic seminars are totally missing from
the programmes of philatelic exhibitions. Unfortunately the Philatelic Congress
of India is also not active for the development of thematic philately. I had
been lucky that I attended such seminars during my early age of collecting
which helped me enormously to learn the aspects of thematic philately.
Almost
all the philatelic societies in India seem to be interested in organizing philatelic
exhibitions only. None of these societies is coming out with educational
programmes for philately. Therefore too much work has to be done to improve the
thematic philately in India. There is a big need for philatelic education at
every level for better development of philately.
Through
my blog I would try to share my experiences and new information about the
development of thematic philately at international level. But the philatelic
organisations and philatelic dealers have to play greater role in the development
of thematic philately in India.