Rejuvenating Philately in India- Some Insights (Part II)

As being discussed in my previous article, The Young Generation should be encouraged to take up philately as their hobby. This would require a large publicity campaign to popularise philately in schools and colleges. The Publicity campaign should  not be limited  for conducting lectures in  schools, but should incorporate a number of Fun Learning  activities. It should consist of Live Workshops, Quiz Competitions, Drawing and Letter  Writing Competition to ignite the passion regarding Philately among School students. Establishment of Philatelic Clubs in the schools is one of the primary steps.  After that more and more students should be encouraged to open Philatelic Deposit Accounts (PDA) so that they can have regular and assured supply of stamps and other philatelic ancillaries. Regular events should be conducted in each quarter to keep up the levels of enthusiasm in Students. A nodal person should be appointed on behalf of the Department of Posts to co-ordinate all these activities. There should be something “New”  happening regarding Philately every month so as to grab the attention of young generation and keep it focussed.

            To have an integrated and well co-ordinated effort, I propose an “Annual Philatelic Activity Plan”. All the activities to be conducted throughout the Division, Region or Circle should be chalked out well in advance of the financial year. The potential schools to be targeted should be contacted and the School Administration should be introduced about the programme in advance.

            A core team may be formed consisting of Divisional Heads, Eminent Philatelists, Education Experts and Departmental Employees to spearhead this campaign. They should prepare a detailed report regarding the type of philatelic activities to be undertaken and their frequency. They should meet each month to strategise about the action plan and any modifications required. The core team thus formed shall produce an outcome report and present it to the Head of the Division, Region and circle.

            I would appeal to all Philatelic clubs to please take initiative along with the local Postal Administration to implement the “Annual Philatelic Activity Plan”.

                                 THANK YOU

                                                                                                                  Regards,

                                                           

                                                                                                   Dr. Sudhir Gopal Jakhere IPoS,     

                                                                                       Sr. Superintendent of Post Offices 

                                                                                                   Coimbatore Division