A Treasure for Philatelists: A Compendium of Articles on the Half Anna Lithograph Stamps

 

It was a delightful surprise to receive a copy of “A Compendium of Articles on the Half Anna Lithograph Stamps” by Mr. Dinesh Kanabar — a name well respected in philatelic circles. This book isn’t just a collection of articles; it's a heartfelt tribute to one of India’s most iconic classic stamps, the 1854 Half Anna Lithograph.

Right from the first page, it’s evident how much passion, precision, and perseverance has gone into this work. The book compiles some of the finest articles ever published on the Half Anna Lithograph, drawing from a wide array of respected philatelic journals and magazines, most of which were published before 1970. These include stalwarts like the Philatelic Journal of India, India Stamp Journal, India Post, London Philatelist, Calcutta Philatelist, and more.

🔍 What’s Inside?

The book spans ten rich chapters and a prologue, each shedding light on different aspects of the Half Anna stamp — from its lithographic stone and production flaws to color variations, die types, errors, and even lesser-known varieties that have rarely been catalogued. One of the standout features is Chapter 8, which offers valuable insight into the sources consulted. Chapter 9 serves as a handy index of articles, making it easy to trace the origin and authorship of each piece included.

🖨️ Quality That Matches the Content

Printed on glossy, high-quality paper across approximately 280 pages, the book is beautifully presented. Despite the age of the original articles, the reproduction quality is commendable, with only minimal limitations in a few images — something that is understandable given the historical nature of the content.

📌 Why This Book Matters

It is an essential reference work for anyone passionate about classic Indian philately. Mr. Kanabar has masterfully brought together decades of expert analysis and writing, pairing it with his own insightful commentary. The result is a one-stop resource for collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts of the 1854 Half Anna Lithograph.

🌱 A Must-Have for Every Serious Collector

Philately, by its very nature, is never complete — there is always something new to discover or reinterpret. That’s why books like this are so important. They inspire new research, spark curiosity, and preserve the legacy of our postal heritage.

If you're serious about Indian classic stamps, especially the 1854 Half Anna Lithograph, this book deserves a proud spot in your library.

28 July - Drukpa Tsheshi festival

 

Drukpa Tsheshi is a significant Buddhist festival celebrated in Bhutan, commemorating the First Sermon of Lord Buddha at Sarnath, India. It is observed on the fourth day of the sixth month of the Bhutanese lunar calendar, which usually falls in July or August in the Gregorian calendar.

Significance

• Historical Importance: The festival marks the day when Buddha first taught the Four Noble Truths to his initial five disciples. This sermon is considered one of the most important events in the history of Buddhism as it laid the foundation of the Buddhist teachings.
• Cultural Importance: In Bhutan, Drukpa Tsheshi is not only a religious event but also a cultural one, reflecting the deep-rooted Buddhist traditions of the country.

Celebrations

• Religious Activities: Devotees visit monasteries and temples to offer prayers and participate in religious ceremonies. Special rituals and chanting sessions are held to honor the teachings of Buddha.
• Monastic Dances: Monks perform traditional dances and rituals in monasteries, which are significant parts of the celebration.
• Public Participation: People often gather in large numbers at sacred sites, such as the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu and other prominent temples across Bhutan. They engage in prayer, meditation, and other spiritual activities.
• Offerings: It is common for devotees to make offerings of food, flowers, and incense at temples and monasteries.

Locations of Celebration

• Thimphu: The capital city, where the National Memorial Chorten becomes a focal point for celebrations.
• Other Monasteries: Key monasteries across Bhutan also hold special ceremonies and attract many devotees.

Observance

• Public Holiday: Drukpa Tsheshi is often a public holiday in Bhutan, allowing people to participate in the religious and cultural activities.
• Family Gatherings: Families come together to visit temples and engage in prayer and reflection.

Drukpa Tsheshi is a time for Bhutanese people to reaffirm their commitment to Buddhist teachings and reflect on the core principles of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The festival not only honors the historical event of Buddha’s First Sermon but also strengthens the spiritual and cultural fabric of Bhutanese society.

27 July - Bal Gangadhar Tilak arrest in 1897

 

In the late 1890s, plague had struck Pune and surrounding areas. The British administration adopted harsh, intrusive plague control measures, such as house searches and forced evacuations, which led to public resentment.

• On 22 June 1897, British officers Walter Rand and Lt. Ayerst were assassinated by the Chapekar brothers, Damodar and Balkrishna Chapekar, in Pune.

• Tilak had published strong critiques of British actions and praised Shivaji for resisting tyranny, in his articles in Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English).

🔹 Arrest & Charges

• Tilak was arrested on 27 July 1897, under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code for sedition, accused of inciting violence through his writings.

• His writings were interpreted by the British as justifying the murder of Rand, although Tilak never explicitly supported violence.

🔹 Aftermath

• He was tried and sentenced to 18 months’ rigorous imprisonment.

• This was the first time Tilak was jailed, and it marked the beginning of his long and defiant stand against British rule.

• The arrest galvanized Indian political consciousness. Nationalist leaders and the public viewed Tilak as a martyr of free speech and Indian pride.

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🧭 Significance

• Catalyst for Radical Nationalism: Tilak’s arrest intensified the divide between moderate and extremist factions within the Indian National Congress.

• He famously declared:

  "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!"
  (Though this slogan came later, in 1906, it was rooted in this spirit of defiance.)

• The event is now seen as a turning point in Indian nationalism, where public political critique of British colonialism took a more assertive and mass-based turn.

27 July - Hariyali Teej

 

Hariyali Teej, also known as Teej, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily by married women in India, especially in the states of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Bihar. The festival falls on the third day (Teej) of the bright half of the Hindu lunar month of Shravan (usually in late July or August ). It is celebrated with enthusiasm and joy to honor the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

The term "Hariyali" translates to "greenery" or "verdant," indicating the lush greenery of the monsoon season when the festival is observed. Teej marks the arrival of the monsoon and is a celebration of fertility, marital bliss, and the power of married women.

On this day, married women dress in colorful traditional attire, often wearing green-colored clothing and adorn themselves with beautiful jewelry. They come together to participate in various cultural and religious activities to celebrate the festival.

Key rituals and customs observed during Hariyali Teej include:

1. Fasting: Married women observe a day-long fast, abstaining from food and water. The fast is observed to seek blessings for the well-being and longevity of their husbands.

2. Puja and Worship: Women offer prayers and perform puja (ritual worship) to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. They visit temples and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to seek divine blessings for a happy and prosperous married life.

3. Swing Rides: Teej is synonymous with swings, especially decorated swings called "jhulas." Women enjoy swinging on these jhulas, singing folk songs, and celebrating the essence of the monsoon season.

4. Music, Dance, and Celebrations: Women participate in cultural programs, singing and dancing to traditional Teej songs and folk music. The atmosphere is filled with joy, laughter, and camaraderie.

5. Applying Henna: Applying henna (mehndi) on hands and feet is an essential part of Hariyali Teej celebrations. Women adorn their hands with intricate henna designs as a symbol of love and prosperity.

Hariyali Teej holds immense cultural significance and is a time for married women to strengthen their marital bonds, celebrate womanhood, and rejoice in the beauty of nature. It also showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the regions where it is celebrated. The festival fosters a sense of community and togetherness as women come together to mark this auspicious occasion.

26 July - National Aunt and Uncle Day USA

National Aunt and Uncle Day is a celebration dedicated to honoring aunts and uncles. It takes place annually on July 26th. This day provides an opportunity to recognize the special role that aunts and uncles play in the lives of their nieces and nephews.

Here are some ways to celebrate National Aunt and Uncle Day:

1. Spend Time Together: Visit or spend time with your aunts and uncles. This could be a family gathering, a meal, or a fun outing.

2. Send a Card or Gift: A thoughtful card, a bouquet of flowers, or a small gift can express your appreciation and love for them.

3. Share Memories: Share and reminisce about special moments and memories you've had with them. This can be done through a photo album, a scrapbook, or simply storytelling.

4. Social Media Shout-Outs: Use social media to give a shout-out to your aunts and uncles. Share photos and stories, and let the world know how much they mean to you.

5. Phone or Video Call: If you can't be with them in person, a phone or video call can be a wonderful way to connect and show that you're thinking of them.

6. Cook or Bake Together: If they have a favorite recipe or if there's a dish they taught you to make, spend some time cooking or baking together.

7. Plan a Future Get-Together: If you're unable to celebrate on the actual day, plan a future visit or family get-together to show your appreciation.

This day is all about acknowledging the unique and often cherished relationships that exist between aunts, uncles, and their nieces and nephews.

 

25 July - Louise Joy Brown birthday - first human conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF)

 

On July 25, 1978, Louise Joy Brown was born, becoming the first human conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Her birth marked a significant milestone in reproductive medicine, demonstrating the viability of IVF as a method for assisting couples with infertility. Louise's successful birth opened the door for millions of individuals and couples to achieve their dreams of parenthood through assisted reproductive technologies.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm outside the body, in a laboratory setting. The key steps involved in IVF include:

1. Ovarian Stimulation: The woman takes fertility medications to stimulate her ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
2. Egg Retrieval: The mature eggs are collected from the ovaries using a minor surgical procedure called follicular aspiration.
3. Sperm Collection: A sperm sample is provided by the male partner or a sperm donor.
4. Fertilization: The eggs and sperm are combined in a laboratory dish to allow fertilization. This can occur through conventional insemination or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
5. Embryo Culture: The fertilized eggs (embryos) are monitored and cultured in the lab for a few days.
6. Embryo Transfer: One or more healthy embryos are selected and transferred into the woman’s uterus with the hope of achieving a successful pregnancy.

If the embryo implants successfully, it results in pregnancy. IVF has helped countless individuals and couples overcome infertility challenges and has advanced reproductive medicine significantly since its inception.

24 July - National Cousins Day

 

National Cousins Day falls on the calendar every July 24 and is the perfect day to send some love to those family members we call cousins. Whether they were our first best friend or first antagonist, cousins are the people who made family get together s fun – or at least more tolerable and less awkward – when we were kids. Whether close cousins or distant cousins, friends or foes, those of us who are lucky enough to still have cousins around should think about celebrating them today

22 July - Jairamdas Doulatram birth anniversary

 

Jairamdas Doulatram was born on July 20, 1891, in Karachi, which was then part of British India. He pursued his higher education at D. J. Sindh Government Science College, Karachi, and later at the University of Bombay (now Mumbai), where he earned a law degree.

Freedom Struggle

Doulatram was an active participant in the Indian independence movement. He was influenced by the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi and was a member of the Indian National Congress. He was involved in various civil disobedience movements and was imprisoned multiple times by the British authorities for his activities.

Role in Constituent Assembly

Doulatram was a member of the Constituent Assembly of India, which was responsible for drafting the Constitution of India. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the foundational legal and political framework of the newly independent nation.

Post-Independence Career

After India gained independence in 1947, Jairamdas Doulatram held several important positions in the government:

• Governor of Bihar (1947-1948): As the first Governor of Bihar after independence, he played a crucial role in stabilizing the state during the early years of independence.
• Governor of Assam (1950-1956): He was later appointed as the Governor of Assam, where he continued to work towards the development and integration of the northeastern region of India.

Contributions and Legacy

Doulatram's contributions to the Indian independence movement and his work in the early years of independent India are remembered with great respect. He was known for his dedication, integrity, and commitment to public service.

Death

Jairamdas Doulatram passed away on March 1, 1979. His life and work continue to inspire many in India.

 

22 July - William Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice, was entered into the Stationers’ Register

 

On July 22, 1598, William Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice, was entered into the Stationers’ Register. This register, maintained by the Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers, was a record of all published works, giving the Crown tight control over printed material. The registration of Shakespeare's play was a significant event, as it provided legal protection against unauthorized copying and distribution. This measure was enforced by decree of Queen Elizabeth I, who sought to regulate and control the content of all published works in England, ensuring that they adhered to the Crown's standards and censorship laws. The Merchant of Venice remains one of Shakespeare’s most studied and performed plays, renowned for its complex characters and themes of justice, mercy, and prejudice.

21 July - Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the world’s first female Prime Minister of a country

 

On 21 July 1960, Sirimavo Bandaranaike made global history by becoming the world’s first female Prime Minister, when she was sworn in as the head of government of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Her appointment was a groundbreaking moment in the political history of the 20th century, breaking gender barriers in a field overwhelmingly dominated by men.

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👩‍⚖️ Background:

Sirimavo was the widow of Solomon Bandaranaike, the former Prime Minister of Ceylon who was assassinated in 1959. Following his death, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), which he had founded, was left without a strong leader. Sirimavo, already respected as the wife of a national figure, was urged by party members to enter politics.

Though she had no prior political office, she took over leadership of the SLFP in 1960 and led the party to victory in the general elections held in July 1960.

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🗳️ Election & Leadership:

• Under her leadership, the SLFP won 75 out of 151 seats in Parliament.

• On July 21, 1960, she was sworn in as Prime Minister, succeeding Dudley Senanayake.

• She became not only the first female prime minister in Sri Lanka, but also the first woman in the world to hold the office of head of government in a parliamentary democracy.

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📜 Her Legacy:

• Sirimavo Bandaranaike served three terms as Prime Minister:

  • 1960–1965

  • 1970–1977

  • 1994–2000 (under her daughter, President Chandrika Kumaratunga)

• Her policies were strongly socialist and nationalist, including:

  • Nationalizing key industries and schools

  • Strengthening ties with China, India, and the Soviet bloc

  • Declaring Sri Lanka a republic in 1972 and changing its name from Ceylon

• She also faced challenges including ethnic tensions, economic decline, and political opposition.

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👩‍👧 Political Dynasty:

Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the matriarch of a powerful political family. Her daughter, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, later became President of Sri Lanka, making them one of the few mother-daughter pairs in the world to serve as head of state and head of government.

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🕊️ Death:

Sirimavo Bandaranaike passed away on October 10, 2000, at the age of 84, shortly after casting her vote in that year’s general elections.

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Her rise to power in 1960 remains a historic milestone for women in global politics, opening the door for future generations of female leaders across Asia and the world.