Stamp of success

Today, philately can be a hobby and be taken up as a gainful career option as well, says Sushma Chadha
Stamps are not merely a piece of paper used for postage. In fact, this small piece of paper reflects the entire culture of a nation, as it may display achievements, tell a tale and can speak about a whole gamut of traditional, environmental, historical and human facets linked to that country.Stamps are a store-house of information.
Artistic designs and various themes in stamps have attracted people since a long time. It will be incorrect to say that stamp collecting is a child’s hobby. In the wake of unusual careers, stamp collecting can too be an interesting occupation. In countries like China, France, United Kingdom and United States, philately is a full-fledged vocation, whereas in India it is still in its infancy. However, there is a huge market waiting to be explored and you can actually make a living by dealing in stamps. According to a philatelist who runs websites and weekly magazines on stamps, Madhukar Jhingan, ‘‘Stamp dealing is a proper business requiring investment, time, hard work and feel of the stamp market. In India, it is still an individualistic career and unlike abroad there are no corporate sectors dealing in stamps.’’
Anil Suri who comes from a family where the last three generations have been full-time philatelists feels that philately can be a rewarding option if done in a proper manner. He says, ‘‘Philately is a paying occupation if you approach it scientifically, understand the value of stamps, choose the theme carefully, collect the stamps systematically, diversify into a specialisation, understand the buying capacity of people and buy and sell the collections at the right time.’’
The future holds great opportunities for stamp dealers. Suri remarks, ‘‘Internet has created a vast scope. You have global access to stamps and you can deal with foreign buyers and sellers sitting at home.’’
Even the scope of stamps in India has grown. ‘‘The postal department is promoting philately by organising philatelic exhibitions at district levels, encouraging new collectors and a clientele of stamp lovers. Earlier we had international, national and circle-level philatelic exhibitions but last year, 100 exhibitions were organised at small towns,’’ Jhingani says.
Introduction of formal courses in philately have provided a professional edge to the field. Pursuing a three months’ course at Jadhavpur University, Kolkata or a one-year course at Banaras Hindu University can give the right start to aspiring candidates. Nevertheless, several philatelists feel that joining a known philatelist as an apprentice is the best way to start their career. Referring to the wide range of books and magazines and attending seminars, exhibitions and auctions on philately can be a good idea to get well-versed with stamp history and value of stamps. Another philatelist, Pulak Gupta says, ‘‘A professional philatelist should know all the latest happenings in the world of stamps.
For this he or she should read books, catalogues and foreign magazines on stamp collection, interact with other philatelists at exhibitions and become a member of the Philatelic Dealers’ Association.’’
The main profession in philately can be of a stamp dealer. Stamps are safe and good investments and enjoy a global market, like those of paintings and sculptures, though it is a slow moving and a heavily-speculative business. Dealers generally make good money at auctions and exhibitions. Stamps need to be traded like any commodity and remunerations depends on demand and supply. However, you must remember, stamps are extremely fragile and need proper preservation.
Apart from dealership, as a consultant for clients and collectors, you can evaluate, describe, organise exhibitions, auctions, and prepare write-ups on particular collections. You can prepare stamp- catalogues as well.
As a philatelic journalist you can write for, or start a magazine or even write books.
There is a dearth of magazines on stamps in India and with newer stamps coming out every now and then, the collectors and dealers require the latest information on it. In addition, you can work as a calligraphist with stamp printers. A calligraphist helps in designing stamps and executes the ideas behind the stamps. One can moreover conduct workshops on stamps at schools and colleges.
www.stampsofindia.com