Nat’l-level expo on coin, stamp collection begins

Thiruvananthapuram: The collection of stamps and coins is much more than a hobby for the participants at the ongoing national-level coin and stamp collection exhibition at Bhagyamala Auditorium at Palayam.
Organized by the Philatelic and Numismatic Association of Thiruvananthapuram (PANA), with 180 members currently, the exhibition is aimed at educating the younger generation about a ‘royal’ hobby and the need to preserve a tradition passed down through generations.
“We are a group of people who collect stamps, coins and antiques. Ours is a platform where we meet every first Sunday of the month to exchange pieces, buy whatever is missing from our collection and expand our knowledge about history through this hobby. This is the first exhibition we are conducting after the pandemic,” says Simon P Varghese, the coordinator of the exhibition.
From authorized dealers to collectors and admirers, the exhibition offers a multifaceted experience to buy collectables and antiques and get a chance to learn more about our history and culture. “I was introduced to this as a child by my grandparents. I gradually learnt how to do this properly over the years. We have arranged currency and other postal stationery here in such a way that it relates to a period of history, important historical figures, culture, countries and so on. The idea is to convey the message that philately is history, it is information and entertainment all in one package,” says PANA member Giri Nair.
Rare pieces of history like the first ever stamp in the world,iconic commemorative stamps released during significant occasions, the silver coin used in Rome and postcards in the name of freedom fighters are displayed here.
The exhibition is on from 10am to 8pm. It will conclude with a quiz for school students on Sunday.