Collection and study of stamps called “philately” has been the king among hobbies and its worldwide popularity is matchless. People collect stamps not only for what they are worth in themselves but also for their designs, the stories they tell, the events they commemorate and the sidelights they throw on the production of stamps. In fact, postage stamps are “the windows of a nation through which people overseas may behold its heritage and nature”. They reflect every aspect of a nation’s life including its history, art & architecture, flora & fauna, great personalities, various aspects of science & technology and the like.

Indian Philately

Indian philately found its due place on the map of world philately. Since independence, India Post has issued several definitive and commemorative series of stamps portraying various aspects of the country’s life and culture, and played a pivotal role for the promotion of this noble hobby. As the stake holder interested in the advancement of philately in India, the India Post has been taking initiative in all matters connected with this hobby. Several National and International Exhibitions were held from time to time to create awareness among the public and especially the youth about philately. India Post has so far conducted nine National Philatelic Exhibitions in different parts of the country.

About Chennai

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is a sprawling metropolis and the Capital of Tamilnadu. Being the gateway for South India, it is well connected to all major cities in India, by road, rail and air.

As an international airport, Chennai is served by leading international airlines. For a pleasant stay, luxurious and star hotels are situated in the heart of the city. In Chennai, places of interest include Fort St.George, Marina beach, the second longest beach in the world, Santhome Cathedral Basilica, Birla Planetarium, Zoological park, Children Park, Memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Government Museum and art gallery.

Nearest Tourist spots

v Mamallapuram, famous for rock cut temples and bas relief is 50 Km from Chennai

v Kanchipuram, once the capital of Pallavas, the city of thousand temples and one of the sacred cities of India is at 70 Km from Chennai.

India Post will be conducting this National Level Exhibition in a grand manner. The active co-operation of stamp lovers, dealers and the general public is essential for success in these endeavours.

Business entrepreneurs, public and private sector establishments can avail this golden opportunity to propagate their business product through sponsorship/advertisements, hoardings etc. as hundreds of thousands of people will visit this National Philatelic Exhibition.

Exhibition Highlights

v This is the first of its kind being held in Tamilnadu.

v The exhibition will display around 1000 frames and will provide an opportunity to the philatelists of India to show outstanding philatelic collections.

v About thousands of viewers including philatelists, youth, school children, members of public are expected to visit the exhibition every day.

v A Colourful Souvenir containing articles on Postal history and Philately by reputed experts in the field will be released.

v Special Postal covers on various themes will be released on each day of the exhibition.

v Cultural activities will form part of the exhibition.

v Booths for stamp dealers from all over the country will find place in the venue of the exhibition.

1. Objectives of the exhibition

Tenth India national Philatelic Exhibition 2008, known as INPEX 2008, is organised with the following objectives:

v To demonstrate to general public, youth in particular, the cultural and educational values of philately and its attractiveness as a hobby,

v To promote every aspect of Indian Philately,

v To facilitate expansion of friendly relations and close cooperation among India post, philatelists, philatelic traders and philatelic media persons,

v To awaken the interest in philatelic competitions.

2.Organisation, Venue, date & Time

v INPEX 2008 is organised by the Department of Posts in cooperation with the philatelic Congress of India (PCI), the apex body of the philatelic associations and the South India Philatelists’ Association (SIPA), a Regional level philatelic organisation, affiliated to PCI.

v Arrangements have been made for very spacious well-lighted area of about 6500 sq.ft in the venue, viz. Rani Meyyammai & Raja Muthiah Halls, No.18 D, Rukmini Lakshmipathy Road, Egmore, Chennai 600008. These air conditioned halls are centrally located in Chennai City.

v The exhibition will be held from 2^nd to 6^th January 2008 and kept open for visitors from 10.30 a.m to 5.30 pm. There will be no entry fee.

3. Regulations

INPEX 2008will be governed by the following regulations which are framed taking inputs from FIP regulations:

i. India Post regulations for Philatelic Exhibitions (IP-PER)

ii. Philatelic Awards System(IP-PAs)

iii. Philatelic Jurors Programme (IP-PJP)

iv. Special Regulations for INPEX 2008 described hereunder.

4. Exhibition Classes

The exhibits will be classified into Non-competitive Classes and Competitive Classes. The following Classes are available.

4.1 Non-Competitive Classes

a) Class of Honour:-

The exhibits that are of exceptional significance or interest. The minimum requirements are that the exhibit should have won Gold or the highest award in the relevant class at higher level exhibition within the last 5 years.

b) Official Class:-

The exhibits from National Philatelic Museum, Army Postal Service, India Security Press, Stamp designers, Business Houses dealing in Franking Machines and other Postal equipment and other similar agencies.

c) Jury Collections:-

These exhibits from Jury and Apprentice Jury appointed for the exhibition. The participation of jurors is optional.

d) Special Interest:-

The well known exhibits from other Postal Divisions, Regions and Circles especially in those classes where there is no participant from the area, to demonstrate and promote those exhibition classes for future.

e) Above Competition:-

The exhibits that have previously won Grand Prize or the First or Second or Runner – Up position in the championship Class at the same level.

4.2. Competitive Classes:-

4.2.1 Championship Classes

4.2.2 Traditional Philately

4.2.2.A. Indian Classes

4.2.2.B. India Upto Independence

4.2.2.C. Indian Convention States

4.2.2.D. Indian Feudatory States

4.2.2.E. India since Independence

4.2.2.F. Asian Countries

4.2.2.G. Rest of the World

4.2.3 Postal History

4.2.3.A India Pre adhesives Period

4.2.3.B India upto independence

4.2.3.C Indian Convention states

4.2.3.D Indian Feudatory States

4.2.3.E India Since Independence

4.2.3.F Asian Countries

4.2.3.G Rest of the world

4.2.4 Postal Stationery

4.2.4.A India upto independence

4.2.4.B Indian Convention states

4.2.4.C Indian Feudatory States

4.2.4.D India Since Independence