PHILATELIST

Member: The Petroleum Philatelic Society International, U.K.

Philately, the collection and study of postage stamps and related materials, has been a popular hobby since the introduction of postage stamps in 1840 in Great Britain. A person who pursues the hobby of philately is known as a philatelist.  

Energy Philately is a specialized segment that focuses on stamps showcasing various aspects of the energy sector, including oil and gas, renewable energy, energy conservation, and environmental themes. 

An Energy Philatelist is an individual who collects stamps related to energy. Energy philatelists specifically focus on collecting stamps that depict various aspects of energy. These stamps may feature images related to energy production, such as oil rigs, wind turbines, solar panels, or hydroelectric power plants. They may also highlight the importance of conservation, sustainable energy practices, or the impact of energy on the environment. The collection of energy-related stamps allows philatelists to explore and appreciate the historical, cultural, and technological aspects of the energy industry. It provides a unique perspective on the development and significance of energy sources throughout history and across different countries and regions. By studying and organizing their collections, energy philatelists can gain insights into the evolution of energy technologies, the impact of energy on society, and the efforts to promote sustainable and renewable energy sources.

Meet Kumar Biswas, an avid Energy Philatelist whose passion lies in collecting stamps that depict various aspects of energy. Kumar's energy philately collection serves as a historical and cultural archive of mankind's relationship with energy and the natural world.

From vintage stamps portraying early oil discoveries to modern designs celebrating renewable energy innovations, his collection spans across continents and epochs, reflecting the evolving narrative of human energy consumption and environmental consciousness. Each stamp tells a story, whether it's about the exploration of fossil fuel reserves, the harnessing of wind and solar power, or the urgent call for energy conservation.

As an energy philatelist, he is not only a collector but also a scholar, delving deep into the history and significance behind each stamp in his possession. Through his passion for philately, he aims to raise awareness about the critical issues surrounding energy production and consumption, and inspire others to appreciate the beauty and importance of sustainable energy practices.

Overall, energy philately combines the passion for stamp collecting with an interest in energy-related topics, offering a unique way to explore and appreciate the diverse aspects of the energy industry and its impact on the world. With his collection, Kumar invites others to embark on a journey through the intricate tapestry of energy and environmental history, one stamp at a time.

Birth of a Philatelist: Kumar Biswas, Energy Philatelist

Reflecting on nearly six decades of passion, it’s remarkable how the seed of philately took root and flourished in the life of Kumar. 

He was born in the early 1960s in Bhagalpur, a small town in Bihar, on the auspicious occasion of Saraswati Puja. His journey into the world of stamps began with his uncle, the late Shri Pranab Kumar Ghosh, who worked at the Head Post Office in Bhagalpur under the Post and Telegraph Department (now India Post). Recognizing the hidden potential spark in child Kumar, he gifted newly issued postage stamps and First Day Covers (FDCs) as they became available. 

At six or seven years old, he didn’t fully grasp their significance, but collected them with enthusiasm. Stamps were meticulously pasted into a diary, but preserving the FDCs was a challenge due to lack of knowledge about proper care. While some survived, they bear the marks of time and inexperience.

Growing up in small towns, where access to foreign stamps was rare, he discovered the joy of exchange through an elderly neighbor who taught the art of swapping stamps on a one-to-one basis. This opened a gateway to collecting international stamps, with treasures from countries like Canada, France, the US etc., entering the budding collection.

As academic responsibilities increased, his focus shifted toward pursuing a medical career. Despite a commendable performance, Kumar missed the cutoff for medical profession by a mere three marks. Fate then guided him toward engineering, a field he hadn’t initially considered. Kumar graduated as a Chemical Engineer and began professional journey with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., where he gained invaluable insights into the petroleum industry. 

Interestingly, his exposure to the industry rekindled his dormant love for philately. Stamps depicting various aspects of the petroleum sector: exploration, production, refining, marketing became a new fascination. Countries across the globe, whether oil producers or major consumers, had issued stamps commemorating this vital industry. 

In the digital age, where traditional mail has declined, the internet became a bridge to connect with like-minded philatelists worldwide. This network led to enrich his collection of petroleum-themed stamps, culminating in their display at state-level exhibitions under the Invitee Category in the states of Assam, Gujarat etc. He earned the honor of joining the prestigious Petroleum Philatelic Society International (PPSI) based in the U.K., establishing own niche as a Petroleum Philatelist.

Over time, his interests expanded as global concerns about sustainability and green energy gained prominence. Kumar's philatelic pursuits naturally evolved to include renewable energy themes, such as solar, geothermal, and other sustainable energy sources. What began as a passion for petroleum philately grew into a broader commitment to energy philately, reflecting not only love for stamps but also a deeper appreciation for energy sustainability and the future of our planet. 

This journey, spanning decades, is a testament to how a simple hobby can grow into a lifelong passion, intertwining personal and professional milestones with global themes of innovation and sustainability. 

Philatelic workshops / seminars conducted by Kumar:

1. August 20, 2018 – Delhi Public School, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh (about 100 students from class VI-X)

2. October 9, 2018 – The Khaitan School, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh (about 80 students from class VI-VII)

3. October 12, 2018 - Rafi Ahmed Kidwai National Postal Academy, Ministry of Communications, Department of Posts, Government of India