Report - AMSIPEX-25
The 1st International Virtual Aerophilatelic &
Astrophilatelic Exhibition
Amsipex-25 is the 1st International Virtual Aerophilatelic & Astrophilatelic Exhibition, organized by the Air Mail Society India Foundation (AMSI) to celebrate World Air Mail Day on February 18. The event took place from February 15-23, 2025, and was held virtually. (www.AMSIPEX.com).
AMSIPEX-25 received Patronage from the International
Federation of Aero-and Astrophilatelic Societies (F.I.S.A.) and the Philatelic
Congress of India (PCI). It was also Jointly Sponsored by the American Air Mail
Society and the Royal Belgian Astrophilatelic Society/COSMOS. Commercial
sponsors were David Feldman (Gold), Robert A.Siegel (Gold) and Argyll Etkin
(Silver) along with Philauctions (webinar sponsor) and Phila Arts (souvenir
book sponsor).
The Exhibition:
Entries were open to exhibitors from across the world
featuring Aerophilately: Development and Operation of Airmail Services, Airmail
stamps, and their use in Airmail Service, and Astrophilately: Exhibits related
to space exploration and astronomy.
The exhibition was in various categories, including
Competitive Class: 5 & 8 frame exhibits and 1-frame exhibits; Literature
Class; Youth: Youth Class: between 10-21 years in three age groups; Novice
Class: Exhibits by new collectors in 1-5 frame exhibits.
Besides the competitive class, there was a Court of Honour with 3 outstanding exhibits (21 Frames)
The Invitee Class saw another 17 Exhibits & 70 Frames (8 from Jury & 9 other non-competitive). All exhibits can be viewed at www.AMSIPEX.COM
Judging the exhibits: The exhibition
followed FIP Guidelines for Judging Aerophilatelic Exhibits and for Judging Astrophilatelic
Exhibits. The Jury comprised of 8 world renowned international experts in
Aerophilately and Astrophilately and awards were given based on the exhibits'
scores.
AMSIPEX-25 also
introduced some innovations that were well appreciated by all:
• Novice Class exhibits
for persons who were otherwise ineligible participate in such events
• Medals for eligible 1
Frame exhibitors
World
Air Mail Day Celebrations, 18th February 2025:
The Inaugural Function lasted 30
minutes, and started with a 2600 year old Sanskrit invocation known as Shanti
Mantra (Sahana Vavatu) reminding us all to work as one for the pursuit of
knowledge in a spirit of peace and brotherhood.
A Special Cover was then released to
commemorate the 114th Anniversary of the first Airmail flight from
Allahabad to Naini on 18th February 1911. Designed and Executed by Naveein O.C.
and Akhil Reddy, the cover carried the special cancellation issued earlier that
day from Prayagraj (erstwhile Allahabad) thanks to efforts of Rahul Ganguli and
from Bengaluru thanks to help from the Karnataka Philatelic Society and its
committee members.
The AMSIPEX-25
Souvenir Book was then released. Compiled and edited by Pragya Jain, this book
is divided into three sections – All about AMSIPEX-25, expert articles on
Indian Air Mails, and a technical section with rules and guidelines for aero-
and Astrophilatelic exhibiting. This is available for free download from the
AMSIPEX-25 website (https://www.amsipex.com/test1-361884.html ).
The Jury Chair, Glen
Stafford then read out the Jury Report and the exhibition results were
announced with names of winners of all Special Prizes. The jury was divided
into 3 teams, with Team 1 led by Charles Bromser evaluated all the
Astrophilately exhibits and the Novice exhibits, Team 2 led by Glen Stafford
for the aerophilately exhibits and team 3 by Javaid Muhammad evaluated the
literature exhibits. The high standard of the exhibits was also recognised by
the Jury.
The AMSI Chairman, Piyush Khaitan then spoke about the importance of World Air Mail Day, and future plans of AMSI, the need for all air mail enthusiasts to work together to create renewed enthusiasm for this wonderful hobby.
This
was followed by the announcement of the winner of the Air Mail Society India
Foundation’s first Lifetime Achievement Award and inductee in their Hall of
Fame, Ronald M. Lee. His 5 volume The Story of Australia’s Overseas Airmails
was recognised and the citation recognizing Ron was read out by the chairman,
followed by a video recording of Ron’s acceptance speech.
Pratisad Neurgaonkar proposed the Vote
of Thanks where he thanked the patrons, jt. sponsors, commercial sponsors,
jury, exhibitors the team work by the 10-member organizing committee.
World Air Mail Day
Webinar:
The highlight of the day was the
webinar featuring 6 Speakers & 5 hours of Non-Stop Fun on Aero & Astro Philately.
• Terry Hare Walker - (Imperial Route
to India 1972-29).
• Markand Dave FRPSL - (Indian Rocket
Mails during WWII Period).
• Pradip Jain RDP FRPSL - (By the
First Aerial Post of the world 18th Feb 1911).
• Davis S Ball - (Pushing the
Envelope).
• Cheryl Ganz RDP FRPSL – (The Basel
Zeppelin Post Exchange Office).
• Ken Sanford – (Air Crashes of
Imperial Airways).
Despite the long session, audience
remained glued to their screens, and we had many participants. Each session was
followed by a Q&A. Recordings of all these talks are being made available
on the AMSI YouTube channel @HawaSaeByAir. Some have already been uploaded, and
the rest will be posted during March 2025.
Jury Feedback Session:
We had a Jury feedback session on
Saturday 22nd February 2025 for Astrophilately & Aerophilately exhibitors,
where the Jury for Team 1 & Team 2 provided feedback and suggestions to
exhibitors on how to improve their exhibits. Questions were taken from participants
and detailed responses were provided.
View : AMSIPEX- 25
Results
-Piyush Khaitan: email : pk@khaitan.in
The following videos have been uploaded on YouTube
channel @HawaSaeByAir.
A 3-minute curtain raiser video about AMSIPEX-25 and
World Air Mail Day celebrations.
A 28-minute recording of the inaugural function of our
World Air Mail Day celebrations held on 18 February 2025.
AMSIPEX 25 - Curtain
Raiser
AMSIPEX-25 : Inauguration and World Air Mail Day
Celebration
https://youtu.be/L0BhDkSChkk?si=aluyJAjhFMuy7ndv
Indian Rocket Mails during WWII Period
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3PgKw_Yr3s
The First Aerial Post of the World 18th Febtruary 1911
