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Index Home The word filaria derives its origin from Latin filum, that means thread-like. These worms are really thin. Even grownup or adult worms that are about 2-4cm long, are less than a tenth of a millimeter wide. Its offspring or microfilaria are even more tiny. Seen only under a microscope, they can travel inside our… Continue reading Filariasis: Thread like worms that move in our bodies

Index Home The name “Aspirin” is a brand name for one of the most popular low-cost medicines. Despite a low cost, and almost 125 years of usage, it still has about 2.5 billion USD of market share, which is expected to grow. “A” in aspirin comes from its chemical compound – Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and “spir”… Continue reading Aspirin: Aspiration for a wonder-drug

Index Home A postal stamp Omnibus is a set of postage stamps, issued by various countries or territories, on a common theme and often with a common design. Philately has had quite a few omnibus issues, and some of these show spread of British Empire at different times. First British omnibus issue was in 1935, and… Continue reading Spread of British empire in 1963 Red Cross omnibus

Index Home The second world war officially started on 1st September 1939, and lasted for next six years. By this time Red cross had turned 75, but it was little prepared for either the scale, nor the modalities of destruction that was to follow. The war not only erased boundaries, and drew new maps, but it… Continue reading Red Cross till the aftermath of the second world war

Index Home Established in 1863, Red Cross had turned 50, when the first world war affected Europe, and its colonies. The first world war (1914-1918) was an overwhelming period for the Red Cross and its National Societies. War was a national priority, and Red cross had to provide support to the wounded soldiers on both sides.… Continue reading Red Cross is caught amidst crossfires (1919 -1939)

Index Home Christmas seals Born to care for the war wounded, Red cross came into being in 1863. However, it was not until 1907 that it entered into a lasting relationship with postal services. Emily Bissell, an American Red cross activist saw a postmaster in Denmark, who had developed an idea about charity stamps. These stamps,… Continue reading Red cross overprints: beginning of a lasting relation

Index Home This is a third COVID blog after the postage stamps, and special covers. Postal stationary is another philatelic material. While some of this was issued by Indian post, some other was a private creation, but posted, and hence becomes postal. Just a reminder, that post-cards exist and are a quick medium for information sharing,… Continue reading Postcards for COVID: A photo blog

Index Home Indian Post issues special postal covers. These are specially designed commemorative envelopes, that are mark an occurrence, place, event or an institution. While same is true of postage stamps, there are clear differences. Postage stamps are issued nationally by the Indian Post, and there are intricate guidelines on when and how these shall be… Continue reading Indian Special cover gallery: From Flu to Covid to its vaccine