Sri Lankan philatelist Prathab Kirubaran explains how we could ‘read’ stamps

Philately is the study and collection of postage stamps where one can, with just one stamp glean a vast amount of knowledge, ranging from ancient history to contemporary politics, wildlife or the diverse feats of man from architecture to outer space. 

To guide us through how to develop skill as a philatelist and insightful ‘stamp researcher,’ we today feature Prathab Kirubaran, a Sri Lankan philatelist specialising in using this hobby to promote general knowledge amongst children, youth and adults. Hailing from Hatton, his last program to promote integrated research through philately for children, was at the Nuwara Eliya Public Library.

By Surya Vishwa 

Q: What is the difference between philately and stamp collecting? Is there a difference?

A: Philately and stamp collecting are interconnected but distinct activities. While stamp collecting involves acquiring and organising a variety of stamps, often for their aesthetic or thematic appeal, philately delves deeper into the stories and context behind those stamps. A stamp collector may find joy in amassing a diverse collection, but a philatelist engages in studying the historical, cultural, and political significance of each stamp.

Philately can be described as a research-oriented approach, where the collector becomes a ‘reader’ and analyst of the rich dimensions embedded in every stamp. For instance, in a recent training program I conducted for children aged 7 to 14 at the Nuwara Eliya Public Library, I used a stamp featuring Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Sri Lanka’s and the world’s first female Prime Minister. Through this stamp, I guided the children into a discussion on Sri Lanka’s political history and even genealogy, tracing the Bandaranaike family’s roots back to Kerala, India.

Similarly, a stamp featuring Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin allowed the children to explore space exploration history. They learned about Gagarin’s historic journey as the first human to orbit the Earth aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft on April 12, 1961. They were also intrigued to discover that Gagarin visited Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, from 7-11 December 1961.

Thus, while stamp collecting focuses on the accumulation and categorisation of stamps, philately extends far beyond, transforming the collection into a gateway to explore and understand broader historical, cultural, and scientific narratives. In this way, philately not only enriches knowledge but also cultivates critical thinking and research skills.

Q: In your program at the Nuwara Eliya Public Library, you adopted an approach that stamps could be an alternative to books in how knowledge can be reaped. Could you explain further?

A: Yes, books are not the sole avenue for learning about human history, geography, anthropology, and other disciplines integral to modern education. Stamps, in my view, represent a vastly underutilised resource for acquiring knowledge. Each stamp carries a story—about a place, an event, a culture, or a significant individual—and serves as a gateway to explore these topics in an engaging and visual way.

If schools were to formally incorporate philately into their curriculum or make it a compulsory extracurricular activity, I am confident it would ignite the dormant general knowledge skills of Sri Lankan students. Philately offers a dynamic, hands-on method to learn, blending curiosity, research, and creativity, which can make learning more impactful and enjoyable.

I speak from personal experience. This hobby transformed my perspective and broadened my understanding of the world. My own philatelic journey began with encouragement from one of my teachers, and it has profoundly influenced my thinking and approach to life. Even my success in fields such as marketing, I attribute to the analytical, observational, and organisational skills honed through this hobby. Philately, I believe, holds the potential to reshape minds dynamically, just as it did for me.

Q: Could you speak of your formal qualifications and career?

A: I began my academic journey at St. John Bosco’s College, where I completed my primary and secondary education, excelling in O/L examinations. Advancing my academic pursuits, I completed my A/Ls in Bio Science at Highlands Central College. My passion for personal and professional growth led me to the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), where I earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing. I further enhanced my credentials by obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) 

from Buckinghamshire New University, UK.

As a proud member of both Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) UK, I have achieved the prestigious statuses of Chartered Marketer from CIM, Practicing Marketer from SLIM, and Certified Professional Marketer (Asia) from the Asian Marketing Federation (AMF).

Professionally, I embarked on my career at the young age of 20 as a Medical Representative. Today, I serve as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at MedApp Pvt Ltd. In this role, I oversee the company’s operations related to neurosurgical products, leveraging over two decades of experience in the field.

Beyond my professional accomplishments, I am an avid philatelist with a passion rooted in my childhood. My journey began at the age of 12, inspired by a Tamil lesson taught by my teacher, Mrs. Rajeswary, who introduced me to the art and discipline of stamp collecting. This hobby not only nurtured my love for history and culture but also instilled values that have positively shaped my attitude and outlook on life.

At 15, I joined the Pinibindu Junior Stamp Society, which provided me the opportunity to expand my collection with international stamps. In 2015, I took my interest further by delving into independent learning about philately, eventually evolving into a dedicated philatelist. Today, I celebrate stamp collecting as a cherished hobby, combining it with my professional and personal ethos of continuous learning and growth.

This is a brief yet insightful glimpse into my journey—a blend of professional achievement, and a lifelong passion for philately.

Q: Could you explain the relevance of philately which includes the act of writing and posting letters or postcards, in an age where such actions seem outdated, surrounded as we are within the cocoon of technology.

A: Philately, even in the digital age, remains a relevant and enriching pursuit, bridging the gap between past traditions and modern innovations. Here’s how it stays significant and valuable:

1.Cultural preservation

• Stamps, letters, and postcards capture the essence of historical events, cultural milestones, and artistic trends.
• They serve as tangible artefacts of human civilisation, preserving stories that might otherwise fade in a purely digital world.

 2.Educational value

• Writing and sending letters or postcards foster literacy and communication skills.
• Philately offers insights into history, geography, and politics, as stamps and postal marks often depict significant global events or figures.

3.Emotional connection

• Handwritten letters and postcards convey a personal touch that electronic communication often lacks.
• The act of choosing a stamp, writing a message, and sending it adds thoughtfulness to personal correspondence.

4.Tactile experience

• In a digital age dominated by screens, handling physical letters, postcards, and stamps provides a sensory and grounding experience.
• Collecting and curating stamps connects people to a tangible piece of history.

5.Environmental and artistic appreciation

• Vintage stamps and letters are miniature works of art, reflecting the craftsmanship of their era.
• They encourage awareness of paper-based communication’s aesthetic and environmental aspects compared to transient digital messages.

6.Rekindling lost practices

• Writing letters helps individuals slow down and reflect, countering the instant gratification of digital messaging.
• Postcards offer a unique way to document travels or moments in a manner that digital media often overlooks.

7.Community building

• Philatelic societies and clubs provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals across generations and cultures.
• Exchanges, pen pal programs, and exhibitions foster global understanding and friendships.

 8.Cross-generational bonding

• Engaging children in philately and letter-writing connects them to older generations who relied heavily on postal communication.
• It’s a medium to pass down family stories, traditions, and shared values.

9.Digital-physical synergy

• Today’s philatelists can merge the old and new by digitising collections, joining online communities, or creating hybrid projects that celebrate both worlds.
• QR-coded or interactive stamps blend technology with traditional philately, showcasing its adaptability.

10.Sustainability of tradition

• Philately reminds us of the importance of physical documentation in an age when digital records can be easily altered or lost.
• It keeps alive the charm and significance of written communication, ensuring it remains part of human heritage.

While technology has revolutionised how we communicate, the values and experiences offered by philately remain timeless, providing a counterbalance to the ephemeral nature of digital interactions.

Q: How could a parent or child who wants to take to philately further this hobby as a knowledge enhancing complimentary step?

A: Here are some ways 

for parents and 

children to use philately as a knowledge-enhancing complementary step:

1.Establish a focused theme

• Choose a theme for collecting stamps (e.g., wildlife, famous personalities, historical events, space exploration).
• Research the background stories behind the stamps to gain insights into the chosen subject.

2.Participate in stamp exhibitions

• Attend or participate in philatelic exhibitions to observe advanced collections and presentation techniques.
• Engage with other philatelists to share knowledge and gain exposure to rare collections.

3.Join philatelic societies

• Become members of local or national philatelic societies, such as the Philatelic Association of Sri Lanka.
• Participate in their events, workshops, and discussion forums to network and learn.

4.Create a stamp journal

• Maintain a journal detailing the origin, history, and unique features of each stamp in the collection.
• Use this as an opportunity to explore the historical and cultural significance of each stamp.

5.Integrate technology

• Use online resources and apps for cataloguing stamps and learning more about them.
• Explore virtual tours of postal museums and digital archives.

6.Collaborate with schools

• Propose stamp exhibitions or workshops at schools to introduce philately to peers and educators.
• Integrate philately into school projects or presentations for a unique perspective.

7.Expand to related areas

• Explore related areas like postmarks, first-day covers, and postal history.
• Study the evolution of postal systems and their role in shaping societies.

8.Read and research

• Read books, magazines, and articles on philately to enhance your knowledge.
• Research the history of countries and events depicted on stamps.

9.Visit postal museums

• Visit postal or philatelic museums to explore rare collections and learn about the history of postal services.

10.Take leadership roles

• Organise stamp collection events or awareness programs in local communities or schools.
• Create your own thematic exhibitions to showcase and educate others.

By combining collecting with research, networking, and presentation, parents and children can turn philately into a rich, interdisciplinary learning experience.