ABOUT US

INTRODUCTION

The “Eastern India Philatelists’ Association, Bhubaneswar known throughout India as “EIPA” is a philatelic non-profit organization established on July 14, 1998, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.  EIPA takes pride in its extensive outreach boasting over 200 life members extending to different states. The association has two Institute members (KIIT & Mother’s Public School, Bhubaneswar) spreading throughout India. In 2024, EIPA celebrated its 25th Anniversary, marking a significance mile stone in its journey.

ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENTS

EIPA originated from a small club called the Bhubaneswar Philatelic Club’ born on  March 23,1997 and evolved into a National Association on  June 14, 1998. The association became affiliated with the Philatelic Congress of India in 1999 and was registered under the Societies Act XXI of 1860 in Cuttack with registration No 22230/211of 2005-2006.

Since its inception, EIPA has received consistent support and encouragement from the Chief Post Master General (CPMG), Odisha Circle to promote various activities set forth by the Department and the association. The organization's growth can be attributed to the dedicated efforts of its distinguished office bearers and members, who have achieved both International and State-level recognition by participating and winning prizes in Zonal, National, and International philatelic exhibitions.

EIPA has proudly organize One National exhibition (NATUREPEX, 2016), and five state-level exhibitions (EIPEX, 2008; Basantotsav, 2009; EIPEX, 2014; EIPEX, 2018; EIPEX, 2024) . Additionally, the Association successfully hosted Stamp and Dealers Mela, in 2012, 2015, 2017, and 2020, bringing together stamp dealers and collectors from across the Nation and beyond.

During the COVID-2019 pandemic in 2020, EIPA members demonstrated their commitment to community service by providing aid to those in need across the state with chartiable efforts focussed in Balangir, Khurda, and Bhubaneswar.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of the association are to

• Bring like-minded stamp and philatelic collectors, associations, and clubs across India while fostering a passion for the hobby that enriches knowledge and enjoyment.
• The Association engaged in a variety of activities includes interactive monthly meeting, organising stamp exhibitions and mMela, Dealers meetings, Auction of Materials etc.
• Releasing Postal Approved Special covers, Carried covers, Picture Postcard, Franking Covers, Airmail covers, etc.
• Members actively participate and bring laurels to themselves in different International, National, State, and district-level exhibitions by showcasing their well-maintained exhibits.
• EIPA members contribute to numerous philatelic activities such as Jury in Exhibition, Jury for Letter writing, Quiz, Stamp Design Competition, Evaluator in  SPARSH Yojana organised by Department of Post, Odisha Circle.

ORGANISATIONAL SET UP

EIPA activities and programmes are managed by elected Office bearers comprised of the President, Vice President, and Secretary, Joint Secretary and Treasurer with Advisory body and eight Executive Committee members who are elected every three years. The General body meets trienially to review budges and key issues, while All a monthly meeting on the third Sunday adreeses ongoing matter.

Since its founding, EIPA leadership has included the following Office Bearers from time to time.

1. First Team of Office bearers (1998-2018)

President Sri Bijoyshree Routray, Vice-President Sri Debasish Mitra, Secretary Sri Ajit Kumar Dash, and Joint Secretary cum Treasurer Sri Anup Kumar Rout.

2. Second Team of Office Bearers (2018-2021)

President Sri Bijoyshree Routray, Vice-President Sri Kamal Chakraborty, Secretary Sri Shanti Swarup Rath, Joint Secretary Sri Prasanta Kumar Dash and Treasurer Dr Bibhudatta Mishra.

3.  Third Team of Office Bearers (2023- onwards)

President Sri Durgadutta Routray, 4 Vice-Presidents Sri Kamal Chakraborty, Sri Anil Kumar Dhir, Sri Biswanath Mishra and Dr Chandrasekhar Basak, Secretary Sri Shanti Swarup Rath, Joint Secretary Sri Prasanta Kumar Dash and Treasurer Dr Bibhudatta Mishra.

FUTURE PLAN

EIPA is constantly taking all possible steps to highlight the importance of collecting stamps and other philatelic items among the people as a part of our heritage and culture. Those items should be preserved for future generations. EIPA appeals to all parents, schools, college authorities, and other educational bodies to encourage the hobby of collecting stamps among youngsters and encourage them to start stamp clubs on their own in their respective places. To promote philately in a better way, EIPA wants to

• Have independent premises of its own.
• Make more exhibit display frames.
• Conduct periodical stamp exhibitions at the State Level and at the National Level to emphasize the relevance of stamp collection.
• Develop and maintain a good library.
• Conduct philately workshops in all Educational Institutions.

To achieve all these, EIPA expects Sponsors / Corporates to come forward and encourage their efforts. Media can play a crucial role in highlighting the cause of the Association. With the services of many dedicated senior and young members, along with the Postal department, Advertisers, Dealers, Media, Printers, and Well-wishers, EIPA is growing steadily and smoothly in promoting philately and is continuing its pride of place in the world of philately.