MAPNA Brochure

Madurai Philatelist &

Numismatist Association Since:2006

It is shortly we saying MAPNA.

In short ‘MAPNA’

Postage stamps are a source of inspiration to many. Their captivating beauty and the knowledge they provide mesmerizes all those who hold them in their hand. The hobby knows no borders, no age and is handed over generations as a part or heirloom. Coins are precious gems whose value transcends age. They are a history book by themselves, captivating the attention of many enthusiasts. MAPNA was born in 2006 by group of stamp enthusiasts who wanted to spread the King of Hobbies to the elite citizens of this hoary city.

MAPNA is not an organization, it’s ever evolving institution with 250+ active members and growing.

AIM: To spread the knowledge of Philately and Numismatics to the public in general and next generation especially thru meetings, talks, show and tell meets, exhibits, participation in national and international events.

OBJECTIVES:

ü Spread the knowledge of Philately and Numismatics

ü Encourage Philatelists and Numismatics thru constant meeting and interaction

ü Participate in Regional, National, Global Philately exhibits

ü Garner support from next generation thru stamp exhibits in schools, colleges

ü Act as bridge between Postal Department and Public

ü Suggest methods and means to improve Philately and Numismatics

President: Dr M.Swamiappan an eminent Philatelist and a veteran stamp collector specializing in butterflies has been the Founder President of MAPNA

. President: Dr M.Swamiappan

Past Secretary: Late Shri T.J.Shanmugha Lal also a renowned Philatelist is the Secretary since 2012 to till his death(Dec-2025). He specialized in Tamilnadu Special covers.

. Past Secretary Shri T.J.Shanmugha lal

NEW OFFICE BEARERS:

Our monthly Meeting on 21.06.2026 follows our members unanimously elected MAPNA Office Members & MAPNA Executive committee Members (E.C.M) .

1. President : Dr.M.Swamiappan

2. Vice president: Dr.K.M.Kaniarasu

3. Vice president Mr.R. Guru Moorthy

4. Secretary: Dr.K.Sivasubramaniam

5. Joint Secretary: Mr.C.T.Shanmugam

6. Treasurer: K. Sakthi raj

7. Joint Treasurer: Mr.A.Ganesan

8. Advisors: Mr.B.Karthigeyan

9. Advisors : Mr.A.Chellavel

10. E.C.M : Mr Kadher Hussain

11. E.C.M : Mrs. M Vasantha

12. E.C.M : Mr.G.Praveen

13. E.C.M : Adv M.Mohamed Fazil

14. E.C.M :Mr D. Vijaya Pandian

15. E.C.M : Mr C T.Siva kumar.

16. E.C.M; Mr. C.Madhavan

Meeting:

MAPNA meets regularly every 3rd Sunday which is enthusiastically attended by a minimum of 20 members conducting the monthly meeting every month. The message of the meeting venue and theme for the meet is announced by Secretary thru Group Whatsapp along with the theme and Philatelists and Numismatists willing to talk on various theme. We just conducted our 225^th meeting which shows the unebbed patronage.

Monthly meeting conduct @ Madura College High school, Near Railway Station Madurai.

Each meeting is unique in the sense that, it has its own theme and is made more memorable by our eminent members who surprize the audience by providing valuable inputs. A heated and friendly discussion makes the meeting worth attending. Beginning with invocation of Tamil Thai Valthu the meeting cruises thru talks, show and tell, discussion, historical perspectives, knowledgeable insights followed by snacks ending with National Anthem.

Every meeting MAPNA members or Special guests of eminent Philatelist or Numismatist give special lectures about stamps, coins & Currency notes.

Mr.Raghupathy, Philatelist

Shri Raghupathy, Tiruchirapalli. Eminent Philatelist in Tamilnadu gave special lecture about philately in MAPNA meeting. He was honoured by MAPNA Joint secretary Dr.K.M.Kaniarasu.

Currently we are more focused on enrolling students who are the pallbearers of this unique tradition in future. Every meeting we encourage more student to attend and join as members. They are encouraged thru special gifts of Philately or Numismatics materials sponsored by our generous member. We also conduct regular meeting in schools and colleges to spread this king of hobbies.

Philatelic Gems

MAPNA encourages members to concentrate collection of stamps in theme based manner. With this in view our members specialize in theme collection as listed below:

1. Dr. M. Swamiappan, Madurai : Butterfly theme

2. Late Shri T. J. Shanmughalal, Madurai : Specialist in Special covers

3. Shri, C.T.Shanmugam, Madurai : Railway theme.

4. Dr. K. Sivasubramanian, Madurai : Indian Miniature sheet.

5. Shri A. Ganesh, Madurai : Joint issue stamps.

6. Mr. Kadher Hussain, Madurai : Dead post office cancellation

7. Mr.P.Sreethran, Chennai : Scouts & Railway themes

8. Shri G.Rajesh Kumar, Madurai : Scouts & Cricket themes

9. Shri.K.Shanmugam, Chennai : Medical theme.

10. Shri Senthil Kumar, Chennai : Olympic theme.

11. Shri Pee Vee, Kancheepuram : Light House theme & eminent Post Crosser

12. Shri Balasundaram, Chennai : GI tag special covers

13. Shri C.Madhavan , Madurai : Meter franking

14. Shri Kasinath, Thanjore : Ship theme

15. Shri Satheesh Kumar, Tiruchirapalli : Gandhi theme

16. Shri. Karthigeyan, Tiruchirapalli : Gandhi theme

17. Shri Hari Krishnan, Chennai. : Gandhi theme

18. Shri. Vijay Kumar, Lalkudi : Water Birds

19. Shri P M. Praveen Shastry, Bangalore : Hunidi stamps.

20. Shri Nithin kumar S Adka, Bangalore : Coins & currency notes

21. Selvi Jaagurthi Adka, Bangalore : Olympic games

22. Selvan S.Anbu Chidabaram, Madurai : Holly places of Tamilnadu.

23. Shri Chellavel, Madurai : Ancient Indian coin theme

24. Shri Surenderan, Coimbatore : French Indian stamps & Switzerland themes.

25. Shri Sunderasan, Chennai : Mahatama Gandhi

26. Shri.V.Visweswaran, Aruppukottai : Permanent Pictorial cancellation of India

27. Dr.K.M.Kaniarasu, Madurai : Common Wealth coins & stamps

28. Shri Ashokan, Karur : Blood Donation & Eye Donation theme

MAPNA Whatsapp Group

In this ever evolving era of communication, MAPNA does not want to be left behind and created its own Whatsapp group in 2015.

In this group more than 180 members are actively participating along with Honorable members are added.

The group posts daily messages. Our member Thiru Krishnaya is first to post a theme on Indian stamps released on that particular day. It lists out all the stamps released till date with date and theme. This is followed by other members who contribute stamps of a particular theme or coins they have come across. Some describe in detail about a particular stamp and its value. Some members post photos of stamps relevant to the day being observed internationally or nationally. Bulletins of other Philatelist Association, publications, Postal Department messages are actively shared for members knowledge. Members share live information of philately or Numismatics news, messages or photos or videos in the whatsapp group. Monthly meeting date, time and venue are shared early in this group for the benefit of our members.

This facilitates our members with updated information easily on a daily basis and keeps the hobby ever energetic among Philatalists and Numistatics of MAPNA even though they are separated by space and time.

You Tube channel

Not to fall behind, MAPNA has its own YOUTUBE channel which helps it to share important programme videos. Please click the below link, you can watch the MAPNA videos.

Post crossing

Post crossing hobby is currently a fascinating and ever growing hobby that is being actively promoted by Philatelists world over. MAPNA possesses more than 25 members very actively pursue this hobby. MAPNA conducted its own Postcrossing meet during 2023 with exclusively designed cards. MAPNA has created an exclusive post crossing whatsapp group for our members, since 2021.

MAPNA member more achievements in Philately collections in recently years.

In 2023 National level Philatelic exhibition held in New Delhi after the 15 years, previously held in Chennai in the year of 2008. MAPNA some members are participated & got medals.

1.Selvi Jaagruthi, Bengaluru

2.Mr. Senthil Kumar, Chennai

Mr. Praveen Shastry, Bengaluru

Selvi Keerthiga, Chennai

Mr.C.Madhavan, Madurai

Tamil Nadu State level Philatelic Exhibition 2025 conducted in Chennai. MAPNA members members participated & exhibited in various themes. themes got medals.

Selvan. S.Anbu Chidabaram, Madurai

Selvi.Keerthyiga Shanmugam, Chennai

Col. M.Sundaram, Toothukudi

Mr. Senthil Kumar, Chennai

Mr.Vijaya Kumar, Lalgudi

Mr.Kasinath, Tanjore

Mr.G.Rajesh Kumar & His Scouts Students

MrK.J.Hari Krishnan, Chennai

Mr.Surenderan, Madurai

Mr.Pee Vee, Kancheepuram

In India following eminent philatelist & Numismatist as Honorable Personality in MAPNA whatsapp group.

1. Shri.Jaganath Mani - Eminent Philatelist in Karnataka state.

2. Dr.Vennam Upender - Eminent Philatelist in Telangana & Post Master General.

3. Shri K Sridhar - Eminent Philatelist in Mangalore

4. Shri Mohan Chandran Nair, Eminent Philatelist in Kerala & APA secretary & Editor of Anathapuri Philatelic Magazine.

5. Shri Roland Nelson, Eminent Philatelist in Chennai & SIPA President

6. Shri C.G. Baskar, Eminent Philatelist & SIPA Treasurer.

7. Shri C Tamilvanan, Eminent Numismatist in Tamilnadu..

8. Shri Raghupathy, Eminent Philatelist in Tiruchirapalli.

9. Shri M.K..k , Eminent & Senior Philatelist in Karnataka.

10.Dr. M.R.Ramesh Kumar, Eminent & Senior Philatelist in state of Goa

The above listed honorary members serve as advisors to our members and help us gain knowledge thru their vast experience and exposure.

*Philately Stall:*

Apart from regular exchange of philatelic and numismatic materials during regular meeting, MAPNA also encourages active participation of vendors of philatelic and numismatic items. They help in bring latest and most valued items which help in widening the knowledge and also help our members to grow their collection. Most of them are our members

v Shri B. Karthgeyan & his son arrange Philately sale stall @ very Monthly meeting

v Shri Chellavel: Displays coins and notes for sale and exchange.

Memorable Life member Eminent Philatelist & Numimatist

Late Mr. Chandra Sekeran, Chennai