​Workshop on Collecting Indian Air Mail
Jointly organised by the Karnataka Philatelic Society (KPS) and the Air Mail Society India Foundation (AMSI) at GPO, Bengaluru on 1 March 2026

​The presentation by Mr. Piyush Khaitan FRPSL, FPCI, Chairman of the Air Mail Society India Foundation (AMSI) offered a structured journey through the story of Indian airmails, beginning with the 1911 first official aerial post, followed by route surveys and early experimental flights across India and beyond. It covered the development of foreign airmail services such as Imperial Airways, KLM, and Air Orient, and the early days of internal airmail, including the pioneering efforts of J.R.D. Tata and Indian carriers. The impact of World War II on routes, censorship, and postal operations was also highlighted, along with the expansion of Indian civil aviation after independence, including Air-India International (1948), Night Air Mail, and the nationalisation of airlines in 1953.

​The session further provided insights into exhibiting considerations and the many ways to collect aerophilatelic material, including first flight covers, crash mail, routes and rates, auxiliary markings, Zeppelin mail, and rocket and space mail. Participants were also introduced to key resources, references, and a walkthrough of an award-winning exhibit on Indian airmails.

The workshop witnessed an enthusiastic participation of approximately 50 attendees, including the committee members of KPS, non-philatelist, collectors, and youth.