SIPA History 

The South India Philatelists Association affiliated to the Philatelic Congress of India was founded in 1956 with a handful of keen enthusiasts. It had the support of the Late Shri Varadarajulu Chettiar and the first President of the association was the Rev. Christadoss of the Danish Mission. The Rev. Christadoss always generously placed a spacious hall free for holding regular meetings. The Late Shri M. L. Tannan philatelists and educationists and the Late S. T. Srinivasa Gopalachari, eminent advocate of the Madras Bar and a Fellow of the Royal Philatelists' Society, London, were pillars of strength to the association. The Late S. T. Srinivasa Gopalachari, inaugurated the first SIPA exhibition in the year 1959. 

Much later another exhibition was held at the time when the United States of America issued two stamps in the popular denominations of 4 and 5 cents portraying the Father of the Nation - Mahatma Gandhi - In their “Champion of Liberty” series. This was sponsored with the active co-operation of the United States Information Service (USIS) headed then by Mr. Renzo Pagin, in January 1961. The USIS provided the frames and other material required to exhibit the stamps. The USIS was active in giving their assistance and active co-operation in holding exhibitions during the years 1962, 1964, 1969 & 1972.  

The early days of SIPA had the constant support of the USIS and the respective Consul Generals of the United States at Madras, to name a few Dr. Thomas W. Simons, Dr. Albert Franklin, Mr. Recknagel, Mr. Stephen, E. Palmer Jr. and Miss Cecili Johnson. SIPA has always had the effective help and encouragement from the Postmaster Generals in the Madras Circle starting with the Late Shri, L. K. Narayanaswami from the 1960’s.

 Today its membership has both Life Members and Annual Members and the association has grown from strength to strength because of the very valuable services rendered by the past Presidents. SIPA also has a library that is open for reference.

SIPA members have over a period of time visited schools in the city of Madras (Chennai) and encouraged students to take up the hobby of philately. SIPA has its own Bi-monthly Bulletin since its inception. SIPA has also held a number of workshops over the years. SIPA members also work hand-in-glove with the Postmaster Generals in the Madras Circle to conduct State Level Exhibitions. 

Something very special about SIPA is that all the members share their knowledge with one another. The camaraderie in SIPA is what keeps it going. SIPA members have regularly won medals & laurels at State, National and International Stamp Exhibitions not only in India but also abroad and have done SIPA proud.