Indian Professor Collects Gandhi and Palindrome Dates.

"For Venkatesh S Yalvigi, a retired botany professor from Bangalore University, collecting stamps, coins and currency notes is more than just a hobby — it is a way of life," writes reporter Sudha Hegde on India's Deccan Herald website.

According to Hegde, over the last forty years, 83-year-old Professor Yalvigi has spent a lot of time, money and energy on philately and "his collection has almost all the stamps, mints and currency notes on Gandhi from across the world." He also collects other individuals who fought for India’s independence.

"Though he has been into this hobby for the last 40 years, he got a new idea around 12 years ago. He started getting the stamps and special covers cancelled on special dates," says Hegde. "Hence, from 01-01-01 to 11-11-11... he has a collection of stamps and special covers cancelled on these special days."

Hegde is quoted as saying, “In this millennium, we have a series of 12 dates occurring every year from 2001 to 2012. Postal cancellation stamps are accepted as an official mark of the date across the world. So if I get the cancellation on 12-12-12, I will complete the circle and it will be a record in itself. I am waiting for 12-12-12 to complete my philately circle of special dates. I will probably have an exhibition after completing this occasion. I also have to design a special cover for the date."

Shown above, Professor Venkatesh S Yalvigi with part of his collection. 

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