Mr. Daniel Monteiro, of our Association has entered the ‘Guinness World Records’ for his largest collection of stamps featuring birds. His total collection consists of 4911 stamps from 263 countries. The old record was in the name of Mr. Paul-Erwin Oswald of Germany.
Mr.Daniel made an attempt for this record by organizing a major philatelic exhibition Birdpex-2011’ on 7th and 8th December 2011 at S.M.S. community hall, Brahmavar. More than 6000 people including VIPS, Juries, stamp collectors participated in this event.
Daniel S/o Late Mr. Peter Monteiro and Late Mrs. Florine Monteiro of Kumrugodu Village, Brahmavar, began the hobby of collecting stamps at the age of 11 (year 1973). In the Primary School, when a teacher encouraged Daniel and his other classmates to develop any one of the hobbies, the collection of stamps attracted Daniel. He began by collecting stamps of all types and then went on to specialize in water birds, which aroused his interest in them so much. Since his house is surrounded by a river and a lake with variety of water birds, he took special interest in them.
The awards, distinctions and recognitions he won are numerous, 10 international level from Belgium, Austria, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok , Korea, Indonesia, China and India, 21 national level and 13 state level and from 31 prestigious institutions in Karnataka State, including All India Sahitya Convention Award, District Rajyaotsava Award, Vishveshvarayya Award, Ambedkar award, Extraordinary Personality of Konkani Award. He is also into ornithological studies, Bird watching and Environment protection activities.
Daniel’s another noteworthy achievement was his entry into the ‘Limca Book of Records’ a due recognition for his rare collection of ducks stamps and also three records in ‘India Book Of Records’ for largest collection of ducks stamps, largest collection of birds stamps and one man largest exhibition, Birdpex-2011.
He has been an active member of D.K.Philatelic and Numismatic Association. He has organized 163 exhibitions on Philately and 31 workshops on environment and philately till date, and also actively involved himself in creating an awareness about wild life and the need to protect the environment. He has presented papers on birds and stamps at seminars held, even at the national level. Mr. Daniel Monteiro loves to talk to children about birds and stamps, and this he does by organizing workshops, exhibitions and competitions for school children and college students.
