MEET THE ANTIQUE COLLECTOR

Several people collect old coins and stamps, but few truly unearth their passion for antiques. Vivek Kumar, a resident of Gurgaon, is one of those rare collectors. At it since the age of nine, today the 35-year-old’s collection includes postage stamps, coins and bank notes from more than a 100 countries.

It was an interaction with his school principal that changed his life, shares Vivek. “My principal told me how he used to collect currencies, and asked if we had any historical currencies to share. I searched at home, and got so excited that instead of sharing it, I began my own collection.”

Having started with stamps or cancelled stamps, he moved to mint stamps that he bought from post offices across India. He also collected postage stamps from the letters that his relatives living abroad wrote to his family here, or from friends visiting the country. “Now, I even have stamps dating back to 19th century... Jo stamp Delhi mein milega, woh Hyderabad mein bilkul different hoga. My work gave me the opportunity to explore various cities, which enhanced my knowledge in philately,” he says.

The vintage collector also keeps gathering miniature sheets (Stamps of India) and antique locks from countries such as Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan. “Mujhe puraani cheezon se lagav hai (I am fond of antiques). I keep collecting old statues, locks and paper weights. Most people understand my love and offer me articles for my collection. Kayi log nahi bhi samjhe (... and some don’t), but I don’t mind it,” says Vivek.

PHOTOS: WASEEM GASHROO/HT Vivek Kumar has also participated in exhibitions in Hisar, Sirsa, Bhiwani, Gurgaon and Srinagar

His collection encompasses stamps, coins and letters

Antique locks from Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan