Praful K. Thakkar is the collector of autographs, stamps, FDCs, coins, medals, tokens, badges , badge plates etc. since last more than 70 years. He got a legacy of creative understanding of art, antiques and numismatics from his father. Subsequently he developed the hobby of collecting Art, Autographs and Numismatic objects in his own way.

‘Share the Knowledge – Spread the Knowledge‘ is the motto of his life. And in true spirit of his life’s motto, besides authoring several learned publications on Indian culture in Gujarati, he has authored “Collector’s Guide to Indian Canteen Tokens”, “Collector’s Guide to Membership Badges of Turf & Race Clubs of India”, “Collector’s Guide to Chronologies of Sultans, Rulers & Colonial Heads of India” and “Chapras : Collector’s Guide to Belt Buckles, Badges and Badge Plates of India”, “Collector’s Guide to First Day Covers & Folders of India 1947-1964 Official & Private”, “Collector’s Guide to First Day Covers & Folders with Set of Stamps, Se-tenant Stamps & Miniature Sheets”, “Collector’s Guide to British India Bazar Postcards – Edwardian & Georgian Period”, “Glimpses of Indian Autographs” and “Autographs.. Memories Forever”… which is a series of books presenting Autographs of Personalities thematically in their entirety.

His philately books have received awards in International Philatelic Exhibitions at Portugal, South Africa, Washington-USA, Chicago-USA, Tokyo-Japan and Jakarta-Indonesia.

As I.A.S. officer he has served the Government of Gujarat for more than 31 years on various posts as Collector Valsad, Commissioner Rural Development, Secretary Revenue Department and on many such challenging jobs.

Even after retirement, now at the age of 86 years, he has still continued this hobby of Autograph collection as he firmly believes that ‘Hobby is for Health & Hobby is for Happiness‘.

Just as ‘Share the Knowledge – Spread the Knowledge‘ is the motto of his life, ‘Share the Happiness – Spread the Happiness‘ is another understanding of his life. And this ‘Sharing of Happiness’ is the root cause of creation of various hobby books and websites.

The hobbies of Autograph, Philatelic and Numismatic collection have given him new energy and enthusiasm. For him any such hobby is a worship that keeps him pure, fit and healthy. People have hobbies for happiness and harvesting profit in future. For him it is for keeping good health too.

As a collector of various collectibles, he has faced many a difficulties in collecting, understanding and arranging the collection. The same may be happening to new collectors and they might be facing similar hurdles too. To overcome such situations and to encourage various hobbies and to preserve such a classic collection of Indian heritage, he is tirelessly working hard.

Apart from writing books on various hobbies, he has also made attempts to create awareness through his websites: www.indianphilatelics.com, www.indiannumismatics.com & www.indianautographs.com. They have made landmarks in their respective hobby-fields of Philatelics, Numismatics and Autograph collection respectively.

⦿ In 2008, The Numismatic Society of India Varanasi, Indian Coin Society, Nagpur and Indian National Trust for Art Culture and Heritage, Gwalior have awarded him the ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ for his innumerable and invaluable contribution to Indian Numismatics and Para-numismatics in all its aspects.

⦿ In 2009, he has been considered as National record holder by Limca Book of Records and has been placed as record holder for his collections of Autographs and Indian Canteen Tokens.

⦿ In the same year 2009, Gujarat Coin Society took cognizance of his excellent works and achievements and has also given him ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ for his outstanding service to numismatic fraternity.

⦿ He has rendered his services as Chairman in Coinex-2006 and Coinex-2010, which were National Level Numismatic Exhibitions organised by Gujarat Coin Society, Ahmedabad. And he has successfully accomplished his mission.

⦿ In 2011, Lohana Maha Parishad, Ahmedabad has awarded him an International level ‘Vishisht Raghuvanshi Pratibha Award’ recognising and appreciating his vivid activities and hobbies.

⦿ In 2015, Autograph Collectors Club of India has also given him the ‘Life Time Achievement Award’ for his inspiring contribution through his book and website to the hobby of Autograph collection.

Print media and TV media have, time and again, covered his various themes of collection.

Through his above mentioned painstaking efforts, he has kept no stone unturned to give a direction and dimension to organize various hobbies including this important and interesting hobby of Indian Autographs in its true perspective.