World Post Day 2023: Know the history, importance and theme of this year's 'World Post Day'
World Post Day
World Post Day is indeed celebrated each year on October 9th to commemorate the date of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern. Recognized internationally, the purpose of World Post Day is to bring awareness to the role of the postal sector in people's and businesses' everyday lives, as well as its contribution to global social and economic development.
The history of World Post Day dates back to the UPU Congress in Tokyo, Japan, in 1969. Since then, countries across the world have participated by organizing various activities aimed at generating a broader awareness of the postal service's role in the daily lives of people and businesses, and its contribution to the social and economic development of countries.
The theme for any given year is established to reflect current issues and focus areas. For instance, the theme "Post for Planet" underscores the commitment of the postal sector towards environmental sustainability, an acknowledgment of the urgency of protecting the environment in modern times. This approach aligns with broader themes across the globe addressing climate change and environmental protection. It's an opportunity for postal services to showcase their green initiatives, like the adoption of electric delivery vehicles, sustainable packaging, and waste reduction strategies.
History of World Post Day
A system was introduced in England during the year 1840. Under this system, all postal letters had to be paid for in advance i.e. prepaid. This system was introduced by Sir Rowland Hill. In this system, with prepaid payment for letters, a category was fixed for domestic service, in which a uniform rate was charged for all letters of equal weight. Not only this, Sir Rowland Hill also introduced the world's first postage stamp.
World Post Day significance
People get employment opportunities through World Post Day. This day is celebrated mainly to spread awareness among the people about the role of postal services. Talking about its objective, its main objective is to advance the economic and social importance of development services of the countries.
The theme for World Post-Day
Climate change is becoming a big problem for the whole world, and many countries are coming forward to deal with it. In such a situation, the theme of World Post Day has been kept as “Post for Planet”.
Know some interesting information on World Post Day
Post provides home delivery facilities to about 82% of the world's population. Apart from this, 77% of people also take advantage of these services online.
As of March 2017, there were a total of 1,54,965 post offices in the country, while there are 23 postal circles in the country, each of which is headed by a Chief Postmaster General.
The world's highest post office is in Hikkim, Himachal Pradesh.
At one time the post office used to charge two annas per 100 miles.
Gandhiji was the first person whose photograph was featured on the first independent India stamp.
The first post office in India was established in Kolkata in 1774 by the East India Company.
The first postage stamp of India was issued on November 21, 1947 (after independence). The first postage stamp of independent India depicted the national flag of India.
In 1984, Cochin stamps were placed second in an international competition for the most colorful stamps.
In India, the celebration extends into National Postal Week, spanning from October 9th to 15th, which helps in promoting a deeper understanding of the diverse roles played by the postal service. Throughout this week, numerous activities and programs are organized to recognize the contributions of the postal sector to the country's social and economic development. This extended celebration also serves as a reminder of the postal service’s importance, including how it provides valuable employment opportunities and serves as a bridge between communities.
Overall, World Post Day and National Postal Week celebrate the resilience of postal services, continuing to adapt and innovate in a rapidly digitalizing world while making significant contributions to sustainable development and environmental protection.
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