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In today’s digital age, the exchange of letters has almost come to an end. Once, when someone left home, the common advice was to "write a letter as soon as you arrive." Now, no one says that, nor is there a felt need to write letters anymore. The younger generation has become completely distant from the art of letter writing. If you ask them who a postman is, they might not even know, as they have grown up with mobile phones instead of letters.
The Old Tradition of Letter Writing
There was a time when writing letters was a special experience for people. When the postman arrived, children would run excitedly after him, wives would light up with joy, and parents would eagerly think that news from their son had finally arrived. Meanwhile, elderly mothers would hope for a money order from their sons. Just the sight of the postman brought a wave of emotions and hopes.
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The Emotional Essence of Letters
Letters were not just a means of conveying news or information; they reflected the depth of relationships. A letter written to a loved one contained emotions that often couldn’t be expressed in words. Today, when we communicate through emails or text messages, can we still convey those deep feelings? The answer is no. In today’s world, if someone wants to express their emotions, they might just send an emoji. But does an emoji truly capture your feelings? Absolutely not. The younger generation needs to learn the true means of expressing emotions.
The Portrayal of Postal Love in Songs
The theme of postal love has been beautifully portrayed in Hindi cinema through popular songs such as "Chitthi Aayi Hai," "Sandeshe Aate Hain," "Khat Likhe Sawanriya Ke Naam," "Yeh Mera Prem Patra Padkar," "Phool Tumhe Bheja Hai Khat Mein," "Dakiya Dakiya Laaya," "Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe," and "Chaand Nazron Mein Muskuraya Hai." However, in this digital era, the significance of such songs is gradually diminishing.
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The Impact of Technological Changes
Today, the internet, phones, and mobile devices have almost eradicated the tradition of letter writing. People now receive news at their fingertips in real-time. Earlier, when families would go to see a potential bride, letters were exchanged, but now people express their feelings on social media. In the past, people cherished their letters, but today, that sentiment is lost. They didn’t just keep letters; they preserved emotions.
Challenges of the New Era
The digital age has completely transformed communication methods. Chatting, video calling, and social media have given personal interactions a new direction. But are we able to express our feelings as deeply in this new age? Conversations held behind a screen can sometimes lack the effectiveness of a heartfelt letter. This is the significance of letters, but how can those glued to their mobile screens understand this value?
The Impact on Education
Now, letter writing is no longer taught in schools. Computers and the internet have taken its place. While this technology offers many conveniences, the traditional art of letter writing is fading away. For our education system, computers are essential, but we must also preserve our old heritage.
The History of the Universal Postal Union
Established in 1874, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) has given a new direction to the exchange of mail. Its objective was to create a shared framework for postal services between different countries, facilitating the international exchange of letters and packages. Today, the UPU includes 192 member countries, making it a significant entity in global postal services.
The Significance of World Postal Day
World Postal Day is celebrated on October 9 every year. This day reminds us how postal services make global communication easier and more accessible. It acknowledges the efforts that postal services have made to enhance communication worldwide.
Postal services not only distribute letters and parcels but also serve as a crucial means of connection in society. This day reminds us that a simple letter can carry a person's emotions and thoughts across vast distances. In earlier times, people wrote letters to share their innermost feelings, deepening their relationships.
World Postal Day is not just an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of postal services; it also reminds us of the need to maintain a balance among various means of communication. While digital communication has simplified our lives, a handwritten letter is a priceless gift in itself.
In this age of communication revolution, even though the tradition of letter writing is waning, we must remember that writing letters is an art—a wonderful way to express emotions. Today’s generation should strive to preserve this tradition, ensuring that the thread of feelings remains unbroken. The conveniences of the digital age are important, but we must not forget the value of traditional letter writing. It is not just a medium of communication; it is a means of expressing depth in relationships and emotions.
By Priyanka Yadav
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