Writing a letter is a rare phenomenon in this global era. Times have changed a lot.
The distance has been shortened. Voice chatting and emails are the easiest and cheapest way to have a speedy communication.
When Mobile phone plays the SMS roles too, the habit of letter writing fades away from our routine life. But can Indians forget postman? Post Man (some places post woman) comes to our mind with hope and respect.
| Walking a long distance, he has a huge bundle of mails, money orders, small parcels, and even magazines and publications. He symbolizes a hope for many families. Youth dreams an appointment letter from him. An aged person may expect pension. A hungry reader can wait for his favorite magazine. Post man is an authority to clear all postal doubts of all the villagers, too.
In our village we had a post man. He was not just a servant of public. Sometimes he was like Santa Claus distributing gifts and money. Some times just a messenger, providing messages. |
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His bag was a mysterious one with words of love and passion, sorrows and emotions. The quantity of postal items has declined a lot.
The survival of postal department itself is in peril, according to government sources. Government is trying to diversify its function. Rural post offices are becoming instant money receiving centers from gulf countries. That is the recent business side of post office. They sell Public Service Commission Application forms too.
During my childhood days I remember many men were out in search for livelihood either in Madras (old name for Chennai) Bangalore (old name for Banaglooru) or Coimbatore. Some had flown to Gulf. Telephone communication was not so popular as today. The families of such people, who have gone far, mostly depended on the letters for communication. Sometimes they waited for long days to get one letter. It took more than one week to receive a letter from the Gulf.
Every family with their loved ones away, waited for the postman who was like an incarnated angel. Some of those who received his service brought special gift for this messenger who had a special dignity among rural folk. In one way or in another, post man played a big role in every one’s life.
Post man was surrounded by children in houses or they go behind him on foot paths and small roads. Some times kids simply ask, ”any letter for my home”? His bag had a special fragrance.
During rain and under scorching Sun, he walks along the village with a big umbrella and a bag with letters, covering many houses. His responsibility had always been far higher than his earnings. People trusted him. He was the basic element of a nationwide trustworthy network.
When we think seriously about the benefit of letter writing, we can’t ignore the habit simply. It is a unique art with creativity and imagination. It reflects the true nature of mind. It reflects the true and sincere love. Above all, it provides a sort of satisfaction. Letter writing is just like other writing processes; but something personal and unparalleled. Letters maintain a good and strong relationship.
Sometimes letters have become part of history too. Letters written by eminent personalities have become historical collections. Some old letters are being discussed even now. Nehru’s letter to his daughter Indira Gandhi while he was in jail has been widely discussed among politicians and historians. Nehru’s letters were like a mirror of history.
Letters are fascinating work of art. Postmen are the essential element of distributing network even in this global age. When I spoke to many expatriates, they say letters are most powerful and effective communication method. But many have no time to spend to write letters regularly due to busy work schedules.
Still, many prefer letter writing .They don’t get the real satisfaction from emails or SMS.
While even writing a single letter, remember that man who keep it as a treasure and bring it to your family, your friend… He is the messenger of your heart!!
