New Delhi (NVI): World Post Day is marked on October 9 every year to celebrate the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) which was started in 1874 in Switzerland.
The day was declared by the 1969 UPU Congress in Tokyo, Japan. In addition to this, it was proposed by the member of Indian delegation, Anand Mohan Narula.
The first known postal document, found in Egypt, dates back to 255 BC. However, postal services existed on nearly every continent in the form of messengers serving kings and emperors even before that.
The day aims to spread awareness about the Post’s role in the everyday lives of people and businesses and its contribution to global social and economic development. The UPU’s three strategic pillars are innovation, integration and inclusion.
The Post has a network of more than 6.5 lakh offices and 53 lakh staff globally. It has the ability to deliver services to anyone, anywhere.
More than 150 countries celebrate the day every year. The day is observed with programmes and activities creating awareness about the Post’s role. Nations also promote new postal products and services to celebrate the day.
Postal services are coming up with new and creative ways to keep the post moving even during the coronavirus pandemic. Posts have stepped in to offer everything from delivering critical personal protective equipment, testing kits and medications, to ensuring children receive their educational materials to continue their schooling from home.
This year, the celebrations of World Post Day will be held virtually.
-CHK
