New Delhi: World Post Day is observed on October 9 every year. The day was selected because it commemorates the founding of the Universal Postal Union in 1874.
The aim of this day is to raise public awareness of the value of the postal industry. It serves as a reminder of the vital role the postal sector plays in the daily lives of individuals and organisations, as well as the contributions it makes to nations' social and economic progress.
World Post Day 2022: A brief history
While the first known formal postal service may be found in Iran around 550 BC, the origins of what we now refer to as the postal service date to Ancient Egypt around 2500 BC. The contemporary concept of the mailman was inspired by the courier services used by many civilizations to transport letters, messages, news, and packages across vast empires separated by thousands of miles. Since Benjamin Franklin served as the country's first postmaster general in 1775, the US has had its own postal system.
In order to foster collaboration and regulate postal services among its member states, the Universal Postal Union was founded on October 9, 1874. World Post Day was established in 1969 at the Tokyo Universal Postal Congress.
World Post Day 2022: Significance and celebrations
The 192 nations that make up the UPU commemorate World Post Day each year to recognise the value of universal mail and the UPU's contributions to society and the world economy. Every year, during this week, some nations arrange unique stamp exhibits and introduce new postal initiatives. India is one among them.
The UPU holds an international letter-writing contest for kids up to age 15 demonstrating its commitment to fostering international understanding. A UPU jury chooses the global champion after selecting winners from each nation. The approach not only encourages reading but also maintains the anticipation of receiving letters.
World Post Day 2022: Theme
Every year, World Post Day is observed with a unique theme. The theme for World Post Day 2022 is “Post for Planet.”
The circular economy may not be a novel idea. Still, it is now more obvious than ever that we must adhere to its tenets, spread knowledge of the Post's potential to address the climate catastrophe, and promote general resource mobilisation across sectors.