RSTV Vishesh: World Post Day

World Post Day

Celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, . It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Since then, countries across the world participate annually in the celebrations. The Posts in many countries use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services.

In 2015 countries all over the world committed themselves to working together towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to end extreme poverty and hunger, fight inequality and injustice, and take action to reverse climate change--to name just some of these 17 agreed new Goals. Playing its part in this global effort, the Post today has a more relevant role than ever by providing infrastructure for development.

History of World Post Day:

 Firstly in Egypt, a known postal document found in 255 BC. Even before that time, postal services existed in almost every continent in the form of messengers serving Kings and Emperors.  After that, to exchange news and information, the universities and religious orders made their message delivery systems.  Over the 17th and 18th centuries, the exchange of messages between countries was mostly governed by bilateral postal agreements.  During the 19th century, the web of the bilateral postal agreement became complex because of rapidly developing trade and commercial sectors.  In 1840, the most noteworthy reform occurred in England when Sir Rowland Hill introduced a system. In this system, the postage on letters had to be prepaid.  Sir Rowland Hill first introduced the world’s first postage stamp. But the scope was limited. Also, they were not able to settle on an international postal agreement  A senior postal official from the North , Heinrich von Stephan, drew up a plan for an international postal union. At his suggestion, the Swiss Government held an international conference in Bern on 15 September 1874 which was attended by representatives from 22 nations.  The Treaty of Bern signed on 9th October and its name changed to the Universal Postal Union in 1878.

Activities

Every year several activities are holding to celebrate this day in many countries. The activities include:

 Philatelic exhibitions.  In post offices and public places, World Post Day posters.  Conferences, seminars and workshops, cultural, sports and many other activities.  Special keepsakes such as T-shirts and badges distributes by many postal administrations.

Conclusion:

To create awareness about the postal sector in people’s lives and businesses.