World Post Day 2023: Why and How is it Celebrated? History, Significance, and Theme
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World Post Day 2023: Why and How is it Celebrated? History, Significance, and Theme
World Post Day, also known as World Postal Day, is celebrated every year on October 9th. In this article, we will learn why and how World Post Day 2023 is celebrated, its history, significance, and the theme for this year.
Why and How is World Post Day 2023 Celebrated?
World Post Day is observed annually on October 9th. It was first established in 1969, and since then, it has been celebrated on the same date each year. In India, National Postal Week is celebrated in conjunction with World Post Day, extending beyond a day to create awareness about the role of postal services.
The primary objective of World Post Day is to raise awareness among people about the importance of postal services in employment opportunities and their significant contribution to the economic and social development of countries.
World Post Day Theme 2023
The theme for World Post Day 2023 is “Post for Planet.” This theme highlights the role of postal services in contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing plastic usage and pollution.
History of World Post Day
- In 1840, the prepaid postal system was introduced in England.
- This system required prepayment for postage on mail items.
- Sir Rowland Hill initiated this system with the aim of improving postal services.
- Under this system, a special category was established for domestic services, with a uniform rate for all letters of the same weight.
- Sir Rowland Hill also introduced the world’s first postage stamp, making postal services even more convenient and accessible.
Significance of World Post Day 2023
World Post Day aims to create awareness about the vital role of postal services and their contribution to employment opportunities. It emphasizes the economic and social significance of postal services in a country’s development.
Facts about World Post Day 2023
- Approximately 82% of the world’s population has access to home delivery services through postal systems.
- 77% of people also utilize online postal services.
- As of March 2017, there were a total of 1,54,965 post offices in India, organized into 23 postal circles, each headed by a Chief Postmaster General.
- The world’s highest post office is located in Hikkim, Himachal Pradesh.
- At one time, post offices used to charge a uniform rate of two annas for a delivery distance of 100 miles.
- Mahatma Gandhi was the first individual to have his image featured on the first postage stamp issued in independent India.
- The first post office in India was established in Kolkata by the East India Company in 1774.
- India’s first postage stamp was issued on November 21, 1947, featuring the national flag.
- In 1984, Kochi’s stamps with vibrant designs secured the second position in an international competition for the most colorful stamps.
World Post Day serves as a reminder of the essential role played by postal services in connecting people and nations while also encouraging environmental responsibility through initiatives like reducing plastic and pollution in postal operations.