Chennai: Letter writing is a lost art in today’s fast-paced world. As a result, for students of Chennai Primary School in Shastri Nagar, it was a trip down the historical lane when they visited the Shastri Nagar post office on World Postal Day.
Students from classes one to five were taken on the field trip.
Their teacher, Prema said, “They learnt a lot. They understood that before phones and emails, letters were written. Even for the teachers it was nostalgic.”
“‘Nalam, Nalam ariya aaval’, which translates into I am fine, eager to know how you are: This was usually the first phrase written in a letter. The children were surprised to see various stamps and how it was important to post a letter with one,” she added. The students were also given a brief history of postal service in India, which began in Kolkata.
Sub Post Master, R Jayamani, told the visitors the importance of saving from a young age even if it is a small amount. He spoke about the Pon Mahan and Pon Magal scheme.
He explained how post cards and inland were used to inform students if they were detained or promoted to the next class.
Speaking to this paper, Jayamani said, “It was a refreshing experience. The postal department had a lull but of late people have started posting letters again. Most of the students visit the office to buy inland and other items for school projects. But it was heartening to see these children come forward to learn new things. There are campaigns under way to encourage people to write letters. Senior citizens, RDO and other government bodies have also taken up savings schemes with the Postal department.”
The staff gave post cards to the students as a thank you gesture for the visit.