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The Department of Posts will celebrate the World Post Day on October 9. World Post Day is celebrated every year on October 9. It was on this day in the year 1874 the Universal Postal Union (UPU) was founded in Bern, the Swiss Capital. This day was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in the year1969. Since then, countries world over participate annually in the celebrations. The Postal Departments of various countries use the occasion to introduce or promote new postal products and services. However, it may be pertinent to mention that India Post is currently celebrating its 150 years of existence and service to the nation. The Department of Post as part of its celebration of National Postal Week will commence with World Post Day on 9th October followed by Business Development Day on 11th October. Respectively, Philately Day, Savings Bank Day, PLI Day and Mail Day will follow from 12th to 15th October.
Most member countries organise philatelic exhibitions during this period and special stamps and date cancellation marks are issued on 9 October. India Post too, is organising a Philatelic Workshop for School Children with emphasis on 150 years of India Post on 12th October. Philately Exhibition, Painting Competition for school children on philately, Quiz on philately and letter writing competition for school children are also being held on 12th October. Other activities include the display of World Post Day posters in post offices and other public places; open days at post offices, mail centres and postal museums; the holding of conferences, seminars and workshops; as well as cultural, sport and other recreation activities.
In a message on the occasion of World Post Day, Mr. Thomas E. Leavey, Director General, Universal Postal Union has said while there has been movement in improving universal postal access, especially in the industrialised countries and in countries with emerging economies much remained to be done in other regions. According to UPU, five percent of the population in developing countries is still without postal coverage, with the situation in Africa being the most worrisome. Further 18% of the African continent population has no access to postal services.
The UPU in cooperation with UNESCO has, for the last 35 years, organise International Letter-writing Competitions for young people. Most participating member countries give away the prizes to the winners of the competition on this day of October 9 i.e. World Post Day.
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