Mysuru: The history of Posts is a very fascinating study, as the Department of Posts, widely referred to in India as the “Post Office,” is the most widely distributed postal system in the world. With the advent of internet and the dramatic increase in the use of mobile phones, which has every conceivable feature in the tiny handset including sending messages akin to writing letters in the past, the Postal Department had virtually come to a stage of being closed down. However, the Department is making all efforts to stay with the times.

The Postal Training Centre in Mysuru, to keep the memory alive, is observing the National Postal Week from Oct. 9 to Oct. 14 by displaying various items that the Postal Department is known for including the attires of the Postman, the stamps and other paraphernalia.

It is a sheer delight to visit the Postal Museum at the Postal Training Centre in Nazarbad as one can just go down the memory lane. The red letter boxes, the 1854 mail carrier sack and lantern, which the postmen of those days lugged on their back running from one place to another through the night by carrying a spear which had bells to escape from the attack of animals, can all be seen in this exhibition.

The other interesting items include the famous leather bag with sling carried by the Postman, badges made out of brass, bronze and copper, which has been phased out and replaced by plastics can all be learnt here. The seal pads and stamp pads that have the names of place, date and time are also there.

The weighing scales used to weigh the posts takes an old timer back in time and the present generation wonder at the primitive instruments.

There is also lesson on Post Offices in the schools and the facilities it offers like distribution of posts, Postal Life Insurance, Postal Savings etc.

For the philatelists, it is a treasure trove as the stamps brought out on great personalities including leaders, film stars and politicians are all on show at the Museum.

Postal Department Supervisor Vishwananth Shastry, speaking about the exhibition, said that every year World Postal Day is celebrated on Oct. 9 and the Postal Training Centre is observing the National Postal Week from Oct. 9 to 14.

“In this Postal Museum many interesting facts right from the time of the Maharajas till today have been displayed. We have plans of expanding the Museum in the future,” he added.