Communication - Letters

11 Oct 2011, TOI headlines ….. “Roaming charges to be abolished. Government plans nationwide number portability”.

This news triggered a plethora of thoughts about communication. We all have read that in ancient days that pigeons used to carry messages or use of an ambassador to convey messages between Kings. Later, we also have heard and used Telephone, Telegram, letters, mails, mobiles in our lives to communicate among us. What surprises me is the advancement of technology over these years of written and oral communication.

A simple postcard, greeting Card, inland letter or an envelope posted in a post office going to other part of state / country was amazing me in those days. If my memory serves it right, a post card costed 15 paise, presently 50 paise, an inland letter costed us 25 paise, presently Rs 2.50 and an envelope 75 paise, presently Rs 5. Letter writing habit was deeply rooted in every family in earlier days.

This habit was inculcated in me by my father.  He used to allow me to write at least a few lines in all the letters which he wrote to all relatives. Thus I was motivated to share my thoughts as a kid with my elders and my father never used to amend anything of my portion.

I can still visualize the writings of my grandfather and grandmother. We still have some of those letters, with my father as a prized possession. I remember one particular letter, in which my grandmother had listed things, required after “Delivery” to my Aunt!! Microsoft must have learnt the “monotype corsiva” font from my Grandfather!!. His running handwriting with those beautiful strokes spoke volumes of emotions. His hand writing still remains an inspiration for me.

My father used to maintain a folder for letters every year. I used to read all letters of my relatives, whenever I went on leave. Though I came to know the things earlier, through parent’s letters, reading those relative’s letters later, during my annual vacation, gave a lot of pleasure and the feeling that you were there with everybody at the same time. I silently admired all those letters.

Going back to formative years with defence services had given me a similar kind of emotion. During lunch time, almost everybody will be rushing to mess to have a quick grab. However, all had one daily activity in common. All would go to their rooms to find one letter in their bed, which would be opened in a flash and rush to mess to go through that letter as many as possible times before you land up in front of the counter where food is served!!. There were also days when you did not receive letters, but the routine never changed, as we used to read the ‘old’ letters all over again. There used to be some ‘dry days’ as well, indicating no letters. Those are sad days. Letter writing was a hobby, passion and getting replies for the same, one got unbridled happiness.

We all have heard this song “Sandese Aathe hain” from the famous movie Border. This song even today, evokes the same emotions and brings the essence of communication as part of our life. Communication provides meaning, substance and adds lot of sweet memories to the beautiful life.

Shall we see something about Tele / electronic communication….. Yes of course little later…..

To be continued……