For generations, the sight of a bright red letterbox was a symbol of connection in India. Long before emails and WhatsApp, people waited for the postman’s bicycle bell, carrying news from loved ones, money orders and postcards from different corners of the world.
A trusted companion
India Post, established in 1854, became not just a service but a trusted companion in everyday life. Over the decades, it grew into the world’s largest postal network, reaching the remotest corners of the country.
From telegrams that announced births and weddings to aerograms that crossed continents, the postal system quietly chronicled India’s journey to modern times. Its red box, once the heart of every mohalla, became a powerful symbol of communication and trust.
First postal stamp
India’s first postal stamp was issued on November 21, 1947, after independence. It depicted the national flag of India. Mahatma Gandhi was the first person to feature on a postal stamp in independent India.
Interestingly, all Postal Index Numbers beginning with nine are reserved for Indian Army Post Offices. India is one of the earliest active members of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a specialised agency of the United Nations.
Introduction of Speed Post
India Post introduced speed post in the 1980s, pioneered financial inclusion through postal savings, and now offers services such as insurance, banking, and even digital wallets.
Yet, with change comes farewell. In July 2025, India Post discontinued registered post, an age-old service that for decades guaranteed the safe delivery of important documents. This marked the end of a 50-year era.
India Post has assured that the benefits of Registered Post will continue to be available through Speed Post, as it adapts to the needs of a changing world and reinvents itself in a new avatar.
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