A Silent Adieu : No More Telegrams

Long long back I remember, the paucity of communication tools. A major disability of mankind to express anything to a person not before you. Several obstacles were also there to blame for it. Thanks to Indian Post and Telegraph Department people had an option to convey through letters. POSTCARD, INLAND and ENVELOPE Were the choice according to the paying capacity of an individual and the need based upon the nature of message. Sometimes, one had to choose between the most economical or most urgent. A POSTCARD was the most economical mode of sending communication whereas the A TELEGRAM was the costliest. TELEGRAMS were the choice only in case there was an emergency. 

As a TELEGRAM was a costliest mode and was sent in the most urgent conditions, its delivery was also ensured so promptly. Even, in a dark rainy night its delivery was ensured. The cost of a telegram was based on the length of the message, so it was always preferred to choose shortest messages. Here are few glimpses of those shortest and popular telegraphic messages.

1. Mother serious come soon.
2. Father hospitalized send money.
3. Sister's marriage finalised on --/--/----
4. Wife sick proceeding on leave. Letter         follows.

Likewise, several message codes were also there where one has to put the code only on the TELEGRAM booking form and a detailed message was conveyed to the recipient. 

In older days a TELEGRAM was always received as an event and were opened with a sense of apprehension or trepidation as they were concerned for the welfare or the safe living of their dear ones. 

It was one of the most favorite and reliable mode of communication for Jawans of army for communicating with their official and family matters or to ask for a leave or an extension for the same. 

After 163 years of TELEGRAMS, B.S.N.L. decided to stop this service from last 16th July 2013. Since, there was no relevance of this service where a much faster mode of communications are made available, when one can communicate with the speed of the thoughts coming in the mind.

In this present era of Computers and IT, when communication has become a handy tool for everyone, the service of TELEGRAMS had lost its relevance and utility.

This was the reason, after the announcement of closure of  this service, no noise was there. Even, many people are not aware or concerned about it. But, while remembering the past one can understand the worth and greatness of this service which has served the humanity with a lot of its grace and concern.   

But today, when the people are blessed or empowered with the extremely advanced mode of communication can't be concerned for it. However, many had given tribute to this service by sending a last TELEGRAM to their closed ones with a hope that they will keep it as a memorabilia. 

Nevertheless, it was a silent adieu of a service which had taken care of the nation in every grief and delight with a tender touch. 

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