Kolkata: General Post Office (GPO), Kolkata, is gearing up to celebrate its 150th year that falls on October 2 in a grand way.
There will be a series of programmes to commemorate the occasion that includes extension of the postal museum at the GPO building, a heritage walk along Dalhousie area, release of a special cover, a documentary on the history of GPO and unveiling of a coffee table book among many other things.
The celebration kicks off from October 1 with an unique exhibition of stamps and other philatelic items and special letters written by famous personalities at the GPO premises. "We have been constantly striving to come out with more and more exhibits highlighting the history and heritage of GPO and bring it in public view. However, the lack of space has acted as a barrier. Finally after much effort, we have managed to arrange for a space and we are hopeful that the extension of the museum will emerge as a major attraction.
The extension of the museum that was refurbished in 2016 will be unveiled on October 1," said Arundhaty Ghosh, chief Post Master General West Bengal circle. A number of weighing scales that have been used over the years in the postal circle and a canon that was found at the GPO premises during digging work some years back will be among the many things that will be displayed at the museum.
On October 2, a special cover on Mahatma Gandhi will be released to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation, whose birth anniversary coincides with GPO's 150 years.
"We will also organise a heritage walk beginning from Lalit Great Eastern Hotel in Dalhousie. It will traverse a number of heritage buildings located in and around Dalhousie area and culminate in front of the GPO. Our aim is to deliver the message that conservation of heritage is of utmost importance," Ghosh added.
The celebration will conclude on October 6 when a documentary on the 150 years of GPO will be screened at Rotary Sadan. A number of GPO staff who have done commendable work will be awarded followed by a cultural programme. A coffee table book will also be released. The GPO is receiving a fresh coat of paint and the ornaments on the top of the Corinthian column is being painted golden.
The GPO is the central post office of Kolkata and the chief post office of Bengal. It handles most of the city's inbound and outbound mail and parcels.
The imposing structure of the GPO in BBD Bagh area is one of the landmarks in the city. It was designed in 1864 by Walter B Grenville, who acted as the consulting architect to the government of India from 1863 to 1868. The GPO is probably the only remaining of the ancient fort
of Calcutta.