I happened to be driving back home from my favourite Sunday morning jaunt at the Cubbon Park in Bangalore where I presently live, when I happened to spot an old post box nailed to the trunk of a tree growing on a sidewalk.
The very sight of this post box flooded my mind with a zillion blissful memories of an era where writing letters were a journey through time and connection.
In today’s fast-paced digital age, where instant communication is the norm, there’s something nostalgic about reminiscing on the era of family, friends, pen pals and handwritten letters. It was a time when communication wasn’t just about the words exchanged but also about the care and effort put into crafting each letter. Each stroke of the pen carried with it a piece of the sender’s personality, emotions, and thoughts.
Growing up in that era meant eagerly awaiting the postman’s arrival, knowing that a letter from a friend or family member could be waiting. The anticipation built with each passing day, heightened the excitement when the letter finally arrived. There was a tangible connection in holding an envelope addressed in a familiar handwriting, feeling the texture of the paper, and breathing in the faint scent of the sender’s surroundings.
Choosing the perfect stationery was an art in itself. For me, selecting the right design of the envelope to the quality and texture of the paper, including selecting an appealing colour of ink to be used, was so important. All in all, a recipe to precisely convey a wondrous sense of affection and thoughtfulness.
And then there was the handwriting. Ah! Each letter painstakingly written in my best and neatest of handwritings. I had always considered – as I do even now – that my handwriting was a unique imprint of my individuality.
But perhaps for me the most cherished aspect of letter writing was the depth of the content. In a world without instant messaging or social media updates, letters were a lifeline to distant friends and family. They were filled with heartfelt expressions of love, warmth, and shared experiences. Paragraphs flowed effortlessly, painting vivid pictures of everyday life and forging bonds that transcended distance.
Responding to a letter was an equally significant ritual. It was a chance to reciprocate the emotions and stories shared, to offer comfort and advice, and to strengthen the connection between the recipient and me. Taking the time to craft a thoughtful reply was an act of commitment, a testament to the value placed on the relationship.
The era of handwritten letters may be fading into memory, but the sentiments they carried still resonate deeply within me. They constantly remind me of a time when communication was an art form, a labour of love that brought people together across distances.
There’s a certain magic in holding a tangible piece of someone’s thoughts and feelings in your hands, something that a text message or email can never quite replicate. And perhaps, in this age of instant gratification, there’s something to be said for slowing down, picking up a pen, and letting our words flow freely onto the page.
So hey…would you like to be my pen pal?
Celebrate Life…Celebrate being YOU!!
See you soon…
Anand
