World Post Day: The charm of handwritten letters in the hearts of youngsters
I’ve never written nor received any letters. But my mother always praises the beauty of writing letters.
I still write letters to friends on special occasions. The colour of the ink, the handwriting, it’s all so heartfelt! AASHNA SARIN, A Chennaibased entrepreneur
My grandfather used to write letters to me in the ’90s. I still look at those letters and cards whenever I miss him. ARNAB HALDAR, A Delhi-based professional
On my 18th birthday, I received letters from close friends and family. That remains the most special gift for me. ADYA SUKHIJA, Student of Gargi College
Taprajita.sharad@hindustantimes.com he smell of ink on a handwritten letter was all the rage during the ’90s. when everyone wrote letters as Internet hadn’t become as accessible as it is now. On World Post Day, today, millennials and Gen Z talk about their love for writing and receiving letters.
“My grandfather used to write letters to me in the ’90s. I still look at some of those letters and cards whenever I miss him,” says Arnab Haldar, a Delhiite, who still prefers sending letters and postcards. He adds, “I’ve written countless letters to friends. Apologies that couldn’t be communicated to your classmate, or feelings that couldn’t be conveyed to your crush were written in letters. I remember how fondly I used to buy scented plastic roses and stick them on the envelope that had a love letter for my Valentine.”
Haldar is one of the many millennials who aren’t over the charm of letters. Pouring out emotions and thoughts feels easier and more cathartic to them in letters than it is in texts or snaps. Another reason for this love for handwritten letters, perhaps, is the fact that they have been a part of the decade where cell phones were scarce and PCO booths were a part of life.
Aashna Sarin, an entrepreneur from Chennai, appreciates the effort that goes into letters. “My teenage nieces, who only communicate via texts with their friends, recently wrote me a letter and made drawings for my birthday because they know how much I appreciate the value of handwritten notes,” shares Sarin, who still writes letters to her friends on special occasions. “The colours of the ink, the handwriting, it’s so heartfelt! I hope that Gen Z can revive the art of writing letters and they don’t miss out on its charm,” she adds.
The younger lot, who are college going students, live in a world of instant communication. “I always hear my mother praising the beauty of handwritten letters, but texting is quicker,” says Devina Kapoor, a student at
Indraprastha College for Women, pointing out that practicality is supreme. But even amongst the youngsters, some have taken a liking to the old art of writing and receiving letters. “On my 18th birthday, I received letters from close friends and family. Suffice to say, those remain the most special gift for me,” says Adya Sukhija, a Gargi College student, who adds, “I am a huge fan of the old school ways of life and absolutely adore letters and handwritten notes. But maybe, they are too special to be written daily. We’re now used to everything instant and texting is a speedy way of communication and, more convenient for day-to-day conversation.”