Pune: If all goes well, the 163-year-old Indian postal department may allow postmen to use Segway, instead of a bicycle, for delivery of mail. The department is also experimenting with drones for the fast dispatch of mail.
The drone and Segway were demonstrated for the first time in the country at the inauguration of the 13th state-level philatelic exhibition 'Mahapex 2018' in the city on Saturday. The two-day event is being held at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, Swargate, after a gap of six years.
During the event, officials demonstrated how a drone can be used for dispatching letters and the postmen were crisscrossing the streets of Pune on Segways. The postal authorities of Pune circle put in efforts to ensure that the event stands out.
The event was inaugurated by District Guardian Minister Girish Bapat who announced Rs two lakh grant for the exhibition. Pune and Mumbai region Postmaster General Ganesh Sawaleshwarkar, Police Commissioner Rashmi Shukla, Sumitha Ayodhya, DPS (HQ), Maharashtra circle, were also present on the occasion.
Sawaleshwarkar told Sakal Times, “It is the first time that demonstration of the drone and Segway was done as we wanted to experiment something different for fast delivery of mail to people. Though we are doubtful about drones, Segway is definitely a better option. Driving Segway (electric scooter) is less tiring and will create no pollution.”
A collection of stamps from Maharashtra and Goa is also displayed through 400 frames which reflect the tradition, leisure, culture and modernity. Two special covers namely 'Cavansite Mineral' and 'Irwin Bridge, Sangli' were released at the exhibition which will continue till January 22. During the exhibition, total eight special covers will be released on themes pertaining to Maharashtra and Goa.
Mahapex 2018 includes activities such as quiz competition, stamp design competition, letter writing competition and elocution competition for school-going children.
The purpose of holding such exhibitions is to create awareness about the philately, which is rightly known as 'The Hobby of Kings and the King of Hobbies'. Stamp collecting is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. Postage stamps are used by countries to portray their heritage, habitat, history, arts, literature and culture.
