14 July - The Telegraph Service Ended In India in 2013

 

On July 14, 2013, India marked the end of an era with the termination of its telegraph service. This event was significant as it brought an end to a 163-year-old communication system that had played a crucial role in the country’s history.

Whether it’s a birth, death, wedding, job, unemployment, war, accident, and you name it - telegram touched every aspect of the way India lived. Though in the age of smartphones, emails and internet, telegram much like postal service had become redundant and that’s why the service was shelved for good on 14 July 2013.

History of the Telegraph in India

• Introduction: The telegraph service was introduced in India by the British in the mid-19th century. The first telegraph line was established between Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Diamond Harbour in 1851.
• Expansion: The network rapidly expanded, and by the time of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, it had become an essential tool for the British administration to maintain control and coordinate military efforts.
• Significant Role: Over the years, the telegraph service became vital for communication across the vast expanse of India, facilitating government administration, business transactions, and personal communication.

End of an Era

• Decline: With the advent of modern communication technologies such as mobile phones, the internet, and email, the use of the telegraph service sharply declined. By the early 21st century, the service had become largely obsolete.
• Final Day: On July 14, 2013, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the state-run telecommunications company, sent out the last telegrams, marking the official end of the service. The final messages were sent from various parts of the country, and people queued up to send telegrams to mark the historic moment.

Significance of the Telegraph

• Historical Importance: The telegraph was a revolutionary technology in its time, drastically reducing the time it took to send messages across long distances.
• Impact on Society: It played a crucial role in shaping modern communication infrastructure and had a profound impact on social, economic, and political aspects of life in India.
• Legacy: The end of the telegraph service was a nostalgic moment for many, symbolizing the transition from old to new forms of communication. It also highlighted the rapid pace of technological advancement.

Commemoration

• Media Coverage: The event received significant media coverage, with many newspapers and news channels reflecting on the historical importance of the telegraph service.
• Public Sentiment: There was a sense of nostalgia and respect for the telegraph service, with many people recalling personal stories and the role it played in their lives.

The termination of the telegraph service in India on July 14, 2013, was a poignant reminder of how far communication technology has come and how quickly it continues to evolve.