The Legacy: Tales from the Postal Trail, The Sneak-peak

 The countdown has already begun. I hope to present my book, The Legacy: Tales from the Postal Trail, to my readers in a fortnight. First, it will be an ebook, and then the paperback version will follow in another fortnight. Here is the cover image, which is in the process of refinement. It is the 3D version of the image. 

 

The preface is also ready. Giving it here for my readers to get an idea about the book.

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Preface

T

he post office is a treasure trove of history—but is it ready for the future?

The post office has stood as a symbol of reliability and connection for generations, ferrying written messages across rivers, jungles, and mountains. Its legacy is celebrated by many who have chronicled its profound contributions to society and its role as a vital government institution serving citizens at their doorsteps. Writers of the past have immortalised its stories, elevating the post office to literary and cultural prominence. Yet, today, this venerable institution finds itself in the throes of an existential crisis.

The advent of the IT revolution posed significant challenges to traditional businesses, and the post office, though slow to respond, eventually made a bold effort to adapt. But no sooner had it begun its transformation than mobile technology arrived, upending industries from watchmaking and photography to mail delivery. The post office’s battle to stay relevant grew fiercer, its resources and reach dwarfed by the sweeping power of new technologies. And now, artificial intelligence has emerged, promising a seismic shift in every domain. With its unparalleled efficiency and capability, AI has left experts warning of a future where human roles may be rendered obsolete, no matter how entrenched.

What will become of the postal service and the millions who depend on it for their livelihood? Will it emerge victorious in this relentless struggle for relevance, or will it one day find its place as a relic in museums? The answers remain uncertain, and the stakes have never been higher. Until the future unfolds, we can only wait, watch, and hope.

This collection of thirty short stories seeks to capture a slice of the post office’s journey—its challenges, triumphs, and indomitable spirit—before the wave of artificial intelligence brings its next disruption. As someone who has been part of the organisation during its efforts to navigate the disruptions of the IT revolution, I have witnessed firsthand its people’s emotions, struggles, and resilience. These stories are my humble attempt to give voice to those experiences and preserve them for posterity.

“The Legacy: Tales from the Postal Trail” is an English rendition of “Virasat,” a Hindi collection published in 2008. Readers then embraced the stories, and many desired to see them translated into English. Sixteen years later, I have revisited “Virasat” and brought it to a new audience. The text has gone through both translation and enhancement. I hope this volume resonates with readers today, just as it did when it first appeared. Your encouragement in 2008 was my inspiration, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts once again.

 

Ananta Narayan Nanda

Bhubaneswar

1-1-2025