Vintage Book on 'Postal' Nostalgia

  •   Wed, Feb 11 2026
  •   By Ivan Saldanha-Shet

February 11, 2026

Postal officials of the past generally have a definite leaning towards literature and writing and have published several captivating accounts of experiences for posterity, many interested never fail to admire them.  One latest unassuming book by Mangaluru based retired enthusiastic octogenarian official is Mr.S.GOPAL. Let us proceed to savour the thrill of his simple book narrating down to earth book and be motivated to read the book and enjoy its contents and know some things about the postal scenario in times recently gone by while a new AI era is looming ahead !  A captivating small book of 160 pages it projects selected memories  in a spell binding effort,  very readable now,  can captivate the joy of readers who enjoy real (apart from reel) life stories of their own environments and happy reading that jogs the memory and enhances knowledge and information levels.  This simple but power packed book is what is needed in this hi-fi era, when reading books is fading and electronic stuff is taking over at every phase. The depth the Author Mr. S GOPAL has presented his memories avoiding unnecessary formalities, allowing the informal narration attractive to readers' experience and satisfaction.  Title of Book : 'Tann Tann Gopal (English) , on sale at HPO Mangalore, Philatelic Counter.

Mr. S Gopal is of the Indian Postal Services which even today evokes a quality and quantity that captures the public that is a catch 22 situation.  First let us glance at a few details that surround Mr S Gopal.  Born September 5, 1943, in the year 1964 he joined this ancient historic service, which became the backbone of life in India, he retired in 2003,as a Superintendent, a laudable gazetted position. For one reason or another personally I am a great fan of the postal system and people.  I recollect that this postal service, known for its efficiency and integrity, then selected its officials mainly on the basis of the marks record of the SSLC or Matric of old  classic education, that's why my father never asked me to apply to it. After an initial spell in the State Public Works Department (PWD), he was selected  to the Postal Services, indeed a feather in any cap of those times.  He is seen to have grown with the Service – married, had children and created lasting social links even at an advanced age of 80 plus now. He says, “The Postal Department has looked after me for nearly 40 years. I am grateful for this wonderful Department. If I have another life or I am reborn, I would prefer this same Department and none other”. His words spell out how present GenZ should look upon employment and work with integrity. He is from Mangalore / Dakshina Kannada and has been fortunate to have cultivated the close association of Dr.Charles Lobo, Member Indian Postal Services Board(retired) Delhi, the top rank attainable perhaps. This august official always listened to the experiences of many employed all over India and was a mentor of high quality and motivation. He always encouraged the likes of Gopal to write  their experiences and let the public know more about the sweetness of the Govt services, Mr.Lobo's stamp on this publication can not be missed.  Gopal ji expressed  gratitude  for the pension he has been awarded and continues to enjoy for long.   

Looking at the Foreword, by none other than a great mentor and documentor of the services, Dr.Charles Lobo, IPoS.,  it is a masterpiece of sorts - given the unusual book title  'Tann Tann Gopal'.  Dr.Lobo, has listed out a detailed list of books by personnel of the India Post which is fascinating. Explaining the unusual title of the book “Tann Tann Gopal”  he says,  it is derived from a Hindi saying ‘a poorman without riches, who makes efforts but does not achieve the goal of wealth', as is the case with many. Gopal ji the author is definitely a rich person at heart and honest to the core.   In the Foreword Dr.Lobo regarding the book says, “It tells the story of a man who survived all temptations to make money and maintained his purity in the world of corruption. It tells the story of a man who, in spite of family obligations, spared some money for books, rare postage stamps and coins and found real joy in it. Everyone should read it and understand his principles. I am happy to get this opportunity to edit and write this forward". Here, I personally  recall my elders always mentioning that the P & T Department was a clean and happy department ; many of my family were in P&T and Railways even in British days, now it’s a make believe world.  

The rare pictures old and contemporary of prominent connected spots  is a bonus in this book. The 12 chapters of this book are : Early life, first Job, Joining the Postal Department, The Head Post Office, Divisional Office, Sweet memories, In the shoes of an Inspector, Gazetted Cadre, Collogues & Officers- what is learnt, Interest in Literature, Philately and Numismatics, Personalities, places, Palaces and Temples......The minimal price of Rs.150/= provides a small incentive to the India Post as well. Reading this simple book gives one the great opportunity to know about unusual places in and around Kanara and understand how the Govt departments functioned.   In a way it is a mini catalogue of the common human mind and psyche, its positiveness, tolerance and blessings of humble times will be inspiring.        

This book released on 77th Republic day January 26, 2026 at the Mangalore HPO was a fitting occasion. After the flag was officially unfurled and honours done, a tasteful gathering witnessed the release of the book with captivating discussions by senior officials present.  The lead by the Retired but not tired, mass motivator, ever enthusiastic  Dr.Charles Lobo, Member Indian Postal Services Board.  Others who took the lead were of course the admired Author ever young S Gopal, A M D’Souza SSPOS (Retd) a close service associate of the  Author who was graciously present.  Mr.Dinesh, Dy SSPO Mangalore and Mr.Lokanath Sr. Postmaster Mangalore HPO.  The large number of the postal fraternity and public present was a happy testimony to the close knit admiration of their service culture.  It will be a useful and happy matter that many people will obtain this book from the ‘Philatelic Bureau’ of Mangalore HPO and enjoy its rare content. It  is a dream come true to note the modernisation and development of this yeoman department in recent years in a multi dimensional manner and they are wished every Good Wish.....   

 

 
By Ivan Saldanha-Shet
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Comment on this article

  • Naveen Frank, Mangalore/Sharjah

    Wed, Feb 11 2026

    For those of us who grew up in India—Mangalore in particular—one of life’s simple yet profound joys, whether in rain, wind, or storm, was the twice-daily arrival of the postman. Receiving an inland letter or even a humble postcard brought with it a unique delight that is difficult to describe today. Sri Ivan Saldanha Shet’s article beautifully rekindles these nostalgic moments of yesteryears, especially at a time when the charm of handwritten letters is slowly fading away. I can say with great pride and confidence that the Indian Postal Service stands second to none on the world stage, and Mr. S. Gopal’s life is a shining reflection of this remarkable legacy. The article thoughtfully highlights the simple yet meaningful human stories woven into public service. The author has inspired me to read the book “Tann Tann Gopal”, and I sincerely commend this beautifully written piece. I truly hope he continues to share more such inspiring narratives, particularly those that preserve the spirit of bygone times.


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Title: Vintage Book on 'Postal' Nostalgia



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