Heaven's Choicest Blessings

Yesterday I was rummaging through a cupboard, and came across some books which had belonged to a relative of Ramesh's. (Somehow, these things never get thrown away.) I found an engagement calendar from 1968.



In the beginning of the book were several pages of useful information: Conversion from gross to 100s (Hundreds). Conversion Table: Chhataks to grams; Maunds to Kilograms; Seers to Kilograms. Income Tax Payable on Total Income (Wholly earned). If you earned Rs. 5000 in 1968, your tax liability was Rs. 11.

Then and now, you could save money on telegrams by choosing a set phrase: Number 14, for example: Congratulations. Your correspondent may reply with Number 22: Many thanks for your kind message of greetings.

Here is the List of Set Phrases for Greetings Telegrams (1968):
1. Heartiest Diwali Greetings.
2. Id Mubarik.
3. Heartiest Bijoya Greetings. (i.e., Vijayadasami -- the book was printed in Calcutta)
4. A happy New Year to you.
5. Many happy returns of the day.
6. Best congratulations on new arrival.
7. Congratulations on the distinction conferred on you.
8. best wishes for a long and happy married life.
9. A merry Christmas to you.
10. Hearty congratulation on your success in the Examination.
11. Best wishes for a safe and pleasant journey.
12. Hearty congratulations on success in Election.
13. Many thanks for your good wishes which I/We reciprocate most heartily.
14. Congratulations.
15. Loving Greetings.
16. May Heaven's coicest blessings be showered on the young couple.
17. Wish you both a happy and prosperous wedded life.
18. Kind remembrances and all good wishes for the independance Day.
19. Sincere Greetings for the Republic Day. Long Live the Republic.
20. Heartiest Holi greetings.
21. Wishing the function every success.
22. Many thanks for your kind message of greetings.
23. Best wishes for your success in the examination.
24. Best wishes for your success in the election.

(Did people really send each other telegrams on Republic Day? And look at the sycophancy of sending telegrams to politicians both before and after the election! That practise, or the equivalent, is certainly still going on today.)

1 comment:

Benedict G said...

We will miss the telegram.. i was reminded of the Hoe & Co Diary :)