Kolkata, 1 August (H.S.) -In a symbolic tribute to one of the most defining moments in India’s telecom history, the All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) celebrated the 30th anniversary of the country’s first mobile phone call by unveiling a special commemorative postal stamp in Kolkata.

The historic call, made on July 31, 1995, connected then Union Telecom Minister Sukh Ram in New Delhi with West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu at the Writers’ Building in Kolkata. The call, placed using a Nokia handset on Modi Telstra’s network, marked the beginning of mobile telephony in India and paved the way for the nation’s digital revolution.

To mark the occasion, AIMRA hosted a celebration event at The Almond in Kolkata, where the commemorative postal stamp was officially released. The event was attended by Ashok Kumar, Chief Postmaster General of the West Bengal Circle; Kailash Lakhyani, National Founder Chairman of AIMRA; Navneet Pathak, National Joint Secretary of AIMRA; Mohan Bajoria, State President of AIMRA Bengal; and several other dignitaries from the postal and telecom sectors.

Speaking at the event, Kailash Lakhyani highlighted the significance of the milestone, stating, “The celebration of 30 years of mobile telephony in India is not just a tribute to technological progress. It is a recognition of the enduring spirit, resilience, and contribution of lakhs of mobile retailers across the country. From the first voice call in 1995 to today’s high-speed digital networks, our retailers have been the vital bridge between innovation and the everyday consumer.”

He added that AIMRA remains committed to empowering mobile retailers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the evolving digital economy.

The first mobile call made in 1995 not only marked a leap forward in communication but also laid the foundation for the rapid expansion of digital connectivity across India. The unveiling of the commemorative stamp serves as a reminder of how far the country has come in the past three decades and the role of mobile retailers in facilitating that journey.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh