Skip to content In a baffling turn of events, international courier service DHL recently refused to accept our shipment of Indian flags bound for Mauritius. The reason? Alleged prohibition on shipping the national flag. This incident sheds light on a perplexing issue that deserves attention and scrutiny.
The Indian flag holds deep significance for the nation and its people across the globe. It symbolizes unity, diversity, and the spirit of independence. However, the absurdity lies in the fact that while Indian flags can be sent officially by air cargo across the world by all airlines and also by any courier within India without any issue, international courier services like DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc., still seem to impose arbitrary restrictions.
This is not the first time such a situation has arisen. In August 2018, we raised a similar issue which was eventually brought to light by the Economic Times, highlighting the struggles faced by NRIs in getting the tricolour shipped to them. Despite efforts to clarify the matter with the Home Ministry, no valid reason for the prohibition on shipping the Indian flag was provided.
The implications of this irrational policy are far-reaching. In the recent case of our honourable President Mrs. Droupadi Murmu’s upcoming visit to Mauritius as chief guest for their Independence Day celebrations on 12th March, over 800-1000 Indian flags were intended to be displayed across Mauritius, at the places she would be visiting. However, the refusal of DHL to accept our shipment every time, causing unnecessary delays, poses a significant challenge.
It’s time to address the absurdity of such restrictions imposed by international courier services. After all, what is the point of not accepting it and keeping the matter on hold until the issue is escalated and brought to the attention of a senior executive, who later has no option but to accept the shipment. There is no logical or valid reason for preventing cross-border delivery of Indian flags or any national flags for that matter. Flags represent the pride and identity of a nation, and their display should be encouraged and facilitated, not hindered by bureaucratic red tape.
The role of international courier services like DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc., is crucial in facilitating global trade and communication. However, their refusal to accept shipments of Indian flags raises questions about their understanding of cultural sensitivities and their commitment to facilitating cross-border exchanges.
In conclusion, it’s imperative to raise awareness about this issue and advocate for a more sensible approach, rather than pointless denial which wastes crucial time, especially when it’s urgent. The Indian flag is not just a piece of cloth; it’s a symbol of our heritage, aspirations, and values. It’s time to put an end to the absurdity and ensure that the flag can fly freely across borders, without unnecessary hurdles or restrictions.
