Children’s Day 2002
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | November 14, 2002 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Printing Process | Photogravure |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Sh. Akash Anand |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 1930 Stamp Number IN 1982 Yvert et Tellier IN 1695 Stanley Gibbons IN 2097 WADP Numbering System - WNS IN041.02 |
| Themes | Children | Drawings | Festivals |
Celebrating Creativity and Child Welfare
India’s commitment to the welfare and rights of children is deeply rooted in its constitutional values. Through planned development initiatives like the Five Year Plans, this commitment evolved into the National Policy for Children 1974, which laid down guiding principles for ensuring the well-being, protection, and development of children across the country.
Celebrating Childhood Through Philately
Every year, India Post commemorates Universal Children’s Day by issuing special postage stamps. These stamps highlight themes essential to child development, such as:
- Nutrition and health
- Shelter and education
- Empowerment of the girl child
- Social awareness and well-being
In recent years, a unique and meaningful tradition has emerged—featuring artwork created by children themselves. These stamps offer a glimpse into the imagination, concerns, and creativity of young minds.
The Holi-Themed Stamp
The stamp described features a vibrant painting by Aakash Anand, which won first place in the nationwide Stamp Design Competition held in October 2002.
The artwork beautifully captures the essence of Holi, one of India’s most colourful and joyful festivals. Holi marks:
- The arrival of spring
- The triumph of good over evil
- A celebration of joy, unity, and hope
Through bold strokes and bright colours, the painting brings alive scenes of dance, music, and festivity, reflecting the exuberance and spirit of the occasion.
First Day Cover Design
The First Day Cover—an important part of philatelic tradition—features another award-winning design created by Debahuti Hazarika, further emphasizing the role of children’s creativity in this initiative.
Importance of Children’s Art
Children’s artwork is remarkable for its:
- Innocence and originality
- Rich imagination
- Freedom of expression
By showcasing such art on stamps, India Post not only celebrates creativity but also provides insights into the thoughts, emotions, and perspectives of children.
Philately and Learning
Stamp collecting, often a hobby that begins in childhood, plays a valuable role in education. It helps children:
- Develop curiosity about the world
- Learn about history, culture, and society
- Build awareness of important global and national issues
Through its thematic stamps, India Post enriches the imaginative world of children while also nurturing informed and aware citizens.
Conclusion
The Children’s Day stamp series is more than a philatelic tradition—it is a celebration of childhood, creativity, and social responsibility. By combining artistic expression with meaningful themes, it highlights India’s ongoing commitment to nurturing and empowering its youngest generation.