25th Anniversary of Independence

The 25th anniversary of India’s independence in 1972 was a momentous occasion, marking a quarter-century of progress and achievement since breaking free from colonial rule in 1947. India’s journey to freedom was remarkable, characterized by the non-violent struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi, which ultimately compelled the mighty British Empire to concede to the aspirations of the Indian people.

Under the visionary leadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India embarked on a path of development and progress, guided by the ideals of Gandhi. The democratic foundation laid by Nehru ensured that India emerged as one of the world’s largest democracies, with millions exercising their voting rights in peaceful and orderly elections—a testament to the political maturity of the Indian populace.

In the agricultural sector, India witnessed a transformative Green Revolution, leading to a significant increase in food grain production and reducing dependence on imports to feed its burgeoning population. Similarly, strides were made in industrial production, with India achieving self-sufficiency in many key sectors and even exporting sophisticated machinery and technical expertise to other nations.

As India celebrated its 25th anniversary of independence, it stood on the cusp of another revolution—a movement towards ensuring a just and equitable distribution of the fruits of progress. The commitment to social justice and inclusive growth was evident, with efforts underway to address disparities and uplift the marginalized sections of society.

The Posts and Telegraphs Department commemorated this historic milestone by issuing a postage stamp and a special aerogramme. The stamp depicted the jubilant celebration of Independence Day, symbolized by the hoisting of the National Flag in front of Parliament, while the aerogramme featured the iconic Red Fort, a symbol of India’s rich history and struggle for freedom.

This commemoration served as a humble tribute to the countless individuals who valiantly fought for independence and the tireless efforts of those who worked towards achieving self-sufficiency and progress in various fields. It was a moment of reflection on India’s journey thus far and a reaffirmation of its commitment to building a prosperous and inclusive future for all its citizens.