50th Anniversary of the USSR

Fifty years ago today, the world witnessed the historic formation of the UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS (USSR) under the illustrious leadership of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin. The transformation of this multinational Socialist State into a modern, prosperous nation, full of vitality, its heroism in the face of foreign invasion, its contributions to Science and Technology, and its support for peace, national freedom, and social progress are a source of pride for every Soviet citizen. The friendship between India and the Soviet Union is based on mutual interests and the desire for peace and friendship among nations. The Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation, signed in August 1971, embodies these principles. We rejoice with the Soviet peoples on this occasion. The P&T Department considers it a privilege to bring out a stamp to commemorate this glorious event. The stamp, designed and printed by the India Security Press, Nasik, depicts the Flag of the USSR and the Kremlin Tower.

Message from V.V. Giri, President of India, to His Excellency Mr. N.V. Podgorny, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme of the USSR, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics:

I send you, and through you, to the friendly Soviet people sincere greetings and heartfelt congratulations on the happy occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics fifty years ago was a memorable event and greeted with pride and joy by the peoples of the Soviet Union. We rejoice with you on this occasion. The last fifty years have been years of endeavor and achievement for the Soviet Union during which a high level of economic development has been realized, together with the introduction of progressive social reforms and the achievement of universal education. The Soviet people can be legitimately proud of their all-round progress which they have made in the cause of national construction. We note with particular satisfaction that the relationship between India and Soviet Union has steadily grown over the years. This close friendship between our two countries is based not only on the mutual benefits we derive as a result of our meaningful cooperation but also on the recognition of the contribution that this makes to international peace and security. Please accept, Excellency, sincere greetings and good wishes on behalf of the people of India and on my own behalf for the further successes of the Soviet Union and for the welfare and prosperity of the great Soviet people.

Message from Smt. Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, to His Excellency Mr. A.N. Kosygin, Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics:

On behalf of the Government and people of India, I offer you our warm felicitations on the fiftieth anniversary of the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The Soviet people can be justly proud of their economic, scientific, and cultural achievements during these five decades and of their sustained contribution to peace and to the battle of human equality. We are confident that the friendship and cooperation which was developed between our two countries over the years will be further strengthened in the future to our mutual benefit and in the interest of international peace and progress. My warm greetings and good wishes for the greater prosperity of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and for the welfare and happiness of the friendly people of the Soviet Union. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Message from Swaran Singh, Foreign Minister, on the occasion of the special commemorative stamp being issued on the 30th December 1972:

The establishment of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has been a significant event in world history. Today we in India mark the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics with the issue of a commemorative stamp. A few years ago, I was present in Moscow for the celebrations connected with the 50th anniversary and had the opportunity to experience once again the warmth of the friendly feelings which the Soviet people entertain towards the people of India. I am confident that the friendship and close cooperation which exist between our two countries will be further strengthened in the years to come to our mutual benefit as well as in the interest of international peace and security. Our greetings and good wishes go to the friendly people of the Soviet Union for their further successes in the future.