75 Years of India – Luxembourg Friendship

The diplomatic ties between India and Luxembourg were established in 1948, marking 75 years of enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations in 2023. This relationship has flourished across various bilateral, multilateral, and international platforms, reflecting a deep cultural and diplomatic bond.

Amar Nath Sehgal, the acclaimed sculptor, stands as a symbol of the strong cultural connection between India and Luxembourg. His remarkable contributions to the arts have strengthened the people-to-people ties between the two countries. Sehgal’s birth centenary was celebrated in 2022, honoring his significant impact on fostering friendship between India and Luxembourg.

The Postal Departments of India and Luxembourg have collaborated to issue a Joint Stamp to commemorate Sehgal’s legacy and the enduring friendship between the two nations. Sehgal’s sculptures, such as “The Friends” and “Flute Player,” embody the spirit of friendship and cultural exchange between India and Luxembourg.

Born in pre-partition India in 1922, Sehgal pursued a career in art after studying Industrial Chemistry. He traveled to the United States to study art education at New York University and later joined the College of Art in Delhi as faculty. Sehgal’s artistic endeavors spanned over six decades and included sculptures, paintings, poetry, graphics, and tapestries.

In 1979, Sehgal established a studio in Luxembourg, where he lived for 24 years, further strengthening cultural ties between India and Luxembourg. His sculptures are prominently featured in public collections across Luxembourg, reflecting his enduring impact on the country’s cultural landscape.

Sehgal’s iconic bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi, commissioned in 1978, serves as a reminder of Gandhi’s message of peace and non-violence. The sculpture, inaugurated in Luxembourg City’s Municipal Park, remains a cherished symbol of the enduring bond between India and Luxembourg.

On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary in 2019, the Luxembourg Post & Telecommunications released a special commemorative stamp featuring Sehgal’s statue of Gandhi, further honoring his contributions to promoting peace and tolerance.

The Joint Stamp issued by the Postal Departments of India and Luxembourg commemorates 75 years of friendship between the two nations, reflecting their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and cultural exchange.

Overall, the commemorative stamp serves as a testament to the enduring friendship and cultural connection between India and Luxembourg, further enhancing their diplomatic relations and mutual understanding.