About this stamp
Children’s Day in India, celebrated on 14th November, holds special significance as it marks the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, affectionately known as Chacha Nehru, who had a deep love for children. This day serves as a reminder of Nehru’s affection for children and also highlights the urgent needs of the millions of children in India who represent the nation’s richest resource for the future.
Despite being home to 250 million children, nearly half of them live below the poverty line, with 60 million lacking access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, shelter, education, and healthcare. Children’s Day underscores their right to happiness and calls upon families, communities, governments, voluntary organizations, and the private sector to fulfill this right.
India took a pioneering step in championing the cause of children by leading the United Nations’ proclamation of 1979 as the International Year of the Child (IYC). It was the first country to pledge funds for global initiatives aimed at improving children’s lives. Nationally, the National Policy for Children, formulated in 1974, gained momentum during IYC with the creation of a National Plan of Action.
Recognizing that the challenge of child welfare requires long-term planning, efforts are underway to develop a perspective plan for the next two decades. The Integrated Child Development Services scheme is a significant part of this plan, aiming to provide comprehensive support for children’s well-being. Additionally, the National Children’s Fund, launched during IYC, offers a platform for citizens to contribute to voluntary efforts for child welfare.
Stamps, known for their educational value, play a crucial role in spreading awareness. Each Children’s Day stamp carries a message emphasizing that the nation’s future prosperity hinges on its actions for children today. As the first Children’s Day following the International Year of the Child, the stamp issued in 1980 signifies continued advocacy and action for children’s rights and welfare.
The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department takes pride in issuing a special postage stamp on Children’s Day, 1980, as part of its commitment to the well-being of the nation’s children.
