International Cooperation Year 1965

International Cooperation Year

Technical Data

Date of Issue June 26, 1965
Denomination INR 0.15
Quantity 2,000,000
Perforation comb 13½ x 13
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Brown | Green
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 388

Stamp Number IN 403

Yvert et Tellier IN 189

Stanley Gibbons IN 502

Themes

The year 1965 marks the International Cooperation Year (ICY), a significant initiative proposed by the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during the XVIth Session of the UN General Assembly in November 1961. Nehru’s vision aimed to shift focus from global conflicts to the positive aspects of cooperation among nations. His suggestion gained unanimous support, leading to the adoption of a resolution by the General Assembly on November 21, 1963, designating 1965 as the ICY.

To facilitate the observance of the ICY, a UN Committee was formed, with India among its 12 members. This committee was tasked with planning and coordinating various activities for the ICY. India, under the leadership of its Minister of External Affairs, Sardar Swaran Singh, formed a National Committee for the ICY to oversee activities within the country.

India’s plans for the ICY included a range of activities such as erecting an ICY Memorial, producing a documentary film on “Twenty Years of United Nations,” publishing pamphlets on “India and International Cooperation,” organizing competitions, seminars, lectures, and special performances, among others.

As part of the ICY celebrations, the renowned Carnatic music exponent, Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi, was scheduled to perform at the United Nations headquarters in New York in September 1965, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the United Nations.

To mark the occasion, the Posts and Telegraphs Department issued a special postage stamp featuring the ICY symbol of two joined hands framed by olive wreaths, along with the inscription “International Co-operation Year 1965.” This stamp serves as a reminder of the importance of global cooperation in building a better world.