About this stamp
The year 1985 marked a significant global and national focus on youth empowerment and participation, recognized through various initiatives and commemorations:
- International Youth Year (IYY): Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, IYY 1985 aimed to highlight the needs of young people worldwide and underscore their crucial role in fostering a just and peaceful world. The theme “Participation, Development, and Peace” emphasized the active involvement of youth in societal development and peace-building efforts.
- National Youth Day in India: In India, 1985 was observed as the “Year of Youth”, inaugurated by the Prime Minister on January 12th, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. This day was designated as National Youth Day to celebrate the ideals and contributions of youth to society.
- Youth Empowerment Programs: Throughout the year, India organized numerous programs aimed at benefiting young people at various levels. These initiatives focused on enhancing youth participation in development activities, nurturing their character and personality, and promoting peace within the country.
- Revival of University Youth Festivals: As part of the Year of Youth activities, the university student youth festival, which had lapsed in the past, was revived. This included organizing four zonal inter-university cultural festivals through the Association of Indian Universities. The culmination was the NAM Youth Cultural Festival on November 6th, 1985, where students from Non-Aligned Movement countries also participated.
- Commemorative Stamp: To mark the significance of International Youth Year and the Year of Youth in India, the Government of India issued a special postage stamp. This stamp served as a commemorative gesture highlighting the role and aspirations of youth in shaping a better future.
Overall, 1985 stood out as a year dedicated to empowering youth globally and nationally, recognizing their potential as agents of positive change and progress in society.
