UNESCO 25th Anniversary
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | November 4, 1971 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 20 nP |
| Quantity | 3,000,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Brown |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 530 Stamp Number IN 546 Yvert et Tellier IN 328 Stanley Gibbons IN 644 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Gods and goddesses | Paintings | UNESCO | UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
UNESCO, established in 1946, is a specialized agency of the United Nations with 125 Member States. Its purpose, as defined in its constitution, is to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, and culture. This aims to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights, without discrimination of race, sex, language, or religion, as affirmed by the United Nations Charter.
The constitution emphasizes that since wars begin in the minds of men, the defenses of peace must be constructed in the minds of men as well. UNESCO’s activities encompass a wide range of areas, making it known as “the least specialized of the Specialized Agencies.” However, its main functions include international intellectual cooperation, assistance to Member States, and the promotion of peace, human rights, and mutual understanding among peoples.
International intellectual cooperation forms the basis of UNESCO’s work, covering education, science, culture, and communications. This includes cooperation on scientific efforts, standardization of documentation procedures, and clearing house services. UNESCO also provides operational assistance to Member States, particularly new nations, at their request, which now occupies a major part of its staff and financial resources.
UNESCO conducts specific programs in promoting peace, human rights, and mutual understanding among peoples. These include scientific research on problems of race, discrimination, and prejudice, as well as education for international understanding and the encouragement of teaching about the United Nations.
In India, UNESCO has collaborated on various projects, including providing foreign professors for regional engineering colleges and assisting in scientific projects under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. It has also supported teaching and research programs at various universities and institutions, such as the centers of advanced studies and the preservation of cultural heritage sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
India is a Founder Member of UNESCO and actively participates in its initiatives. The Indian Posts and Telegraphs Department are privileged to be associated with UNESCO’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, commemorating the occasion with a stamp depicting a painting from the Ajanta Caves, where a UNESCO preservation project is underway.