United Nations 25th Anniversary

The United Nations was established 25 years ago with a crucial mission: to protect future generations from the devastation of war, to uphold fundamental human rights regardless of race or color, to ensure justice and respect for international law, and to promote social progress and better living standards for all. Over the past quarter-century, significant strides have been made towards these goals, but there is still much work to be done. As our President astutely pointed out, there is a growing sense that the gap between promise and fulfillment is widening. Today, there is an unprecedented global desire for peace, freedom, economic opportunity, and social justice. It is imperative that we address these demands swiftly if we are to avoid being overwhelmed.

It is somewhat tragic to consider that while humanity can achieve remarkable feats such as landing on the moon, we struggle to bridge the vast divide between the rich and the poor. Winning the space race but failing to secure a better life for all would indeed be a lamentable commentary on our civilization. This is the challenge facing the United Nations, a challenge that we are confident it can overcome with the cooperation and goodwill of all nations.

For India, the United Nations represents the culmination of hopes and aspirations that span centuries. Our history, cultural traditions, and philosophical principles emphasize the importance of peace, a yearning born from the sorrows and trials of our past. As our Prime Minister reminded the General Assembly last year, there is an ancient Vedic prayer that encapsulates the spirit that should guide the United Nations—a prayer for unity of purpose, intention, and heart among its members.

India has a rich legacy of advocating for peace. From the time of Ashoka, who renounced war at the height of his triumphs, to the teachings of Buddha, who preached peace and understanding, to the modern-day apostle of peace, Mahatma Gandhi, our country has been a beacon of peaceful ideals.

For postal and telecommunications departments worldwide, the United Nations represents a significant step towards the realization of our vision for a unified world. The Universal Postal Union and the International Telecommunications Union were early pioneers in this regard, laying the groundwork for the broader mission of the UN. The UN’s goal of creating a single global territory where the mail of all nations can freely transit mirrors our own aspirations for international communication.

The Indian Postal and Telecommunications Department is honored to issue a special postage stamp commemorating the 25th anniversary of this esteemed global institution.