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A proposal to introduce the TB Seal to raise funds for anti-tuberculosis work in India was first considered in 1944, but it had to be deferred for the duration of the war. Conditions in the country during the postwar days were also found unfavorable for embarking on such a new venture. The Tuberculosis Association of India adopted the proposal in October, 1950, almost half a century after Einar Holboell conceived the idea. The Government of India permitted the Association to conduct the campaign every year from 1950 onwards.
In India, we do not call the seal the 'Christmas Seal' as is being done in other countries, as Christmas is not the only festive occasion in our country. Other festivals like Dussera, Puja, Diwali, Id etc. are equally important and in a secular state like India emphasis on any particular festival was not considered desirable. Therefore, the Tuberculosis Association of India decided to name the Campaign, 'The TB Seal Campaign' and chose for it the season which is likely to cover some of the important festive occasions.
The Campaign starts on 2nd October Gandhi Jayanti Day and it terminates on another important day for the Association i.e. 23rd February, the Foundation Day of the Association. During the intervening weeks the people of India celebrate most of their important festivals. On these occasions the Association appeals to the people to remember that they have a duty towards their brethren stricken with tuberculosis and as a token of their sympathy for the cause requests them to purchase TB Seals. Now a TB Seal costs Rs. 2 only.
The TB Seal conveys the important message that tuberculosis is preventable and curable and that its victims can, if diagnosed early and treated properly be restored to normal life. The Campaign is inaugurated in the capital by the respected President of India and in the States by Governors/Ministers/ other dignitaries. In special messages issued on the occasion, they appeal to the people to buy TB Seals in large numbers and help fight tuberculosis in our country.
Upto 1956, the TB seal was being sold for one anna. In 1957 and 1958, it was sold at 5 naya paise, from 1959 to 1977 at 10 paise and from 1978 to 1982 at 20 naya paise each. In 1983 and 1984, it was sold at 25 paise and from 1985 to 1990 at 50 paise per seal. From 1991 onwards it was being sold at Rs 1 per seal. Thereafter from the 49th Campaign of 1998 the cost of TB seal has been increased to Rs 2 per seal.
For the last several years, the subjects of the India Seals have been varied from handicrafts, classical Indian dances, Indian flowers to wild animals, historical monuments, masks, railway engines, birds, vintage cars, brides of India act. Vigorous efforts are made to procure and select colorful and attractive designs on Universal, themes or themes that represent the traditions and culture of our great country.
The TB seals on colorful flowers for the 49th Seal Campaign were received. The designs for the 50th TB seal campaign have been selected on colorful Madhubani paintings of Bihar. Some such designs are very attractive and are expected to be appreciated and well received both Nationally and Internationally.
Indian diplomatic missions, accredited to countries all over the world, take considerable interest in selling our TB seals and have contributed considerably to our seals funds. As a result of their sustained efforts, our seals have become quite popular in other countries and there is an increasing demand for exchange of seals. In fact it caught the fancy of collectors and now is collected by many philatelists and other lovers of such collectibles.