When Pakistan unleashed its military machine against us last September, the Indian Republic passed through a crisis the like of which it has not known in eighteen years of existence. The nation was suddenly enveloped in a conflict which was not of its seeking. War is always a tragedy but can sometimes bring much good in its wake. India has emerged from the turmoil with its colours flying and with its sense of purpose and values steeled and burnished. In a sense, the war has been a fulfilment and a reaffirmation of the secular and liberal ideals which motivate our nation. The unity and courage with which the Armed Forces thwarted external aggression should serve as an example to us all.
The storm had been gathering for some years and when it burst at Pakistan’s bidding we had to fight, if only to survive. While the whole nation rose in unison and prepared to meet the challenge of aggression, it fell to our Armed Forces to bear the brunt of the enemy attack. The world knows how loaded the dice was against us and how fierce the encounter.
Now that the dust of battle has some-what settled and the picture has become clearer, the superb quality of the Indian defence forces has come sharply into focus, and we are fully assured that we can rely on them to preserve the integrity of our motherland.
The conflict was short but the roll of honour has been long. The many deeds of heroism and personal sacrifice on land and in the skies are now parts of a glorious record. But so is the list of those who fell in defending the frontier. They will live forever in the memory of a grateful nation.
Republic Day 1966 will be a special and poignant occasion. When the troops salute the President they will march as veterans of a victorious army and when the retreat sounds it will be a requiem for those who fell on the frontier defending their motherland. On this day the whole nation pays homage to these brave men and their brave deeds. The Posts and Telegraphs Department joins in this homage by issuing a special commemorative postage stamp as an humble tribute to the Armed Forces.
Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India