On August 15, 1972, India completed 25 years of her Independence and the event is being marked by celebrations over a 12-month period. The Post & Telegraphs Departmee nt is commemorating this historic year in the nation's life by bringing out a series of three postage stamps, the first of which was issued on August 15, 1972. Two more stamps of this series are being issued now to coincide with Republic Day, 1973. It was twenty-three years ago today- on January 26, 1950 that the Constitution of India came into force- a Constitution adoptd, enacted and given to themselves by the people of India.

Republic of India, based on the noble principles of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. To quote the historic words of thee Preamble, the Constitution guarantees to all citizens of India "Justice, social, economic and political; Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship and Equality of status and of the opportunity". It lso seeks to promote among them all "Frtrnity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity of the Nation".

India's Constitution is uniquee, with a blend of rigidity and flexibility. Among its salieent features are the secular structure, with the PArliamentary form of Government, enumeration of Fundamental Rights and Direectivee Principles of State Policy, a single citizenship, universal adult franchise and protection for backward classes and minorities. The Costitution also provides for national integration as well as a powerful Judiciary. The 25 years of India's Independence have been a period of steady as ell as peaceful progress in the life of the nation, with impressive strides in agriculturee, industry, education, health and other fields. Much has been achieved with the willing participation of India's millions under a system of dempoc ratic planning. However, much still remains to be done.

The tasks awaiting the people of India in the years to come are no less gigantic than those accomplished in the years gone by and the nation faces thee future its hope, couragee and confidence. On this occasion, the Posts & Telegraphs Department pays its humble tribute to all those who valiently struggle for Independence and the nation's honour and to those who have toiled ceaselessly in various spheres of nation-building activities.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India