The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of India which is celebrating its centenary during 1975  has  a long record of service to women  in particular and society in general. From its inception, when the first branch was established in Bombay in 1875, its  membership and services have been open to all women. Over the past hundred years it has grown into  an  institution which has pioneered in a wide range of activities to meet the changing needs of society through varied programme of  services.

In its origin, the YWCA was influenced by the profound effects of industrialisation and growing urbanisation on the lives of young women, especially in cities and towns. True to its heritage, it continues to be a women's movement with the mission of advancing the physical, social, intellectual, moral and  spiritual interests of women, irrespective of class, culture or creed. It also seeks to develop a membership that is responsive through service to the needs of the whole community in a changing world. As part of an International Movement it endeavours to promote understanding and cooperation between people of different nations, races and groups.

The  members  take part in developing the life of the Association through a democratic process of shared responsibility and cooperative effort. Through group experience, opportunities are provided for individuals to grow and become responsible leaders and citizens of the country.

The activities of the YWCA include provision of hostels for students, working women and transient visitors, retirement homes for aged women and children's homes. Service projects are organised in both rural and urban areas for the welfare of women and children. The organisation has a record of achievement in National Emergency through relief and rehabilitation work.

The YWCA has also launched on a priority basis a programme of 'Education For Social Change.' This programme which is geared to meet the urgent needs of the community includes citizenship education, functional literacy for adult women and school dropouts, family planning and population control, nutrition and health, personal counseling, vocational and placement services through employment bureaux as well as research and study on the role of women.

The YWCA has 58 affiliated local associations located all over the country. These associations carry out, through a number of decentralised units, recreational and educational programmes.

The motto of the YWCA of India is "By Love Serve One Another". The full development of body, mind and spirit is symbolised in its insignia, a blue triangle.

The Posts and Telegraphs Department feel privileged to commemorate the centenary of the YWCA of India by bringing out a special postage stamp to mark the occasion.

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