The year 1985 marks the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, an event which is being commemorated at the United Nations and around the world.

The UN and its specialised agencies, during 40 years of their activity, have achieved significant results in many fields of international relations. They have played a major role in the process of decolonisation. They have rendered their full support to the legitimate struggle in the emancipation of peoples. The United Nations has greatly contributed to the fact that international economic-social prob­lems, inherent in the developmental process of developing countries, have become an integral part of overall efforts in the promotion of peace and security in the world. The declaration and programme of action on the establishment of a new International Economic Order are documents of historic significance. United Nations has constantly advocated the promotion of human rights and self-determination of peoples, and the elimination of all forms of racism and apartheid. It has also adopted a series of important international legal instruments of which the most outstanding is the Law of the Sea. These international juridical instruments have played an important role in promoting international cooperation in several fields.

India is a founder-member of the United Nations. It remains committed to its ideals. There is no other international organisation of comparable reach. The United Nations embodies hopes and aspirations of people all over the world for peace and development. The noble ideals that the UN stands for require strong reaffirmation particularly at this juncture.

As one of the original signatories of UN Charter, India has remained steadfast in its commitment, values and ideals enshrined therein. We have participated actively in the work of all important bodies that comprise the UN  System.  Even today the main objective of India's foreign policy in so far as relations with United Nations are concerned, may be summarised in the words of India's first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru when he said in 1946, "Towards the UN, India's attitude is that of wholehearted coopration and unreserved adherence, in both spirit  and letter, to the Charter governing it. To that end, India will participate fully in its various activities and actively play that role in its councils to which her geographical position, population and contribution towards peaceful progress entitle her".

40th Anniversary of the United Nations provides a further occasion not only to review the performance of the Organisation over the past four decades but above all, to encourage a rededication by Member States to the principles and purposes of the Charter, to promote interest in the work of the Organisation and support for its efforts and to reinvigorate international cooperation in all fields of human endeavour.

The Department of Posts is privileged to issue a special stamp to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the UN.

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