Twenty-five years ago, on January 26, 1950 the Constitution ushered in  the 'Sovereign Democratic Republic' of India. Committed to securing for all citizens Justice - social, economic and political, Liberty, and Equality of status and opportunity, the Constitution of India provides for a parliamentary form of government, based on adult franchise, recognition of democratic freedoms and an independent  Judiciary.

The first 25 years of our Republic have been years of many trials and tribulations for the country of foreign aggressions, natural calamities and the stresses  and strains inherent in  the  transformation  of an underdeveloped, heterogeneous society into a viable, strong and forward-looking modern State. The fact that despite many constraints and formidable problems, democratic institutions have continued to function in India and withstand the challenges of time is evidence  enough of the intrinsic soundness and  inner resilience of the new polity.

As the highest deliberative body and the grand inquest of the nation, Parliament occupies a pre-eminent and pivotal position in the  country's  constitutional set-up and political life. It has, over the years, secured for itself a unique place in the esteem of the people as the forum through which they articulate and realize their aspirations and ventilate their grievances and difficulties. As the peaceful conduct of, and vast turnover at, elections indicate, people have come to have faith in Parliament and parliamentary institutions.

The Posts and Telegraphs  Department are proud to focus on the successful completion of the first 25 years of the Republic and of the working of our Constitution and Parliament by bringing out a commemorative stamp on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee celebrations.

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