Humanity today stands at cross roads. The path of the future remains open, subject to a choice which has yet to be made. In this context, the International Year of Peace offers a rare opportunity for the international community, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and individuals all over the world to focus on the problems and prospects of peace. The three major dimensions of the programme of the year-peace and disarmament, peace and development and preparation for life in peace- are illustrative of the many perspectives in which the pursuit of peace must be seen. India attaches the highest importance to the commemoration of the year of Peace at the national level.

A National Preparatory Committee has been set up with the Minister of State for External Affairs as the chairman. The Committee has drawn up a national plan of action. Activities at the national level include the organisation of seminars on disarmament related isues, as well as publicity in the press, Doordarshan etc. India has also contributed to the Voluntary Fund of the International Year of Peace at the pledging Conference held for this purpose in March 1985 at the UN Headquarters in New York.

In keeping with our firm faith that the Year of Peace will serve to highlight humanity's commitment to end war and to usher an era of peace and prosperity, the Department of posts is privileged to issue a special stamp on the ocasion.

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