Indian Armed Forces

A commemorative postage stamp on the 50^th anniversary of the Indian Armed Forces (1947-97), consists of 3 professional uniformed services: Indian Army, Indian Navy & Indian Air Force :

Issued by India

Issued on Dec 16, 1997

Issued for : The Department of Posts is privileged to release a special commemorative stamp on 50 years of the Indian Armed Forces.

Design : The special commemorative stamp comprises of three bands from the left signifying the tricolour, blending into the service colours of deep red, navy blue and sky blue for the Army, Navy and Air Force respectively. Icons easily identifiable with the three services are depicted on the service colours : tank, battle ship and fighter aircraft. The first day cover has the joint services crest (Anchor for the Navy, swords for the Army and the hawk for the Air Force).

Credits :
Stamp & FDC :  Army Headquarter, New Delhi.
Cancellation : Smt. Alka Sharma

Type : First Day Cover

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 200 Paise

Overall size : 3.91 x 2.90 Cms.

Printing size : 3.55 x 2.54 Cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Paper : Imported un w/m Adhesive Gravure Coated Stamp Paper in sheets 50.8 x 53.5 cms.

Stamps Printing : 7 Million

Number per issue sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

About : 

• The Indian Armed Forces have a long tradition of valour and courage. They have played a vital role, in safeguarding the frontiers, protecting the nation in times of war, and more recently in peace-keeping operations and disaster management.
• After the country achieved independence, the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force displayed immaculate coordination, outstanding valour and exemplary gallantry while countering the hostilities across our borders and demonstrated the innate power and punch of the Indian’s Armed Forces on every occasion.
• The Indian Navy, along with the Indian Army helped establish effective control and achieved the integration of states like Goa, Daman & Diu and Junagarh. In the 1965 war the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force fought alongside supporting each other’s efforts, notably in the Chamb Jhaurian Sector. Operations in 1971, again displayed close cooperation along the three services and the highest standards of political and military leadership. The heroic deeds of our officers and men, form a part of the history of India. As India celebrates 50 years of its independence, it is a time to pay homage to those who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
• When India was not at war, the Armed Forces continued to protect our frontiers and help in fighting insurgency within the country. Their efforts at peace-keeping and disaster relief, over the years, cannot be over-emphasized. The Indian Armed Forces have also been contributing to the efforts of the UN Peace-keeping Forces, whenever they have been called upon.
• Apolitical, multi-religious and multi-ethnic, the Indian Armed Forces demonstrate the true character of the Indian fabric : integrated and united.
• If the last 50 years have presented the Indian Armed Forces with challenges, the next 50 years may present new ones. India can expect them to perform acts of even greater courage, ingenuity and integrity to preserve her independence, democratic tradition and her booming economy.
• Text : Army Headquarter, New Delhi.