Issued by India

Issued on Dec 31, 1968

Issued for : India is well-known for the richness and variety of its fauna and flora. Situated in the tropical and temperate zones with parts of the country receiving heavy rainfall, India is a naturalist’s paradise. The postage stamps issued since our Independence have generally dealt with themes based on Indian history and culture. The issue of a stamp on the Indian Rhinoceros in 1962 and a series of 5 stamps on India’s wild life in 1963 broke new ground. These stamps have proved immensely popular both in India and abroad, proving that even in this technological age, nature still has the strongest appeal for man. And now we are reverting to the theme by issuing a series of four stamps on Indian birds.

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

These stamps designed and printed at India Security Press, Nasik Road, by Photogravure Process on unwatermarked paper in 50–to–a sheet was released on the 31^st Dec. 1968.

The design of the stamps have been adapted from “The Book of Indian Birds” and “Indian Hill Birds” by the kind courtesy of the author Dr. Salim Ali and the publishers The Bombay Natural History Society and Oxford University Press.

The Red Billed Blue Magpie (Urocissa erythrorhyncha) :

Description of Design : The design of the stamp is horizontal and depicts a bird “Blue Magpie” sitting on a branch of a tree.
Colour : Scarlet and Violet
Denomination : 20 Paise
Overall Size : 4.06 X 2.41 cms.
Printing Size : 3.70 X 2.05 cms.
Perforation : 14 x 14½
Number Printed : 50,00,000

About : This blue bird is about the size of a pigeon with the two central feathers of the tail 15 to 17 inches long. The head, neck and breast are black and underparts greyish white. The tail feathers are tipped white. The bill and the legs are crimson. The male and the female are alike. It is found throughout the Himalayas, upto an altitude of about 10,000 feet. This magpie is a common bird at all West Himalayan hill-stations. Its flight is noisy and slow, but with the long tail spread, a party in flight makes a charming spectacle.

The Brown–fronted Pied Wood–pecker (Dryobates himalyansis) :

Description of Design : The design of the stamp is horizontal and depicts a bird “Wood Pecker”.
Colour : Scarlet and Turquoise Blue
Denomination : 50 Paise
Overall Size : 4.06 X 2.40 cms.
Printing Size : 3.70 X 2.05 cms.
Perforation : 14 x 14½
Number Printed : 50,00,000

About : This hill bird is about 8 inches long and is common in the forests of Western Himalayas, at elevations between 2000 and 7000 feet. Its back is cross-barred black and white. There is a red patch under the tail. The crown in the male is golden-brown in front, crimson behind. The female lacks these colours on its head.

Slatyheaded Scimiter Babbler (Pomaterhinus schisticeps) :

Description of Design : The design of the stamp is vertical and depicts a bird “Babbler” sitting on a small portion of a branch of tree.
Colour : Blue Grey and Chestnut
Denomination : Re. 1
Overall Size : 4.06 X 2.41 cms.
Printing Size : 3.70 X 2.05 cms.
Perforation : 14½ x 14
Number Printed : 30,00,000

About : A dark-browned bird with white throat and breast, prominent white eye-brows and curved pointed yellow bill, it is found in forested country throughout India. It is a medium-sized bird of a length slightly over 8 inches, the male and the female being alike. It is a shy bird, usually rummaging on the ground under dense under-growth for insects and grubs. Its flight is feeble and ill-sustained. The male bird’s call is flute-like with 4 notes.

The Yellow–backed Sunbird (Aethopyga Siparaja) :

Description of Design : The design of the stamp is horizontal and depicts two birds (Sunbird) sitting on the branch of a tree.
Colour : Jade Green and Scarlet
Denomination : Rs. 2
Overall Size : 4.06 X 2.41 cms.
Printing Size : 3.70 X 2.05 cms.
Perforation : 14 x 14½
Number Printed : 30,00,000

About : Of the size of a sparrow, this is a brilliantly coloured, purple, green and crimson sunbird, with a long pointed metallic green tail and a distinctive yellow rump. It is found in moist evergreen forests throughout India. It flits about restlessly like a gem in the sunshine among shrubs, sometimes hanging upside down to probe into flowers for nectar. It also feeds on insects and spiders.

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Issued by Nepal

Issued on 14^th Poush 2025 corresponding to 28^th December, 1968

Issued by : His Majesty’s Government, Postal Services Department, Nepal Philatelic Bureau, G.P.O. Building, Kathmandu, Nepal

Designer : K. Karmacharya

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Denomination : 25 Paisa

Colour : violet blue

Size : 4.06 cms x 2.28 cms

Perforation : 14 x 14½

Paper : Unwater–marked Adhesive Stamp paper on reels

Quantity : 2,50,000

Sheet : 50 Stamps

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, India

Name : Birendra Bir Bikram Shah

Born on Dec 28, 1945 at Kathmandu, Nepal

Died on Jun 1, 2001 at Kathmandu, Nepal

About : 

• Himself a bright and jubilant youth H.R.H. Crown Prince Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev has been a source of inspiration to all Nepalese young people. The activities of Nepal Youth Organization, Junior Red Cross, Nepal Association of Fine Arts and Nepal Boy and Girls Scout have been particularly inspired and guided by him. Most fittingly his birthday today is being celebrated as the National Youth Festival throughout the country.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 15, 1968

Issued for : The P. & T. Department joins the nation in congratulating the Navy on its achievements by issuing a special postage stamp on Navy Day, 1968.

Description of Design : The design of the stamp is horizontal and depicts a picture of the new frigate I.N.S. “NILGIRI” which has been launched by Prime Minister recently.

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Blue Grey 

Denomination : 20 Paise

Overall Size : 3.91 X 2.40 cms.

Printing Size : 3.56 X 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Watermark : Printed on unwatermarked paper

Number Printed : 30,00,000

Number per issue Sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Designed and Printed at : India Security Press

About : 

• The most important landmark in the maritime history of our country is undoubtedly the launching of the first major warship, the frigate I.N.S. “Nilgiri“, by the Prime Minister on 23^rd October, 1968 at Bombay. This frigate, which is being built by Mazagon Dock, Ltd., is one of the most modern warships of its type and belongs to the latest series of Leander class frigates. In this, we are keeping abreast of the British since the first ship of this series is expected to be commissioned in their Navy only in 1969.
• The “Nilgiri”, which will be followed by two more Leander class frigates, is a versatile ship with anti-submarine and anti-aircraft capability. She is equipped with sophisticated weapon systems including Seacat guided missiles and a helicopter for anti-submarine and reconnaissance duties. The ship is being fitted with the latest fire control and electronic systems and several other complex items of equipment. After extensive trials, she will be commissioned into the Indian Navy.
• With the launching of the “Nilgiri”, the Navy Day, which is annually celebrated on 15^th December, assumes a special significance this year because it marks not only the beginning of indigenous construction of major warships but also the emergence of our Navy as a balanced fighting-force.
• Immediately after partition, India‘s navy was left with a few old sloops and corvettes. The first major acquisition was in 1948, with the arrival in India of the cruiser, I.N.S. “Delhi”, the erstwhile “Achilles” of the Battle of River Plato fame. This was followed by a squadron of destroyers.
• In 1958 came the second cruiser, I.N.S. “Mysore”, and three years later, the Navy “acquired its wings” when the aircraft-carrier “Vikrant” joined the fleet. In between, three squadrons of modern anti-aircraft and anti-submarine frigates were also commissioned.
• The training of personnel is an important facet of any fighting force and, with the exception of a few highly technical specialisations, the Navy is now self-sufficient in this regard. Its training establishments are spread over the length and breadth of the country, and officers and sailors of many African and South–East Asian navies are also being trained in India. With the liberation of Goa, the Navy inherited not only a magnificent harbour but also an excellent airfield which is today our premier naval air station.
• As regards repair and dockyard facilities, all our warships are repaired and refitted in naval dockyards. The 300-year old dockyard in Bombay has been expanded and modernised and is now capable of taking in hand even the biggest warships. Major refits of many foreign warships have been undertaken in this dockyard.
• It is now well known that submarines are an integral part of the Indian Navy, and year 1968 marks the emergence of our Navy as a truly three-dimensional force operating on the surface of the sea, in the skies above the sea and in the depths below.

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 15, 1968

Issued for : The fact that an oft-persecuted community like the Jews could find peaceful asylum in India symbolises the secular character of our State where all communities can flourish regardless of colour, creed or race. The P & T Department is happy to associate itself with the four-hundredth anniversary celebrations of the Cochin Synagogue by issuing a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion.

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Blue and Maroon 

Denomination : 20 Paise

Overall Size : 3.91 X 2.90 cms.

Printing Size : 3.56 X 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Watermark : Printed on unwatermarked paper

Number Printed : 30,00,000

Number per issue Sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Designed and Printed at : India Security Press

About : 

• A distinguishing feature of Indian history is that many foreign influences have through the ages sustained and enriched a basically Indian culture. People of many races have been coming into India throughout its long history. Some came and held brief sway like the Macedonians under Alexander. The Islamic era saw almost a millennium of such movements into the country. Europeans came next, first as traders and then as conquerors, culminating in the establishment of British rule.
• There was another kind of peaceful two-way movement, comprising commercial, religious and cultural intercourse. This intercourse flourished on the eastern and western sea-boards of the peninsula. Right from the earliest times Ionian and Roman ships made regular visits to Indian sea-ports. The Jews in Kerala are believed to have reached India after the destruction of the second temple in Jerusalem in the year 72 A.D. This shows that by that time there must have been a long established maritime link between India and the Mediterranean lands.
• Thus was woven into the multicoloured fabric of Indian life still another ethnic group. The first definite historical mention of the Jews in Kerala occurs in the famous Jewish copper plates on which is recorded the gift of a village from a local ruler to the settlers. The date of these copper plates is not finally settled, but probably they pertain to the period around 1000 A.D. Till the 15^th century, Jews from abroad periodically visited this prosperous settlement near Cranganore. But other forces like the Moors and the Portuguese came on the scene and destroyed it in the 16^th century. The Jews then sought refuge in Cochin whose Hindu ruler granted them a site for habitation. Here was built the Jew Town in 1567 and the Synagogue the next year.

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Issued by Nepal

Issued on 25^th Mansir (corresponding to 10^th December 1968)

Design : The central design is the Flame of Freedom, the universally adopted emblem of Human Rights. This is supplemented by the profile of the Buddha whose philosophy, propounded twenty five centuries ago, helped to propagate the human virtues of compassion, tolerance and respect for others which form the basic ingredients for the effective recognition of Human Rights throughout the world.

Designer : K. Karmacharya

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Denomination : 1 Rupee

Colour : Olive green scarlet

Size : 4.06 x 2.28 Cms

Perforation : 14 x 14½

Paper : Unwatermarked adhesive Stamp paper on reels

Quantity : 200,000

Sheet : 50 Stamps

Printing Process : Photogravure

Printer : India Security Press, Nasik

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Issued by India

Issued on Dec 1, 1968

Issued for : Since its inception in 1871, this was the first time that the Congress is being held in an Asian country. The nation was proud to play host to this distinguished assembly of geographers. The Indian P & T Department is happy to join in the welcome by issuing a special postage stamp on the 1^st December, 1968, the opening day of the 21^st International Geographical Congress.

Description of Design : The design of the Stamp is vertical and depicts Global Map – an emblem of 21^st International Geographical Congress.

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Monastral Blue 

Denomination : 20 Paise

Overall Size : 3.91 X 2.90 cms.

Printing Size : 3.56 X 2.54 cms.

Perforation : 13 x 13

Watermark : Printed on unwatermarked paper

Number Printed : 30,00,000

Number per issue Sheet : 35

Printing Process : Photogravure

Designed and Printed at : India Security Press

About : 

• The Congress of the International Geographical Union (IGU) was in session in New Delhi from the 1^st to the 8^th December, 1968. The main objects of the IGU are:
  • (i) to promote the study of geographical problems;
  • (ii) to initiate and co-ordinate researches requiring international co-operation and to provide for their scientific discussion and publications;
  • (iii) to provide for meetings of the International Geographical Congress; and
  • (iv) to appoint and supervise commissions for the study of topical problems during the interval between congresses.
• In pursuance of these objectives, the 17 commissions which were set up at the London meeting of the General Assembly of the IGU in 1964 will be submitting their final reports at New Delhi. The subjects dealt with by these commissions include such highly specialised branches of this science such as Applied Geography, World Population and Medical Geography, Teaching of Geography and Quantitative Methods, National Atlases, Interpretation of Aerial Photography, Economic Regionalisation and World Land Use and Agricultural Typology, all of which are of considerable interest and importance to the progress of mankind.
• Some 1200 delegates from 64 member countries were taking part in the Congress. More than 1000 papers was read and discussed in the 9 sections of the Congress, 17 commission meetings and 24 symposia which was held in various cities of India both before and after the main Congress at New Delhi. The participants also made a tour of the country to acquaint themselves first hand with the geography of India.
• The International Cartographic Association (ICA) which adheres to the IGU also had its meetings between the 6^th and 13^th December, 1968 at New Delhi, some jointly with the Congress and others independently. The technical symposium of the ICA on cartography was attended mainly by official delegates deputed by their respective governments.

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Issued by India

Issued on Nov 6, 1968

Issued for : Science knows no national barriers. The entire world is celebrating the birth centenary of Madame Curie. The Indian P&T Department is happy to join in these celebrations by issuing a commemorative stamp in her honour.

Description of Design : The design of the stamp is horizontal. It depicts at left side a block in which a patient is shown being given a Radium treatment. A portrait of Madame Marie Curie is at the right side portion of the Stamp.

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Purple 

Denomination : 20 Paise

Overall Size : 4.06 X 2.28 cms.

Printing Size : 3.80 X 2.00 cms.

Perforation : 14 x 14½

Watermark : Printed on unwatermarked paper

Number Printed : 20,00,000

Number per issue Sheet : 50

Printing Process : Photogravure

Designed and Printed at : India Security Press

Name : Maria Salomea Skłodowska

Born on Nov 7, 1867 at Warsaw, Poland

Died on Jul 4, 1934 at Passy, Haute-Savoie, France

About : 

• While Madame Curie occupies an eminent position amongst the great scientists of the world, it was her spirit of dedication to her life’s mission which was something unique. To her fell the rare honour of being twice awarded the Nobel Prize once in 1903 jointly with her husband and again in 1911. As the co-discoverer of radium and radio-activity she was one of the precursors of the atomic age.
• Marie Sklodowska was born in Poland on November 7, 1867. She was the daughter of a professor of Physics at Warsaw. After finishing school, she was keen to go to France for higher studies. This she was ultimately able to do. Her means were poor and her student days in Paris were full of privations. But unmindful of her austere day-to-day life, she was immersed in her pursuit of knowledge. She found a companion and co-worker in the person of the young physicist Pierre Curie. The two were drawn to each other not only by their common scientific interest, but also by their simplicity and lofty ideals. Their friendship found its culmination in their marriage in 1895.
• Their most important scientific work was the isolation of the radio-active elements polonium and radium from the mineral pitch-blende. The process was long and arduous and was carried on with improvised tools in their backyard. A ton of ore had to be gradually broken up, boiled and treated over a period of several months before tiny amounts of the new substances could be obtained. Despite the risk and labour involved, the Curies did not fail or falter.
• The death of her husband Pierre Curie in an accident in 1906 might have broken a lesser soul. He had not only been her husband. He was her partner in a research venture which was the very breath of their joint lives. Madame Curie was now offered the physics Chair at Paris, a position held by her late husband. Her scientific pursuits thus went on almost uninterrupted by this severe blow.
• Her daughter Irene and her husband Joliot continued the family tradition. They made the remarkable discovery of artificial radio-activity for which they were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1934. Madame Curie lived to see her family thus honoured for the third time in her life. Shortly thereafter, she passed away.

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Issued by United States of America

Issued on Nov 1, 1968

Design : The 6¢ 1968 U.S. Christmas stamp reproduces the figure of the Angel Gabriel from van Eyck’s “The Annunciation”. Designed by R. J. Jones, it was first placed on sale in Washington, D.C., on November 1, 1968.

Type : Stamp, Postal Used

Denomination : 6 cents

About : 

• Christmas, that joyful festival of the Christian faith commemorating the birth of Jesus, encompasses many cherished traditions. For nearly 2,000 years, people around the world have celebrated the miracle of the Christ Child in customs, symbols, literature and song.
• One of the more meaningful and lasting ways men have observed Christ’s birthday is through religious art. The styles, techniques and interpretations of the painters and sculptors may vary, but the source of their inspiration remains the same. Many works of art were created depicting the Madonna and Child as symbols of the Christian faith, along with the other events surrounding Christmas. The greatest of these, both in quantity and quality, were done by the artists of the Renaissance.
• Few religious art treasures of the Renaissance are more highly praised than the works of Jan van Eyck, the 15^th century Flemish master who pioneered the technique of oil painting. Through his art, van Eyck expressed the inner-most yearnings and ideals of mankind, which are brought to the fore in the annual Christmas celebration.
• “The Annunciation”, which pictures the Angel Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary that she is to be the mother of Jesus, ranks as one of van Eyck’s finest and most famous works. It epitomizes the artist’s style, which emphasizes natural lighting, brilliant colors, precise detailing, and his extraordinary ability to create a realistic illusion of depth. The complex oil, originally commissioned as a panel for the Cathedral of St. Bavon in Ghent, Belgium, is now part of the collection of the National Gallery of Art, in Washington, D.C.

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Issued by Pakistan

Issued on Oct 27, 1968

Issued for : To celebrate the Decade of Development, the Pakistan Post Office is issuing a set of four stamps of 10, 15, 50 and 60 paisa denominations on the 27^th October, 1968, on the following four aspects of development :–
(i) Political Reforms; (ii) Defence; (iii) Agriculture and Industry; (iv) Science and Culture.

Design :
10 Paisa (Political Reforms) The caption “Leadership through Basic Democracies” appear in the bottom black panel in reverse. Three groups of people are shown in front of Union Council Buildings indicated in simple red outline with ‘Union Council’ written in black underneath of each. Beyond this there are two smaller groups of people and further up there appears the proposed National Assembly Building in brick red colour. This whole thing forms a vista with the people in the forefront and the National Assembly Building at the other end. Rays of light representing delegation of powers are shown as emanating from the people and focussing on the National Assembly. The blank upper portion of the stamp on either side of the National Assembly Building is tinted in green with an ornamented circle on each side. The emblem of Decade of Development appears in the left circle and the denomination figure 10 with ‘paisa’ and ‘postage’ appears on the right in red colour. The word ‘Pakistan’ in Bengali, English and Urdu appears at top in black.

15 Paisa (Industrial and Agricultural Development) Industry is represented by a factory in the upper portion at the right hand side in ultramarine against the lighter background of the same colour. The lower portion depicts Agriculture. The left portion is in lush green and the lower right portion in chrome yellow colour. The green portion is subdivided in three tones of green – the top one is pale green with dark green trees at both ends, the middle portion represents cultivated land with red tractor and dark green trees at the bottom, the last portion is medium green representing a pasture. A corn of wheat and bundle of raw jute are shown in lemon yellow with black outline. Pakistan in English, Urdu and Bengali appears in black at the bottom. The denomination figure 15 appears in black with words ‘Paisa’ and ‘Postage’ beneath it. The symbol of Decade of Development appears in red in the white circle at top left corner.

50 Paisa (Defence) Defence being the subject it is represented by our three forces Army, Navy and Air Force. The space of the stamp is so divided that the subject of the stamp appears on 4/5^th of the total space and the lettering and emblem of Decade of Development in the remaining 1/5^th portion. In the upper blue portion at right three fighter planes (Mirage, F-104 and MIG-19) are shown. Sailing below is a modern destroyer and a submarine. In the foreground below appears in brown colour a Tank at the left corner. A Chinese tank is shown in the background. Two soldiers are shown climbing a bank. The denomination figure 50 appears at top right corner with ‘Paisa’ underneath the black colour. In the white panel which is 1/5^th of the total space appears the word ‘Postage’ at top in black. The word Pakistan in Urdu Bengali and English also appears at the bottom in black but in a vertical position. The emblem of Decade of Development appears in red in between the above letterings.

60 Paisa (Scientific and Cultural Advancement) Science is represented by a factory and Atomic Reactor Building on the right hand side of stamp. Culture is represented by a Minaret Symbolic of modern Islamic architecture, contained within the arched window of the decorative panel at the left, which is after the style and colour scheme of Hala tiles. The panel, Minaret, factory and the Atomic Reactor building all appear in Mauve colour against Cobalt blue background. The symbol of Decade of Development appears in red colour in the white circle at the top on the right side of the decorative panel. The denomination figure 60 appears in the top right hand corner with words ‘Paisa’ and ‘Postage’ beneath it. The word ‘Pakistan’ in English, Urdu and Bengali appears in reverse in the red panel at the bottom.

Type : Stamps, Postal Used

Denomination : 10, 15, 50 & 60 Paisa

Colour :
10 Paisa – Turquoise green, scarlet, brick red and black
15 Paisa – Ultra marine, red, green and yellow
50 Paisa – Blue, brown, black and red
60 Paisa – Cobalt blue, mauve and red

Size of stamps : 50.8 x 35.2 mm.

Size of prints : 47.8 x 32.2 mm.

Perforation Gauge : 13 x 13 (c)

Quantities Printed : 10,00,000 pieces of each denomination

Number of stamps in each sheet : 50

Process of Printing : 10, 15 and 50 Paisa : Four colour Litho Offset and 60 Paisa three colour Litho Offset

Printers : The Pakistan Security Printing Corpn. Ltd., Karachi

About : 

• Ten years is a very short period in the life of a nation, yet these few years of its twenty one years span are memorable for the striking progress achieved in different sectors of national life. Pakistan is now recognised as a model among the developing nations of the world.
• Political Reforms
  • President Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan has given the much-needed political stability to the country and this one factor alone has contributed enormously to the well being of the state and people. This he has achieved by giving a new Constitution to Pakistan. The system of Basic Democracies has ensured rural development and participation of the masses in national development programmes. The slogan “Leadership through Basic Democracies” has given a new life to the nation. 1,20,000 Basic Democrats elected on adult franchise basis now elect the President of Pakistan as well as members of the Provincial and National Assemblies, for a term of five years.
• Defence
  • During the decade, the Pakistan Armed Forces have been reorganised in such a manner that despite its small size it can repel aggression from any quarter. The three arms of Pakistan forces have been equipped with modern weapons and recognizing the importance of the man behind the weapons the personnel also have been given intensive training. For training of officers separate academies for each service have been set up and provision has been made for specialisation in the technical branches of each service to ensure absolute efficiency in the operation of complicated weapons and equipment used in modern warfare. The service conditions of personnel have also been considerably improved to inspire confidence in the rank and file. The Defence services are now fully capable of guarding Pakistan’s land frontiers, shores and skies and to protect Pakistan’s commerce, fisheries and maritime rights in the Arabian sea and the Bay of Bengal.
• Agriculture and Industry
  • Agriculture, neglected earlier, received high priority for development during this decade. To revolutionise agriculture, Land Reforms and Agricultural Reforms Commission were set up. In accordance with the recommendation of the Land Reforms Commission, 2.5 million acres of land were resumed from the absentee landlords and distributed among landless peasants. Large scale canal irrigation system has been developed and where this is not possible or found uneconomic, low-lift pumps have been installed as in Dinajpur district of East Pakistan for facilities of irrigation. To protect crops from the ravages of floods, embankment projects have been taken up. To save millions of acres of land from water-logging, reclamation projects have been undertaken in right earnest. Production of fertilizers has been stepped up. Of singular importance is the introduction of high-yielding crops – Mexi-Pak wheat and Irri rice – which are expected to bring self-sufficiency in food by 1970. Already West Pakistan has attained self-sufficiency in food crops.
  • The Industrial sector has registered impressive growth due to incentives and facilities provided by the Government. As a result Pakistan has attained self-sufficiency in a larger number of consumer goods and some capital goods. Attention is now being diverted to the development of heavy and more sophisticated industries such as heavy engineering, electrical equipment, machine tools and petro-chemicals, etc. From a few cotton mills in 1958 the number has grown to 150, employing 200,000 workers. The cotton industry presently produces about 550 million lbs. of yarn and about 800 million yards of cotton cloth annually. There are 32 jute mills. The existing mills produce about 4 lakh tons of jute goods earning over Rs. 580 million annually. The Karachi Shipyard has been remodelled to undertake ship-building and repair facilities. It has already built a 12,000 ton ocean-going ship “Al-Abbas”. The first steel mill in Pakistan has gone into production in Chittagong and three more are being set up.
• Science and Culture
  • Scientific education as well as cultural advancement had been sadly neglected in the past. President Ayub set up Commissions for Scientific Research, Education and Sports and Culture. Government gave due considerations to recommendations of the Commission. The results have been spectacular. In 1960 the estimated number of scientists were only 300. Today Pakistan has about 1200 scientists engaged in Research in agriculture, medicine and industrial production. A National Science Council has been established to co-ordinate research work.
  • A revolution has been brought about in education by changing the old lopsided system which had neglected scientific outlook on education. More attention is now being given to produce scientists and technicians. Number of educational institutions and enrolment have increased several fold. There are now 12 Universities, including two Engineering and two Agricultural, which were set up in 1961. Number of Scholarships has been increased. Boards and Academies for advancement of regional languages have been set up to promote them and awards for best literary works are given. During the last ten years sports has been put up on a sound basis to ensure that talent shall get all the opportunities it needs and to raise the all-round standard of skill, a Sports Control Board has been formed.
  • In short, the last decade has seen nationwide activities in all sectors and with the country’s reoriented policy on Foreign affairs, a new generation with a new outlook on both national and international affairs and development has been born. Pakistan is now on the sure road to progress and prosperity.
• Issued by the Director-General, Pakistan Post Office, Karachi.

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Issued by India

Issued on Oct 27, 1968

Issued for : A grateful nation is celebrating Sister Nivedita‘s Centenary year; and the P. & T. Department counts it a privilege to mark the occasion by bringing out a commemorative stamp in her honour.

Description of Design : The design of the stamp is vertical and depicts a portrait of Sister Nivedita. The year of birth and death, viz., 1867-1911 appear on the top. The name in English and Hindi ‘SISTER NIVEDITA‘ appear along the left and right border of the stamp. Denomination and INDIA appear at the bottom of the Stamp design.

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Jade Green 

Denomination : 20 Paise

Overall Size : 4.06 X 2.28 cms.

Printing Size : 3.80 X 2.0 cms.

Perforation : 14½ x 14

Watermark : Printed on unwatermarked paper

Number Printed : 20,00,000

Number per issue Sheet : 50

Printing Process : Photogravure

Designed and Printed at : India Security Press

Name : Margaret Elizabeth Noble

Born on Oct 28, 1867 at County Tyrone, United Kingdom

 Died on Oct 13, 1911 at Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

About : 

• Margaret Noble, known and loved in India as Sister Nivedita, was born on 28^th October, 1867, in a small town in Northern Ireland. She met Swami Vivekananda in London in 1895. That was the turning point of her life. That great man of religion kindled in her a yearning for India and its ancient spirituality. The call of the East bore fruit for Margaret Noble in January, 1898 when she arrived in India.
• She was associated closely with Swami Vivekananda and the Ramakrishna Mission. She was mainly engaged during this time in running a school for girls and young women at Bagh Bazar in Calcutta. She also drank deep in the lore of ancient India. She was particularly drawn to godhead as the Divine Mother, an unmistakable influence of her guru, Swami Vivekananda. She adopted Indian customs and habits and become imbued with the real spirit of India. India became her adopted home, and not only in the religious sense.
• After the death of Swami Vivekananda in July, 1902, she was not as closely associated with the Ramakrishna Mission, although her veneration for her late preceptor remained unabated. Her fiery spirit was no longer willing to be confined to her cloistered home at Bagh Bazar. The political turmoil of the day could not but affect her. She attended the Banaras session of the Congress in 1935. Her writings and speeches attracted wide notice. She even became friendly with the Indian revolutionaries. Her passion for justice was such that her sympathies always lay with those fighting for a cause, in whatever manner the fight was carried on. Her activities drew the attention of the British Raj which she had to elude for a time under an assumed name. Her tempestuous career apparently told upon her health and she passed away in October, 1911, at the early age of forty-four.
• Hers was a versatile genius. She counted among her friends and associates such diverse personalities as Gokhale, Sri Aurobindo, Rabindranath Tagore, Jagdish Chandra Bose and the artist Nandalal Bose. True to her name of Nivedita which Swami Vivekananda had bestowed upon her, she was indeed the dedicated one and she played her full part in the spiritual and political regeneration of India.

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