On 5th December 2001, India Post issued this stamp in commemoration of the 2001 International Year of Volunteers (IYV).

In November 1997, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2001 as the IYV through resolution 52/17, designating the UN Volunteers (UNV) programme as the international focal point. The idea for IYV emerged from discussions among several major international NGOs in the early 1990s. A formal proposal to designate 2001 as the International Year of Volunteers was submitted by the Government of Japan, co-sponsored by 123 countries, and subsequently was approved by the UN General Assembly.

The UNV Programme was established on 7th December, 1970, during a UN General Assembly meeting led by Secretary-General Mr. U Thant. The program officially commenced on 1st January, 1971. The UNV Programme aims to promote, recognise, facilitate and strengthen the networking of voluntary action worldwide, highlighting the essential contribution of voluntary service in addressing social, economic, cultural, humanitarian and peacebuilding issues.