These stamps were issued on 11th December 1960 to commemorate the UN General Assembly’s establishment of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on 11th December 1946.

UNICEF was established with the objective of providing for the urgent need for medicines, shelter and clothes for children in the aftermath of World War II. UNICEF began its work in India in 1949 and established an office in New Delhi 3 years later.

By 1960, the year of the issuance of the stamp, UNICEF had launched several pioneering development co-operation programmes in India, including the opening of India’s first penicillin plant at Pimpri, Maharashtra, and supported the “white revolution” - funding milk processing plants and providing marginalised children with free milk.

UNICEF partners with the Government of India to advance the rights and development of India’s children and supports and facilitates equitable access to health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education and child protection programmes.