1981 - International Year of the Child | Commemorative Coin

The third commemorative coin released in 1981 marked the 'International Year of the Child.' The release included two different Rs 100 coin variants, exclusively available in mint sets, with no circulating coins issued.

India and several other countries issued a coin in 1981 to commemorate the event, marking a significant moment in numismatic history. Notably, India released a unique Pie Fort coin, the only one of its kind, to honor the "International Year of Youth." This marked the first instance where a commemorative coin was released as a single coin set.

The backdrop to this commemoration is rooted in UNESCO's proclamation of 1979 as the International Year of the Child, a global initiative signed on January 1, 1979, by United Nations Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim. This proclamation, building on the foundation laid by the 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the Child, aimed to spotlight challenges affecting children worldwide, such as malnutrition and lack of access to education. The collective efforts spurred by this initiative eventually led to the formulation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, further solidifying the commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children globally.

Moreover, the efforts stemming from the International Year of the Child in 1979, including the subsequent Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, showcase the ongoing commitment of the global community to address the challenges faced by children. These initiatives underscore the importance of international collaboration in safeguarding and promoting the rights, health, and education of children worldwide.