NEW DELHI—The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering to include pictures of other Indian personalities on currency notes. If all occurs as planned – Indians may see the faces of Indira Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru on the new currency. Although nothing is final, the suggestion process is currently open and other commendations include Dr. BR Ambedkar and Chhatrapati Shivaj.
Including a picture of Indira Gandhi would hurt the sentiments of Sikhs, and other minority communities in India. Being forced to use currency that honours a Prime Minister that issued attacks on her fellow civilians has the potential to create discomfort among many.
Leaders such as Mohandas Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi played a big role in oppressing minority communities in India. Not just the Sikhs, but the Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and most importantly, the Dalit community has suffered a great deal from hands of various Indian leader, including Mohandas Gandhi.
In 2003, the RBI rolled out new security features in Indian currency, and in process, it removed the “Ashoka Pillers” and included the picture of Mohandas Gandhi in all notes. Now the RBI is going one step further to include pictures of leaders with tainted legacies on currency bills.
The move by RBI shows its insensitivity in respecting minorities in India. Indira Gandhi ordered a full scale military attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib, which resulted in killings of thousands of Sikhs and the destruction of Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Her son – Rajiv Gandhi openly encouraged and led the anti-Sikh pogroms throughout India in November 1984. On the other hand, Mohandas Gandhi, commonly addressed as “Mahatma” Gandhi opposed the Dalits and other communities, famously asserting the necessity of India’s discriminatory caste system. It is interesting to note that Dr. Ambedkar’s whose pictures may also be included on the currency was a staunch critic of Gandhi.
Dr.B.R.Ambedker is the real Father of Modern India. So his Picture should be on Indian currency
It will be a shame if Sikhs are “forced” to carry currency with picture of Indira Gandhi. I hope this never happens.
Chhatrapati Shivaji does not belongs to particular state. He belongs to whole true indians. So Please I request you to print photo Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on Indian currency note.