The proposal by former Planning Commission member Narendra Jadhav to have Dr B.R. Ambedkar and Swami Vivekananda on our currency notes is one of the most game-changing, if not revolutionary, proposals coming on the last day of 2015. Till now the picture of Mahatma Gandhi has dominated Indian currency notes.
This proposal has tremendous political implications and requires a whole new mindset amongst the highest authorities. The proposal, along with some others, was actually made three months ago by Dr Jadhav as member of the government-appointed high-power committee for the celebration of Dr Ambedkar’s 125th birth anniversary. Since then there has been some progress. An executive committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been constituted (it includes Dr Jadhav) to implement some of the suggestions. Most industrialised, developed countries that are democracies have multiple founding fathers on their currencies. These include the UK, the US, and several countries which are part of the 27-member European Union. So India would be doing what several of its peers have already done. The Reserve Bank of India is said to have considered putting other icons on currency notes two years ago.
The Modi government has made a good beginning in celebrating the birth anniversaries of long-neglected leaders of India. So having Dr Ambedkar and Swami Vivekananda on currency notes would be an extension of the refreshing new fresh wind blowing in India’s political corridors. The decision, if it fructifies, will surely open a Pandora’s box. There will be demands for Subhas Chandra Bose and several other heroes. Decisions would have to be taken after careful deliberation and according to clearly-defined criteria.
