So why only MK Gandhi gracing ever denomination of our currency that runs thru more than 2 Billion hands. I should be asking not just our current RBI Governor Mr. Raghuram Rajan but every citizen of the country if they do not feel that no other Indian politician, scientist, artist deserves to be placed on the national currency? Why do we accept the dull designs just as we go about our daily lives....maybe its just money and no body cares about designs and just care about the value. and maybe I do as a numismatist.... but there's more reason to that as these paper notes are reflection of our progress, cultural strength and diversity.
I gave it a long thought and thought of some interesting designs that could be considered. I dont say this covers all but surely covers some important personalities and themes. Feel free to disagree/engage and make better suggestion....but atleast kickstart the topic!
INR 1000: Changing the reverse side from the current IT oriented design to a plain Sabarmati Ashram and a Khadi spinning Charkha...let the face of the note remain same with MK Gandhi adorning it. This being the biggest denomination paper in circulation identifies with our Father of the Nation and also values associated with him "Simple Living and High Thinking"
INR 500: Changing the reverse again from the current 1942 August Kranti design to a vivid muticolored pattern with the diverse wildlife showcasing the natural beauty in the Indian jungles. The face of the note can have Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's countenance to mark respect to the man who was instrumental in bringing together more than 500 princely states into the Indian Union. Alternate figure could be Nehru.
INR 100: Changing the reverse design from the mountains to technology, science and industry oriented. This is possibly the most circulated note and marks the recent advancements in the country. The face can have Jawaharlal Nehru as his visions of the temples of modern India is where the dream began. Alternate figures could be JRD Tata or Homi Bhabha here.
INR 50: Let the note show the monuments of India...the world travels to see them...the Taj Mahal could be well placed here....and the obverse should have the face of Mother Teresa as the notion of service to mankind beautifully rest with her. This could be a masterpiece in the current pink, white & blue tones. Alternate figure could be Indira Gandhi.
INR 20: This is possibly the least circulated note just like the US$2 note but in my opinion has always been one of the most beautiful one. The design should change from the current Parliament to a more cultural oriented design with possibly one with a Kathakali dancer, Tablas, Veena etc and in the background written lyrics of a portion of Jan Gan Man (our national anthem).... On the face we can have Rabindranath Tagore - a Nobel Awardee in Literature.
INR 10: Now comes the turn of the most frequently used note by the man on the street. Back to the basics - Changing the current design to one with the parliament, Ashoka pillar and words from the Preamble of the constitution "We the People...." and on the face who better than Baba Bhimrao Ambedkar could adorn it. Alternate figure could be Dr. Rajendra Prasad here.
INR 5: This is the only note where I feel the current design on the back should stay. At the grassroots, the country's growth still depends on Agriculture. On the face we can have the countenance of Mr Verghese Kurien as he steered the Operation Flood and brought self sufficiency in India in terms of Milk.
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