In the past few days, a news story went viral on social media, sparking a nationwide debate. The rumor was that Mahatma Gandhi’s photo was being removed from Indian currency notes and that another great personality’s photo might be printed in its place. Many people were sharing it, believing it to be true. However, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has now issued a clear and straightforward statement, stating that the news is “completely false and misleading.”
Mahatma Gandhi has been printed on the currency of India very long time and that is why people were perplexed with these unexpected rumors. The fact that the news about such a large change was announced not by any representative, led people to believe that there were numerous questions that were to be answered. However, the situation has now been made clear by the RBI which said that the government and the RBI do not have any such intentions to take off the photo of Gandhiji on currency notes.
How did this rumor spread? The whole story in simple terms.
Social media has become a part of people’s lives today. But just as it spreads news rapidly, it also spreads false news as if it were real. This is exactly what happened in this case.
Some time ago, Professor Dilip Saha of IIT Delhi and his team were given some sample designs. These designs included watermarked images of Gandhiji, as well as Rabindranath Tagore and Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam.
This led people to assume that the notes were about to change.
But the reality is that such designs are only for research and testing, to see how security features can be strengthened in the future.
This does not mean that the images on the notes will be changed immediately.
Every few years, the RBI studies the security features, design, and technical updates of the Indian currency. This is a normal process.
But some social media posts turned it into a sensational rumor like “Gandhiji’s photo is being removed”, when in reality, nothing like that happened.
Can a photo be printed on the digital currency e-Rupee?
Many of you may be wondering if Gandhiji’s photo will be printed on the digital currency, “e-Rupee”. The simple answer is:
No, absolutely not.
e-Rupee is a “digital or electronic currency”, meaning it is not a paper note. It is a central bank digital currency based entirely on code, servers, and digital value. It is impossible to have any kind of photo or design on it, because it is not a physical object.
Think of it this way:
Just as in a mobile wallet or UPI transaction, you only see the amount, not any image—e-Rupee is a digital form, and there is no question of printing an image.
When did Gandhiji’s photo begin appearing on Indian currency notes?
The history of Indian currency is quite interesting.
Today, we all grew up seeing Gandhiji’s smiling photo on currency notes. But it wasn’t always like this.
Early Period (After Independence)
After independence, the initial notes featured the Ashoka Pillar emblem. During this time, Indian currency was transforming into its modern form.
1969 – Gandhiji’s Photo for the First Time
- Currency featuring Gandhiji’s image was issued for the first time in 1969.
- This was the time when the entire country was celebrating Gandhiji’s birth centenary.
1987 – Gandhiji’s Photo on the 500 Rupee Note
- In 1987, Gandhiji’s photo was included on the 500 Rupee note.
- Gradually, this image became the hallmark of Indian currency.
Mahatma Gandhi Series and the New MGN Series
- Mahatma Gandhi Series
- Mahatma Gandhi New Series (MGN)
Gandhiji’s image was never removed from either of these.
This consistency led to concern among people upon hearing this rumor, but in reality, there is no such proposal.
Could Gandhiji’s image ever be removed in the future?
The RBI has clearly stated that:
- There is no proposal from the government on this issue
- There has been no discussion on this issue on the RBI Board
- The idea of new images on notes is completely hypothetical
In many countries around the world, currency designs change from time to time, but in India, Gandhiji’s image has become a national identity.
Therefore, a decision to remove it without any solid reason is impossible.
Why do such false messages spread? An important point
Social media has grown rapidly in India. Thousands of posts go viral daily on WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.
Sometimes, even a simple, edited image created by someone can mislead people.
For example:
- Someone created a new note in Photoshop and posted it online.
- Someone shared a design sample, mistaking it for the final note.
- Someone spread false information just to gain likes and followers.
In such a situation, it is important that people do not immediately believe rumors and confirm any major news from a government website or a reliable news source.
Why are Indian currency notes so important?
Our currency notes are not just a means of transaction; they are also a symbol of our culture, history, andIt also symbolizes national sentiment.
Gandhiji’s image still reminds people of his principles and ideals—truth, non-violence, simplicity, and service to the nation.
In India, currency design is not just about appearance, but also about:
- Security features
- National identity
- Public trust
- International acceptance
All of these are considered.
For this reason, the government and RBI make major changes to note design only after careful consideration.
RBI’s official statement: Absolutely clear and final
The RBI stated in its statement:
“There is no plan to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s image from the notes, nor has any such proposal been received from the government.”
This statement should put an end to all rumors.
Still, many people continue to be misled by social media posts, so it’s important that accurate information reaches the public.
The Future of Digital Currency and Its Relationship to Notes
Many people are wondering if the introduction of digital currency will lead to the discontinuation of notes.
This is absolutely not the case.
- e-Rupee is merely an alternative, not a substitute for notes.
- Notes and digital currency will circulate together.
- Digital currency will not impact the design of paper notes.
Therefore, issues like changing the image on notes are completely unrelated to digital currency.
Conclusion: No need to panic, don’t believe rumors.
In conclusion, it can be said that:
- The news circulating on social media was false.
- There is no intention to remove Gandhiji’s image from notes.
- The news of issuing notes with Tagore or Kalam’s image is also completely false.
- The RBI has strongly rejected all rumors.
Until there is an official announcement from the government or the RBI, people should not trust any viral posts.
Gandhiji’s image on Indian currency is our heritage and identity, and it will continue to adorn the notes in the times to come.
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