GUWAHATI: The United Kingdom will now mint a coin featuring the father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
The UK Treasury announced the move on August 1 amid calls to recognize contributions of minorities to the country.
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This time, the nation plans to feature Gandhi, on the British currency coin - the first non-white person to be featured so.
The ‘We too Built Britain’ campaign which has called for ethnic minority people to be featured on the currency was what led to the decision.
The Royal Mint Advisory Committee is an independent committee made up of experts who recommend themes and designs of coins to the Chancellor, in his role as Master of the Mint.
"I am writing today to the Chair of the Royal Mint Advisory Committee (RMAC), Lord Waldegrave... asking the RMAC Sub-Committee on Themes to consider recognising the contributions of Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority individuals - not just to our history, but to our present and future as well,” wrote Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor to the Chair of the Committee.
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“For generations, ethnic minority groups have fought and died for this country we have built together; taught our children, nursed the sick, cared for the elderly; and through their enterprising spirit have started some of our most exciting and dynamic businesses, creating jobs and driving growth,” he added.