Britain is contemplating the issuance of a coin to commemorate Indian freedom fighter and advocate for non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi. The move is seen as an effort to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions made by members of the Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.
The Role of the Royal Mint Advisory Committee
The British Finance Minister has formally approached the Royal Mint Advisory Committee (RMAC) regarding this proposal. The RMAC is an independent body composed of experts tasked with recommending themes and designs for coins in Britain. In addition to suggesting designs, the RMAC actively supports the ‘We Too Built Britain’ campaign, which aims to highlight the representation of non-white icons on British currency.
Global Impact of Black Lives Matter Movement
Recent global events have accelerated discussions on racial equality and representation. The death of George Floyd, a Black man murdered due to police brutality in the United States, sparked the Black Lives Matter protests against racism, colonialism, and police brutality worldwide. The widespread public response to Floyd’s death prompted British institutions to take a hard look at their history, including links to colonialism and racism.
Understanding the Black Lives Matter Protest
The Black Lives Matter movement champions non-violent civil disobedience as a response to incidents of police brutality and racially motivated violence against African-American individuals. Founded in 2013 after the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer in the USA, the movement is committed to eradicating white supremacy and empowering local communities to combat violence inflicted on Black people by state authorities and vigilantes.
Mahatma Gandhi: A Beacon of Non-Violence and Freedom
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, known worldwide as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on 2nd October 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat. He devoted his life to advocating for non-violence while leading India’s nationalist movement against British rule. As a lawyer, politician, social activist, and writer, Gandhi played an integral role in India’s struggle for independence. The United Nations recognises his birth anniversary, October 2nd, as the International Day of Non-Violence. Also known as the Father of the Nation in India, Gandhi’s potential commemoration on British coinage reflects the lasting impacts of his influence and the indelible contributions of the BAME communities globally.
