In recent days, a wave of misinformation has swept across social media platforms, disseminating manipulated images of purported ₹500 notes adorned with portraits of Lord Ram and the Ram Mandir. Despite the widespread circulation of these deceptive images, a careful investigation reveals that there is no official announcement from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or the Indian government regarding the release of currency notes with such themes.
The misleading photos, which claim that these notes are set to be issued on January 22, 2024, in conjunction with the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration ceremony, lack credible substantiation. Both the RBI and the government have remained silent on any plans to introduce currency notes featuring Lord Ram and the Ram Temple.
Contrary to social media assertions, there is no indication that the upcoming ceremony organized by the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust on January 22, 2024, will involve the introduction of new currency notes. Invited dignitaries for the event include Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, but there is no official confirmation linking the ceremony to the issuance of the described currency.
To dispel these baseless claims, RBI spokesperson Yogesh Dayal has explicitly stated that the banking regulator possesses no information or news regarding the introduction of ₹500 notes with Lord Ram and Ram Mandir imagery. Moreover, a comprehensive search of reputable news sources has failed to yield any credible information supporting the purported release of such notes.
Verification on the RBI's official website under the 'Know Your Notes' section reaffirms that the specifications for the currently circulating ₹500 notes remain consistent. The front side continues to feature Mahatma Gandhi, and the reverse depicts the Red Fort, in line with the 'Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series' introduced in 2016 after the demonetization of old ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes. The official section on the RBI further emphasizes that the existing series of ₹2,000, ₹500, ₹200, ₹100, ₹50, ₹20, and ₹10 notes all bear the image of Mahatma Gandhi. No notification on the introduction of notes featuring Lord Ram has been found on the official channels, reinforcing the conclusion that the viral claims surrounding Ram Mandir-themed ₹500 notes are entirely unfounded.
In light of these findings, it is crucial for the public to rely on verified information from official sources and exercise caution when encountering unverified claims circulating on social media. Disseminating accurate information and promoting fact-checking remain essential in combatting the spread of misinformation.