"It was a wonderful experience interacting with you and appreciate the way you have planned and executed the whole publication process within the agreed timelines.”
Subrat SaurabhAuthor of Kuch Woh Pal
Paper currency has been part of our lives for well over a century. Despite handling it frequently, we know so little about it. This book demystifies paper currency in a short and simple narrative. This is a story of how currency notes come into existence, lead eventful lives and ultimately leave this world, just as we humans do. It also tells how the notes have been changing over time.
While doing so, it unravels many interesting facets of paper currency. For instance, do you know that the first Governor of the Reserve Bank of India did not sign any banknotes? Or that if a note is torn or a portion thereof is missing, you can still get full value for it from your bank? Or that the One Thousand Rupee note has been demonetized three times? Or that the numerical value in words of an Indian currency note is mentioned on it in 17 languages? And many, many more!
Today, when currency is on the verge of getting a new avatar in the form of digital currency, it is time to look back and enjoy the fascinating life and times of paper currency in India. For those embarking on this journey, here’s wishing them Bon Voyage!
Navin Bhatia
Navin Bhatia has been a career central banker with experience spanning over 36 years in the Reserve Bank of India, both at its Central Office in Mumbai and various Regional Offices. He was involved in policy formulation as well as implementation across different functional areas. With over a decade’s experience in the area of currency management, including four years as in charge of currency management at its Jaipur Office, he is well-equipped to narrate the story of paper currency in India. He has traveled to various countries in South Asia and Europe as part of his official duties.
Navin has had a brilliant academic record with a Master’s in Business Administration from the Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi. He is also a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers. He has published several articles on topics relating to economics and rural development in various prominent publications. A versatile reader with an aptitude for research, his interests include writing and painting. He can be reached at n_k_bhatia@yahoo.com.
