RECENTLY the Bank of England unveiled a new 50-pound note with image of mathematician and World War II code-breaker Alan Turing in recognition of his pivotal role in breaking Nazi Germany’s Enigma code that led to the unveiling of Hitler’s war designs.

Previously honoured British personalities include novelist Jane Austen, wartime prime minister Winston Churchill and social reformer Elizabeth Fry.

Such personalities are missing from the face of our currency notes. Every year we celebrate their birthdays or observe anniversaries. One of the ideal ways to recognise their contributions is through the currency notes.

To one’s mind the bank notes should represent a diverse range of characters from all fields of life that have rendered enormous services towards nation-building.

Some of the illustrious persons whose faces could adorn our currency notes include great poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Hafeez Jalandhari, who penned the national anthem, and other such notable individuals.

Fawad Hashmey
Lahore

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2021