A viral claim circulating on social media suggests that new ₹500 banknotes featuring Lord Ram, the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and a bow and arrow instead of Mahatma Gandhi, the Red Fort, and Gandhi’s glasses will be issued on January 22. However, a closer look reveals that the image shared online is a fabrication.
Origin of the Claim:
The claim originated from an image shared by a Twitter user with the handle @raghunmurthy07. The image quickly gained traction, with people spreading the rumor that the new banknotes would be issued on the day of the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Clarification from the Original Poster:
Upon investigation, @raghunmurthy07 clarified that the image was a result of creative work and was not intended to be presented as actual banknotes. Expressing disapproval of the misuse of their work to spread misinformation, @raghunmurthy07 emphasized the importance of accurate representation of creativity.
Additional Confirmation:
Another user, Divya Kamat, echoed this sentiment by acknowledging that the piece was a product of creativity and not meant to be perceived as actual currency. Both users stressed the need to refrain from spreading misinformation.
Verification from RBI:
To ascertain the authenticity of the claim, we checked the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) official website in the ‘Know Your Notes’ section. The investigation revealed that there is no update related to the alleged new ₹500 banknotes. The design of the existing ₹500 note continues to feature Mahatma Gandhi’s portrait, the Red Fort, and his iconic glasses.
The claim of new ₹500 banknotes featuring Lord Ram and the Ram Mandir is debunked as misinformation. The image circulating on social media is a creative piece falsely presented as an official currency design. It serves as a reminder to critically evaluate information before sharing, emphasizing the importance of fact-checking to curb the spread of false narratives on social platforms.
