The new rupee symbol deserves more respect

As one of the world's oldest currencies, the Indian rupee's new symbol deserved a more dignified debut, says Sanjaya Baru.

The Indian rupee's new symbol, an elegant, simple and brilliant combination of Sanskrit Ra and the English R without the stem, deserved a more dignified debut.

A minister holding up an A4-size sheet of paper for cameras sitting at her desk? No fancy unveiling, no fireworks or music, no celebrations at all? How unfortunate. How inelegant. How crass.

The Indian rupee, which is the original rupee, dates back centuries. Historians believe the name derives from the Sanskrit Rupyakam and date the use of silver rupee coins to 6th century BC.

The Indian rupee currency note of today carries the . . .

Full story at: rediff.com Business