The Nepal Rastra Bank has unveiled three new coins to commemorate historian and scholar Satya Mohan Joshi, who celebrated his 100th birthday in May this year. 

Historians, litterateurs, students, professors and government officials were present at the office of Lalitpur Metropolitan Office on Tuesday for the unveiling of the coins of denominations Rs 100, Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,500 featuring Joshi’s portrait.
The unveiling ceremony was planned as a standard affair: welcoming of the guests on stage, words from the guests and coin unveiling by the chief guest followed by a brief speech extolling the honouree’s contributions. But the event’s schedule was thrown off by an hour due to late arrival of the chief guest, Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada.

Even Joshi, who is 100 years old, had arrived on time to attend the programme that was set to begin from 2:30 pm, but Khatiwada was nowhere to be seen.
“We are backward because we don’t start or finish anything on schedule,” Joshi told the Post after the event was finally over.

Like many people who were growing impatient waiting for Khatiwada and made no effort to conceal their frustration, Joshi, as it turned out, was also equally affected by the minister’s disregard for time. But the three-time recipient of the Madan Puraskar seemed calm and collected throughout the entirety of the event.

When Khatiwada did arrive at the venue, he didn’t apologise for the delay.

As the chief guest of the event he delivered a speech, extolling Joshi’s incredible career.
“Everything that reaches 100 years bears archaeological importance, and Joshi holds that importance. He has helped Nepal Rastra Bank design Nepali coins and notes and made them more attractive,” said Khatiwada, who also served as the governor of Nepal Rastra Bank and worked with Joshi.

“Till date, 10 governors of Nepal Rastra Bank have had the opportunity of working with Joshi and I am one of them. These special edition coins are small recognition of his great contribution.”

Asked how he felt about being featured in coins, Joshi said it was a historic moment.

“From the 5th century, which was the Mandeve Era, we have had pictures of king’s coins and banknotes. Today, a common individual has been honoured. It’s a representation of a commoner for his contribution to the country,” Joshi said.

Lalitpur Mayor Chiri Babu Maharjan said the event was a rare one in that a living legend was honoured.

“We only commemorate our heroes and legends after their death, but we are fortunate to feature Joshi’s face in coins while he is still alive and active. This is a special occasion,” he said.

Maharjan also said that Lalitpur Metropolitan Office has set up a charity fund to honour Joshi.

“A postage stamp is also being printed to honour Joshi,” he said.