Indian 20 paise-commemoratives

20 paise: Mahatma Gandhi birth centenary

I would take the second part to be the head in this 20 paisa coin, which shows the bespectacled figure of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is known throughout the world for his non-violent approach in the freedom struggle of India. He was born in 1869 and was assassinated in 1948 by Nathuram Godse, one year after India got its independence. These twenty paisa coins were thought to be made of gold as they had a gold tone and were melted down in large amounts by ignorant and stupid people.

See also:
Mahatma Gandhi 50 paise

Mahatma Gandhi 1 rupee

Mahatma Gandhi 10 rupee

20 paise fisheries

The reverse shows two fishermen casting their net. The writing in Hindi reads 'Matsya Udyog" which means fisheries industry. Fisheries comes under food and agricultural organization. This coin is only one of the many released under FAO series.

India is a peninsula and has a very long coastline. A large number of people earn their livelihood through fishing, and this also provides for the food of thousands of people in India. The fishing industry of India has grown five-fold since its independence in 1947.

see also: fifty paise fisheries coin

20 paise, world food day

World Food Day was proclaimed in 1979 by the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It marks the date of the founding of FAO in 1945. The aim of the Day is to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty. In 1980, the General Assembly endorsed observance of the Day in consideration of the fact that "food is a requisite for human survival and well-being and a fundamental human necessity" India released commemorative coins on 16 October, 1982; and this 20paisa coin was one of those coins.

20 paisa: food for all

This twenty paisa coin, minted in 1970, was struck in brass. It has a gold tone. The obverse shows a lotus , which is the national flower of India. It also shows a sun at the top, and the legend reads food for all. The same thing is also written in Hindi. The reverse shows the denomination, the country and the four headed lion symbol. A series of coins were minted on food and related themes when India attained self sufficiency in foodgrains after a history of droughts and massive food shortages.