On the occasion of India’s biggest festival, Deepavali, a new PS5 coin, commemorating the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled by the Government of the United Kingdom.

This special collectors’ coin which has been designed by Heena Glover is available in a range of standards, including gold and silver. As per the statement released by the UK High Commission, The special features of this coin are an image of India’s national flower, lotus alongside one of Gandhi’s famous quotes: “My life is my message”.

The coin symbolises the strong and enduring relationship and cultural bonds between the two countries, India and UK, as for the first time Mahatma Gandhi has been commemorated by an official UK coin. The final design of the coin was chosen by the Chancellor of UK, Rishi Sunak, who is the Master of the Mint.

Talking about the coin, Sunak said: "This coin is a fitting tribute to an influential leader who inspired millions of people around the world. As a practicing Hindu, I am proud to unveil this coin during Diwali. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the movement for Indian independence and it is fantastic to have a UK coin commemorating his remarkable life for the first time."

This commemorative coin is already on sale and is part of the Royal Mint's wider Diwali collection, that includes 1 gm and 5 gm gold bars in henna-style packaging, and the UK's first gold bar with the image of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Wealth on it.

Also read: Royal Mint launches “Lakshmi” gold bar ahead of Diwali

Interestingly this 20 gm gold bar was designed in collaboration with the Hindu community in South Wales, where the Royal Mint is based. It was reported earlier by India Narrative that this bar in keeping with traditions was to be blessed at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple's Diwali ceremony as part of their "Lakshmi Poojan" on November 4 with representatives of the Royal Mint in attendance.

Earlier during last year, the Chancellor had commissioned "Diversity Built Britain" 50p coin following discussion with the 'We Too Built Britain' campaign, which works for fair representation of minority communities' contributions across all walks of life.