With India entering the league of a select few who have their own currency symbol, the creator of the new symbol for the Indian rupee shares with 4Ps B&M the symbolic meaning of the creation, his research and the cultural roots etched deep into the symbol
How does it feel to be the man behind our new rupee symbol?
It feels great to be able to become a part of something that will give this country its own visual recognition globally. Actually, the feeling is quite phenomenal.
What did you want to portray while the design was still in your mind?
When the Government of India had announced this competition, if you can call it that, there were certain guidelines to be followed. We were supposed to work on something that will reflect our culture. So I was focussing on how the Indian culture could be best portrayed. I did a lot of research on Indian scripts as I had already done my PhD in the Tamil script. After a lot of research, I decided to use the Devnagri script.
Why the Devnagri Script?
I could not afford to miss the uniqueness of this script. While every other currency symbol in the world starts from the baseline, it is only in Devnagri script that you write from the topline. I tried many other options, but this was unique among other scripts. I thought this will represent India’s identity distinctly!
What does the symbol symbolize to you now?
It symbolises strength to me. All this while, I had the same concept in my mind. It was a strong concept then, it is still a strong one after it got selected. The verdict has not changed anything for me, I see the symbol in the same manner as I did when I created it. Even people will see it in the same light.
Would this symbol change India’s stand globally?
It has given the nation’s currency a visual recognition, which is an important landmark in itself. I think it has brought about a face value to Indian currency. More importantly, it has served as a symbol of differentiation among our seven neighbouring countries that have the same currency as the rupee.
For more articles, Click on IIPM Article.How does it feel to be the man behind our new rupee symbol?
It feels great to be able to become a part of something that will give this country its own visual recognition globally. Actually, the feeling is quite phenomenal.
What did you want to portray while the design was still in your mind?
When the Government of India had announced this competition, if you can call it that, there were certain guidelines to be followed. We were supposed to work on something that will reflect our culture. So I was focussing on how the Indian culture could be best portrayed. I did a lot of research on Indian scripts as I had already done my PhD in the Tamil script. After a lot of research, I decided to use the Devnagri script.
Why the Devnagri Script?
I could not afford to miss the uniqueness of this script. While every other currency symbol in the world starts from the baseline, it is only in Devnagri script that you write from the topline. I tried many other options, but this was unique among other scripts. I thought this will represent India’s identity distinctly!
What does the symbol symbolize to you now?
It symbolises strength to me. All this while, I had the same concept in my mind. It was a strong concept then, it is still a strong one after it got selected. The verdict has not changed anything for me, I see the symbol in the same manner as I did when I created it. Even people will see it in the same light.
Would this symbol change India’s stand globally?
It has given the nation’s currency a visual recognition, which is an important landmark in itself. I think it has brought about a face value to Indian currency. More importantly, it has served as a symbol of differentiation among our seven neighbouring countries that have the same currency as the rupee.
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2011.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri and Arindam chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
IIPM B-School Detail
IIPM makes business education truly global
IIPM’s Management Consulting Arm - Planman Consulting
Arindam Chaudhuri (IIPM Dean) – ‘Every human being is a diamond’
Arindam Chaudhuri – Everything is not in our hands
Planman Technologies – IT Solutions at your finger tips
Planman Consulting
Arindam Chaudhuri's Portfolio - he is at his candid best by Society Magazine
IIPM B-School
Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri
Planman Consulting
IIPM Proves Its Mettle Once Again....