The logo of Telangana, India's 29th State to formally come into existence from June 2, is all ready.
It is designed by the 50-year-old, native artist Laxman Aelay, who captures the essence of India, Telangana culture and Hyderabadi tehzeeb with local ethos in pleasing colours.
At the top of the logo is the Lion Capitol of Ashoka with the four lions back to back representing the national spirit. It is perched atop the richly decorated Gateway from the 11-12th Century Kakatiya dynasty that ruled the Telangana region.
Towards the lower half, but clearly seen through the two pillars of the Gateway, is the Charminar built in 1591, which best symbolises the historic city of Hyderabad.
Circling this swathe of over a millennium of history are the colours of green and gold. Green represents prosperity, the Deccani culture and peace, while gold reflects the soil of Telangana, Laxman an internationally acclaimed Painter explained to Business Line as he ecstatically described the job as a unique honour.
K Chandrasekhara Rao, the first Chief Minister designate of Telangana, who has reportedly approved the insignia, describes the golden hues as the 'Bangaru Telangana or golden Telangana’, said Laxman, who hails from Nalgonda district.
The new Government seal will also be multi-lingual, as the true spirit of Hyderabad City, which is known for its multiculturalism and multiple spoken languages, making it a very conducive place to live for people from across the country.
Written in the three major languages spoken in the State — Telugu, Urdu and English is the name of Telangana State. At the bottom are inscribed the words — Satyameva Jayate in the national language Hindi.
The logo like the birth of the State itself triggered a bit of controversy, with the MIM demanding the Charminar to be part of it and the BJP opposing it. The new logo will be unveiled on June 2, when KCR is sworn in.
Laxman has made a mark with his work which brings out the life of rural people of Telangana in incisive figurative style. A graduate in fine arts from JNTU, he has worked in the film industry, illustrated books, organised solo shows in the best of art galleries across the country and abroad.