Info: It was the year 2010 when India introduced a new symbol for its currency, the rupee (₹), which has since become a recognisable symbol of the nation’s economic identity. The man behind India’s iconic rupee symbol design is D. Udaya Kumar, an Indian academic and designer with a passion for typography and graphic design.
Who is Udaya Kumar?
D. Udaya Kumar was born in 1978 in Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu. He pursued his education in architecture and design, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Anna University, Chennai, and later a Master’s degree in Visual Communication from the Industrial Design Centre (IDC) at IIT Bombay. He also completed his PhD at IDC, focusing on Tamil typography.
In 2009, the Indian government announced a contest to create a unique symbol for the Indian rupee. The design was required to reflect Indian culture and ethos while being easily recognisable and usable in both Indian and around the world. Kumar’s design was selected from among thousands who presented their design.
The Design Philosophy
Kumar’s design for the rupee symbol is a blend of the Devanagari letter “र” (Ra) and the Roman capital letter “R” without its vertical bar. The symbol incorporates two horizontal lines at the top, which represent the tricolor Indian flag and also form an “equals” sign, symbolizing the nation’s aspiration to reduce economic disparity.
The design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful, capturing the essence of India’s cultural heritage and its modern aspirations. Kumar’s creation has been widely praised for its simplicity, elegance, and relevance.
Life After the Rupee Symbol
Following his success in designing the rupee symbol, D. Udaya Kumar continued to contribute to the field of design and education. He is currently an associate professor and the head of the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati. His work extends beyond the rupee symbol, as he has designed logos for various institutions and organizations, including IIT Hyderabad and the National Testing Agency.
Kumar’s dedication to design and education has made him a respected figure in the academic and design communities. His journey from a student of architecture to the creator of India’s rupee symbol is an inspiring story of creativity, perseverance, and passion.
Udaya Kumar’s design for the rupee symbol has left an impressive mark on India’s visual identity on International platform. His work inn the field of design and typography has re-shape and represent the nation’s values and aspirations.
