Designing Identity: Indian Rupee Symbol Creator Inspires Assam’s Youth to Shape Regional Typography

Guwahati: “Indian typography is still a vast, unexplored forest—go walk in it.” With this evocative appeal, Dr. Udaya Kumar Dharmalingam, the visionary behind the Indian Rupee symbol and professor at IIT Guwahati’s Department of Design, urged students at The Assam Royal Global University (RGU) to dig deep into their roots and shape Assam’s visual identity through typography.
In a rare and thought-provoking interaction held on July 26, 2025, Dr. Dharmalingam addressed a packed hall of aspiring designers and architects from RGU’s Royal School of Design, Royal School of Fashion Design & Technology, Architecture, Engineering & Technology, and Fine Arts.
The session, organized by the university in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell, became much more than a design talk—it became a call to action.
“Assam has a rich visual culture waiting to be captured in type,” he said, pointing out that while scripts flourish in the country, structured academic work in Indian typography remains sparse. “You have the opportunity to be pioneers.”
Dr. Dharmalingam recounted the story of how he created the Indian Rupee symbol—an iconic mark now printed on every currency note in the country. The competition launched by the Government of India had strict criteria: the symbol had to be rooted in Indian values, yet globally legible. “The concept was mine,” he said, “but I took feedback, refined it, and didn’t keep it locked away.”
Encouraging openness in creative ideation, he told students not to be afraid of being copied. “People may imitate your work, but what’s original and thoughtful will always shine through,” he said.
Known for his minimalist yet meaningful design philosophy, Dr. Dharmalingam emphasized the power of observation and disciplined creativity. “Read more. Observe more. The best ideas come not from Google but from life around you,” he said. He confessed to not using WhatsApp or social media, underlining how focus and clarity of thought are essential to genuine design thinking.
From road signs to temple scripts, he illustrated how design is embedded in our daily lives. “Typography isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, culture, and identity,” he explained, nudging students to imagine how their work could preserve and promote the region’s unique linguistic and visual heritage.
RGU faculty members including Prof. Diganta Munshi (Registrar, Administration) and Prof. D.N. Singh (Registrar, Academics) were also present, applauding the rare opportunity for students to interact with one of India’s most celebrated design thinkers.
For many in the audience, the talk wasn’t just inspiring—it was transformative. As one student put it, “We came expecting a lecture on design, but we left with a mission.”
Dr. Dharmalingam’s final message was clear: “Design with heart, with roots, and with purpose. Assam’s typography is waiting to be born—perhaps from your pen.”