In a bid to encapsulate its unique identity and mission, the Indian Historical Records Commission (IHRC) recently concluded an online competition to design its new logo and motto. Established in 1919 as an apex advisory body on archival matters, the IHRC serves as a crucial forum for the management and utilization of historical records for research purposes under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture.

The competition, hosted on the MyGov portal in 2023, attracted widespread participation, with a total of 436 entries submitted from across the country. Among these submissions, the entry by Shri Shaurya Pratap Singh from Delhi stood out, earning recognition as both the winning logo design and the official motto of the IHRC.

The winning logo, meticulously crafted by Singh, features pages arranged in the shape of lotus petals, symbolizing the resilience and significance of the IHRC as a custodian of historical records. At its center stands the iconic Sarnath pillar, representing India’s rich historical heritage. The use of brown as the primary color theme reinforces the organization’s commitment to preserving, studying, and honoring India’s historical legacy.

Accompanying the striking logo is the IHRC’s new motto: “Where history is preserved for the future.” This succinct yet profound phrase underscores the commission’s core mission of identifying, collecting, cataloging, and maintaining historical documents and manuscripts for the benefit of present and future generations. It emphasizes the IHRC’s pivotal role in safeguarding invaluable historical knowledge and ensuring its accessibility to scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Additionally, four entries each for the logo and motto were recognized with consolation prizes. Ms. Manaswee Chandwaskar from Indore, Madhya Pradesh; Ms. Deepika Mandal from Bengaluru, Karnataka; Ms. Nonanda Verma from Jodhpur, Rajasthan; and Ms. Shivanshi Chauhan from Chuttmalpur, Uttarakhand received accolades for their outstanding logo designs.

In the motto category, recognition was extended to Ms. Jasneet Kaur from SAS Nagar, Punjab; Naresh Agrawal from Indore, Madhya Pradesh; Shri Raju Chatterjee from Kolkata, West Bengal; and Shri Rinkal from Bharuch, Gujarat.

As a token of appreciation for their creative contributions, the winning entry by Shri Shaurya Pratap Singh will be awarded a prize of Rs. 50,000, while each of the consolation prize recipients will receive Rs. 5,000.

The unveiling of the new logo and motto marks a significant milestone for the IHRC, reaffirming its commitment to preserving India’s rich historical heritage and fostering a deeper understanding of the nation’s past for generations to come.