ICMR unveils new logo, represents lamp of knowledge

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the apex body for health research in the country, Thursday unveiled its new logo and the branding guidelines on how it should be used by institutions under it.

The dots and the Devanagari script used in the new logo reflect the Indian roots of the Council, the round and softer lettering depicts care and solidarity with science, and the straight line is for strength, professionalism and efficiency, an official said.

The 107-year-old Council, one of the oldest medical research body in the world, has tried multiple evolutions in their logo over the century.

The new identity will supplement the main logo of the Council which represents the lamp of knowledge with "Parikshakarino Hi Kushala Bhavanti". This Sanskrit shloka translates to, "Those alone are wise to act after investigation".

Balram Bhargava, secretary, Department of Health Research, and director general, ICMR, said the logo is "more than a change of symbol, it's a symbol of change".

"Brand ICMR has always been at the forefront of health research in the country and contributed to the country's well-being through its path-breaking research and solutions. The new identity portrays ICMR's commitment to being responsive to the emerging health challenges through three fundamental differentiators innovation, professionalism and people."

Chander Shekhar, additional director-general of ICMR, said, "ICMR has 26 institutes and regional medical research centres, laboratories and field stations across India. Increasingly, we felt that there was a need for uniformity of the ICMR brand across its institutes to embody its values and vision."

Along with ICMR headquarters, all its institutes will have a similar brand identity change.

(With inputs from agencies.)