Delhi’s New Identity? CM Rekha Gupta Launches Bold Move to Redefine Capital’s Logo

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the formation of a high-level committee to finalize an official logo for the national capital, a symbol intended to encapsulate its rich historical legacy, vibrant culture, and forward-looking aspirations. The initiative, launched under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government, follows a nationwide design competition hosted on the MyGov portal, which closed on September 26, 2025, and attracted approximately 1,800 entries from across India. This move underscores Delhi’s ambition to establish a distinct brand identity that resonates with its 20 million residents and reflects its status as a global hub of governance, technology, and diversity.

The expert panel, chaired by the Secretary of the General Administration Department (GAD), includes academics from prestigious universities such as Jawaharlal Nehru University and Delhi University, with the Joint Secretary of GAD serving as the member secretary. Tasked with evaluating the diverse submissions, the committee will shortlist designs that best embody Delhi’s unique blend of ancient heritage—rooted in landmarks like the Qutub Minar and Red Fort—and its modern ethos of transparent, people-centric governance. Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that the logo will serve as a “new symbol of Delhi’s distinct identity,” aligning with the government’s vision to promote democratic values, technological innovation, and citizen participation on a global stage.

The logo design competition, open to artists, designers, and citizens nationwide, saw an overwhelming response, with entries ranging from minimalist motifs to intricate designs incorporating elements like the lotus (symbolizing purity), the India Gate, and digital motifs reflecting Delhi’s tech-forward aspirations. The initiative, budgeted at Rs 50 lakh, aims to create a visual identity that rivals iconic city logos like New York’s “I ❤️ NY” or London’s red bus emblem. Public engagement was a key focus, with over 10,000 social media interactions on MyGov encouraging feedback on themes like inclusivity and sustainability. The committee is expected to announce shortlisted designs by mid-October, with public voting likely to influence the final selection.

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Gupta’s push for a unified Delhi logo comes amid her administration’s broader efforts to enhance the capital’s global image, especially as it hosts events like the G20 Summit in 2026. The logo will be used across official communications, tourism campaigns, and public infrastructure, aiming to boost Delhi’s Rs 10 lakh crore economy, driven by sectors like IT, retail, and tourism (contributing 15% to GDP). However, opposition parties, including the BJP, have criticized the initiative as a “cosmetic exercise” diverting funds from critical issues like air pollution and traffic congestion, citing the city’s Air Quality Index averaging 200 (poor) in September 2025. Gupta countered that a cohesive brand will attract investment and foster civic pride, addressing long-term urban challenges.

The selection process will prioritize designs that balance tradition and modernity, with inputs from cultural historians and branding experts ensuring authenticity. The committee’s deliberations, set to conclude by November 2025, will involve rigorous evaluation against criteria like scalability, cultural resonance, and global appeal. As Delhi joins cities like Tokyo and Dubai in crafting a visual identity, this initiative marks a bold step toward redefining the capital’s narrative, uniting its diverse populace under a shared emblem of progress and heritage.

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