Symbol creator wants rupee symbol to be part of daily life

He gave the rupee its symbol. But D Udaya Kumar is still not satisfied. A faculty member at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, Kumar appreciates the enthusiasm with which his design was accepted, but is disappointed that it is not being used enough.

“I have seen the symbol being used in many places. I have found it in several hoardings, advertisements, shops, electricity bills and also in my institute in Guwahati. But few people use it while writing,” said Kumar in an e-mail to DNA. He hoped that it would soon find its way to everyday writing. “Most things in life take some time for acceptance and familiarisation,” he said.

Kumar suggests that computer vendors develop fonts and applications with the symbol in-built.

“Mobile manufactures can come up with phones with the symbol on their keypad and also in phone applications,” he said.

He said he has learnt that the government has sent a circular to companies telling them to use the rupee symbol wherever applicable. Industries are aware of the government’s announcement and have started implementing it, he added.

Kumar thinks that circulars to government institutions, offices, industries and public announcements should help make the symbol popular.

Also introducing it in the education system may help, he added.
On whether the rupee symbol will gain the level of acceptability enjoyed by major currencies like the dollar, pound and Euro, Kumar replied in the affirmative.

“I have received several phone calls and mails from people living abroad, stating the awareness of the symbol and its usage in their locality. I think the international market will also try to incorporate the symbol in day-to-day life wherever applicable.”

Will the new rupee symbol currency note come into the market?

“I was under the impression that the symbol will not feature in the currency notes,” he said.