Sree Narayana Guru Open University logo chosen without knowledge of expert committee

KOLLAM: The controversial Sree Narayana Guru Open University logo, which doesn't have the Guru's presence or a special message, was chosen without the knowledge of the expert committee. The logo was first seen by the committee members in the news of the release ceremony.

The university had appointed a three-member expert committee to select the logo. About 200 logos received were emailed to committee members. All three members selected three logos that seemed appropriate and sent them back to the university. Normally the final logo is chosen by the committee members at a meeting. But no such meeting took place. There were allegations that the current logo was later specially designed by the university authorities who did not like the logos recommended by the committee members.

When the logo was released, the only written motto was 'liberation through education'. Later, when criticism arose, Guru's words 'Be enlightened with knowledge' was added.

There will be strong protest until the logo is withdrawn, informed Sree Narayana Pensioners' Council Co-Orditor P. V. Rajimon, Central Committee President Chanthu, and Secretary S Sajeev.

Alleged imitation

It has been alleged that the logo of the Open University is an imitation of the logo of a foreign financial institution. The only difference is in the arrangement and color of the circles.