KOZHIKODE: Kerala’s state emblem, two elephants guarding the national symbol and a laurel-wreathed conch adopted from the former Kingdom of Travancore, is one of the rare coats of arms along with Karnataka and Sikkim, which conforms to the British heraldic rules. The emblem adopted during the short-lived Travancore–Cochin state had undergone many changes over the years and had finally settled on the present version in 2011. However, many of our departments are not aware of the changes happened in 2010 and are still using the old emblem on their websites, files, books, invitation and even in government mobile apps and documents.
The recent examples are the newly launched ‘Bhasha Mitram’ app by IT Mission and C-Dit and the new liquor policy’s draft document. Till 2011, the Kerala emblem was two elephants (adopted from the royal coat of arms of the kingdoms of Travancore and Cochin) guarding the imperial conch (surrounded by laurel wreath) of Kingdom of Travancore and crested by the Lion Capital of Asoka adopted from the National emblem. At the base of the compartment where the elephants stand, the national motto ‘Satyameva Jayate’ can be spotted. On the compartment, the letters ‘Government of Kerala’ is also seen in English and Malayalam.
The old emblem.
However, in an order issued on January 3, 2011, the general administration department shifted the national motto from the base of the emblem to the base of the national emblem on top in accordance with the National Emblem. The order was based on the recommendation of the Official Language (Legislative) Commission. Though the Commission also suggested keeping only the Malayalam version ‘Kerala Sarkar’, it was not accepted based on the fact that the emblem is also used for the official communication with Centre and various state governments. However, many departments are still using the old logo despite the circular issued to all department heads and others. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, GAD principal secretary Satyajeet Rajan said that he would look into the issue and take necessary action to comply with the government order.
