Shillong: Meghalaya-based illustrator P. Mario Pathaw recently created logos and flags for several prestigious Assam police organisations, including the Assam Battalion, Assam Commando Battalion, Assam Police Radio Organisation, and the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy.
For his work, Pathaw received appreciation letters from G.P. Singh, the former Director General of Police (DGP) of Assam, which were presented by Akhilesh Kr Singh, the Inspector General of Police.
Pathaw, a PhD scholar in the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati, is an architect, artist, and designer specialising in communication design, architecture, illustrations, comics, and graphic design.
The son of the late Prof. Pascal Malngiang, Pathaw has also illustrated books that were recognised at the Bologna Book Fair in Italy.
In an interview with Northeast News, Pathaw explained how the project was initiated.
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“The design project was approached to the Department of Design at IIT Guwahati, where my supervisor, Prof. Udaya Kumar Dharmalingam, guided me. I worked on the logos, but Mr. Biraj Das, Prof. Dharmalingam, and the Assam police team provided valuable feedback and suggestions throughout the design process.”
Prof. Udaya Kumar Dharmalingam, who is renowned for designing the Indian Rupee symbol, played a key role in mentoring Pathaw during the project.
The project began last year and underwent several iterations and conceptualizations before being launched this year.
“It was an incredible experience and a true learning opportunity. It helped me understand the semiotics of the visuals and how they connect to the culture of Assam,” said the 32-year-old artist.
Pathaw expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’m truly honoured by this recognition. A heartfelt thanks to Assam Police for considering me for this collaboration. We worked on 36 logos—28 for the Assam Battalion, 6 for the Assam Commando Battalion, 1 for the Assam Police Radio Organisation, and 1 for the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy. I also extend my deepest thanks to Sir Biraj Das and Prof. Udaya Kumar Dharmalingam for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this project.”
