The Visionary Engineer Who Transformed India’s Infrastructure Landscape1

Symbol

Adopted on 26 January 1950, the Indian National Emblem is a powerful adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, a timeless symbol of wisdom, strength, and moral authority. Originally carved from a single block of polished sandstone, the capital features four lions standing back to back atop an abacus, adorned with high-relief sculptures of an elephant, galloping horse, bull, and lion, all separated by Dharma Chakras. In the official state emblem, only three lions are visible, the fourth concealed from view, with the bull to the right, horse to the left, and a prominent Dharma Chakra at the center. The bell-shaped lotus base is omitted, but below the abacus, in bold Devanagari script, are the profound words from the Mundaka Upanishad: Satyameva Jayate, “Truth Alone Triumphs,” capturing the spiritual and ethical essence of the Indian Republic. →