Emblem to mark 500 years of Mandi town unveiled

HP Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday unveiled a commemorative emblem to mark the completion of 500 years since Mandi town was established. The ‘Prateek-Chihn’ (emblem) has been designed and created by Sardar Patel University (SPU), Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. It was conceptualised by Dharampur MLA Chander Shekhar, with academic inputs from Rakesh Kumar, history department incharge at SPU Mandi. The artistic execution was done by Swastika Sharma.

Addressing the gathering, Shukla said the emblem reflected Mandi’s rich historical, cultural and religious heritage. The town’s motto, “Panchshatani Varshani – Avichchhinna Parampara”, signifying five centuries of uninterrupted tradition and faith is inscribed on the emblem, which Shukla described as a symbol of Mandi’s journey and a bridge connecting the town’s past, present and future.

The design prominently features the phrase “Gaurav Varsh 500” to highlight the milestone. It artistically represents Mandi’s identity as ‘Chhoti Kashi’, a name given to it for its ancient temples, the grandeur of the erstwhile princely palaces and the Madhav Rai Palki tradition. The trishul symbolises Shiva-Shakti, while the surrounding mountains and the Vipasha (Beas) river depict the town’s unique geographical and natural beauty.