Logo row: NMC replaces national emblem with 'Dhanvantri'; doctors fume
The new logo, featuring a colored photo in the center, omits the mention of 'India' in favor of 'Bharat'
By Anoushka Caroline Williams Published on 2 Dec 2023 5:35 AM GMT
Hyderabad: A controversy has erupted over the new logo of the National Medical Commission (NMC).
In the new logo, the national emblem has been replaced with an image of Dhanvantri, an avatar of Lord Vishnu known as the god of Ayurveda.
Lord Dhanvantri is revered as the divine doctor and the father of Ayurveda, imparting the ancient medical system.
The NMC officials clarified that the Dhanvantri logo has been in use for almost a year. They said it was previously in black and white and less visible in printouts.
The new logo, featuring a colored photo in the center, omits the mention of 'India' in favor of 'Bharat,' yet no official announcement on the logo change has been made.
Kerala chapter of the Indian Medical Association expressed discontent, deeming the logo change unacceptable to the modern medical fraternity.
They argue that it contradicts the scientific and secular nature of the commission, calling for a reversal of the change. Several doctors have submitted petitions against the alteration, and the Kerala government has joined the protest.
The controversy raises questions about the appropriateness of incorporating religious symbolism in a medical institution's logo, prompting a debate on the perceived clash between tradition and the scientific principles upheld by the medical community.
The NMC is yet to respond officially to the objections/
