The University of Pampore is a fictional university in my hometown of Pampore, Kashmir. I have always been fascinated with the logos, seals and branding of higher educational institutes and thought why not make up a university for my hometown. It’ll be a fun little project.

The logo of the university was chosen as a candle for mainly two reasons: The candle is a representation of the ideal most dear to the university: service before self. Inspired by the verse of Iqbal’s famous poem: zindagi shammaa ki soorat ho meri yaa rab, which may be translated as: ‘Oh God, make me like the candle that burns to enlighten its surroundings’. The candle is reminder that service to others is the rent we pay for our

time here on earth, as Muhammad Ali would have it. The candle also represents the idea of traditional scholastic enlightenment, which is otherwise shown by a torch, which at this point has become an overused cliche.

Pampore is home to the world’s best quality saffron and it was only natural to use the colours that best incorporated that into the identity of the university both as a token of civic pride and aesthetics. The maroon represents the actual saffron spice or the stigma that is plucked from the crocus flowers and dried before using. Although an orange colour is generally associated with saffron, the dried saffron has a rich maroon colour to it which has been preferred here. The gold represents both the colour the spice imparts upon use and the stamen found in the crocus flower. The third colour used is grey to compliment the other two colours.

The university seal was finalised next. The seal has multiple elements in it, each with its own significance. The flower in the middle of and around the laurel is the crocus flower from which saffron, Pampore's special spice is extracted. The star and the crescent represents the university's Muslim roots. The Chinar leaf represents Kashmir, home of the university and the candle is the logo of the university.

Another simpler version of the seal was also developed for non-ceremonial use. The shield was also extracted from the latter version of the seal for standalone use. A single letter monogram was chosen to create for maximum impact. The shield was also simplified to be used at the smallest of sizes.

The logo set provides maximum flexibility and makes sure the university has a proper symbol to represent it at all places.