Labourer's son wins national logo design contest

Solapur (Maharashtra), Feb 3: A 33-year old PhD student Nawaj Shaikh, whose design was selected as the best out of 3000 entries for the government's new education policy, was inspired by his uncle for his creative ventures. "We were a very poor family, barely able to afford school, but my uncle took great pains to teach me drawing, sketching and other creative activities as a hobby. I participated in several state or national level competitions in the pasta I am honoured and happy my design was selected for the HRD initiative," Nawaj Shaikh told IANS here Tuesday. The inspiration for the new logo design came from that of the ongoing Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which depicts a pair of spectacle representing Mahatma Gandhi's famous eyepiece, designed by Maharashtra's Anant Khasbardar. Nawaj Shaikh will get a cash award of Rs.10,000 for his effort, but the achievement has shot him into the national limelight with felicitations pouring in from all over India. Currently pursuing his doctorate in HIV research through Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nawaj is employed as a Technical Officer with National AIDS Research Institute (NARI), Pune. Discussing his convictions, as he helps his wife Aasama - a fashion designer, tend to their recently-born son, leading to the award winning logo, Nawaj said that education is the greatest leveller for a country like India and helps achieve the dreams and aspirations of the people.