- The Governor General of Canada
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Vithal Rajan
Hyderabad, India
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge, with differences to Diia Rajan and Azad Grewal
August 20, 2015
Vol. VI, p. 543
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Blazon
Arms
Chequy of nine Vert and Argent overall a Dharma wheel Or;
Crest
A dove close holding in its dexter claw a fountain pen and standing on a grassy mount within a circlet of lotus flowers proper;
Motto
THE DHARMA OF HUMANITY;
Symbolism
Arms
The chequerboard pattern alludes to fields and thus to Dr. Rajan’s work in rural development in India. This pattern also refers to the many and varied aspects of his service to the poor throughout the world and as a founder of several Indian non-governmental organizations. The green colour evokes his work in ecology and in promoting sustainable agriculture and health. The Dharma wheel with its eight spokes (dharmachakra) represents the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism, a principle that has guided Dr. Rajan throughout his life.
Crest
The dove is a well-known symbol of peace and symbolizes Dr. Rajan’s involvement in the peace movement, most notably as a founding faculty member of the School of Peace Studies at Bradford University, England, and as a member of the Transcend Global Peace Network. The lotus flowers are evocative of Dr. Rajan’s advocacy for the rights of women in India. Their number evokes his wife and his daughter, who also advocate for women’s rights in India, as well as his grandson. The fountain pen alludes to his second career as a writer; it also represents the importance of literacy for him and his family.
Motto
Not applicable.