Kochi: The 18th International Typography Conference, Typography Day 2026, hosted in Kerala for the first time, concluded in Kochi. The event was jointly organized by the Jain University School of Design Media and Creative Arts and the IDC School of Design at IIT Bombay. Held under the theme “Typographic Intersections: Analog to Digital and Beyond,” the gathering served as an excellent platform for researchers and designers from across the country and abroad to share new ideas in the field of typography. The conference featured discussions on the evolving relationships between traditional letterpress arts, Indian scripts, modern typography, and digital technologies, alongside new type design methodologies.
On the concluding day, Prof. Archana Shekhar, Professor of Graphic Design at Illinois State University and Creative Director of Design Streak Studio, delivered the keynote address. This was followed by paper presentations where delegates explored various facets of typography. Anagha Thampi, Harsh Kumar Singhpu, Mandeep Kalita, Dr. Kumar Abhishek, Dr. Abhijit Padun, Dr. Rabi Narayan Mohanty, Tiya Vagh, and Uchita presented their research papers. The sessions primarily focused on topics such as digital Malayalam typography and cross-script typeface design. Each presentation was followed by informative discussions on emerging trends in the respective fields. A major highlight of the concluding day was the Typo Quiz conducted by Prof. Dr. D. Udayakumar of IIT Bombay, the designer of the official Indian Rupee symbol. Prizes were distributed to the winners during the event.
Typography Day Lifetime Achievement Awards Presented
This year’s Typography Day Lifetime Achievement Awards, honoring comprehensive contributions to the fields of typography and communication design, were duly presented. Prof. Fiona Ross, Professor in the Department of Typography and Graphic Communication at the University of Reading, UK, and the late prominent designer Anoop Ramakrishnan were honored with the awards. On behalf of the late Anoop Ramakrishnan, his wife Meena Anoop, received the posthumous award from Prof. G.V. Sreekumar and renowned calligrapher Narayana Bhattathiri. In addition, Steve George, a student at Rajagiri College of Social Sciences who designed the official logo for Typography Day 2026; Dr. K. Alagappan, Deputy Director of the School of Design Media and Creative Arts; and Prof. G.V. Sreekumar, Institute Chair Professor at IIT Bombay, who made stellar contributions to the conference, were also felicitated on stage.
Photo: Anoop Ramakrishnan’s wife, Meena Anoop, receives the Typoday 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award on his behalf from Prof. G. V. Sreekumar and Narayana Bhattathiri.
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