Designer and Communication Strategist
Akshardham, the largest Hindu temple in the Western Hemisphere, was inaugurated on October 3, 2023. As one of 12,500 volunteers, I contributed in various roles over 11 months, from construction to design. I played a key role in designing merchandise, illustrating, and developing branding and communication strategies. My work helped shape a cohesive visual identity that aligned with the temple’s mission. By refining communication materials and ensuring design consistency, I merged creativity with purpose, crafting meaningful visuals that resonated with visitors and the community.
Users
UPS Clients about the age of 25 - 40 from over a 100 countries
Roles
Communications
Site Volunteer
Designer
Illustrator
Software
Figma
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Office
When developing its brand identity, we aimed to highlight the stone sourced from various parts of the world. Turkish limestone became the primary color inspiration. From there, we used three words to capture the essence of the brand:
This packet is designed with three words in mind—Harmony, Culture, and Light.
I supported the India team by creating mockups to help influence the final design. The work needed to align with the Akshardham brand, which was developed through in depth research into Indian art and culture. It was the team’s responsibility to ensure these cultural values and visual principles were clearly reflected in the final experience.
Original Design
My Design
I supported the apparel and merchandise design, as well as the overall store design. I was involved in developing the overall design story of the Akshardham store alongside other designers, including Yogi Patel and Abhi Patel, who helped bring the entire experience to life.
Along with design work, I was also involved in the construction process. I worked on fabrication, stone placement, and with the on ground grinding team. Building Akshardham was not a small undertaking. I understood how meaningful the construction of this mandir would be and how it could impact the lives of millions.
That understanding is what ultimately drove me to step away from my role at UPS and take part in this project through seva, or selfless service. Akshardham stands as a beacon of hope for people around the world, for those of faith and those without. For me, it also represents a deep connection to the rich artistic traditions of India.
Although I missed my time at UPS and the incredible growth I experienced as a designer, I could not pass up the opportunity to contribute to Akshardham and be part of something so meaningful.
