Telangana Government — World Economic Forum Souvenir Packaging

A celebration of vision, innovation, and identity

Telangana is preparing to host the World Economic Forum meet in January, a moment of global attention and immense symbolic weight for the state. I was invited to design the official souvenirs for the event—premium chocolate bars that would be handed to international delegates. The brief called for packaging that felt rooted in Telangana’s cultural pride while projecting the state’s ambition as a forward-looking hub of innovation.

The Concept Journey

We began the project by exploring two contrasting directions:

1. The Traditional Telangana Narrative
The first concept drew from Cheriyal scroll art, a centuries-old storytelling tradition known for its vivid colours and handcrafted charm. This direction celebrated Telangana’s heritage, emphasising warmth, culture, and craftsmanship. The aesthetic leaned into folklore motifs, rhythmic patterns, and a nostalgic palette—an ode to the state’s artistic lineage.

2. The Smart City Vision
The second concept took a contemporary turn, projecting Telangana as a dynamic, future-ready state under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. This exploration used futuristic cityscapes, clean geometry, and a palette inspired by urban blues and gold accents. The visual language focused on progress, infrastructure, and transformation—positioning Telangana as an emerging global powerhouse.

Selected Direction — Telangana: The Future State

The Smart City narrative was chosen for the final packaging, aligning with the event’s international outlook and the state’s emphasis on innovation and investment.

To bring this direction to life, I developed four detailed design explorations. Each variation played with composition, colour balance, and storytelling elements to communicate the same core message in different visual tones:

• Aerial illustrations of futuristic city zones to symbolize growth and planning

• Elegant gold frames and accents to evoke prestige

• A modernised state emblem for authenticity

• A warm portrait-led version featuring the Chief Minister for a personal, human touch

• A version focused purely on urban imagery for a more global aesthetic

Across all versions, the goal was to blend aspiration with identity, ensuring the packaging felt premium yet rooted in purpose.

Final Design

The approved design highlights:

• A vibrant smart city panorama representing Telangana’s rapid advancement

• Regal blues paired with gold detailing to balance modernity and formality

• A refined central label that carries the message “Telangana — The Future State”

• A special-edition expressing gratitude from the Chief Minister

The result is a souvenir that acts as more than packaging—it becomes a symbolic keepsake of Telangana’s vision, crafted to resonate with global delegations at the World Economic Forum.