top of page

By:

Pravin Patil

31 January 2026 at 12:59:27 pm

When Integrity Becomes Institutional Strength

Institutions endure not only because of their systems but also because of officers like Dr. Shashikant Mangrulkar, whose integrity and leadership earn public trust. Amidst a lot of talk about the election commission and various allegations by opposition leaders of different political parties, there are a few examples of election officials who are handling the tense situations with a much more composed, calm, and balanced manner. Dr. Shashikant Mangrule is one of them. During the Municipal...

When Integrity Becomes Institutional Strength

Institutions endure not only because of their systems but also because of officers like Dr. Shashikant Mangrulkar, whose integrity and leadership earn public trust. Amidst a lot of talk about the election commission and various allegations by opposition leaders of different political parties, there are a few examples of election officials who are handling the tense situations with a much more composed, calm, and balanced manner. Dr. Shashikant Mangrule is one of them. During the Municipal Corporation Elections 2025–26, I had the opportunity to interact with citizens, staff members, and officers at various administrative levels in Nashik. Throughout this process, I met many individuals; however, one officer whose company, work ethic, and perspective on governance left a deep and lasting impression on me was Dr. Shashikant Mangrule. As an officer, his leadership qualities are immediately evident. He does not impose authority by intimidation; instead, he earns cooperation through trust. Valuing every member of his team, offering guidance at the right moment, and responding to mistakes with understanding rather than reprimand—these qualities together define him as a responsible and highly effective administrator. Though gentle and approachable by nature, Dr. Mangrule is firm and disciplined when it comes to work. He demonstrates, through his conduct, how administration can be run by strictly adhering to rules while preserving humanity. His work consistently reflects the belief that governance need not be synonymous with rigidity alone but should balance sensitivity and accountability. This balance is rare and invaluable in public administration. In my experience, Dr. Mangrule is not an officer confined to issuing orders or limiting himself to paperwork. He is someone who first understands the situation of the person before him, listens patiently, and only then arrives at a decision. Whether interacting with an ordinary citizen or an employee involved in the election process, he communicates calmly, with restraint and warmth. In today’s fast-paced and pressure-filled administrative environment, such a humane approach to work is exceptionally rare. On several occasions that I personally witnessed, he did not merely listen to people’s difficulties but took the initiative to resolve them. Whether the problem was minor or serious, instead of avoiding responsibility by saying, “This is not within my authority,” his approach was always, “How can this be resolved?” This positive and responsible outlook deeply impressed me. Experiences on Polling Day Polling day itself brought several significant experiences. At some polling stations, there were technical issues related to EVM machines; at others, minor procedural errors by presiding officers came to light. Each time, after discussing the matter with Dr. Mangrule, he provided solutions that were calm, controlled, and crystal clear. The solutions were acceptable to the affected parties, and they ensured smooth operations during the polling. For a presiding officer or polling agent, election duty may last only a day or two. But observing an officer who studies every stage of the entire electoral process in depth and pays attention to even the smallest details was, for me, a first-hand and close experience. From sealing EVM machines correctly to explaining how to fill various envelopes, which forms to use, and where, he provided guidance that was comprehensive and precise. Concepts such as tendered voting and double voting were explained by him in extremely simple terms. In the event of a technical malfunction of machines, the procedures to be followed and alternative options available were explained with clarity and confidence. Because of this thorough guidance, the voting process was conducted not only in strict compliance with rules but also in a confident and stress-free environment. In my view, it is officers like Dr. Shashikant Mangrulkar who form the true strength of any government department and create more trust between the administrative departments and the public at large. They can be a good bridge to grow belief in government functionaries. The officer I have seen and experienced is, without doubt, a positive, trustworthy, and inspiring face of public administration.

Kinetic Typography: The Silent Hero of Visual Storytelling

Kinetic Typography

In today’s world, communication has evolved into a highly visual medium. From social media platforms to digital billboards, video content has become ubiquitous, with motion design and animation at its core. Amidst this, typography plays a crucial role, often acting as the silent hero that shapes the effectiveness of visual messages.


Learning how to use type kinetically is not just a design skill; it is a form of visual storytelling that has the power to convey complex ideas with clarity and impact.


Typography has always been a central part of visual design. In traditional forms, it deals with the arrangement of typefaces to ensure readability and aesthetic appeal. However, when it comes to motion design and animation, typography takes on a more dynamic role. It interacts with other elements like graphics, video, and sound, contributing to an immersive storytelling experience. A good command over typography allows designers to lead the viewer’s eye, create emphasis, and evoke emotion—all essential traits of effective communication.


Today, audiences are bombarded with content, and attention spans are shorter than ever. In such a landscape, typography can make or break a design piece. Effective and well designed kinetic typography can capture attention, emphasize key messages, and guide the viewer’s understanding of the content. This is why mastering kinetic typography is a must for anyone studying or in the business of motion design or animation for effective communication.


Kinetic typography refers to the animation of text, often to convey a particular mood, message, or idea. Unlike static typography, which is a building block and relies on layout and font choices, kinetic typography leverages motion, timing, and rhythm. The way words move, transform, and interact with other visual elements can have a profound impact on how the audience perceives the message.


For instance, a bouncing, playful typeface can evoke a sense of fun and lightheartedness, while sharp, quick movements of text can create tension or urgency. By animating type, designers can set the tone and pace of the communication, transforming a simple message into an engaging visual narrative.


The role of typography in motion design and animation education cannot be overstated. Mastering kinetic typography requires a deep understanding of not only design principles like balance, hierarchy, and contrast but also the mechanics of motion—such as timing, easing, and anticipation. Educators must focus on teaching how these elements can be used in tandem to create coherent and impactful designs.


Students should be encouraged to explore the subtleties of typography—such as kerning, leading, and tracking—before diving into animation. Understanding how text can be manipulated in a static form will give students a better foundation and grasp of how it can be brought to life. Additionally, learning how typography interacts with other visual elements (such as graphics, images, and sound) prepares students to think holistically about design projects, creating a synergy between different components.


Motion design has become an integral part of various fields, including advertising, education, entertainment, and social media. Each of these sectors relies on clear and impactful communication. Typography, when used effectively, can enhance the clarity of a message. For example, in a commercial, animated text can emphasize key selling points, while in an educational video, it can highlight crucial information, making it easier for viewers to grasp the concept. With the right execution, even the most complex information can be simplified and communicated effectively.


As we progress into a future where visual communication is ever evolving and becomes even more immersive and prominent, those who can wield typography effectively will be at the forefront of visual communication design innovation. From creating memorable brand identities to leading large-scale marketing campaigns, a strong grasp of kinetic typography can make designers stand out in a competitive field. They become communication leaders, shaping how brands and messages are perceived on a global scale.


Furthermore, the advent of new technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), has opened new avenues for typographic exploration. Text can now exist in 3D space, interact with users, and adapt based on viewer interaction. These advancements mean that the role of typography will continue to evolve, making it even more critical for motion designers to have a solid foundation in typographic principles.


In addition, with the integration of AI tools, the creation of animated type can become more exciting, allowing designers to experiment and innovate without the limitations of traditional software. This democratization of tools means that more people can explore kinetic typography, leading to new and creative ways to engage audiences.


As visual communication continues to dominate, those who can master the art of typography in motion will be at the forefront, shaping the future of how we convey information and tell stories. Motion designers and animators who embrace the power of typography will be the communication design leaders of tomorrow, capable of crafting narratives that captivate, educate, and inspire.


(The author is Founder and Creative Director at Trip Creative Services, an award-winning communication design house.)

Comments

bottom of page