It is time to congratulate D Udaya Kumar, the IIT-ian who won the privilege of giving a symbol for the Indian currency. The symbol set to give the rupee a unique identity, highlights the strength of the growing Indian economy, according to Udaya.

Five designs were shortlisted from over 25,000 applications received from across the country. On July 15, one of the five got the Cabinet's approval. Here's what the other finalists had to say about the Udaya Kumar's symbol.

"Udaya Kumar's design was among the best three designs. The 3-D presentation at the RBI was quite impressive. I am happy that his design has been selected to represent the rupee," says Shibin KK, whose design was among the five shortlisted by the government.

Agrees Shahrukh Irani, whose design was also shortlisted, "Udaya's design was good and it conforms to all the parameters of the contest. All the designs are actually different variations with the strokes."

"I congratulated Udaya and I believe he deserved it for a nice design," Hitesh Padmashali, one of the other finalists, said.

All the finalists made sure the design reflected Indian-ness and at the same time had an international appeal.

"I am happy that I could become a part of the contest, it is like being a part of history," Shahrukh said.