MANIT students have mixed reactions to the institute’s decision to opt for the traditional robe and hat for the convocation ceremony.
Earlier, students had donned the Gandhi cap for the convocation in 2015.
Many students lauded the decision to opt for the traditional robe and hat, while many disapproved.
Speaking to HT on the issue, silver medalist in B Tech mechanical engineering, Pulkit Agarwal said MANIT’s management did a right thing by returning to the old traditional robe and hat.
“Today the Gandhi cap is more connected to political leaders. If we receive our degrees by donning a convocation ceremonythen the public would think that the institute is producing politicians instead of engineers. It is better to receive the degree in the robe and hat because it truly resembles the characteristics of a scholar,” Agarwal said.
Another student and B Tech in civil engineering, Rishabh Singh did not approve of the decision and said it should have embraced Indian culture and disown the robe and hat which resembles the colonial era.
“The students should definitely wear an Indian attire during the convocation ceremony as it brings them closer to Indian culture. I personally feel that Indian attire should be given preference instead of the robe and hat,” Singh said.
{{/usCountry}}“The students should definitely wear an Indian attire during the convocation ceremony as it brings them closer to Indian culture. I personally feel that Indian attire should be given preference instead of the robe and hat,” Singh said.
{{/usCountry}}There were also many students who felt that it doesn’t matter whether a robe and hat or a Gandhi cap worn for the convocation.
“I personally believe that the attire worn during the convocation ceremony doesn’t make any difference. All that is important is receiving the degree in the presence of dignitaries, parents and friends,” said Pragyan Pandey, gold medalist in material science and metallurgical engineering.