E-Paper
UP varsity drops ceremonial gown
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow is perhaps the country's first university to bid farewell to the ceremonial convocation gown. Rajeev Mullick reports.
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow is perhaps the country's first university to bid farewell to the ceremonial convocation gown.
A decision to do away with the black gowns and caps at ceremonies to confer doctorates was taken by the university's academic council on Friday.
What then is the alternative? Anything white, said vice-chancellor B Hanumaiah.
A white kurta-pyjama, white shirt and trousers, a white salwar suit or a white saree will do fine.
The university has fixed the colour code and left the dress choice to students and teachers.
The decision was taken following a suggestion by former President APJ Abdul Kalam on October 8, 2010.
He had said then: "This cap and gown should go because it reminds us of the British Raj."
He had suggested that anything "Indian and simple, which reflects our culture should be introduced instead."
"We should have some Indian dress which is light and is suitable for all seasons," Hanumaiah said.
"The decision is final. The colour code has been fixed. Students and teachers will not be required to wear the conventional gown anymore. Anything white is acceptable."
