Talking Point: Can ethnic attire in convocation ceremonies inculcate national pride
TNN | Sep 16, 2019, 04.12 PM IST
The elaborate robes and caps of convocation ceremonies may take a bow with UGC asking all universities to use traditional garments to instil national pride among students. Education Times spoke to stakeholders if it can reinforce patriotic fervour
Welcome step
Convocation gowns are a legacy of British tradition. If we use an attire which is reflective of Indian culture and climate, I see it as a welcome step. Many Indian higher educational institutes are already in favour of changing the convocation attire to be in tune with the Indian climate and culture. In its second convocation, JNU adopted a simple Indian convocation attire. Wearing an Indian convocation attire has the potential to connect the students with our culture.
- M Jagadesh Kumar, vice chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
Pride and prejudice
While western robes were a staple during convocation ceremonies at IIT-Delhi in the past, the convocation committee has plans to launch traditional attire from 2020 onwards. Shedding colonial clothes makes practical sense and the inclusion of handloom or even regional attire will have a positive impact on students' psyche. If we are modernising our curriculum, then why not the dress code? Such a move will boost our khadi and handloom industries.
- V Ramgopal Rao, director, IIT-Delhi
Reflection of Indian ethos
UGC's circular to introduce traditional robes is a syndrome of a larger global discourse of emphasising local traditions against cultural impositions from elsewhere. The western convocation outfit is born out of a specific cultural, geographical and climatological context. Heavy fur-lined robes are typically worn in the colder slimes of northern Europe. The move can have a significant impact on India's demographic and cultural dividend, as they identify themselves with the ethos understood to be uniquely Indian.
- Aryapriya Ganguly, Associate Professor, Indian School of Business & Finance (ISBF), New Delhi
Unjustified move
The decision to introduce traditional robes during convocation ceremonies is unjustified because a convocation ceremony is a special memory in a student's life. How they want it to happen should be entirely their choice from what they wear to what they speak. Changing the type of attire cannot instil a sense of national pride as it is something which has to come naturally to people and actions like these might act against that of what is intended.
- Shivee Dabas, third year student, BA (Honours) English, Hansraj College, Delhi University
TNN | Sep 16, 2019, 04.12 PM IST
The elaborate robes and caps of convocation ceremonies may take a bow with UGC asking all universities to use traditional garments to instil national pride among students. Education Times spoke to stakeholders if it can reinforce patriotic fervour
Welcome step
Convocation gowns are a legacy of British tradition. If we use an attire which is reflective of Indian culture and climate, I see it as a welcome step. Many Indian higher educational institutes are already in favour of changing the convocation attire to be in tune with the Indian climate and culture. In its second convocation, JNU adopted a simple Indian convocation attire. Wearing an Indian convocation attire has the potential to connect the students with our culture.
- M Jagadesh Kumar, vice chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
Pride and prejudice
While western robes were a staple during convocation ceremonies at IIT-Delhi in the past, the convocation committee has plans to launch traditional attire from 2020 onwards. Shedding colonial clothes makes practical sense and the inclusion of handloom or even regional attire will have a positive impact on students' psyche. If we are modernising our curriculum, then why not the dress code? Such a move will boost our khadi and handloom industries.
- V Ramgopal Rao, director, IIT-Delhi
Reflection of Indian ethos
UGC's circular to introduce traditional robes is a syndrome of a larger global discourse of emphasising local traditions against cultural impositions from elsewhere. The western convocation outfit is born out of a specific cultural, geographical and climatological context. Heavy fur-lined robes are typically worn in the colder slimes of northern Europe. The move can have a significant impact on India's demographic and cultural dividend, as they identify themselves with the ethos understood to be uniquely Indian.
- Aryapriya Ganguly, Associate Professor, Indian School of Business & Finance (ISBF), New Delhi
Unjustified move
The decision to introduce traditional robes during convocation ceremonies is unjustified because a convocation ceremony is a special memory in a student's life. How they want it to happen should be entirely their choice from what they wear to what they speak. Changing the type of attire cannot instil a sense of national pride as it is something which has to come naturally to people and actions like these might act against that of what is intended.
- Shivee Dabas, third year student, BA (Honours) English, Hansraj College, Delhi University
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