- Most of us who are associated with Graduation and Post-Graduation convocation ceremonies would be quite aware of the practice of wearing western attire during the occasion. Wearing a well-cut suit for the males and draping a modern saree for women used to be the norm for a long period. Of late, there are honest attempts at ushering in traditional attire during such functions and ceremonies associated with many of the learning portals like universities, colleges, and schools. Lots of emphases are being accorded to the wearing of traditional attire highlighting the inclination and judiciousness of encouraging indigenous dress codes during such programs.
PC: TNN
- In this regard, it is pertinent to note that the University Grants Commission had issued a directive in 2019 asking universities to not only encourage but also explore options to go traditional during special occasions and convocation ceremonies. Nothing wrong with attempting to imbibing our traditional values to a budding group of young citizens who will be venturing out with lots of dreams, ambitions, goals, and objectives to carve out a special niche for themselves as well as society at large. It is incumbent on the part of all concerned to impress upon the rich traditional history and uniqueness in the local attires for the benefit of our younger lot not exposed to it yet.
- Following the directive of the UGC, the Governor of Karnataka had issued an order asking universities to implement the directive and subsequently submit an action taken report on the same. Taking a cue from the Governor nudging to go traditional, the sea of black caps and gowns at convocation ceremonies is all set to recede in the coming days. Several universities in the state are already opting for khadi and regional wear. Most hearteningly, the Karnataka Folklore University (Haveri), Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University (Gadag), and the University of Horticultural Sciences (Bagalkot) have already incorporated local traditional attire in their convocation functions.
PC: Churchill Gowns
- The vice-chancellor of the University of Horticultural Sciences said recently passed out graduates wore traditional clothes mostly in white for the convocation this year. Elaborating further, the VC mentioned that black gowns and caps were worn by only guests and academic council members which is all set to change from next year when men will don white kurta and pyjama and sarees for women to be common for all. Of course, with the push coming from no less than the UGC and the State Governor himself, the trend is expected to gain momentum once offline classes and campus activities resume as the pandemic has reduced these occasions to low-key affairs.
- For a change, none of the overzealous activists, people crying hoarse over nationalism, self-anointed morality upholders, and secularists of all hues and colours would be hailing the decision of the universities in wholesomely attempting to adopt traditional Indian couture which is second to none in the fashion quotient. A beginning has been made on this front and it is in the best interest of all of us to propagate the welcoming embracing of Indianness with pride. Way to go indeed!
