No more black robes and caps, medical institutes to have convocation ceremonies with Indian attire

The Union health ministry has asked all its institutes to design an appropriate Indian dress code for convocation ceremonies. According to the Health Ministry, medical institutes, including AIIMS, can choose the dress code for convocation ceremonies based on the traditions of the state where they are located.

Black robe and cap is a colonial legacy

The Health Ministry noted that the black robe and cap which are being used during convocation by various institutes originated in the Middle Ages in Europe and were introduced by the British in all their colonies.

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"The above tradition is a colonial legacy which needs to be changed," the Health Ministry said in a communication.

Attire based on local traditions

"Accordingly, it has been decided by the ministry that the various institutes of the ministry, including AIIMS/INIs engaged in imparting medical education, will design an appropriate Indian dress code for the convocation ceremony of their institute¡ªbased on local traditions of the state in which the institute is located," the communication stated.

The ministry asked them to submit proposals in this regard, which will be approved by the Union health secretary.

Changing dress code at convocation ceremonies

Medical institutes are the latest to ditch the black robe and cap in convocation ceremonies in favor of traditional Indian attire, a trend that started a few years ago.

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In the past few years, several colleges and even IITs have switched from black robes and caps to traditional Indian attire in convocation ceremonies. In 2018, the UGC issued a circular to universities asking them to choose dress in traditional attire made up of Indian handloom for their convocations.

2023 IIT-Kharagpur dress code controversy

While many institutions have welcomed the move, the change has received mixed reactions from students.

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In November 2023, IIT-Kharagpur's convocation dress code had sparked a row among students, faculty, and alumni. The dress code, which stated that male students should wear a full-sleeved, knee-length, plain, solid white kurta and female students should wear a plain, solid white cotton saree with a plain, narrow golden zari border and plain pallu, was met with opposition from some.

Following this, IIT-Kharagpur issued a clarification saying that the dress code was not mandatory and students were free to wear any dress befitting the occasion.

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