No more black robes at convocation: Modi govt urges AIIMS,INI, other top institutes to ditch ‘colonial legacy’

The Health Ministry has decided to introduce an “appropriate Indian dress code” for convocation ceremonies at AIIMS, INIs and other similar institutions. The new directive will require medical institutions to adopt convocation outfits be designed in line with local traditions and cultural heritage.

“It is observed that currently as a matter of practice black robe and cap is being used during convocation by various Institutes of the Ministry. This attire originated in the middle Ages in Europe and was introduced by the British in all their colonies. The above tradition is a colonial legacy which needs to be changed,” urged a missive from the Health Ministry.

AIIMS, INI and other institutions have been asked to submit proposals for their new locally inspired graduation attire to the Ministry for approval by the health secretary.

Several major educational institutions have ditched the black graduation gown and in recent years amid calls for a ‘desi’ pivot. IIM Shillong made headlines earlier this year as the outgoing students donned a body drape in the institute colours (white, green and yellow). The outfits were crafted in assam by the oldest khadi institution in the North East.

Meanwhile Delhi University had ditched the typical black gowns for colourful stoles as it marked its 99th graduation ceremony last year. Students completing their undergraduate degree were asked to wear an yellow angavastra, while post-graduate students wore turquoise and PhD scholars donned red stoles. University officials had said that the rest of their clothes could be of their choosing.

The traditional black robes and caps seen during convocation throughout the western world hark back to academic and clerical dresses that first emerged in medieval universities of Europe. Different versions of the graduation gown have been used for centuries at universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.

(With inputs from agencies)