Last Updated on 23/08/2024 by Ankita
Will black gown and cap no longer be allowed in the convocation of educational institutions in India? The Health Ministry has asked central hospitals to wear Indian clothes instead of black gown and cap in convocation ceremonies. The Health Ministry has given this instruction by sending a letter to the heads of central hospitals. It is written in the letter that they should change the colonial dress code of black gown and cap used in convocation ceremonies to Indian dress.
The ministry said that the dress code for convocation should be based on the costumes and traditions of the Indian state where the institution is located. The Health Ministry said that currently black gowns and caps are being used during convocations by various institutions of the ministry. This trend of dress was started in Europe in the Middle Ages. This tradition is a colonial legacy that needs to be changed.
The Ministry has decided that various institutes of the Ministry including AIIMS and INIs, where medical studies are conducted, will prepare an appropriate Indian dress code for the convocation of their institute, which will be based on the local traditions of the state. This proposal should be submitted to the Secretary (Health) through its respective division of the Ministry for consideration and approval. This has been issued with the approval of the competent authority.
How did the trend of wearing black gown and cap in convocation start?
The practice of wearing black gowns and caps in convocations dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe. At that time, students studying in universities were associated with religious institutions. During religious ceremonies, religious leaders wore black clothes, which were considered a symbol of knowledge and humility.
Since when did the trend of black gown and hat start in India?
When universities emerged in Europe, students also started wearing black clothes just like in religious rituals. In a way, it became a symbol of knowledge and scholarship. This tradition also came to India during the British rule. British rulers implemented a similar dress code in Indian educational institutions. This tradition continued in many Indian educational institutions even after independence. It is considered a part of colonial legacy.
What is the symbolic meaning of the black gown and cap?
Black color is considered a symbol of knowledge and humility. All students wear the same dress to show their unity. This dress reflects the formality of the convocation ceremony. In recent years, there has been a demand to wear Indian dress in convocation ceremonies in many Indian educational institutions. The reason for this is that black gowns and caps are different from Indian culture and traditions.
IIIT Hyderabad ended the tradition of black gown and cap in 2011
IIIT-Hyderabad students have been wearing traditional attire in convocation since 2011. Due to this, pictures of IIIT Hyderabad convocation often make headlines on social media.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)