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Chandigarh BJP President writes to Panjab University V-C, end to colonial-era convocation attire
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 25, 2024: In a letter to the Vice-Chancellor, of Panjab University, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chandigarh, Chief Spokesperson, Dr. Dharinder Tayal, urged the University to shed the colonial legacy of Black Robes and Hoods at the University convocation and replace them with an attire suited to Indian culture and weather.
"The symbolism is even more vital in this ‘Amrit kaal’, that our intelligentsia’s vast global knowledge rests on a foundation of Indian heritage," stated Dr.Dharinder Tayal.
Dr Tayal shared that in his letter dated 4.5.2010, then as a Member of the Panjab University Senate, had moved a Resolution for the Convocation attire to align with our culture and weather and for doing away with the Colonial legacy of wearing Gowns, Capes, and Sashes at the Convocations.
"Implemented then would have made Panjab University one of the leaders in the country setting an example for others to follow. To express the seriousness and urgency of the same, he had, despite being a Senator, attended the February 2011 Convocation of the University without wearing this slavish attire. Probably the only time in the history of the University that this had happened. The press had also given it wide coverage and support and early implementation was expected. However, 14 years later it is still the status quo," Dr. Dharinder Tayal,
"The recent Ministry of Health and Family Welfare directive to all medical institutions under its jurisdiction to shed the colonial legacy of Black robes and Cap at convocations has once again brought this issue to the forefront, as also the mood of the nation. It is time for the University to ensure that the next Convocation will be in smart Indian attire, possibly one that the young graduate owns, not rents, and carries away as a proud remembrance," he asserted.
Copy of the letter:
25th August, 2024
The Vice Chancellor
Panjab University, Chandigarh
Subject: Attire for the Convocation of the University
Respected Madam:
Vide my letter dated 4.5.2010, as a Member of the Panjab University Senate, I had moved a Resolution for the Convocation attire to be in consonance with our culture and weather and for doing away with the Colonial legacy of wearing Gowns, Capes and Sashes at the Convocations. Implemented then would have made our University one of the leaders setting an example for others to follow.
To express the seriousness and urgency of the same, I had, despite being a Senator attended the February 2011 Convocation of the University without wearing this slavish attire. Probably the only time in the history of the University that this has happened. The press had also given it wide coverage and support and one had hoped for early implementation. However, 14 years later we are still at status quo.
The recent Ministry of Health and Family Welfare directive to all medical institutions under its jurisdiction to shed the colonial legacy of Black robes and Cap at convocations, has once again brought this issue to the forefront, as also the mood of the nation.
Oxford and Cambridge Universities seem to be the first to have adopted this attire. Because of the pioneering role of these universities in Western education, copying of their dress-code by every university in the Western world was natural. For us, it is certainly a colonial legacy. These ‘Black’ legacies are grossly incongruent with our weather as also with our culture.
No longer in a position to be the trendsetters that we should have been, we should now not be the last to replace these unwieldy and sweaty legacies with something that suits our climate and heritage. Undoubtedly, it must serve the same purpose. It must look elegant with every style commonly worn by Indian students and with reflection of the Indian culture.
As a premier University of the Country it is time Panjab University stepped forward to throw away the symbols of slavery and colonialism and join the ranks of top notch Universities of the Country like the prestigious Vishva Bharti University where an ‘Uttorio’ (angavastram) is worn. . With its elegance, heritage stature and wide use for ceremonial occasions it could certainly fit the bill. It can be worn over any dress. Infinite variations in background colour and, number and design of gold and silver braids provide all the fine-tuning flexibility required for various academic levels.
The Uttorio is a suggestion and possibly a better alternative can be found. But the crux of the issue remains to set the sun on the Empire and shine suitably under our own rising sun.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dharinder Tayal