In a letter that the Union Health Ministry wrote a circular to all educational institutions in India, they have appealed to do away with the black robes and caps generally worn during convocation and instead go for costumes that reflect the diversity of the Indian culture. In Indianizing academic rituals and doing away with remnants of the colonial rule, black robes and caps worn by participants at convocations will be a thing of the past.

The Ministry, through an official communication, pointed out that the black robe and cap, which one commonly wears at a convocation ceremony in India, dates back to medieval Europe and was brought to India by the British during its colonial rule. The ministry underscored that the gowns are comfortable and better suited for the Indian climate and are a colonial legacy that does not suit the cultural values and identity of contemporary India.

The ministry of health has now issued instructions to all educational institutes, mostly the ones which come under its direct influence, like the AIIMS and all other National Institutes of Importance (INIs), to issue dress codes for their convocations. Thus, the attire for every institution will be completely different as that will only reflect the cultural and traditional dress of the region.

It also laid down that these new dress codes should be evolved in consultation with cultural experts and submitted for approval to the Union Health Secretary. Not only must the new attire be representative of India’s diverse heritage, but it should also be such that it is respectful and dignified when worn at such an important academic occasion.

This will be considered a step closer to decolonizing the educational system in India, especially in its ceremonial parts, which is required to bridge its modern self more with the cultural roots of the nation. Many have welcomed the decision of the ministry as an opportunity to celebrate India’s diversity and move away from the outdated practices imposed during the colonial period.

These are now being brainstormed and designed by institutes across the country. Once approved, these Indianized convocation attires probably will feature in the many future graduations that will take place in India.