It’s ethnic attire in SSU since 1791!
VARANASI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is not the only university in Varanasi, which has enforced traditional dress code for convocation.
The Sampurnanand Sanskrit University (SSU) has been following the traditional dress code of dhotikurta and pagdi since its foundation in 1791, when it was only a college. The tradition continued even after the college was transformed into a university in 1971.
Prof Binda Prasad Mishra, vice chancellor of the university, is of the opinion that traditional dhoti-kurta or pyjama must be made compulsory at convocations in all institutions across the country. “Dhoti-kurta reminds us of our roots, culture and tradition. The attire not only portrays true India, but is also very comfortable to wear,” Mishra said.
The VC asserted the black robe couldn’t be justified at convocation ceremonies in any way.
“It is high time higher educational institutions shun black robe and replace it with traditional Indian dresses at their convocation ceremonies,” the VC added.
Prof Mishra appreciated the IITBHU’s decision to make dhoti-kutra compulsory at the recently concluded convocation ceremony.
The Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth (MGKV), another university in Varanasi, also follows the traditional dress code for convocation but not completely. At the MGKV, students wear cream-colour silk robe in place of black and also wear Gandhi cap for convocation. Beneath the robe, students generally wear trousers and shirts.
“We do not enforce any dress code but the silk robe and Gandhi cap is compulsory for convocation,” Prof Prithvish Nag, vice chancellor of the MGKV, said. Prof Nag too appreciated the IIT-BHU’s decision to enforce dhoti-kurta dress code for the convocation ceremony.