Third Convocation of University of Kota

The University of Kota on Sunday wore traditional Indian attire to the convocation, Graduation caps and gowns became passé.

The governor told universities of state to ditch graduation ceremony caps and gowns and replace them with an attire that has “Indian essence". The decision to replace “black colonial-era convocation robes and square hats” with “Indian attire” as ceremonial dress code was taken by Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh in a meeting with vice-chancellors of universities in the state in September last year.

Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh felicitates a student at the third convocation of the University of Kota on Sunday.

According to Professor PK Dashora, vice chancellor of Kota university "Decision to replace “traditional black convocation gowns” with “‘white Indian attire” was in accordance with an ordinance of the university issued in 2010."

The male students and officials wore white kurta-pyjama/dhoti and Jodhpuri suits, women students and officials wore white sarees and salwar kameez in the third convocation of the University of Kota.

White is the symbol of peace and Indian attire is easy to wear. Students who participated in the convocation were happy with the change.

Addressing students, state higher education minister Kali Charan Sarraf said, "Colonial-era convocation gowns reflect the mindset of British Raj and have been replaced by Indian attire on the instructions of the governor Kalyan Singh."