Bhopal: MANIT drops Gandhi cap, puts on British robe again

The Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT) in Madhya Pradesh has reintroduced the British-time convocation dress code, reportedly on students’ demands.

The institute had discarded the robe and adopted the Gandhian cap and a sash in 2011.

MANIT public relations officer (PRO) Ajay Verma said, “The decision was taken at a meeting of administrators (taking cognizance of the students demand).” Institute sources said that the decision was taken when director Appu Kuttan, who favoured the Gandhi cap and the sash, was on leave and not taking part in any decision- making now.

However, students have different takes on the decision.

“The idea of Gandhi cap was a remarkable one. While graduating from the college, it is a pleasure for any student to wear the Gandhi cap. I don’t agree with the decision,” said Ashutosh Pratap Singh, a fourth year student.

“I am happy that MANIT administration has taken this decision. Every occasion has its dress code and I think the robe is a suitable dress for convocations,” said another student Pratik Ranjan Verma.

Minister for state of higher education Deepak Joshi said, “The MANIT administration has not taken a good decision. Soon we are going to adopt new dress code which represents our country’s tradition.”

In fact, the dress switch began in 2010 when former environment minister Jairam Ramesh had removed his gown during the convocation of Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) in Bhopal dubbing robes a barbaric colonial relic.

Later, higher education minister Umashankar Gupta supported the move and advocated an Indian dress code. The issue got so hyped that even the state government had to hold a meeting the convocation dress code.