Assam University’s decision on convocation dress draws flak

 A CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: The Assam University authority’s decision to replace traditional gowns and caps with ‘Uttorioya’ or scarf and khadi half jacket as well as a turban during the two-day convocation had drawn much criticism in Barak Valley.

A majority of students attending the Convocation which began on Saturday took to social media to express their anguish and frustration over the change of dress code. Some students were given scarfs with ‘Lucknow University’ logo inscribed on them. Students alleged that they had paid Rs 2500 for the Convocation dress and they were not provided proper attire. A source in the University said that only a single piece of sample scarf with Lucknow University logo was mistakenly delivered and it was blown out of proportion by a group.

Vice Chancellor Professor Rajive Mohan Pant argued that gowns and caps were symbols of western culture and hence the University authority had decided to replace those with attires that reflect the rich tradition of the Northeast. Professor Tapodhir Bhattacahrjee, former Vice-Chancellor of Assam University, however, said, “Change isalways welcome but we should at the same time be cautious that change should ensure refinement. The controversy itself proves that whatever has been changed were refined aesthetically.” A section of people in Barak Valley on the other hand found the entire episode as a step to impose Hindi culture in the Assam University. “Turban was never a part of our cultural tradition here in this part of the country,” they exclaimed.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of the Himachal Pradesh University, Professor Sat Prakash Bansal attended the convocation as the chief guest.

Also Read:  Assam University’, convocation dress , Barak Valley

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