This time, it will be traditional attires at PGIMER convocation

For the first time, the upcoming convocation of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) will witness graduates wearing traditional Indian attires instead of the ceremonial gowns. On October 6, as many as 1,550 degrees will be handed to the achievers by the Union Minister, Health and Family Welfare, JP Nadda.

Sources claimed that the dress code for men will be off-white kurta pyjama and saree for women. After the Punjab Engineering College (PEC), the PGIMER will be the second institution to follow wearing the Indian traditional attire for their convocation.

“The practice will be adopted for future convocations as well. The orders have been issued as per the guidelines laid by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The same has been intimated to the scholars and a total of 100 medals will also be distributed to the meritorious achievers,” claimed a source. Last month, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued guidelines to the heads of all Central Government-run medical institutions, asking them to identify Indian attire as dress code for students at graduation ceremonies to replace the black robes and black caps currently used.

“This attire originated in the middle ages in Europe and was introduced by the British in all their colonies. The above tradition is a colonial legacy which needs to be changed. Accordingly, it has been decided by the ministry that various institutes of the ministry, including AIIMS /INIs, engaged in imparting medical education will design appropriate Indian dress code for the convocation ceremony of their institute’ based on local traditions of the state in which the institute is located,” read an observation by the ministry.