In a significant shift from colonial traditions, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced on Friday that the black robe and cap, a vestige of British colonial practice, will be phased out from convocation ceremonies, as reported by news agency ANI. In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Panch Pran' (five resolutions), the Ministry is championing the modernisation of ceremonial attire.


The Union health ministry has asked all its institutes to design an appropriate Indian dress code for convocation ceremonies based on the traditions of the state where they are located. The current practice of wearing the black robe and cap is a "colonial legacy", which needs to be changed.











"It has been observed that various institutes under the Ministry currently use the black robe and cap during convocation ceremonies. This attire, which originated in medieval Europe, was introduced by the British in all their colonies. This tradition, being a colonial legacy, needs to be changed," the Ministry stated in an official order.






The new directive mandates that medical institutions create and implement dress codes for their convocation ceremonies that reflect local traditions and cultural heritage. This change seeks to honor and celebrate India's rich cultural diversity, moving away from traditional European attire. Institutions must now submit their proposals for new ceremonial dress to the Ministry, through their respective divisions, for approval by the Secretary (Health).


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"Accordingly, it has been decided by the Ministry that various institutes, including AIIMS and INIs engaged in imparting medical education, will design an appropriate Indian dress code for their convocation ceremonies, based on the local traditions of the state in which the institute is located. Proposals to this effect should be submitted to the Ministry through the respective divisions for consideration and approval by the Secretary (Health)," the official order stated. 


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