Kharagpur, India – The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-Kharagpur) has reversed its decision to impose a strict dress code for its upcoming convocation ceremony following a wave of criticism from students, alumni, and the public.
The initial dress code, which required male students to wear a full-sleeved, knee-length, plain, solid white kurta, was met with fierce opposition, with many accusing it of being discriminatory and out of touch with the institute’s values of inclusivity and diversity. Critics also pointed out that the dress code was not in line with the practices of other IITs, which generally allow students to wear traditional attire to convocation ceremonies.
In response to the mounting criticism, IIT-Kharagpur has issued a clarification stating that the dress code is no longer mandatory. The institute has emphasized that students are free to choose their attire for the ceremony, as long as it is “decent, comfortable, and appropriate for the occasion.”
The reversal of the dress code has been met with relief and gratitude from students and alumni, who commended the institute for its willingness to listen to feedback. However, some have expressed concerns about the vagueness of the new guidelines and whether they will be sufficient to prevent any potential discrimination.
The controversy surrounding the convocation dress code has sparked a broader discussion about the role of traditional attire in Indian society. While some advocate for the preservation of traditional customs, others argue that such practices can be exclusionary and should not be imposed on individuals. The debate is likely to continue, and finding a balance between respecting tradition and promoting inclusivity remains a challenge.