Environment Minister, Jairam Ramesh on Friday disapproved of the traditional dress for convocation ceremonies and termed it as improper with changing times.
"I believe that these traditions are going on for ages and it is not at all necessary and not proper. With time we have to change and I strongly feel that this convocation dress should be changed," Ramesh told reporters here after the seventh convocation of the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM). "Why do they wear caps, just to throw them in air for photographs," he said.
However, when his attention was drawn towards similar demands raised by two BJP ministers (Kailash Vijaywargiya and Archana Chitnis) in Indore last year during the convocation ceremony of Devi Ahilyabai Vishwa Vidyalaya (DAVV) that instead of gowns, degrees should be conferred in traditional dhoti-kurta, Ramesh said he don't want to involve himself in 'Swadeshi versus Videshi' (Indian versus foreign) debate. He suggested that it should be in any normal dress like pant shirt.
Earlier, while addressing the convocation, Ramesh surprised everyone when he disapproved of the traditional black gown and cap and removed them in front of everyone. PTI
