On Monday, IIT-Kharagpur mentioned in a statement that students don’t have to wear a specific outfit for the ceremony. They can choose what they wear, as long as it’s appropriate for the event, following the usual rules of behavior.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has cleared up the confusion and disagreement among students, faculty, and alumni about the strict dress code they initially imposed for the convocation day.
“The mail that was issued to the students regarding the convocation attire was mentioned explicitly due to the theme of the 69th Convocation. It is just a guideline for the students so that it becomes easier for them to comprehend and look the part on their special day…and does not fall under mandatory requisites,” IIT-Kharagpur explained.
Last week, the school gave some instructions. They said male students should wear a white, full-sleeved, knee-length kurta for the upcoming graduation ceremony. They also mentioned that the kurta should have a mandarin collar and a straight hem. In addition, students should wear a white vest under the kurta and white cotton churidar or pajamas.
The Indian Institute of Tantra-mantralogy has a dress-code for convocation. And now one wonders why IITs are declining in prestige. pic.twitter.com/F3CQEvPCNC
— saliltripathi (@saliltripathi) November 5, 2023
In contrast, they told the female students to put on a simple, all-white cotton saree with a plain, narrow golden border and a plain end.”Saree should be worn in the Parsi style, with pleated pallu. Pair the saree with a white petticoat,” the guidelines further specified.
The guidelines from IIT-Kharagpur also included instructions about the type of shoes and accessories that students should wear for their graduation ceremony.
According to a report in The Times of India, the institute’s strict dress code has led to a dispute among some students. They claim that these instructions limit their “personal freedom and choice.”
The report also mentioned that some students, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, chose not to attend the graduation ceremony in protest of the dress code.
An IIT-KGP research scholar told TOI that the students had to wear white or off-white kurta pajamas or sarees for the convocation last year. However, this year’s more detailed specifications have posed challenges for many.
Meanwhile, a senior IIT official conveyed that dress code instructions have consistently been enforced. He mentioned that these specifications are given to make sure students dress suitably for the occasion.
