Terming it ‘Barbaric Practice’, Ramesh Removes Convocation Gown at IIFM
Bhopal: Publically removing his convocation gown, Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has described as ‘barbaric colonial relics’ the practice of wearing the traditional coloured robe at convocation ceremonies, reported PTI.
“I still have not been able to figure out after 60 years of Independence why we stick to these barbaric colonial relics,” Ramesh was quoted as saying.
The minister made the remarks in his address to students at the seventh convocation of the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) in the cityl.
He asked as to why a convocation could not be held with everyone wearing a simple dress, said report.
“Why cannot we have a convocation in simple dress instead of coming dressed up as medieval vicars and popes,” he asked, as he removed his gown worn over his trademark white kurta.
Ramesh’s dramatic action drew a loud applause from the assembled gathering, report said.
