Government Mandates Indian Dress Code for Medical Convocation Ceremonies – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In a significant move aimed at breaking away from colonial-era traditions, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed all Central Government medical teaching institutes, including the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Institutes of National Importance (INIs), to design a new dress code for their convocation ceremonies.The new attire is to be based on the local traditions of the states where these institutes are located, marking a shift from the European-style black robe and cap that have been traditionally worn during these ceremonies.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a letter to the heads of all central government hospitals, AIIMS/INIs/Central Govt. Medical Teaching Institutes, outlining the new directive. The ministry emphasised the importance of this change as a step towards breaking away from colonial legacies and embracing India’s rich cultural tapestry.
A Shift from Colonial Legacy
The practice of wearing black robes and caps during convocation ceremonies has its roots in the Middle Ages in Europe. This tradition was introduced to India during the British colonial period and has since been adopted by academic institutions across the country. However, with India’s growing emphasis on decolonizing education and embracing its rich cultural heritage, the Ministry of Health has deemed it necessary to replace this colonial legacy with attire that reflects India’s diverse traditions.
The letter, signed by Thawngzachin Chinsum Naulak, Under Secretary to the Government of India, stated, “It has been observed that currently, as a matter of practice, black robes and caps are being used during convocations by various Institutes of the Ministry. This attire originated in the Middle Ages in Europe and was introduced by the British in all their colonies. The above tradition is a colonial legacy which needs to be changed.”
Local Tradition-Inspired Convocation Attire
According to the directive, each medical institute under the Ministry’s jurisdiction is required to design a convocation dress code that draws inspiration from the local traditions of the state in which the institute is located. This move is expected to bring a sense of cultural pride and local identity to the convocation ceremonies, making them more meaningful and reflective of India’s heritage.

The letter further instructs that proposals for the new dress code should be submitted to the Ministry through the respective divisions of the Ministry for consideration and approval by the Secretary of Health.
Institutes have been encouraged to collaborate with local artisans and cultural experts to design the new attire, ensuring that it is both authentic and representative of the region’s heritage. The Ministry has assured that it will review and approve the proposed designs to ensure consistency with the national policy of promoting indigenous practices.
This move is seen as a significant step towards promoting Indian culture and identity, particularly in the context of education and academic achievements. By adopting Indian dress codes for convocation ceremonies, the government aims to instil a sense of pride and belonging among medical graduates.