The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on Friday instructed all central government-run medical teaching institutes, including renowned institutions such as AIIMS, to discontinue the use of colonial-era attire during their convocation ceremonies.
This move aligns with the “Panch Pran” resolutions set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which seek to eliminate colonial legacies and embrace Indian traditions.
In a letter dated August 23, the ministry noted that the practice of wearing black robes and caps during convocations, which originated in Europe during the Middle Ages, was introduced to India during British colonial rule. The ministry urged institutions to create new convocation attire that reflects the local traditions and cultural heritage of the state where each institute is situated.
“The above tradition is a colonial legacy which needs to be changed,” it said.
“Accordingly it has been decided by the Ministry that the various Institutes of the Ministry including AIIMS /INIS engaged in imparting medical education will design appropriate India dress code for the Convocation Ceremony of their Institute’ based on local traditions of the State in which the Institute is located,” it added.
The government asked that proposals for the new dress code be submitted for approval to the ministry.
What is ‘Panch Pran’?
“Panch Pran” refers to the “Five Resolutions” outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 2022 Independence Day speech. These resolutions aim to guide India’s progress over the next 25 years. One of the key goals is to embrace India’s cultural roots and remove colonial influences from various aspects of life, including education and cultural practices.
“The goal of developed India, to remove any trace of the colonial mindset, taking pride in our roots, unity and sense of duty among citizens,” Modi had said.