IIT Kharagpur Guidelines on Convocation Attire Spark Debate, Clarification Issued; Check Details Here

New Delhi: Recently, IIT-Kharagpur released instructions regarding a dress code for its students at the 69th convocation, featuring sample images displaying clothing and footwear choices for both girls and boys. 

IIT Kharagpur issued a clarification on November 6, following a controversy over the proposed dress code for the upcoming convocation ceremony, stating that the guideline is not a mandatory requirement. 

Following criticism from a segment of the institute’s alumni, students, and academics, the institute provided a clarification. The critique centered on the limitations for the suggested dress code on individuals' freedom and their clothing choices.

According to the IIT Kharagpur statement, the email sent to the students regarding the convocation dress code was specifically due to the theme of the 69th Convocation. It was outlined as a guideline to assist students in better understanding and dressing appropriately for their special day, highlighting that it is not a mandatory requirement.

All About the IIT Kharagpur Guidelines on Convocation Attire 

Last week, the IIT-Kharagpur released guidelines stating what the students should wear for their 69th convocation. The guidelines, which started circulating on social media, said girls should wear plain, solid white cotton sarees with a narrow golden border and a plain pallu, worn in a particular Parsi style with pleats.

Further, the institute also mentioned that a white petticoat and a white blouse with sleeves should be worn. Sleeveless blouses and certain decorative elements are not allowed according to these guidelines. The institute recommended brown closed-toe Indian juti or Kolhapuri chappal for the convocation ceremony.

In addition, the guideline clearly mentioned that wristwatches are allowed, but when it comes to jewelry if worn, it should be limited to ear studs or earrings (danglers are not allowed), a simple neck chain, two plain bangles or wristlets, and finger rings.

For boys, the instruction advised them to wear plain, full-sleeved, knee-length, solid white cotton kurtas with a mandarin collar and a straight hem. The guideline also specified that the kurta should be worn with a white vest underneath. As for their bottom wear, they should wear white, fitted cotton churidar or pyjamas.

Similar to the girls, they were also recommended to wear brown closed-toed Indian juti or Kolhapuri chappal as their footwear.

Regarding accessories, boys can wear wristwatches, and if they choose to wear jewelry, it should be limited to kada, small ear studs, a simple neck chain, and finger rings.

The guideline caused a debate after a post by Subhradip Ghosh, an IIT Guwahati professor, was shared on social media. He posted the guidelines on his social media account, commenting, "What’s next IIT-Kharagpur? School for Sanskari fashion technology?" However, some considered it an unnecessary debate.

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