Bihar’s Universities Go Swadeshi: Malaviya Turbans And Ethnic Wear To Replace Colonial Gowns At Convocations 

Bihar’s Governor Lalji Tandon has approved a new set of guidelines in respect of dresses to be worn during university convocation ceremonies in the state.

In a bid to dismantle the colonial legacy of black gowns and caps, the new guidelines prescribe Malaviya pagdi (turban), kurta-pyjama and shalwar kameez, New Indian Express has reported.

The Governor is the ex-officio chancellor of all universities in the State and the dress code would apply to all those taking part in the convocation ceremony which includes the students, guests and chancellor.

While the Chancellor is required to wear a white turban, the students and guests are expected to wear turbans of a lemon-yellow shade. All those present on the convocation podium are expected to carry a yellow angavastram as well.

The “swadeshi dress code” was floated by a panel of three Vice-Chancellors of Bihar varsities who also consulted the faculty of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Patna before making the recommendations.

This panel was set up by the former Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik who is currently Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. It is reported that it was Governor Malik’s idea that the Malaviya turban could replace the cap.

Madan Mohan Malaviya was a noted freedom fighter and educationist who founded the prestigious Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1916.