The authorities of the Gangadhar Meher University (GMU) have decided to put an end to the old British-pattern of wearing ceremonial robes during its first convocation to be held on January 5.
“In its place we will use Sambalpur fabric and traditional Sambalpuri sarees for the girls while receiving degrees from the Chancellor,” informed GMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Atanu Kumar Pati.
“While boys will wear white pants and shirts, girls will wear sarees. At the same time, they will put on a specially designed Sambaluri plaid (Gamuchha) on the shoulder that will carry the emblem of the university,” the VC added. There would be no cap this time further, he informed.
The students and even public of Sambalpur have highly acclaimed the decision of the university authorities on the matter of change of traditional convocation dress that becomes, at times, uncomfortable to the users.
VC Prof Pati said this citing the recently-concluded convocation function of the Odisha State Open University (OSOU) where the Chancellor was not comfortable enough with the cap and finally put it off.
“The Sambalpuri attire will make the first convocation of this university more attractive and colourful since it will be the first of its kind all over the country discontinuing with the old British pattern,” opined the public here.
PG Council Chairman Dr Sadan Kumar Pal, PRO cum Deputy Registrar Dr Uma Charan Pati, HoD of Commerce SC Acharya and Controller of Examination Hema Chandra Nayak were present.