MYSORE: After Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh set off a debate on gowns and hoods during a convocation earlier this year, Mysore University's new dress code for convocations could have the Minister nodding in approval.
The university's authorities attending the convocation will don the famed Mysore peta (turban). However, the ''stifling'' gown that provoked Ramesh into taking it off during the function in Bhopal early this year, still stays.
The peta, the pride of Mysore, will replace hoods worn by the Vice Chancellor, syndicate and academic council members during the convocation.
The university authorities, other than the Chancellor and chief guests used to wear dark red gowns and hoods during the convocation, a legacy of the colonial days.
However, the university syndicate and academic council took note that the Mysore turban is a traditional, indigenous attire worn by the erstwhile kings of Mysore, and gave its approval for the Chancellor, the Pro Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, members of the academic council, registrar and registrar (Evaluation) to wear the Mysore peta along with the red or crimson gown.
Women, however, are exempted from wearing the peta during the convocation. Candidates attending the convocation shall turn out in white coloured sherwani kurtas with dark maroon coloured shalyas made of khadi cloth while women candidates will appear in coloured sarees with dark maroon coloured border with maroon blouses.