VELLORE: While the elected representatives are debating in the State Assembly on the dignity of dhoti, social activists here have appealed to the State government to make dhoti an official dress that would not only uphold the pride of the region but also further generate employment to millions of weavers in the State.
NGO activist R Chandrasekaran, who is a strong proponent of dhoti culture, said the issue had assumed importance only now since the person involved was a High Court judge. While it is condemnable on the part of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association to insist on a dress code based on British legacy, ‘it is good that all political parties had taken up the issue in the Assembly to protest against the incident and protect the dhoti culture,’ he said. According to him, the dress is based on convenience and cultural background and dhoti is the most suited dress for a hot region like Tamil Nadu. Traditionally, majority of the people of this State had been wearing dhotis and denying entry to the judge just because he was not dressed according to the British dress code was a violation of a human right, he added.
While most of the westerners were switching over to Indian food, Indian dresses and Indian way of life, it is a pity that many clubs in the State were still ‘living in the past’ and going against the local traditions. “Now that the issue has come up for debate, it is time that the government went ahead to make dhoti an official dress, not only to uphold the tradition but also on health grounds,” Chandrasekaran said.
This would also justify the efforts taken by the State government to promote dhoti by observing ‘Dhoti Week’. When government officials have been directed to sign in the native language, that is, Tamil in official documents, why can’t they be made to wear dhoti at least for a day in a week, he said. In order to promote the dhoti culture in a big way, school teachers and students should also be asked to wear dhoti at least once a week, he added.
District organiser of Hindu Munnani Mahesh said the dhoti drive must begin from temples, which are under the control the State government. Traditionally, dhoti has been associated with native culture and temple worship, therefore dhoti and saree must be made compulsory for devotees visiting temples. The State government must bring in a necessary legislation in this regard. Clubs and other groups that try to play down native clothes must also be booked under law, he added.
Social activist Mohamed Sayee, however, said individuals must have freedom to choose their dress which is suited to local conditions but within certain norms in the public domain.