Bihar CM calls for nation-wide debate on wearing graduation gown - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

A day after Union Minster of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh called the wearing of graduation gowns a barbaric colonial practice, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called for a nation wide debate on the issue. Kumar said :"I suggest initiating a countrywide debate on wearing graduation gowns at convocations. I have attended several convocation and worn such gowns," Kumar said. "A debate should be held on the issue," he added. On Friday, delivering the convocation address at the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) in Bhopal, Ramesh had called the practice of wearing a traditional coloured gown during the university convocation ceremony a barbaric colonial practice. "I still have not been able to figure out after 60 years of Independence why we stick to these barbaric colonial relics," Ramesh said. "Why cannot we have a convocation in simple dress instead of coming dressed up as medieval vicars and popes," he asked. Ramesh also removed his gown worn over his white kurta while asking the question Kumar described Ramesh's action an attempt to break a tradition.