The uniform debate

Says six-year-old Malavika who studies in standard II, that she has nothing against her school uniform. She loves wearing it. She knows that it makes her look smart. The tie, the tunic and belt may have to be endured during the hot months but it’s still worth the effort.

Sanjoli who studies in standard V is against uniforms. She would prefer not to wear ties and socks. They feel rather constricting. She would prefer to wear civil clothes which would make her feel comfortable.

Six-year-old Sameer of standard I knows what his ideal uniform would be – jeans and T-shirts. Sonali Upadhaya of standard VIII feels that uniforms are an integral part of school. She loves her uniform. Wearing uniforms means having a uniformity in school, irrespective of the background one comes from, they are all one and the same.

For 14-year-old Siddharth who is in standard IX, the uniform represents his school and hence he is proud of it. The only tiny change he would want in the uniform would be a games dress – white T-shirt, shorts and sneakers that they could change, into during games.

Twelve-year-old Amrita of standard VII feels she would enjoy school more in civilian clothes. Uniform is too monotonous and the layers of clothes that they have to wear is quite uncomfortable. Something colourful and simple would be an added asset of school.

Mira Gulati, a standard IX student, feels uniforms are essential. It removes all kinds of social barriers between children. She wishes her uniform consisted of a tie which could add smartness to one’s look, she likes knee length socks and hair neatly plaited and folded. These, she feels, should be made compulsory.

Fourteen-year-old Santosh is happy with his uniform but would love to have a tie added only during winters.

Nayanika Chatterjee, though only a pre-nursery student, jumps up with glee on seeing her uniform every morning. In fact, she gets ready an hour before time, shoes, socks, bag included.