Opinion Why we must reject the graduation cap and gown
It’s not just about a ceremonial outfit that has colonial roots, but about reframing how we view success.
Having pride in one’s culture and heritage is not limited to only its apparent markers, found in boisterous celebrations — it also extends to smaller things. 
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In a nation brimming with vibrant traditions, why do we celebrate our biggest academic milestones in a borrowed costume? The caps and gowns, proudly worn at graduation ceremonies in Indian educational institutions, are an emblem of Western culture. When we elevate something so far from our origins, what does it say about us? A recent convocation at MIT-WP University, Pune, saw students wearing turbans instead of the standard graduation cap. They were all dressed in kurtas of pristine white. It makes one wonder why more universities are not conceiving of convocation robes that are not tainted with colonial colours.
At the writers’ own graduation in 2023 from Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, most students were thrilled to drape sarees. They saw them as representing both grace and custom. Some, however, expressed the wish to wear the “graduation gown” instead, pointing out how much more formal and scholarly it seemed. One wonders why the saree, a garment of great cultural significance, could not be seen in the same light. Having pride in one’s culture and heritage is not limited to only its apparent markers, found in boisterous celebrations — it also extends to smaller things. Many of the aspects of our everyday life, things that we overlook or consider too familiar, have colonial roots. These include dress codes, standards of morality, our understanding of what is “civilised” and what is not.
A 2015 advisory by the UGC suggested a shift to handloom fabrics, instead of the convocation cap and gown. While roughly three-fourths of all central institutions have made the transition, there is still a long way to go in getting students to accept this change. The satin gown and cap can still be seen at many college events, an indication of how deeply the dress code has been internalised, transcending mere university guidelines. Where does this colonial conditioning start? School, as an educational institution, is the earliest formal learning environment. Think about preschool and first-grade graduation ceremonies where children, too young to understand the symbolism, are dressed in miniature versions of these colonial relics. Being the earliest educational establishments, schools unintentionally perpetuate the view that success must appear a certain way — Western. This mindset about a particular mode of celebration often overshadows the significance of our cultural heritage.
What if we also reclaim the story of academic achievement as a source of Bharat’s cultural pride? This shift would not only acknowledge the rich tapestry of diverse cultures but also serve as a powerful statement against the remnants of colonial hegemony. Encouraging regional attire for graduation ceremonies will not only be a way to revere our traditions and roots, but would also boost the small-scale cottage industries. Looking at the West for inspiration has proved to be detrimental to our outlook towards Indian culture and history and has also resulted in the weakening of traditional industries. Changing our socialisation and internalised realities might take decades. But a nudge in the right direction is needed.
We can only decolonise our consciousness if we also decolonise our ways of life. Over seven decades after Independence, we should be comfortable and confident in embracing our academic success rooted in our civilisational spirit. It is time we outgrew the imposition of imported customs.
Mitra is pursuing a Masters’ degree in Sociology from Ambedkar University, Delhi and Sinha is a publishing professional.
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