Saturday, April 03, 2010

Convocation gown

Seventh convocation of the Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal was addressed by Jairam Ramesh, Union Environment and Forests Minister. He dramatically took off his convocation gown asking, "Why can't we have a convocation in simple dress instead of coming dressed up as medieval vicars and popes?"

What if all graduating students had immediately doffed their gowns ? Such a major embarassment was averted as the students were sensible enough not to follow the minister's advice.

Solemn occasions deserve differential dress. If we extend the minister's argument, why should we have convocations at all ? Convocation address (assuming it serves some purpose) can be emailed to all students. They need not waste their time by being physically present at the convocation. Such over-logicalisation will strip all events of their significance.

One is curious to know if Jairam Ramesh attended his convocation at IIT-D in simple dress. Or has he become wiser only after becoming a minister ?

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