India’s national university watchdog – the University Grants Commission - has given a directive to all universities to switch to “the use of ceremonial robes made of handloom fabric which will not only add to the country’s pride, but are also more comfortable in the hot and humid weather.”
But the decision of Mumbai University to switch over to a traditional dress has irked many on social media.
One angry user wrote, “Why call it convocation? Give them a sword and call it ‘Rajyabhishek’ (Coronation), while another commented, “Please give the degrees that are engraved on Banana leaves.” Several others made comments like, “Glad that I graduated from Mumbai University long back.”
Glad that I graduated from Mumbai University long back...... https://t.co/nSManBjWL1
— Indranil Roy (@indraroy) October 23, 2019
Dress for Convocation at Mumbai University.... Speechless pic.twitter.com/Q06N4836Wi
— Mihir Jha ✍️ (@MihirkJha) October 23, 2019
Waiting to see that headgear flicked in the air, the exuberance of youth dying with every muscle flexed. Mumbai University is vibing well with old-age. https://t.co/y1G325QYo4
— medhachakrabartty (@medhac1) October 24, 2019
Looks like someone in Mumbai University is a follower of Voldemort!#HarryPotter https://t.co/C2j3JrPQuG pic.twitter.com/aJC1yrA4Au
— 5avio (@PapaEmiritusX) October 24, 2019
This is the new convocation outfit for Mumbai University graduates. For the first time students who failed the exams would be happier than the ones who topped it. pic.twitter.com/rMX8jduRVx
— Bollywood Gandu (@BollywoodGandu) October 24, 2019
Thank God! I graduated before this attire came....Good heavens! Looks like some shipoy of olden days guarding the big time restaurants. God save our forthcoming grads of Mumbai University!
— Olive (@Olive_DSouza) October 24, 2019
Dear #MumbaiUniversity please introducer new courses, make your admission procedures seamless, ensure even the marginalised communities get access to education. Please stop with this re-introduction of Peshwai. pic.twitter.com/tLJhFn3Ej0
— aparna (@FuschiaScribe) October 23, 2019
When optics matter and quality doesn't. Decline of Mumbai university maybe be complete? https://t.co/9MUSibI0wn
— swagata yadavar (@swagata_y) October 23, 2019
Congrats Mumbai University !
— Manoj Harit (@RURALINDIA) October 23, 2019
The online admission process is broken.
Calcutta University & Jadavpur University have bagged the honors of being the best.
You keep pandering to the silly diktats of the majoritarian regime.
Your descent into frivolity will continue.
Good Luck https://t.co/8bVMfLT5Me
The graduation robe was selected on the recommendation of a three-member committee and approved by the University’s management council. The new robe will be used during the convocation for the current year in October-November.
