Twitter in splits as traditional headgear replaces convocation robes at Mumbai University

Representational Image (Wikimedia)

The authorities at Mumbai University have just announced their new look for the annual convocation ceremony. Starting this year, all faculty members and administrative staff will be required to don traditional Maharashtrian attire to the ceremony.

The proposal to change the colour and type of the white robes was initiated last year and it was finally approved by MU on October 23, said a report by Hindustan Times.

Faculty members and staff of the administrative wing of the varsity have always worn white gowns, similar to the black robes worn by the western nations. However, the new one is in sharp contrast to that, breaking away from the colonial hangover that has survived decades.

The new uniform will mimic the garment that Maratha warrior Shivaji Bhonsle used to wear. Men would wear a Shivkalin Angrakha, bordered with traditional Paithani work. They would also have to wear a red headgear, much like the one that noted philanthropist Nana Shunker Sheth used to wear.

Notably, the fabric for the new robes will be sourced from Khadi Gram Udyog Emporium.

While the idea to switch to traditional attire might have been well-received among the people who affected the rule, it was not taken well by the students. Several youths enrolled at the university poked fun at the attire, especially questioning the varsity authorities’ choice of headgear.

I really thought it was a joke!

— Hoimee (@Hoimee) October 23, 2019

He looks ready to serve a Rajdhani thaali

— Kajol Srinivasan (@LOLrakshak) October 23, 2019

Why call it convocation?
Give them a sword and call it Rajyaabhishek!

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— Satya Yerramilli (@satyayvs) October 23, 2019

Please give the degrees that are engraved on Banana leaves..

— Soul of India (@iamtssh) October 23, 2019

Why that headgear???

— mahua dey (@mahuadey20) October 23, 2019

Looks like a Munim about to tell me that my farmland is going to be taken over by him because my Bapu tool a loan of paune chaar rupaye (Rs 3.75) and never paid it back.

— ThaNAMOs (@kabirazad2017) 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

He has a Matka on his head!!!

— Anita Rupani (@anitarupani) October 23, 2019