From Colonial to Indian Legacy: Health Ministry asks AIIMS, INIs to Design Appropriate Dress Code for Convocation Ceremony

New Delhi: Referring to the "Panch Pran" (five resolutions) enunciated by the Prime Minister, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed Central Government medical institutes and hospitals to design an appropriate Indian dress code for the Convocation Ceremony of their Institute based on local traditions of the State in which the Institute is located.

In a circular issued to the Head of all the Central Govt. Hospitals, AIIMS, INIs, Central Government Medical Teaching Institutes, the Under Secretary to the Government of India mentioned that the proposal in this regard should be submitted to the Ministry through their respective Divisions of the Ministry for consideration and approval of the Health Secretary.

Referring to the "Panch Pran(five resolutions)" enunciated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister, the Health Ministry mentioned in a circular, "In this regard, it is observed that currently as a matter of practice black robe and cap is being used during convocation by various Institutes of the Ministry. This attire originated in the middle Ages in Europe and was introduced by the British in all their colonies. The above tradition is a colonial legacy which needs to be changed."

"Accordingly it has been decided by the Ministry that the various Institutes of the Ministry including AIIMS /INIs enagged in imparting medical education will design appropriate India dress code for the Convocation Ceremony of their Institute' based on local traditions of the State in which the Institute is located . The proposal to this effect should be submitted to the Ministry through their respective Divisions of Ministry for consideration and approval of Secretary (Health)," it added.

Back in 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his resolution to cleanse the country of corruption and nepotism asking people to have 'nafrat' (hatred) for these twin evils that go beyond politics, as he set a 'Panch Pran' (five resolves) target to make India a developed nation in 25 years.

He had spelt out the the five pledges as a resolve for a developed India; removing any trace of the colonial mindset; taking pride in our legacy; our strength of unity; and fulfilling the duties of citizens, which include prime minister and chief ministers as well.

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