Chandigarh, Feb 28 – For the first time, Panjab University (PU) students will wear traditional attire instead of colonial-style robes and caps at the 72nd convocation on March 2.
The university has introduced a new dress code designed by the University Institute of Fashion Technology and Vocational Development (UIFT & VD) following the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) 2019 directive urging institutions to adopt traditional wear for convocations.
The attire includes a sleeveless ‘band gala’ button-down jacket made from handloom-blended fabric, resembling a Nehru jacket and adorned with “Baag Phulkari” embroidery on the placket and neckline. The jacket, which serves as the official convocation garment, will be available for rent at ₹120, with a refundable security deposit of ₹1,000.
Students have the option to pair the jacket with Indian or Western attire. Men can wear it with a white shirt and beige pants or a kurta-pajama in white, off-white, or beige. Women can choose between a white shirt with beige pants or traditional Indian outfits such as salwar suits, churidar suits, or saris in similar colors.
A color-coded system has been introduced for different academic levels and officials: undergraduate and postgraduate students will wear saffron jackets, PhD, DSc, and DLitt scholars will don red, deans will be in green, PU fellows in blue, Honoris Causa recipients in pink, and dignitaries in beige. The dress code is mandatory for all students and officials on duty.
PU Vice-Chancellor Renu Vig welcomed the change, stating, “This new attire reflects the university’s commitment to preserving tradition while maintaining academic decorum. The Phulkari embroidery, a hallmark of Punjab’s cultural heritage, adds elegance and meaning, instilling pride among students and faculty alike.”
The design was developed by Prabhdip Brar, chairperson of UIFT & VD, along with her team, under the supervision of a committee led by Professor Yojna Rawat, director of PU’s Research and Development Cell. Further details and a visual reference are available via a QR code on the university’s website.
