ET Bureau|
Updated: Jul 29, 2017, 12.13 AM IST
NEW DELHI: Commerce and industry minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called for a ‘review’ of the British-era tradition of wearing gowns at graduation ceremonies. “It is my suggestion to students and faculty.
It is a light suggestion. I am not wearing a gown today,” she said Friday in her address at the 51st convocation of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade here. “I have nothing against the gown. I don’t disrespect it... but I think it is time, if we can review foreign trade policy, we can also review wearing this gown.” Stressing on the need for some ‘fresh thinking,’ the minister said students here could do things even better than throw up their graduation hats in the air.
“We can do things better even when we throw the hats... and jump as high as we can and imitate some universities abroad. No harm. Those of you who want to do it, do it,” she said, adding that it’s a matter of extreme pride, honour and a tradition to wear the convocation gown.
She expressed hope that by the next convocation, the students and the faculty of the institute, which comes under the aegis of the commerce ministry, would come up with something new. “I am sure that many of you will have that wonderful other side... Hold a competition amongst yourself (as in) how you want to receive your degrees (next time), if not like this,” Sitharaman said.
Premier institutes such as the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, have ditched the ceremonial black robes and headgear for more ethnic attire. The minister asked the graduating students to submit their ideas for the foreign trade policy for 2015-20, which is under review. “Give your inputs quickly so that by September, we would like to release it. I will personally look at all the inputs which come,” she said.
PROTECTIONISM AND NEGOTIATING CAPACITY
Sitharaman said the markets worldwide are tightening their positions, protectionism is increasing and trade barriers are coming up from the most unexpected quarters, due to which the global economy has to be understood, studied and analysed by experts. “I think there is immense scope for India at every level to build its capacity,” the minister said. Sitharaman said there is a shortfall of well trained trade negotiators, experts in international negotiations and experts who have a cross-pollinated view.
She added that people from different areas should also be part of the faculty at IIFT. Indian trade service officers may also be deputed for short durations to meet any academic shortfall.
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