PUNE: Now, the students graduating from Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) will wear an off-white kurta and an 'uttariya' (scarf like piece of cloth) of different colours according to their streams during the convocation ceremony. Interestingly, on the 70th foundation year, SPPU will stop using black convocation robes and students will wear Indian traditional clothes like kurta. The 114th convocation ceremony of the varsity will be held on January 11.
“Another unique feature of this year's convocation ceremony is that for the first time, we have crossed the figure of one lakh. Until last year, the number was 97,133,” added Vice-Chancellor Nitin Karmalkar.
While addressing the media persons here on Tuesday, Karmalkar rubbished the claims that university will give pagdis to students instead of convocation hats. He said students will continue to wear the convocation hat and like every year, management council members on the dais will be wearing the pagdis.
“Only the dress code has changed. It was decided in the last senate meeting and accordingly, the changes have been made. We have replaced the black gown with an off-white kurta and students will have an 'uttariya' (scarf like piece of cloth) of different colours according to the faculty symbol on it, which will be provided by the varsity,” said Karmalkar.
Also for the first time, the university will confer degrees on thousands of students. A total of 1,03,123 students will receive their degrees at the convocation. Among these 80,613 are graduate students and 21,366 are post graduation students.
Director General of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Shekhar Mande will be present as the chief guest.
