Nitish Kumar with President Pranab Mukherjee (Image courtesy: Rashtriya Bhawan)
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today urged President Pranab Mukherjee to end the tradition of wearing gowns at convocation ceremonies of educational institutions.
"You have done away with many unwarranted customs of the past after becoming President of the country. Considering this I wish to request you to order an end to wearing gowns which is heavily loaded on occasions like convocations," Mr Kumar told the President today.
Mr Kumar made the request at the second convocation of IIT Patna where the President along with Governor DY Patil, faculty members and students of the institute were in the traditional academic regalia. The President, who was wearing a red gown, didn't react. However, the students, who were present on the occasion, greeted the suggestion with a big applause.
Mr Kumar suggested providing caps in place of gowns.
Mr Mukherjee after assuming office last year had ordered to end use of colonial era words like 'His Excellency' used for addressing state dignitaries. He had also directed authorities to organise government functions for him within the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises in order to reduce the burden on police and the inconvenience caused to people.
The President after the convocation returned to Delhi much to the relief of BJP leaders who had said the security measures for Mr Mukherjee's rally will affect Narendra Modi's 'Hunkar Rally,' which will be held in Patna's Gandhi Maidan on Sunday.