Transition from UGC to Universities Using Handloom Fabrics for Ceremonial Attire at Annual Convocations

Many positive measures are being considered in an effort to encourage the usage of handloom textiles. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has now requested once again that all institutions replace the ceremonial apparel worn at their yearly convocations with handloom textiles. In addition to supporting the textile industry, the initiative will educate students about the richness of handloom materials.

Many institutions have already made the transition to handloom materials, according to a letter from UGC Secretary Professor Manish R. Joshi to university Vice-chancellors (V-Cs). He wrote in the formal letter dated January 16 that “it is noted that some universities have still not changed their ceremonial dress code during the convocation.”

The colleges are asked to think about using handloom materials for ceremonial clothing. The letter continued, “Using handloom materials will not only foster a feeling of pride in one’s Indian heritage but also support the nation’s handloom sector, which offers many job opportunities.

Vice-Chancellors’ Advice:

The Vice-Chancellors were requested by the UGC to provide images and recordings of the action taken in this respect.

The First Appeal from UGC:

On July 15, 2015, the UGC issued its first call for institutions to convert to handloom materials. On June 7, 2019, a second letter of reminder was sent.

Handloom Fabrics Are Introduced In Universities:

The commission said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed a strong focus on reviving handloom and raising the incomes of handloom weavers, which prompted the introduction of handloom textiles. “Handloom fabric not only forms an integral part of our rich culture and heritage but also provides livelihood opportunities to lakhs of people living in the rural areas,” the UGC said in a letter from 2015. The statement said, “Wearing ceremonial robes made of handloom materials would be more comfortable in the hot and muggy conditions as well as offer a feeling of pride in being Indian. The nation’s handloom sector might benefit from greater use of handloom clothing.

The commission requested that higher education institutes (HEI) create technical textiles curricula in February 2023. In accordance with the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), the UGC has ordered this.