Gold medallist violates dress code, barred at convocation

LUCKNOW: A 2018-batch Dalit student, who topped in MA (Sociology) and was to be conferred three gold medals, was not allowed to attend the convocation at BBAU on Monday for violating the dress code.
BBAU’s alleged high-handedness against Kranti Kumar — currently pursuing his MPhil at JNU — coincided with a clash between JNU students and police in Delhi following a protest over a host of issues, including dress code.Kumar arrived at the venue in formal wear instead of the mandatory kurta-pyjama. He wanted to advocate for freedom of choice and pay a tribute to Ambdedkar who always dressed in formal clothes on special occasions.
The alumnus was seated among gold medallists in the front rows at the convocation, which was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat. He said he was first asked to leave by a faculty member and later forcibly removed from the venue by police. He was allegedly detained at the proctor’s office till the end of the function.
“I am not a criminal and yet was kept under detention (at the proctor’s office) for around six hours. This despite me requesting the vice-chancellor (Sanjay Singh) and others to allow me to wear formal clothes in a tribute to Ambedkar and for an individual’s freedom of choice,” said Kumar who hails from Andhra Pradesh.
“India thrives in its diversity. Imposing dress code on students is unfair. I am more comfortable in formal wear. I had sought prior permission for myself and for those underprivileged students who cannot afford the convocation ensemble,” he said, adding that the vice-chancellor didn’t reply to his request.
BBAU officials denied allegations of harassment and high-handedness, stating that they only followed rules. “The convocation dress code is cleared by the academic council. Hence, it is binding on all students. We did not allow on stage any student who was not following the dress code,” spokesperson Rachna Gangwar said. She denied that Kumar was detained at the proctor’s office.