In a significant move to discard colonial-era symbols, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw declared on Friday that the Indian Railways will discontinue the use of the formal black bandhgala coats, a uniform legacy from the British Raj. The minister emphasized the government's resolve to identify and eliminate all remnants of a colonial mindset.
A Directive from the Top: Identifying Colonial Hangovers
The announcement is part of a larger, cross-governmental exercise ordered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ministers and senior bureaucrats have been tasked with pinpointing colonial practices in attire and ceremonial rites across various institutions. The goal is to suggest and implement indigenous alternatives that better reflect India's culture and sensibilities.
Officials revealed that the review extends beyond railways. It includes practices like the convocation gowns and mortarboards (caps) used at university graduations, which are often unsuited for India's hot and humid climate. Even the specific dress patterns required for personnel attached to district collectors and mayors in some states are under scrutiny.
First Announcement Made at Railway Event
Minister Vaishnaw made the landmark declaration while honouring railway officials for exemplary work. He stated, "We have to get rid of all colonial mindset. We need to find each of them and remove them whether it's in our working style or dressing style."
He specifically announced in Hindi, "From today onwards, the black prince coats that the British introduced will no longer be a part of formal dress in railways." This marks the first concrete step in this nationwide initiative to shed colonial relics.
Broader Implications and Possible Future Changes
While the use of academic regalia has been fading in some institutions, others continue the tradition. The current drive aims to systematically address such holdovers. Government sources indicate that consultations may uncover more lesser-known colonial practices.
Notably, sources did not rule out the possibility of reviewing the mandatory black coats and gowns worn by lawyers. This tradition, formalised by the Advocates Act of 1961, is inherited from the British legal system. The government may consider a nudge to replace this attire with something more rooted in Indian tradition, though any change would require legal examination.
The move signifies a conscious effort to decolonise Indian administrative and ceremonial aesthetics, aligning them with contemporary Indian identity and practical comfort, while honouring indigenous heritage.
