MYSORE: Desi is the in thing at the University of Mysore. This year, varsity's annual convocation will be more colorful with dignitaries sporting the Mysore Peta.

Though there is no change in the traditional robe, a color code has been specified for students. If it's white sherwaniPETA.TIMrk maroon shalya for boys, it is white sari with dark maroon border and dark maroon blouse for girls.

The debate that Union minister of state for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh initiated when he removed his traditional robe calling the practice barbaric colonial relics at the convocation of the Bhopal-based Indian Institute of Forest Management in April is finding its echo at the varsity, which on Saturday, discussed the issue.

The academic council was informed about the move initiated by the Syndicate in February. The amendments proposed have since been approved by the Syndicate. The varsity had constituted the syndicate sub-committee to go into the issue and suggest changes. Accordingly, it has now been mandated that VIPs including the governor-chancellor will have to wear Mysore Peta.

Earlier, the governor and pro-chancellor, who is the higher education minister, were not wearing any mortarboards unlike the V-C, registrars, and the members of the Syndicate. Now, everyone on the dais including those conferred with honorary doctorates will have to wear the Peta. There is a change in color code for the V-C, registrars, and members of the Syndicate and the Academic Council.

Former President Abdul Kalam was all praise for the desi dress code at the JSS University's first convocation recently. The Karnataka State Open University has been using Mysore Peta since its first convocation in 2000.

Courtesy: Times of India