Gangadhar Meher University students to get Sambalpuri makeover

SAMBALPUR

: Students of

Gangadhar Meher University

(

GMU

) will soon be seen coming to the institution in

Sambalpuri attire

. The university authorities have introduced the new dress code for the students of the institution from this academic session.


Earlier, the state government changed the dress code of school teachers to Sambalpuri saris. The new dress code for students was unveiled by vice-chancellor Atanu Pati on Wednesday that was celebrated as Sambalpuri Day in the state.

It is the birth anniversary of the pioneer of Sambalpuri language Satyanarayan Bohidar. "The new dress code was implemented for students on this auspicious day," said the vice-chancellor.

He said dress code for the institution speaks of equality and our step will encourage weavers.

This year, the new dress code will be implemented for students of Plus III first year and PG first year only. However, the new dress code will not be enforced on old students.

They would come to the institution in the old uniform.

Deputy registrar of the university U C Pati said, "The Sambalpuri dress code will completely replace the old uniform in the next two years". He said the decision to introduce the Sambalpuri uniform was taken by a committee, which comprised of teachers, non-teaching staff besides students of the institution. The committee finalised the dress code after considering all aspects so that students could afford it. "The cost of the dress will be below Rs 1,000," he added.

"The main aim behind the decision to implement Sambalpuri dress code in the university is to give a boost to the Sambalpuri handloom and the weavers of our region. The student strength of the university is 6,000 now..f so many students wear the Sambalpuri attire, it will certainly help the weavers," said Pati.

The premier institution of western Odisha, which was established in 1944, was upgraded to a university in 2015.