UGC asks colleges, universities to use Khadi products, books during felicitations

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked higher educational institutions to use Khadi products and present books at felicitation ceremonies. UGC said that this practice will help showcase India’s textile tradition and promote local artisans and authors.

The commission observed that the colleges and universities in the process of teaching learning, organize seminars, conferences, workshops, and other events at regular intervals, and on such occasions, the guests or dignitaries are usually felicitated by presenting them with a shawl or angavastram, bouquet, potted plants, etc.

“It is suggested that in keeping with the thrust on Aatmairbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India), Khadi products such as angavastram, shawl, etc. which are eco-friendly may be used for felicitation purposes. Such a practice while reaffirming our links with freedom struggle, also showcases our appreciation for our nation's rich textile tradition,” said UGC in an official notice.

Similarly, books may also be considered for presentation on such occasions to reflect the country’s commitment to knowledge and learning and as a way to disseminate our rich literary culture to a wider audience, the commission said. Further, the incorporation of these practices would help in promoting and empowering our local artisans and also contribute to making the books of local authors accessible to a wider set of people, it said.

“The HEIs are requested to consider incorporating these practices while felicitating guests/ dignitaries during seminars, conferences, workshops, and other such events in your institutions,” UGC further added.

Recently, UGC reminded universities to consider the use of handloom fabrics for ceremonial attire at their annual convocations. According to UGC, this will promote handloom and instill a sense of pride in being Indian among students.