File picture of a student protest at B. Borooah College

Why uniforms are necessary

The news item, “College uniform rule triggers protest”, which appeared in The Telegraph dated August 12, has really shocked me, an octogenarian. Blocking a road and insulting the principal cannot solve any problem. Such conduct only creates more problems. We expect discipline, humility, manners and moral values from the student community.

There should not be any objections to uniforms in schools and colleges. A lawyer is identified by his black coat, white trouser and black tie. A doctor is identified by his white lab coat, a nurse by her starched dress and cap.

There should not be any protests against uniform in schools and colleges. Of course, there can be discussions regarding the colour and texture of the uniforms.

As a barrister, I have had to attend several dinners with benchers (mostly judges and Queen’s counsels). The dress code was a dark suit.

Once I went to attend such a dinner in a light coloured suit. Although I was not asked to leave the dining hall, the head waiter, who was supervising the entire arrangement, took me aside and gently reminded me of the dress code and asked me not to attend a dinner in a casual suit in future.

Needless to say, this caused me much embarrassment. I said “sorry” and it taught me a lesson for life: not to break any rules prescribed by an authority, society and the country.

After all, one of the virtues which helps build character is discipline.

D.C. Sharma
Ulubari , Guwahati

Okhil Kumar Medhi

New vice-chancellor

I would like to congratulate Okhil Kumar Medhi on being appointed the vice-chancellor of Gauhati University.

I hope Medhi will be able to guide the premiere institution in the right direction. The university has been going through a critical phase and several issues need to be addressed.

The need of the hour is to chalk out plans and effectively execute them. Corruption, lobbying and lack of work culture have been the biggest challenges that the university faces at the moment.

It is heartening to hear that the Gauhati University Teachers’ Association has promised to support Medh in his endeavour to turn the university into one of the best in the country.

The way former vice-chancellor Amarjyoti Choudhury left the university was very unfortunate. The reforms he wished to bring about were hindered by politics.

I hope Medhi does not meet the same fate.

Sanjib Choudhury
Dispur