In a recent decision, the much talked about Aligarh Muslim University has issued an advisory cum dress code for its hostel residents. In a bid to respect the cultural ethos of the institution, the students of Sir Shah Sulaiman Hall have been advised to follow this advisory in letter and spirit.

To quote the advisory issued by the Provost of Sir Shah Sulaiman Men’s Hall, “………..many freshers are “totally unaware of its [AMU’s] rich culture and traditions. As a result, they unknowingly indulge in activities which are anathema to the residential life of this great seat of learning”.

Adding further to the notice, the advisory also remarked, “While this ignorance is very painful for the seniors as well as for the Hall Administration, it is also undesirable for the freshers as they are losing a chance to imbibe some good habits.”

If one closely studies the advisory, he/she would observe that this is just not an advisory, it is also a list which indicates more of what not to do, instead of what to do. For instance, one clause of the advisory says that Bermudas, shorts and slippers are strictly forbidden in the hostel premises. Yes, you heard that right. Comfortable clothes will be abhorred by the AMU supervisors within the premises.

Also, the students have to wear sherwanis or kurta pyjamas on almost all the occasions in the University, be it within the hostel or outside it. For the formal occasions in the University, wearing black sherwani, kurta and pyjama are a must. This dress code has to be followed, word by word. If you don’t believe us, check out the advisory yourself, as noted below:-

Also, it is now compulsory to address someone as ‘Miyan’ or ‘Bhai’, in all the following conditions:-

Addressing the dining hall residents

Summoning the supporting staff

Payment of bills if a senior or junior are eating together etc.

According to the advisory, a senior must always pay the bill if a senior and junior eat together, irrespective of who ate more. Isn’t this some sort of a diktat?

Curiously, the intellectual brigade, who rants endlessly with quotes like ‘freedom of speech and expression’, ‘university is a place where new ideas can flourish’ are silent on this advisory, which is in more in tune with the diktats issued by an ordinary Madarsa rather than a sophisticated, open minded educational institution. Imagine if the advisory wasn’t issued by AMU, but BHU, all hell would’ve broken loose, the left leaning liberals would’ve held the nation to ransom, calling for the resignation of PM Modi by now.

Already notorious for their extreme intolerance towards alternative narratives and opinions, AMU has hit a new low with this dictatorial dress code. What adds fuel to the fire is the selective outrage of the left leaning liberals, who wouldn’t waste a second in ripping apart the institution if they’re not affiliated to the minority. Only heaven knows when sanity and logic shall be the new cool in educational institutions again. For now, it’s a far cry.