Dazzling sunlight fell swiftly across the field. Students standing in arranged lines, waiting for the assembly to start. I look down at my olive green uniform before turning back to look at my friend wearing the same. We smiled.
Unity.
That’s what it was like to be a part of something bigger than myself. To understand my position in life apart from just being an individual. 10 years ago when I first put on my uniform, was the first time I experienced having the responsibility of upholding something greater than myself. An ideology of respect and togetherness.
There have been many arguments for and against the uniform. A lot of people argue that uniforms play a role in suppressing individuality and would rid students of being able to explore themselves through their clothing. It hinders the development of self image and denies students personal autonomy.
On the other hand, uniforms also help develop a common ground for children, where everyone is equal.
"The suppression of individuality is an aftermath of an environment. While a uniform can be used to create that environment it cannot be said to cause it.” says Sowmya Ram, a teacher who has dealt with students in settings with and without uniforms.
As human beings are visual, having a uniform removes the materialistic opinions one forms of people, especially effective at younger ages. As Nenitha Praveen, another educator illustrates,
“Uniforms are nice up to a certain level because it’s a first wave of knowing you belong.”
Uniforms can also help younger students explore the differences among themselves healthily and with empathy. It inculcates the notion of uniformity. It also helps students better adapt to different environments growing up, as the understanding of a code in certain places builds the discipline to be able to decide what to wear depending on the scenario.
“If uniforms are used properly, they can be used to inculcate inclusivity” says Sowmya, when asked if uniforms influence the learning experience. “I do understand why uniforms came about. I think it is imperative that more thought is put into making uniforms more flexible for an experiential learning environment” she said.
School uniforms can also have an impact on students' health and well-bring. As an article in the National Library of Medicine found, evidence that uniforms can be psychosocially protective of health. Uniforms remove competitive dressing-the pressure to wear certain (expensive) brands, colors, or styles. Uniforms remove most socio-economic signs of difference.
India is a land of diverse communities, socio-economic classes, religions, etc. Having a uniform in our schools can provide a pathway for students to understand these differences and build tolerance. Although a small part of one’s life, uniforms are an apt symbol of a united India.
Written by Anoushka Kukreja
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