Students and alumni of Contai High School in East Midnapore took to the streets in protest on Saturday against a recent government order that mandates students of all government-aided schools to wear a blue-white school uniform.

The protest, which has been ongoing since Monday, has now managed to rope in guardians as supporters to uphold the school’s tradition of khaki pants and white shirts bearing a crest with a torch, which date back to the 19th century.

The school, established in 1857, has a luminous legacy. It counts freedom fighter Birendra Shasmal among its alumni. It was also founded on land donated by author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

“A recent government order that mandates all state schools have to convert their uniforms into particular colours is abhorrent to us,” said an alumnus.All protesters said the school uniform carried “heritage and character”.“This uniform is what sets us apart,” said an alumnus.

He added that the white and khaki uniform that has been the school’s identity since it was established.Protesters submitted a memorandumto school headmaster Anupam Sahu at the end of a long march.

“If our demands are not accepted, we will go to court in the coming days,” said a student.Teheran Hossain, a former student of the school, added they were all emotional about the school uniform.

“The century-old uniform of our school, khaki pants and white short, is our love, passion and pride. The state government cannot stop our tradition like this,” he said.Anupam Sau , the headmaster of the school, said he received the memorandum submitted by the school’s alumni. “The blue-and-white dress has been mandated as per the state government's instructions. However, I will convey the sentiments of the students and alumni to the higher authorities.”According to Sau, the school had not made the switch to the new uniform yet but he also explained that since it was a government-funded school, they would be “duty bound” to enforce the government order.“Owing to the ongoing examinations we have put the switch on hold. But if the district inspector of schools mandates the change, we will have to follow it,” Sau said.