The doctoral student, Jean Joseph, instead received her degree from Vice Chancellor N Chandrasekar at the university’s 32nd convocation, held on the campus at Abishekapatti near Tirunelveli.
Photo: SNS
In a strong rebuff to Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi, a PhD scholar refused to receive her degree from him at the convocation of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli on Wednesday (August 13, 2025).
The doctoral student, Jean Joseph, instead received her degree from Vice Chancellor N Chandrasekar at the university’s 32nd convocation, held on the campus at Abishekapatti near Tirunelveli.
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When her name was called, Jean walked past the Governor—who signalled her to stand beside him—and proceeded directly to the Vice-Chancellor. When the VC asked her to turn to the Governor, she insisted on receiving the degree from him instead. Having completed her thesis in Business Administration, she was among the 650 students who attended the ceremony.
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Speaking to the media later, Jean, wife of ruling DMK functionary Rajan of Nagercoil, said, “It is my choice from whom I should receive the degree, considering how the Governor functions. I avoided him since he is acting against the interests of Tamil and Tamil Nadu. That was the reason I did not receive the degree from the Governor.”
Asked if the Governor had tried to speak to her, she replied in the negative, adding, “The VC told me to give the degree certificate and receive it from the Governor. But when I refused, he agreed.” On whether the Governor was aware of her act, Jean said, “I didn’t notice and I didn’t display anything. It was my decision.”
With the DMK and Raj Bhavan at loggerheads over multiple issues, Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhian skipped the convocation. The state government has taken the Governor to the Supreme Court over delays in giving assent to Bills and secured court approval for them, an unprecedented move.
Recently, Governor Ravi forwarded to the President a Bill to establish a university named after late DMK patriarch and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, father of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, in Kumbakonam, inviting the ire of the DMK government.
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