CHENNAI: A dramatic incident unfolded at the 32nd convocation of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) in Tirunelveli on Wednesday, when a PhD graduate refused to receive her degree from Tamil Nadu Governor and University Chancellor R.N. Ravi, and instead accepted it from the Vice-Chancellor.
The convocation ceremony, attended by more than 650 graduates, was proceeding as scheduled, with each recipient going up to the Governor to collect their degree and exchange greetings.
However, when it was the turn of research scholar Jean Joseph, hailing from Nagercoil, she walked past the Governor without acknowledging him and went directly to Vice-Chancellor N. Chandrasekar, from whom she accepted her degree.
The unusual move drew murmurs among the attendees, with both officials on stage and students in the audience watching in surprise.
Governor Ravi maintained composure as the student bypassed him.
Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Jean Joseph explained her decision, saying, "Governor R.N. Ravi has been acting against the interests of Tamil Nadu and Tamils. I did not want to receive my degree from him."
Her statement quickly went viral, adding fuel to ongoing political tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Governor over various issues.
According to reports, Jean Joseph is the wife of M. Rajan, Deputy Secretary of the DMK's Nagercoil town unit.