A PhD student at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) in Tirunelveli declined to receive her doctorate from Tamil Nadu Governor and Chancellor RN Ravi during the institution’s 32nd convocation on Monday, alleging that he has acted against the interests of the Tamil people and the Tamil language.
The student, Jean Joseph, instead accepted her degree from the university’s Vice-Chancellor, M. Chandrasekar. Her decision, made on stage in front of other graduates and dignitaries, quickly drew attention on social media, with many commenting on her public stand.
It is noteworthy to mention that Jean Joseph is the wife of DMK Nagercoil Corporation Deputy Secretary M Rajan.
PhD student Jean Joseph is the wife of DMK Nagercoil Corporation Deputy Secretary M Rajan. He said that he and his wife had already planned to ignore Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi @NewIndianXpress @xpresstn pic.twitter.com/x9nXsS4Zy3
— Thinakaran Rajamani (@thinak_) August 13, 2025
The convocation ceremony saw Ravi present medals and degrees to several gold medalists. Tamil Nadu Minister for School Education and Pro-Chancellor of the University, Govi Chezhian, did not attend the event, with Chandrasekar citing “administrative commitments” as the reason for his absence.
Tamil Nadu governor and Chancellor R N Ravi with gold medalists of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University during 32nd convocation in Tirunelveli. Minister & Pro-Chancellor Govi Chezhiaan didn’t attend the event due to ‘administrative commitments’, said Vice-Chancellor N Chandrasekar. pic.twitter.com/3C1ZrE8dnu
— Thinakaran Rajamani (@thinak_) August 13, 2025
Jean Joseph later reportedly reiterated her reasons for the refusal, stating that she believed the Governor’s actions have been against Tamil Nadu and its cultural interests. The incident has since sparked debate online, with supporters hailing her as courageous while others criticised the protest as inappropriate for the occasion.
A PhD student, Jean Joseph, refused to receive the degree from Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi alleging governor is against Tamils and Tamil Nadu & instead accepted it from M Chandrasekar, Vice-Chancellor of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress https://t.co/onwicq1aMU pic.twitter.com/U32Kiccbfa
— Thinakaran Rajamani (@thinak_) August 13, 2025
(With inputs from ABP Live)
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