A PhD student’s refusal to receive her doctorate from Tamil Nadu Governor and Chancellor R. N. Ravi, demanding it be conferred by the Vice-Chancellor instead and accusing the Governor of acting against Tamil Nadu, its language, and its people has sparked debate, with critics calling it proof of the DMK’s narrative influencing young minds.
This highly condemnable and irresponsible act took place on Monday, August 11, at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) in Tirunelveli during its 32nd convocation. The student, Jean Joseph, refused to accept her degree from Governor Ravi, instead taking it from Vice-Chancellor M. Chandrasekar. She alleged that the Governor’s actions were detrimental to Tamil people and the Tamil language. Jean Joseph is the wife of DMK Nagercoil Corporation Deputy Secretary M. Rajan.
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
Her decision, made in full public view on stage in the presence of graduates and dignitaries, quickly went viral on social media. While some in the Dravidian camp praised her “courage”, others criticised her protest as inappropriate for such a solemn academic occasion, regardless of whether one agreed with her views.
During the ceremony, Governor Ravi presented medals and degrees to several gold medallists. Tamil Nadu Minister for School Education and Pro-Chancellor of the University, Govi Chezhian, was absent, with Vice-Chancellor Chandrasekar citing ‘administrative commitments’ as the reason.
Defending her refusal, Jean Joseph claimed she believed the Governor’s conduct was against Tamil Nadu’s cultural interests. Critics, however, argue that she is a product of DMK’s IT wing, dubbed a ‘lie factory’ and its carefully crafted narratives, which dominate the social, print, and electronic media under the party’s influence. These narratives often include themes such as ‘Hindi imposition’, ‘Modi is against Tamils’, ‘Tamil Nadu is denied funds’, ‘Sanskrit promotion is fascism’, and ‘the Centre suppresses democracy through the IT and ED’.
Critics point out that Governor Ravi is, in fact, known for promoting the Tamil language much like the Prime Minister. He speaks fluently in Tamil and can recite Thirukkural without reference notes, unlike Tamil Nadu’s self-proclaimed language champions, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin and his son, who are prone to misreading even from a prepared script. They note that under DMK’s rule, more students have failed the Tamil language paper in public examinations.
Meanwhile, the state’s Department of Elementary Education (DEE) has faced public outrage over the closure of nearly 208 primary and middle schools in the 2024–25 academic year. Only weeks ago, the state introduced its new education policy which is being criticised as a photocopy of the NEP 2020 and is now ordering closures, revealing a disconnect between rhetoric and action.
According to DEE data, 1,204 schools across Tamil Nadu recorded zero new admissions in 2024–25. This includes 208 state-run institutions, 114 government-aided schools, 11 partially funded schools, 869 private schools, and two Central government institutions. Among the government-run schools, 157 are under the School Education Department, 13 under Adi Dravida Welfare, 19 under Social Welfare, and eight under Tribal Welfare.
Earlier this year, former Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai remarked, a point still valid today, that “TN has lost its sheen and is at the bottom of the table in numeracy and basic language proficiency (Tamil). Thiru MK Stalin and his coterie should be ashamed of bringing down the quality of education, politicising education, and depriving the children of Tamil Nadu of equal opportunities and world-class education…”
TN has lost its sheen and is at the bottom of the table in numeracy and basic language proficiency (Tamil). Thiru @mkstalin and his coterie should be ashamed of bringing down the quality of education, politicising Education, and depriving the Children of Tamil Nadu of equal… https://t.co/Nymrnof7ZC
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) February 9, 2025
Critics say the student would do better to direct such questions at her Chief Minister and DMK functionary in her family, rather than staging public theatrics to position herself as the sole champion of Tamil and Tamil Nadu while targeting a Constitutional authority.
In a related incident last October, PhD student A. Prakash of Bharathiar University submitted a petition to Governor Ravi alleging that academic guides exploit students for personal chores. That protest, too, took place during a convocation ceremony. At the time, even Prakash admitted the venue was inappropriate, though the matter was urgent. In contrast, Jean Joseph has shown no sign of regret for her actions.
Such actions embolden others or are perceived as acts of “heroism” in disrespecting a Constitutional head in a gathering of scholars and peers, leaving an indelible mark on one’s academic reputation. It reflects a lack of civility and decorum expected in public conduct, especially when interacting with the head of the State. Historically, the DMK’s strength has been in politicising youth and students under the banner of “Dravidian politics” and linguistic pride.
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