The proceedings of the 33rd Annual Convocation of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, presided over by Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as Chancellor on July 28, began in accordance with the protocol mandated by the Union Government and the Governor’s Office. The ceremony commenced with Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana), and Tamil Thai Vazhthu.
The sequence triggered a fresh political row, with Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister and Congress MLA P. Viswanathan, TVK MLAs from Tirunelveli district, and the Opposition DMK objecting to Tamil Thai Vazhthu being played third. Law Minister R. Nirmal Kumar accused the Governor of imposing the Central Government’s agenda while disregarding public sentiment. He said the Governor should confine his agenda to Lok Bhavan and respect the people of Tamil Nadu.
Questioning the silence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, Thoothukudi DMK MP Kanimozhi said a university convocation ceremony in Tamil Nadu opened with Vande Mataram, pushing the State song to the third place, and asked, “Will CM Vijay open his mouth over the issue?”
Meanwhile, 758 doctoral scholars expressed their displeasure that only 115 medallists would receive their degrees directly from the Governor. The decision was eventually withdrawn. University authorities clarified that the Governor was unwell and would be unable to stand throughout the ceremony. After witnessing the commotion, the Vice-Chancellor announced that the Governor would present degrees to all the candidates. Governor Arlekar apologised, saying he would not disregard scholars who had waited for years to receive their degrees from the Chancellor.
Governor Arlekar personally presented degrees to 950 students, including 837 Ph.D. scholars, and conferred medals on 113 meritorious students in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement, dedication, and perseverance.
Congratulating the graduates on reaching an important milestone in their academic journey, the Governor called upon them to apply their knowledge and skills for the betterment of society and to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. Emphasising the transformative role of education, he urged students to uphold the values of knowledge, integrity, innovation, and selfless service in both their personal and professional lives.
Thiru. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Hon'ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, conferred degrees and medals upon students at the 33rd Annual Convocation of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University.
The Hon'ble Governor personally presented degrees to 950 students, including 837 Ph.D. scholars,… pic.twitter.com/JiEc9g5Rmi
— LOK BHAVAN, TAMIL NADU (@lokbhavan_tn) July 28, 2026
The Governor also told the young graduates and researchers to embrace innovation, pursue excellence, and actively participate in India’s journey towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.
