Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Aug 13: A moment of high drama unfolded at the 32nd convocation of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) in Tirunelveli on Wednesday, when a PhD scholar, Jean Joseph, made headlines by refusing to accept her degree from Tamil Nadu Governor and University Chancellor R.N. Ravi, instead choosing to receive it from the Vice-Chancellor N. Chandrasekar.

The act of defiance, witnessed by over 650 graduates and university officials, has triggered a political storm and reignited the ongoing friction between the ruling DMK government and the Governor's office.

Silent Protest, Loud Message

As the ceremony proceeded smoothly, Jean Joseph’s turn came. Instead of approaching the Governor like the others, she deliberately bypassed him without a gesture or greeting and walked straight to the Vice-Chancellor to collect her doctoral degree. Her quiet protest unfolded in full view of a stunned audience.

Governor R.N. Ravi, who remained composed on stage, did not react to the snub. However, murmurs among attendees quickly turned into a viral moment online as footage of the incident began circulating widely.

"He Acts Against Tamil Interests": Scholar Speaks Out

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Jean Joseph offered a clear rationale for her action:

“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,” she said.

Her move appears to be a personal yet politically symbolic gesture. According to reports, Jean Joseph is married to M. Rajan, a DMK functionary and Deputy Secretary of the party’s Nagercoil town unit.

Political Undercurrent

The act has quickly been interpreted as part of the larger political standoff between the DMK government and Governor Ravi, who has been criticised by the state’s ruling party for his remarks on Tamil identity, delays in passing bills, and assertive stances on university appointments.

This is not the first time the Governor has faced visible dissent. In recent months, several public events featuring Ravi have witnessed boycotts, symbolic protests, and walkouts by students and political groups.

Mixed Reactions Online

The incident sparked a heated online debate. Supporters hailed Jean Joseph’s move as a courageous expression of dissent, applauding her refusal to engage in what they see as ceremonial compliance with a controversial figure. Critics, however, argued that a convocation — a milestone event for students — was not the appropriate venue for political protest.

Official Silence

So far, university authorities have not issued any statement on the matter. The Governor’s office also declined to comment.

The incident, however, adds another flashpoint in the ongoing power struggle between the Raj Bhavan and Fort St. George, highlighting how deeply political divisions in Tamil Nadu are now seeping into academic and ceremonial spaces.

As videos of the moment continue to trend across social platforms, Jean Joseph's quiet protest may well echo loudly in the weeks to come.