During a convocation at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, a PhD scholar, Jean Joseph, made a significant political statement by refusing to accept her degree from Governor RN Ravi. Instead, she chose to receive it from Vice Chancellor N Chandrashekhar, who was present at the ceremony alongside the Governor. Approximately 800 scholars were slated to receive their degrees. Following the event, Jean Joseph explained to media outlets that her decision was a protest against the Governor, whom she felt had not acted in the best interests of the state or its residents. Her actions are notable given her husband’s position as a DMK leader. Her protest underscores the ongoing political tensions between the DMK government and the Governor, who is often seen as an appointee of the central government. The Governor’s disagreements with the state government have made him an unpopular figure. Despite the usual practice of pre-ceremony certificate distribution, Joseph directly confronted the Governor. She presented her certificate to the Vice Chancellor, posing for the official photograph with him instead. Speaking with reporters, Jean Joseph indicated that her actions were rooted in her belief that the Governor was undermining the state. She also stated that she identifies with the ‘Dravidian Model’ of governance, which she believes the Governor opposes, thus influencing her decision to receive the degree from the Vice-Chancellor.
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