TN Higher Edu Minister Chezhian’s Bold Snub: 5 Key Reasons He Skips Madras University Convocation Attended by Governor Ravi
TN higher education minister Chezhian skips Madras University convocation attended by Governor Ravi, bringing fresh attention to the ongoing friction between the Tamil Nadu government and the Governor’s office. The 167th convocation of the University of Madras, held in Chennai, went ahead under the presence of Governor and Chancellor RN Ravi, but without the participation of the State Higher Education Minister.
The minister’s absence was not silent. Soon after the event, Govi Chezhiaan issued a strong statement explaining his decision to boycott the convocation. He accused the Governor of repeatedly acting in ways that undermine the dignity of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and working against the interests of the Tamil language and the people of the state.
According to Chezhiaan, the Governor’s public statements and actions have created distrust and have hurt the sentiments of students, educators, and the wider Tamil community. He said that someone who, in his view, spreads incorrect information and questions the intellectual strength of Tamil Nadu’s students does not have the moral authority to preside over a university convocation.
TN Higher Edu Minister Chezhian Skips Madras University Convocation Attended by Governor Ravi Amid State Governor Tensions
The decision by the Higher Education Minister to stay away from a major academic event reflects deeper and ongoing tensions between the elected state government and the Governor. Over the past few years, disagreements have surfaced on several issues, including education policy, administrative decisions, and public remarks related to Tamil identity and governance.
By boycotting the convocation, Chezhiaan sent a political message while also stating that his action was taken in support of students and the academic community. He maintained that universities should remain spaces of learning and respect, free from political or ideological conflicts that could harm their reputation. The decision that TN higher edu minister Chezhiaan skips Madras University convocation attended by Governor Ravi is being viewed as part of a larger constitutional debate in the state.
Despite the minister’s absence, the convocation proceeded as scheduled. Governor RN Ravi attended the ceremony in his role as Chancellor of the University of Madras and awarded degrees to graduating students. The event marked another academic milestone for one of India’s oldest universities, even as it unfolded under the shadow of political disagreement.
why TN Higher Edu Minister Chezhiaan Skips Madras University Convocation Attended by Governor Ravi
The convocation featured a special address by A Sivathanu Pillai, a senior defence scientist and former head of the BrahMos missile programme. Speaking to the graduating students, Pillai encouraged them to contribute to India’s technological growth and long-term development goals.
He spoke about the importance of scientific strength, innovation, and national self-reliance. Referring to India’s achievements in defence technology, he highlighted how advanced systems like BrahMos have strengthened the country’s global standing. According to him, national strength plays a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the international arena.
Pillai also urged students to look toward the future, particularly in the area of clean and sustainable energy. He stressed the need for India to invest in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and advanced research to ensure energy security in the coming decades. His address focused on responsibility, innovation, and the role of young graduates in shaping the nation’s future.
During the ceremony, the university’s annual report was presented by Higher Education Secretary P Shankar, who currently heads the convenor committee in the absence of a Vice-Chancellor. The report highlighted the scale of the institution’s academic output over the year.
A total of more than 1.9 lakh candidates were awarded degrees during the convocation. Of these, over a thousand students received their degrees in person. The event also saw the awarding of doctoral and higher research degrees, underlining the university’s continued role in advanced education and research. Also Read: Minister Chezian boycotts University of Madras convocation attended by TN Guv
Conclusion
The fact that TN higher education minister Chezhiaan skips Madras University convocation attended by Governor Ravi has added another chapter to the ongoing debate over the Governor’s role in Tamil Nadu’s public institutions. While the convocation celebrated academic achievement, the minister’s boycott highlighted unresolved political and constitutional concerns. As students move forward with their careers, the broader discussion around governance, respect for state institutions, and the autonomy of universities continues in the background.
